Carolyn and Terry shared their special day with 150 family and friends at Ottoman Cuisine. Just like every aspect of this day, the venue and the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge was spectacular.

Carolyn had the fantastic idea of inviting all her girlfriends to be part of her big day by wearing pink, rather than having to pick only a couple of friends as bridesmaids. She topped this off by having beautiful bouquets of pink flowers for the ladies in pink. This idea got everyone involved and when they hit the dance floor later in the evening, the kaleidoscope of pink was incredible.

Israel was in his element – so much photographic fodder, so much love and so many lollies:-) Thank you to Carolyn & Terry for honouring us with being part of your day! We hope you all enjoy this little tribute to what was an amazing day!

Carolyn & Terry’s beautiful invitation, including Carolyn’s very special way of inviting all the girls to play a part in their day by wearing pink.

Did we mention lollies? How is this deluxe sweets bar for guests at the reception!

Alicia from Form Over Function designed and arranged these amazing varieties of floral decor.

Can you picture a more relaxed groom on his wedding day…?

The view from the Hyde Park Suite in the Sheraton On The Park. Beautiful.

Carolyn’s sons getting ready – starting to look rather dapper already don’t you think?

The pink bouquets for all of Carolyn’s friends in pink.

What an incredible cheese table! A cheese lovers delight!

Ottoman Cuisine has it all. Classy venue, an abundance of ambiance and spectacular backrop!

Just checking mum – yep, all in order back here. Time to make your entrance!

Nothing to say – Terry’s look says it all;-)

This couple just smiled and laughed all night. Love it!

Perfect night backdrop for a perfect couple.

More of Form Over Functions‘ magical touches.

The Nevilles played up a storm and had everyone dancing the night away.

Carolyn’s friends in pink having a blast!

I love the next series of photos of Carolyn & Terry – their fun loving & easy going style is clear for everyone to see.

Shannon & Kieron held their ceremony and reception with close family & friends at The Establishment. The setting was spectacular and really lent itself to the chic vibe of their day.

As we share some favourite images from their day, we should also acknowledge the wonderful people whom without them, we would not have met Shannon & Kieron.

It all started with another great couple, Mandi & Dave. We photographed their wedding in 2007. They introduced us to Karli & Tony, and we photographed their fabulous day in 2008. And at Karli & Tony’s wedding we met MJ (one of Karli’s bridesmaids), and we have since photographed MJ’s beautiful family several times. MJ is Shannon’s sister and she told Shannon to contact us – the rest is history. Thank you to you all!

Kieron’s rather cool wedding shoes – Love them!

What a sweetie… if this is what the front of the envelope says, you just know the contents are worth more than a few tears!

Shannon in her cool and comfortable bridal shoes. What a great idea!

Here Shannon is helping her beautiful sister MJ into her bridesmaid dress.  The relationship these sisters share is incredible. Their love and respect for each other is clear from the moment you meet them. Read MJ’s eloquent speech she prepared for Shannon & Kieron below and you’ll see what we mean.

The Establishment is a real groovy venue, and the vibe fitted Shannon & Kieron’s day perfectly.

Just love this – we (absolutely) do.
 

Kieron looking rather sharp!

MJ looking spectacular – you wouldn’t think she was a new mum not long before this day.

Just take in the look on Kieron’s face as he sees Shannon & Shannon’s as she sees him.
 

This whole family is extremely close, and these few images clearly show this.

The location shots were taken in the cool setting of the Tank Stream Bar.

How fun are these shots? Brilliant!

Back to The Establishment for the reception.

The next few shots show the Shannon & Kieron’s special and unique touches for their reception.

The speeches at this reception were exactly as we expected they would be. Emotional, funny, full of life.

I love this shot of Shannon. It says so much about the speech her mum is giving, and how she’s wrapped her arms around her mum below shows how special this mother daughter bond is.

Sweet and tender!

Jun and Endre’s Favourite Image

“This is a tough decision as we love all the photos!” said Jun. In choosing the one above, Jun and Endre thought is was extra special as it was the first alone time the two of them had after being announced husband and wife and “we are both very happy.”

Advice from Jun & Endre

“The most important thing for the bride on the day is to relax and just enjoy your day!”

What we loved….

We loved that we first met Jun & Endre back in 2006 when Israel did some beautiful portraits of them at Nielsen Park. When Jun contacted us last year to say they had got engaged and wanted Israel to photograph their big day, we were just so excited. (you’ll see some of these portraits in the shots of Jun getting ready below).

And what we loved the most was that Jun & Endre still looked at each other with such love and adoration as they did when we first me them.

Such a beautiful couple… we love being their photographer and friends!

Endre Getting Ready

Endre and family got ready in a holiday apartment at Bondi.

Jun & Endre love that their rings are simple and elegant in style. Jun’s band shown here is so dainty and suits her perfectly.

I just love this moment between Endre & his dad.

The Finer Details

Jun’s gown was a strapless full length gown. Jun said it was “”The dress” that takes your breath away :-) ”

Jun wore her hair in a french roll. The style matched her dress and the simple & elegant theme perfectly.

The Ceremony

Jun & Endre’s ceremony was held in the grounds of the Gunner’s Barracks. Jun said the “venue and the decoration was the highlight of the ceremony. Simple and cosy!”

The Ceremony

Jun & Endre’s ceremony was held in the beautiful tea rooms of the Gunner’s Barracks. A beautiful cosy room with loads of elegance in decoration, and add Jun & Endre’s little touches and it was magnifico!

I just love the shyness but happiness of this image as they enter with everyone celebrating the new Mr & Mrs!

The above two images are so full of emotion. Love love love them!

The simple and elegant theme followed to a ‘T” with the cake.

These images of Jun & Endre’s bridal dance are just so full of love, laughter & vibrancy. And I love the end photo – what a way to end your first dance!

Tegan and Andrew chose Cafe Morso to host their ceremony and PARTY,  and as you will see from the images below it was the perfect choice  befitting the theme of their day.

Tegan and Andrew’s Favourite Image

The image above is Tegan and Andrew’s favourite. Tegan says “I love  this image because I think it really captures the vibe of our wedding  and it was the first time since we were married that my new husband and I were alone (relatively).”

Advice from Tegan and Andrew

“Plan your wedding to be exactly the event that you and your partner want it to be. Lots of people will have lots of advice for your about what you should and shouldn’t do but ultimately it’s your event so do exactly what you want to do.”

Tegan also suggested to “Never be afraid to do something different!! Who says weddings have to follow a formula?”

What we loved….

We loved that Tegan and Andrew knew exactly what they wanted and went for it. We loved their theme of Black and White cocktail PARTY was reflected not just in the venue they chose but their clothing and decorations. And we adored the traditions of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue that played such a big part in Tegan’s look (find out more about below).

Most of all, we loved being able to photograph this special day for Tegan and Andrew. Their bridesmaid Jessie worked for us for 5 years and she is very dear to us – like family. Tegan and Jessie are cousins but probably more like sisters, and so by default Tegan is like family to us too. It was our honour to make sure her day was documented in the manner she wanted.

Andrew Getting Ready

Andrew, his best and family got ready at Tegan and Andrew’s home.

Like most brides, Tegan was organised. Her run sheet above ensured the day went pretty much as she planned.

The picture below was from Tegan and Andrew’s pre-wedding shoot.

The Finer Details

Tegan says “Jewellery is a bit of a past time hobby/obsession of mine so making sure we had the right rings was very important to us.” Tegan and Andrew designed her engagement ring and both their wedding bands, then had an acquaintenance make them so they were able to get exactly what they wanted.

Tegan also chose to wear two other “VERY special rings” as her Something Borrowed and Something Blue.

The Something Borrowed was Tegan’s nan’s diamond wedding band – originally from 1930′s  Scotland and worn daily by Tegan’s mum as a reminder of her own mum  (Tegan’s nan).

The Something Blue was Tegan’s  Grandmother (her dad’s mother) and was a gift for her 30th birthday.  It’s a sapphire and diamond ring with the sapphire being extra special  because Tegan’s dad found it when he was a little boy. Her grandmother  kept it and in the 1970′s had it made into this beautiful ring and gave  it to Tegan’s dad telling him he was to give it to someone that belonged to him.

Her Something Old was a vintage Glow Mesh bag – a gift from her grandmother and her Something New were her beautiful Alannah Hill “Million Star Hotel” earrings – a gift from one of her best friends.

Tegan wore her hair in a “Big up-style with a black feather and mesh Alannah Hill fascinator – vintage inspired with a twist of showgirl.” This matched perfectly with her vintage inspired black and white dress.

The flowers Tegan chose were simple but elegant, once again a perfect fit for the theme of their day.

Ah, our Jessie – all grown up and looking stunning in a dress worn before by previous generations in Tegan and Jessie’s family. When Jessie first tried this dress on to see if it fit, there were tears all round at Tegan’s home.

I love these two shots below – it shows the closeness of Tegan and Jess, and the fun they were having.

This is one of my favourite family images – its informal and really shows how Tegan is the centre of her mum and dad’s world on this very special day. Don’t her mum and dad (Phil and Jane) look fantastic too – their outfits are true to the vintage black and white theme too.

The Ceremony

Tegan’s Scottish heritage was reflected in her arrival with bag pipes being played as her beautiful bridal cars arrive.

Tegan’s ‘party’ guests are all excited as they first hear the bag pipes and see the cars arriving.

I love this image of Tegan – her smile is beautiful but her eyes have a hint of nervousness, like this is really it…. I got tears just writing this.

And just look at the joy on all their faces. Tegan is like a little girl all excited and her mum and dad are just so proud. Tegan said what she loved most about their ceremony was “Definitely when I walked down the aisle with my little sister Jes and both my parents to see the look on Andrew’s face.”

And check the look on Andrew’s face when he sees his bride for the fist time.

This moment where Andrew starts to say his vows in just gorgeous. His serious but loving look is so beautifully received by Tegan – she just looks radiant and so happy.

The ceremony also factored in a bit of Andrew’s Russian Heritage. The idea is that the person who takes the biggest mouthful of bread will be the ‘boss’ at home. The grooms mother offers the bread to the bride, and the brides mother offers the bread to the groom.

Everyone who knows Tegan expects Tegan will take the biggest bite, but Andrew was not to be outdone. The images below show the fun of this tradition – and the size of the bite Andrew managed to take:-)

Mrs Brusentsev striking a pose as she signs the register – love it!

Location Shots

Tegan and Andrew chose to keep their day simple by having their location shots around Jones Bay Wharf.

Can you believe this boat called Tegan was moored outside where the ceremony and reception were held!

View of Cafe Morso and the Party by night.

The Party

Tegan and Andrew’s Cocktail Party was held a Cafe Morso. A fantastic relaxed environment with amazing food and a spectacular backdrop made for a fun night for everyone.

Tegan and Andrew describe their reception as “A big fun lively cocktail party with all our closest family and friends with Russian (groom’s heritage) & Scottish (bride’s heritage) ascents.” As you will see from the images below, they well and truly achieved this.

The Best Man giving a great speech, and having everyone in stitches.

In keeping with doing things differently and not to a formula, Tegan and Andrew’s bridal waltz was a re-enactment of John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s famous dance in Pulp Fiction. So much FUN!

Andrew’s sister & Mum made their stunning cake.

Tegan and Andrew’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Israel Smith

Dress & Veil: Yulia Mc Couture – 0417 429 382

Hair: Denise at Temple Hair, Clovelly – 9664 8084

Makeup: Lesley Cameron – 0411 173 175

Shoes: Mollini – Sydney

Rings: Charles (friend) – 0414 296 541

Grooms outfits:  Peppers Formal Wear, Cremorne – 9953 4261

Florist: Rebecca and Rob, Eden Floral Designs– 9339 5511

Cars: 7th Heaven Cars – 02 9583 2921

Stationery: Alannah Rose – 0417 572 528

Celebrant: Angela Miller – 0415 606 168

Reception venue: Andy Webb, Cafe Morso – 9692 0111

Cake:  Marilyn Dufty (grooms sister) & Vera Brusentsev (grooms Mum) – 0400 326 308

Music: Scottish Bagpiper – Robbie Jones 0405 554 019, and Trent Press (Band at Reception) 0414 184 955

We first met Sally & her mum Marti about 8 years ago at a course. Later we did some gorgeous portraits of Sally & her brother. So we were so excited when Sally contacted us to say she was getting married and wanted Israel to photograph her wedding.

Sally and Lachlan chose to celebrate their love with 100 or so family and friends in a spectacular garden ceremony and reception in her mum’s back yard. Their transformation of the yard into a stunning paradise was nothing short of visionary. From the crystal blue pool being the centrepiece to the ceremony, to the amazing white marquise for the party afterwards and the beautiful use of candlelight and lanterns in the evening, this marriage was celebrated in true style.

And what’s more, Sally & Lachlan’s love and the fun they were having shone through in every photo! We hope you enjoy their wedding as much as we did.

Amazing location photos were taken at Lavendar Bay, Walsh Bay and around the Harbour Bridge and Rocks area.

Photographer: Israel Smith

Shirley’s shoes were gorgeous and complimented her beautiful gown perfectly.

How great is Tommy’s face when he first spots his bride!

The Tea Rooms at Vaucluse House hosted a traditional tea ceremony for this lovely couple.

How stunning is Shirley’s red gown below. And I just love the way she has her hair done. Simple, effective and elegeant.

This beautiful couple shared their special day with 140 friends and family. The dress was black tie and everyone looked the part. The traditional ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Church, Merriwa and their amazing amazing reception on Kate’s parents property at Merriwa. Nothing short of stunning – rolling paddocks with glistening gold horses, lanterns in the trees and loads of lollies. Of course, the bridal party looked fantastic too!

Kate & Mike’s wedding was day full of lots of tender moments and many many laughs. We hope you enjoy these beautiful moments from their day.

If you think the entrance to Kate’s parents property is stunning, wait to you see it all set up for the reception.

The bridal party got dressed at the property. In this home the guys were getting ready whilst in the main homestead the girls were getting ready. Notwithstanding, gorgeous Kate was still a surprise for Mike – wait to you see his face when she walks down the aisle. (images follow)

Here are a selection of images of Kate and the girls looking absolutely gorgeous. Kate and her mum have a wonderful relationship and I just love the mother daughter photo below.

Kate designed her gown herself – it really was stunning!

The Holy Trinity Church at Merriwa is the most beautiful old sandstone church with lovely stained glassed windows.

And here the expression on Mike’s face says it all as his gorgeous bride walks down the aisle towards him.

And just look at Kate’s face here – you can see the absolute love and adoration for Mike, and he for her.

Kate & Mike had thought of every detail – they had even arranged for a coach to take guests from the church to the reception (then later in the evening, back to where the guests were staying).

Guests picked an envelope with their name on it. Inside the envelope was the name of the table they were sitting at. Each table was named after one of the horses owned by Kates family.

Mike left Australia and went to complete his pharmacy studies in Ireland for about 4 years. Before he left, they carved this love heart into the tree. And here they are having their wedding photos in front of it.

Here is just one of the splendid horses on the property. It was such a naturally beautiful setting and the horses just added something extra special to the setting.

Lanterns hanging in the trees also added to the feeling – and as you can see below they looked amazing day and night!

On the way into the Marquee, guests could grab handfuls of lollies – YUM!

The reception had beautiful speeches, some tears and many laughs.

The Vibe Hotel’s roof top pool deck was used for their location shots, and as you can see from the image below, it set the scene for some stunning location photos.

Joy & Edwin have opted to present their images in a Designer Fine Art Album. Their images will be printed on luxurious fine cotton art paper, then beautiful bound by a specialist book binder.

This moment was so beautiful – Edwin sang Hey Soul Sister for Joy. Such a divine moment, & Joy’s expression below says it all.

They did their pre-wedding shoot at the beautiful Centennial Park of which they used one of their favourite images enlarged as the welcome sign for their guests at the wedding.

Dulce & Reichter exchanged their vows in front of 150 family & friends in the grounds of Curzon Hall. Their stunning location shots were also in the grounds, followed by a reception in one of the Grand Rooms of Curzon Hall.

More photos from this stunning wedding will be loaded shortly. Please come back to look.

Dulce & Reichters Illuminating Team:

Photographer: Israel Smith

Catherine & Saul are very busy, both working shift work at a hospital so when they have a chance, we will update their real life story with more of their own words about their day. Until then we just couldn’t wait to share some of their day.