WEDDING

LYNDAL AND TOM – JUGIONG NSW

Gosh, what a wedding! My heart was literally brimming with joy the entire trip home from Jugiong (and still is to be honest, as I upload these sneak peek images)…
Back in November, I got an email from Lyndal that said something along the lines of “I’m engaged, I’m getting married on Easter Saturday, I would love nothing more than for you to photograph my wedding but I’m sure you’re booked out and won’t be in the area.”
I’ll admit that being able to reply ‘Yes, I’m available!’ never gets old for me and being able to say it to someone I know and respect is even better. So I was instantly scrambling through my diary to see what I could do, nothing was going to stop me from photographing a wedding on a sheep station in Jugiong for the lovely Lyndal who (as a vet) has taken such great care of my fur-family and humans over the last decade, I was finally able to repay her.
So before I tell you about their actual wedding day, here is a little more about the two of them:
Tom was originally a Sydney boy who moved to the country when his parents bought a farm near Jugiong in 2012. Tom has fond childhood memories of visiting Jugiong, eating homemade jam coffee biscuits and making a claim to his family that his “future wife will know how to make these biscuits” and that’s how he’ll know she’s ‘the one’.
Lyndal has always been an Adelong girl, she moved away to study vet science in Bathurst but returned to work and live in Adelong in 2010.
Tom and Lyndal first met when Tom’s dog got injured and he took it to Lyndal’s clinic.
As soon as Lyndal saw Tom she knew he was ‘the one’ but it took Tom a lot longer to catch on… After a couple more vet visits which involved Lyndal’s clinic nurse doing all she possibly could to make Tom stay in the surgery and talk to Lyndal and a hilarious lycra incident in the car park, Lyndal and Tom developed a bit of a Facebook message friendship and things (slowly!) started to evolve…
A few months after their first meeting, the farm next door to Lyndal’s house came up for sale and she sent the “FOR SALE” advertisement to Tom as a joke… 3 months later he bought that farm! Fast forward 5 years and Tom proposed at the spot on that very farm where they intend to build their new home together. With a mutual love of animals, outdoors, “doing jobs” together and just generally having fun, they are very excited about what their future holds…
Fast forward to Saturday 16th of April 2022…
Lyndal, Tom and their 35 guests were part of a beautiful ceremony on the bank of the Murrumbidgee River, exchanging a ring for Lyndal and a jar of raspberry jam coffee biscuits for Tom (a recipe that Lyndal has perfected).
Everyone then took a few steps towards the water and skipped stones adorned with the initials of the couple across the water. After the obligatory group family photographs, everyone wandered back to the house for a delicious lunch provided by the team at Embellish catering, every tasty morsel was made from scratch and with love. The meal was followed by a beautiful speech from Tom about his side of how they met and just how much he adores his ‘Lynnie’. We snuck in a quick toast and cake cutting and then the 3 of us headed out on the farm buggy to go and visit all of the locations I had been swooning over the day before…
This is where I need to thank Tom for his patience, my constant “OMG, look at that beautiful dry grass / mossy rock / prickle bush / dead tree / abandoned ag pipe stack” was possibly a bit much at times, but he followed my (slightly unhinged) lead with an open mind and a laugh.
Whilst in the hilltop paddock we were treated to the sun setting in front of us and the moon rising behind us, it was one of the most magical locations I’ve ever been to, a place I will never forget.
On the way back down the hill, we stopped into the hayshed for a few after-dark shots and then called it a day at 6:30pm so Lyndal and Tom could leave on their honeymoon to Nimbo Fork.
When we returned to the house I was greeted by Tom’s family with an armload of gifts for me to take home and share with my family for Easter… I drove back to town in a puddle of happy tears eating a decadent caramel mud cupcake (#emotionaleater).
I’m forever grateful to clients like Lyndal and Tom who invite me into their lives, homes and families for a day with such kindness and hospitality, your trust in me with such irreplaceable moments is such an honour and a privilege. I’m so proud of you both for creating a wedding day that followed the path you have made together, may your intuition, love and respect for each other continue to grow and guide you into many happy decades as best friends and husband and wife.

Suppliers:
Location: Private property – Jugiong NSW
Engagement and wedding band: Claudia Jewellers
Cake: Sweets Treats Tumut
Honeymoon: Nimbo Fork Lodge

2007 to Now

Tell us how you got started and the first-ever wedding you photographed:

I was given a film SLR camera for my 18th birthday, with the hopes of using it to photograph the jewellery I was going to be making as I had just been accepted into the Enmore Design School to study Jewellery and Small Object Design… Eight months later I was miserable, I realised while my love for design was flourishing the physical making of the jewellery was such a demanding and long process I couldn’t stop myself from dreaming of my next design before I’d finished the one at hand. I knew that it was not my place to shine and that I needed to find an art form that was more instant, where no two days were the same, where I could be outside in the fresh air and I could interact and talk to people.  

I then took some time away from studying and worked as much as I could (Boost, Subway and a large balloon decorating company). I then had life-changing surgery on my knees and legs at 19, I spent 3 months in a wheelchair and then another 3 months learning to walk again. The time (literally) ‘off my feet’ gave me the chance to reconsider my options and I decided to enrol in Photography (after a very strong suggestion from my former Jewellery headteacher). 

I loved every single minute of it. It was all based on film so every class would be split into half shooting outdoors and then half developing in a dark room, which always felt like a cave full of magic as I watched my images sloosh back and forward in trays of developing solution, never really knowing what I had captured until it dried and I could take it back out into the light of day. 

When my studies were done I started working for a large family portrait company, photographing up to 40 families of all ages and sizes every week, it was hectic at times, but I loved it.  I thrive under pressure and love to make a fool of myself to get kids (and shy adults) to feel at ease and smile. 

My first wedding was in 2007  at the very beautiful Milton Park in the NSW Southern Highlands. 

The couple knew I had never photographed a wedding on my own but convinced me after their engagement photo shoot that I was the right person for the job… 

It rained and there was heavy fog for most of the day. I was truly in the deep end but I was blessed with about 30 minutes of sunshine after the ceremony and I was able to get the couple outside. 

The day was magical, the couple loved their images I learned a lot and haven’t looked back, it fueled my wedding obsession further. While my editing style has significantly changed since then I still look at those images with pride, it was a solid start to a career I adore…

What do  your past brides say about you?: I’m often described as the “Wedding-Jack-Of-All-Trades” and “Additional Bridesmaid”, There is nothing on a wedding day that I won’t help with. Obviously capturing beautiful photographs is my priority! But if there’s no one else I will be the first to step up or have it sorted before you realise it needs doing… Broken wedding gown zipper or button, split crotch in the gooms pants? I can sew, iron and tape away any mishaps… Don’t like your bridal bouquet?… I worked at a florist for 3 years during high school, easily fixed! The catering staff have gone and the cake hasn’t been served: I’ve cut and served cake to hundreds. Wedding dress train getting in the way on the dance floor? I have a compartment in my camera bag devoted to fixing this problem and I’m not afraid to use it! Lol.

As for my portrait clients: I’m equally as involved, if your Nanna needs help to set up her walker or someone to adjust her pearls, I’m on it!
As a mum-of-two, I have an arsenal of cartoon references, bubbles and jokes to keep the kids relaxed and entertained.

Here’s a peek at just some of the clients I have photographed over the last (almost) two decades…
(in no particular order and showing the evolution of my editing style)

armidale wedding peterson guesthouse
Tumut Family
Scotts Head Wedding
Grow Baby Co
Luxey cup

NIKKI AND RHETT

Would you believe me if I told you that it was cloudy and raining for the majority of their wedding day?
A massive high five and congratulations to Nikki and Rhett for not being bothered by the rain and focusing on what was important, GETTING MARRIED! Rain, hail or shine… all you need is love (and waterproof mascara!)…

Celebrant: Married by Simon
Location: Pillar Rock Farm
Gown: RSVP Bridal & Formal Wear
Hair Stylist: @Uniq Hair By Tash
Makeup: Beauty On The Promenade
Florist: Paper Daisy Florist Grafton

RACHEL AND JOSH – COFFS HARBOUR SURF CLUB

If emoji’s ever started to spring out of humans as they do in cartoons all you would see from Rachel is rays of sunshine and flowers. Josh describes Rach as his saviour and the light in his life, as the Jack Johnson song puts it, they truly are both “better together” and they share beautiful chemistry, supporting and caring deeply for each other.
Watching Rach and Josh become a family of their own with the arrival of their precious daughter Payten has been what movie scripts are made of. They’ve gone from dating to parents to married in a short space of time, but it’s clear their souls were a perfect match, destined to be together so no need to wait, forever starts today!

So many moments from their day got me in the feels and had me holding back tears…

Josh was given his dearly loved but sadly departed Dad’s wedding ring to serve as his own wedding band. I put my macro lens on because I wanted to ensure all the scratches and dings put on it by Terri were not glossed over and kept as a reminder of the life he shared with Josh, Ryan and his loving wife Deb.

After the ceremony came a naming celebration for little Miss Payten. ‘Miss P’ had not seen Josh in just over 24 hours… The way her face lit up when she saw her Dad was a moment of pure joy and the reaction all parents strive for. Que a heartwarming collective “ooohh” from the crowd.

After the family group photographs, we wandered up to the top of the headland to pop a bottle of champagne to kick off the celebrations in the setting sun.

Josh and Rach enjoyed a beautiful reception, full of laughs, loving words, karaoke and dancing at the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club.

Ceremony: Moonee Beach Foreshore
Bridal Gown: RSVP Bridal – Miss Stella York
Make-up Artist: Emma Hutchinson MUA
Hair Dresser: The Studio 01
Suits: Tarocash
Florist: Lotus Floral Studio – Fran Daly
Celebrant: Tullia Connor Ceremonies
Alterations: ABC Stitches by Donna Craig

REBEKAH AND MATTHEW

Call it what you will: fate, a sign from above, luck, divine intervention or coincidence… I truly believe that everything happens for a reason… Rebekah and Matthew told me on their final details form that they would like to visit the Grafton bridges on their wedding day. Those that know the area well know it’s a flood-prone river with a collection of bridges from different decades, that all go in different directions, crossing over each other, supporting foot traffic, the XPT twice a day, the occasional freight train and automobiles of all shapes and sizes…

What I didn’t know when I picked this particular spot is that Rebekah’s dearly loved but departed Dad was a train driver… and here we were at the right place at the right time to capture a train passing by… There were a few tears shed, but I know Bek was thankful to have something that meant so much to her Dad literally roll into their wedding photographs… So in this instance, I’ll call it a sign from above…

Ceremony and Reception: Grafton Turf Club
Celebrant: Vashti Cowan
Wedding Gown: RSVP Bridal Coffs Harbour
Bridesmaids Dress: ASOS
Makeup Artist: Pure Perfection Day Spa
Hair Stylist: Sharyn’s Hair Affair
Suits: Connor
Cake Maker: Wendy Noel

NISHA AND SURAJ – VILLA VIVANTE – Coffs Harbour

When I first saw Nisha’s beautiful wedding henna I was amazed by its stunning intricate detail. Nisha and Suraj then told me a hilarious tale of the lengths they went to for Nisha to get it done and Suraj’s gallivant efforts to wait on her hand and foot for hours while it dried. Nisha then spent the next day lathering it with Vicks to make it darker and last longer. That earns them both 10 out of 10 gold stars in my book!!

Google tells me: The Henna paste symbolizes good health, joy and prosperity in marriage, and in some cultures, the darker the henna stain, the deeper the love between the two individuals.

It was very clear to me that these two share a very special connection and nothing was going to stop them from getting married. You see, they are both originally from England and unfortunately due to the Covid pandemic both of their families were unable to attend their wedding. They proceed ahead with gusto, chose a location with a Mediterranian feel and had their local friends help with ensuring that not a moment of the day was missed for those back home via Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.
I’ll admit that it was the first wedding I’ve ever been to where I not only encouraged guests to get their phones and laptops out, I even helped them! Once the world is back to normal I’ll be strictly back to nagging guests to put their phones away, lol.
Despite it being mid-afternoon here, their loved ones were up at 4am and dressed in their finery to catch the action and to join in on the speeches (high-fives to you all for your dedication!). I know that once Nisha and Suraj make it home for ‘round two’ they will be very well celebrated, it was clear over the wifi-waves just how loved and dearly missed they are!

Nisha chose not to have any official bridesmaids and asked me to help with many of the finer details, which was such an honour and a privilege (and right up my alley!). Helping her get into her gown and holding the phone so she could do a quick twirl in front of her Mum and Sister on FaceTime just moments before walking down the aisle is a highlight moment I’ll always remember from the mess that was/is 2020/2021.

Nisha then walked down the beautiful timber stairs and out onto the balcony of Villa Vivante to her Suraj, as their celebrant Rachel Pollard put it… “ The calm (Suraj) meeting a storm of fun and excitement (Nisha). They are so different but it works perfectly for them and I can see why they knew from their first date that each other was the person that they never wanted to let go of.


Location: Villa Vivante
Florist: Euflorial – Alice Faircloth
Makeup: Bindy Mccarthy Makeup Artist
Hairdresser: Abbey Rowe
Wedding Gown: Wendy Makin
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Catering: Fiasco Restaurant
Cake: Sugar Plum Bakery
Celebrant: Rachel Pollard
Photographer: Photography By Fallon

HALLEY AND AARON – RIVERVIEW ISLAND

Halley and Aaron are high school sweethearts and celebrated a decade of love, laughter and baby-making by tying the knot at the spectacular Riverview Island.

The gathering of Halley and Aaron’s guests let out a collective ‘Awwwww’ and a tear or two as Halley and Aarons beautiful little people, Hunter and and Charlee, walked down the aisle and into their Dad’s arms for a big snuggly hug before it was Mum’s turn to walk down the aisle.

Halley was full of surprises and got her long locks cut into a chic bob just a few hours before the ceremony and she even managed to keep her wedding gown a secret from her bridesmaids until she had it on.

The weather was kind, we rotated through patches of cloud and patches of sun all afternoon and were safely inside for the evening before the rain started. The food from the team at Paddock To Plate was delicious! All washed down with rounds of espresso martinis, fireballs and tequila shots. The party section of the night was next level, Aaron certainly had the crowd’s attention with his epic garter retrieval / toss routine.

Location: Riverview Island
Florist: Paper Leaf Press
Makeup: Emma Hutchinson Makeup Artist
Hairdresser: Kaihla Hurst
Wedding Gown: RSVP Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Hello Molly
Catering: Paddock To Plate
Cake: The Cheesecake Shop & Krispy Kreme
Celebrant: Rachel Pollard
Photographer: Photography By Fallon
Videographer: Forever and Ever Productions

LUCY AND CHRIS – BIG SPRINGS HOMESTEAD

I first met Lucy and her family in my high school days. Fast-forward a decade or so and I photographed Lucy for the first time when she was a bridesmaid in another client’s wedding. Lucy said she knew after that day that I was the photographer for her and asked me to photograph her own wedding. Which I must say is a massive compliment because I make all bridal party members work hard for their supper! There’s no slacking when the sun is shining.

When Lucy and Chris told me their special day would take place at two of my favourite locations in the Riverina I knew we were in for a sensational day… 

The Chapel at Brucedale… Sits on perfectly manicured grounds just a few minutes from Wagga Wagga… Meryl (the property owner) was so welcoming, kind and accommodating. While on the smaller side it’s as cute a button inside and out and just big enough for their 100 guests.

After a love filled ceremony we headed on out to the beautiful Big Springs Homestead. We trapsed around the grounds for an hour full of laughs and learned a few new things… Firstly, vanilla scented, chemical-free, bug-spray does not hold off the country bugs.
Secondly, if you’re looking for a vehicle to make a dust cloud, don’t ask a front-wheel drive minivan! Lol

Chris and Lucy then ventured inside for a delicious meal with their guests and everyone was in fits of laughter from the bridal party speeches (complete with incriminating photographs of the groom and his… lets call it ‘zest for life’, stuck to the base of every guest’s chair).
We then ventured back outside for their first dance under the stars, surrounded by a ring of sparklers and a whole lot of love. 

Location: Big Springs Homestead
Florist: Little Triffids
Makeup: Ellie Harmer Makeup Artist
Hairdresser: Shannon Thompson – Unique Edge
Wedding Gown: Chosen by One Day – Skirt: Tara Lauren – Love Marie Bridal Store 
Bridesmaids Dresses: Chancery
Bridal Shoes: Nina
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Nicholsons Hourglass Jewellers
Mens Suits: M.J Bale
Cake: Katie Alison
Celebrant: Fr Micheal
Photographer: Photography By Fallon
Videographer: Black Sand Media