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.

Elizabeth & Charles will provide us with more details of their day shortly so we can share all their inspirations and their illuminating team with you. Until then, enjoy this selection of some of their stunning images.

Janine describes the theme of her wedding as “Simple, elegant, inspired by 1930’s glamour with a contemporary twist … Neutral tones with small injections of colour for fun and energy.”

Below is Janine & Andrew’s favourite image and a couple of our favourites from Janine & Andrew getting ready – return soon to see Janine & Andrew’s complete Real Life Story.

Donna & Nathan’s Favourite Images

Donna & Nathan couldn’t choose just one favourite image. Donna said “I could not decide on just one so I thought I would try to get away with choosing two. I like the first image as it is really intimate and has little else in the photo to draw the attention away from this. I love the second image as it also shows one of my most favourite places in the whole world, Sydney Harbour, which I never get tired of seeing. Whilst the first image is still and quiet the second image portrays movement and my smile is only reinforced by Luna Park in the background!”

Advice from Donna & Nathan

“Firstly, don’t forget to have fun while you plan your wedding. Secondly, it’s all abou you & your future husband so don’t try and please everyone else. Lastly, just think of all the things that you enjoy at a wedding and aim for that in yours.”

What we loved….

We loved that Donna & Nathan were clearly smitten by each other. From the first time we met with them, their love and affection for each other was very clear and we just could not wait to capture this for them.

We just adored Donna’s big beautiful relaxed smile, starting right from when she was getting ready. It was clear this was going to be a perfect day. And, it would be remiss not to mention the amazing looks of love and huge smile of both Donna & Nathan’s faces during and after their ceremony.

Last of all, we also loved the simple elegance of Donna & Nathan’s day – their outfits, accessories, their beautiful ceremony at Hickson Rd Reserve, the walk around the Rocks for location shots and the reception at the Italian Village.

The Finer Details

Donna says about her rings “I love my engagement and wedding band as they are simple & elegant. I opted for three diamonds on my engagement ring, with a princess cut in the centre and a trillard either side. Despite their simplicity I still stare at them a hundred times a day.”

Donna worked overseas for 8 months & she saw a picure of a Jan Logan ring in a magazine. She had mentioned this to Nathan but didn’t think anything else of it, until Nathan surprised her with it as a gift for their wedding. “It is a gorgeous 18ct white gold, black agate and diamond ring. It matched the black of the bridesmaids cocktail dresses”!

Nathan chose his wedding band & it had several diamonds in it. Donna said this is “really funny because I never picked him for wanting bling.”

“

Donna describes her dress as “Elegant. It leaned towards a vintage look due to the colour of the silk and beading, but it was also fresh & modern. It really tied in with the wedding location” (the Rocks).

What a gorgeous smile – Donna wore this smile all day!

Donna & her party got ready at the Park Hyatt. What a fabulous place – just look at these images before we left. The Park Hyatt was an obvious choice for Donna given the ceremony was at Hickson Rd Reserve & the location shots around the Rocks but it was also a perfect match to their Modern Vintage theme.

Donna’s hair style was so natural & elegant at the same time. She said “I opted for a style that I wouldn’t normally wear, which was on the side. We put a soft curl through my hair, which was then woven towards one side with several curls hanging loose from the bottom of a loose braid. We opted for a small silver and marcasite comb in the same of a little bow, which was placed on the side that my hair fell to. I chose marcasite as it kept with the vintage look. My veil was very fine tuille in ivory. ”

The Ceremony

Donna & Nathan said what they loved most about their ceremony was “the location – it was perfect overlooking the harbour. Also it was very relaxed and the celebrant (Frances Kneil) made it very personal for us.”

We just love the contrast of these 2 shots – the one above with Nathan clowning around with the guys, then the one below where he is anxiously checking his watch.

Donna & Nathan had 4 attendants each and 2 gorgeous page boys. We just love this shot of the page boys walking proudly down the aisle – it really is very serious work too you know:)

Let the radiant smiles begin all over again!

There is something about the image above that says absolute unity. Both Donna & Nathan stepping out with the same foot holding hands with a look of ‘we’ve done it’ all over their faces! It’s also very glamorous in a very natural way – Donna’s gown looks so shiny & satiny, her veil blowing off to the side & Nathan looking rather suave & cool in his suit and shades.

Location Shots

At our final design consultation with our couples (about 2 weeks out from their wedding day) we always suggest having a bit of a ‘chill out’ with a cool drink between the ceremony & hitting the location shots. You know to really unwind & celebrate you’ve just exchanged vows in front of your family & friends. You are now Mr & Mrs….

The images below are a perfect example of why we recommend this – just take a look at these beautiful moments between Donna & Nathan. These images say a thousand words about how they were feeling. Do you think in 10 years time they would have been able to remember this feeling without these images?

As you can see from these location shots, Donna & Nathan really had loads of fun on their day. It was an absolute pleasure & honour to be part of.

The Reception

Donna & Nathan hosted a beautiful cocktail party for their guests at the Italian Village. The venue and location really lends itself to a fun atmosphere. It’s spacious and has a multi million dollar view as a backdrop. And because of this view, Donna & Nathan’s night came complete with fireworks on the harbour! What more than good food, great company & spectacular fire works could you ask for?

This venue has plenty of room for everyone to PARTY!

Donna & Nathan’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Sami Gale

Dress & Veil: Johanna Johnson Paddington – 02 9360 9411

Hair: Claudia a friend from high school. If you would like to contact Claudia, please contact Israel Smith Photographers

Makeup: Blue Lotus Make Up – 0413181285 (Melissa)

Shoes: Joanne Mercer

Rings: Engagement – Andreys Bondi Junction; Wedding Bands – Larsen’s Jewellery The Strand Arcade; Cocktail Ring – Jan Logan Jewellery Double Bay

Grooms outfits:  Suit – Messini Black Label, The Galeries Victoria, George St, Sydney. Shirt & Shoes Messini Black Label 284 Oxford Street, Paddington.

Florist: Rococo Flowers East Sydney – 02 9357 6688

Cake: Sweet Art Paddington – 02 9361 6617

Stationery: Alannah Rose

Celebrant: Frances Kneil – 02 9542 8184

Ceremony Location: Hickson Rd Reserve – The Rocks Sydney, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority

Reception venue: The Italian Village – Co-ordinated by the Dockside Group 02 9247 3666

Music: DJ Vincent Turner – 02 8213 9399

Wedding Aisle: Outdoor Wedding Aisles – Ann Erdogan 0438 233 552

Furniture Hire for Ceremony – Hollywood For Hire – 02 9989 8934

Decorations: Rose Baker Events – 02 9531 0434

Amanda & Damon’s Favourite Image

Amanda & Damon chose this image as their favourite because “it is quite intimate, and we love the harbour in the background.”

Advice from Amanda & Damon

“Don’t confuse yourself with too many choices – less is more.

Drink plenty of water early in the day!!

Sit back with hubby at dinner to watch the room together – you tend to forget a lot of the night’s happenings!!

We had a truly beautiful day but, as everyone told us, it went so quick!!! The photos help to remember!!”

What we loved….

We loved that another of our wonderful wedding couples (Felicity & Nick) referred Amanda & Damon to us.

We loved that Amanda & Damon chose the theme of Elegant & Traditional. This theme perfectly matched this lovely couple and everything about their day was kept simple. This is probably a by product of Amanda & Damon’s advice of less is more.

It was quite beautiful to watch the eye contact between Amanda & Damon – it was very intimate and very special to be able to capture those emotions for them. Their favourite shot is just one of these!

Boronia House is just wonderful too – fantastic photographic fodder in the grounds, lovely ambience in the venue and great food too.

In keeping with the traditional theme, Amanda chose a five year old pare of shoes she bought in Melbourne – this was something old! You would never know they were old!

“My engagement ring cut is unique and the most beautiful ring ever. Not many girls have this cut which I love – I don’t like going for standard and what everyone else has. The wedding band matches perfectly. Damon’s is quite unique too.” (you will see Damon’s ring featured further down in this story).

These are so cute with the word “Mrs” sewn into them. What hubby wouldn’t love seeing these?

The Finer Details

Amanda & Damon ensured the traditional & elegant theme was carried right through for everything about their day.

Amanda describes her dress as “simple, but elegant”, with her hair being “Sweeping, Flowing and Stunning.”

The ceremony was “traditional nature” and held at quaint Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Mosman. And in keeping with tradition, this is the very church that Amanda’s grandparents married in back in 1947.

I just love the emotion in these 3 shots. Dad & Amanda having a bit of a laugh as they get out of the car, Damon sucking in a deep breath when he sees Amanda walking down the aisle with her dad, and her dad brushing away a little tear. These little emotions which if left to memory would never be experienced, immortalised for life!

I just love the tradition in this shot – the 3 sets of hands is just beautiful.

Location Shots

We tried to capture the elegance & tradition of this wedding at the location shots too – of course, mixed with some fun too! We used the beautiful grounds of Boronia House and the backdrop of the Harbour at Cremorne Point to create these images.  

Amanda & Damon hired stunning jags from AAA Limousines. Another simple, elegant & traditional choice!

The Reception

Amanda & Damon said their reception was “Romantic & Fun”. Just look at these grounds of Boronia House – how could it not be?

We loved that Amanda & Damon had Nick sing & play this stunning piano. So talented & a nice guy too!

Just look at the look on Amanda’s face – she is just loving being Mrs Mumford!

I just love this look of absolute love and adoration on Amanda’s face as her new husband is doing his speech. And below, her cracking up too!

Amanda & Damon doing their bridal waltz, followed by Amanda carving up the dance floor doing the Macarena.

Amanda & Damon’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Sami Gale

Dres: Maggie Sottero design – Abbey Bridal (something new) – 02 9233 5106

Veil: Borrowed from my friend Nikki and made by her sister Lytecia (something borrowed)

Hair: Nikki at Stylz on Wheelz – 0405 127 810

Makeup: Georgia Hull – 0413 681 337

Shoes: “A five year old pair I bought in Melbourne (something old)”

Rings: Midas Bondi Junction – 02 93874340

Grooms outfits:  Myer Melbourne / Sydney Hire

Florist: Leon & Fei – The Wedding Floret – 0410 613 526

Cars: Jags from AAA Limousines – 02 9672 3860

Stationery: Romina from Pink Popcorn Designs – 0415 379 196

Church: Father Phil – Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Clifton Gardens

Reception venue: Boronia House – Cathy 02 9969 2099

Cake: French Croque en bouche by Jean-Marc Massett 0402 112 616

Music: Kev – Dr Deck 0410 963 439

Other: Accommodation – Cremorne Pt Manor  02 9953 7899

Yunsun & Paul’s favourite Image

Believe it or not, this image of Yunsun licking an ice cream was taken just before Yunsun & Paul’s ceremony!

They chose this image as their favourite from the day because “It’s a FUN photo! Who else eats ice cream before the ceremony right? And the photo just has everything in it – my hair, rings, dress, veil, bouquet, earrings etc… hmmmmm did it have to be one with both of us? Hehe .”

Advice from Yunsun & Paul

“Relax & enjoy! Day goes too fast!”

What we loved…

Yunsun & Paul’s love for each other is highly infectious. They both have incredible smiles especially when looking at each other. From our first meeting, we just loved that Yunsun & Paul related to our daughter (Indrani) when she went in to kiss daddy (Israel) good night. We really enjoyed learning more about them at their pre-wedding shoot. And most of all, we just loved how they dealt with the weather they were given on the day – it was pretty hot but as you can see from their favourite photo, they really took this in their stride. They have incredibly loving families and the emotion between everyone was beautiful to be part of.

And we just loved the old world charm of St Mary’s Cathedral. We never bore of this incredible piece of architecture – the sandstone, the ornate indoors & the aisle – WOW!  Of course, it was wonderful to be back at the stunning Waters Edge for the reception – the backdrop is amazing and just gets better as the night goes on. The food is delicious & the room just looks glorious too!

Becoming friends with Yunsun & Paul has been a privilege – they are delightful, fun & really value their photography and what it will mean to their family in years to come!

Paul Getting Ready

This is so sweet – Paul was leaving nothing to memory on the day… we are delighted to report, all went smoothly!

The Finer Details

Yunsun & Paul describe the theme of their day as “Romantic Elegance”, and this really shows in the gown Yunsun chose & the suits / accessories for the guys.

Yunsun gushed when we asked her how we’d describe her dress. Her response was “Oh, JUST PERFECT! Just the way I wanted it, even better! The dress was low back with lace. Chantilly, French netting and beaded tulle draped around it. The bodice features beautiful lace & diamontes…. I have it hanging on my wall now and I still smile staring at it everyday.”

The image above is so cute. It was taken just before Yunsun went to put on her gown – its like her little secret is about to be shared.

The Ceremony

Yunsun arrived in style in a beautiful champagne coloured Bentley from 7th Heaven Cars. The smile on her face says it all!

Yunsun & Paul said what they loved most about their ceremony was they “Loved the church – it was just beautiful! It was the longest aisle in the world though!”

We agree – St Mary’s Cathedral is amazing. The sheer expansiveness of the aisle, the height of the ceilings and it’s ornateness must make it one of the most beautiful churches in Australia!

We just loved how Yunsun had to have an ice cream before going into the Church, and her attendants just could not believe it either. And how stunning is Yunsun – one moment licking an icecream, the next moment looking simply radient with her face covered by the veil.

I just love this next sequence of shots – the happy and proud face of Yunsun’s dad, the smile on her face, the emotion on her bridesmaids and last of all the look of absolute love and devotion on Paul’s face.

This level of emotion is another thing Yunsun said she loved about the day. In her words “And to see my family cry – especially my sister as I walked down the aisle and dad throughtout the WHOLE day was very touching…”

Yunsun describes her veil as “a cathedral veil – soft and beautiful. The veil just knew what to do on the day for the photos.” – As shown in the photo above.

Location Shots

After the ceremony, the bridal party took a stroll around the beautiful Botanic Gardens, followed by the old world charm of the Rocks. Both locations supported the couples them of romantic elegance as you will see below.

A sure sign of a stunning shoe for a wedding is when they are taken off. They look sensational but are never really the most comfortable. As our Chiropractor would say there’s a couple of adjustments in those shoes:)!

The bridal party travelled to the Rocks in absolute style in these cars provided by 7th Heaven Cars. Before going, we just could not miss the opportunity to photograph Yunsun & Paul in front of these stunning cars.

Here’s Yunsun’s veil again knowing what to do on the day for the photos!

The Reception

Yunsun and Paul chose to theme their reception – “Romantic Elegance”. They invited 160 guests to be spoilt for ambience, great food and stunning decoration at the Waters Edge.

Yunsun said “I tried so hard to add personal touch to everything. From the jewel table names, menus which were made by me and the bridesmaids, the table decorations that we spent many days designing, the personalised bombonnieres (tea light holders wiht the guest’s name on it which meant we didn’t need separate place cards). And the venue was just fantastic, and I loved the transition from day to evening – we could see the harbour and the Luna Park lights…. Just beautiful!”

Enter Mr & Mrs Paul Lee! What a magical moment!

I did a slideshow of Yunsun & Paul’s day at the reception. See the big screen above, and below the lovely couple relive their day with their bridal party and guests. The experience was emotionally charged, with Yunsun’s beautiful tears of happiness flowing freely.  Don’t I just have the best job in the whole world!

The shot below of is of Yunsun & her dad who had the most beautiful tender father daughter dance. I couldn’t resist including it because of the serene look on Yunsun’s face and the gentle, loving way she is resting on her arm on her dad’s shoulder.

Yunsun & Paul’s bridal dance was superb. There were so many amazing images from their dance, but I feel these 3 below are perfect to end on.
Totally Romantic, and Totally Elegant! A perfect match to the theme of their day!

Yunsun & Paul’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Israel Smith

Dress & Veil: Pallas Brides– 02 9358 5761

Hair & Makeup: The Wedding Gallery – 0404 892 445

Shoes: Steve Madden”Something Blue” Range

Rings: Polaris (friend)

Grooms outfits:  Hugo Boss (& accessories from Peppers Formal Wear), groomsmen suits from Roger David

Florist: Susan Avery – 02 9363 1168

Cars: 7th Heaven Cars – 02 9583 2921

Stationery: Paperartizi – 02 9440 9455

Church: Father Kevin Muldoon, St Mary’s Cathedral 02 9220 0400

Reception venue: Waters Edge – 02 9247 4927

Cake: Casa Del – 02 9550 5982

Music: DJ James (Included in Waters Edge Package)

Videographer: Cine Media - 02 9585 8532

As a photographer, I’ve been looking for new ways to tell wedding stories to our clients, and in this album we have found a new, beautiful way of showcasing such a timeless occasion.

Karli & Tony at their wedding ceremony in Hayman Island.

After many months of research and development, speaking with paper suppliers and traditional bookbinders, we created this album – initially as a one-off, and then as a way of offering our clients a very unique and very exclusive artwork with which to remember their wedding day.

It might look to a casual glance little different to a conventional photo book, or coffee table-style album. The truth is that the difference IS in the little things.

The slip-case wrapped in our specialty ribbon - this is how Karli & Tony received their album.

Our ribbon gives an extra touch of "ooohh special" to the overall experience.

The custom-fitted slip case is velvet lined and is the perfect storage case to protect the album.

Starting with the perfectly-fitted and velvet-lined slip case, this album is protected, sturdy, and easily stored for safe keeping in the long term.

Following on from that, the album is covered in genuine leather for durability and luxury, and has a custom embossed card in-set into the cover.

This specially embossed card was actually taken from one of Karli & Tony's order of service booklets.

The hand-stitched binding and leather cover have been crafted beautifully by our expert bookbinders.

The front cover of the album with its discreet, under-stated trio introducing Karli & Tony's wedding story.

Every detail is perfect - the precision-trimmed pages have a crisp, clean edge on the closed book.

Using a unique binding method, each opening lays flat for maximum viewing enjoyment of each image.

Our albums all include the personal touch of a hand-written dedication by the photographer.

Getting into the story of the album, I chose to keep the designs and layouts as simple and clean as possible, so the images themselves could be easily read and enjoyed.

Instead of cramming as many images as possible onto each page, we have a belief that “less is more” and the best albums have a fewer number of higher-quality images.

Karli on the balcony of her hotel apartment at Hayman, enjoying a champagne in her "Bride" top.

A double-spread image can be enjoyed more fully thanks to the lay-flat binding of this book.

Unique images of abstract details act like chapter-markers throughout Karli & Tony's story.

A nervous Tony before the ceremony starts - candid shots of the groom seem more authentic somehow.

Tony and Karli facing each other saying their vows - made more poignant by using facing pages.

Tony & Karli’s wedding was unique in a variety of ways.

Firstly, they were married in front of around 20 of their favourite people, on a remote resort island.

Secondly, they absolutely demolished their cake, choosing to squish their fingers into it with Angus their pageboy, rather than cutting it with a knife.

Demolishing, not cutting, the wedding cake... and the aftermath of finger-holes in the icing.

The documentary approach we take with our work lends itself to capturing fun moments like this one.

Thirdly, they had a fireworks display lit off the headland of the resort and showering the beach in gorgeous pink, green, and yellow light.

To top it all off, the reception was themed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and had an ethereal, fairy-tale quality with smoke machines, fairy lights, and draped fabric with coloured projections to add to the mood.

A gorgeous fireworks display lit up the beachfront on the resort as a surprise to guests.

The "Midsummer Night's Dream"-themed reception was full of vibrant colours and special touches.

This has to be one of my all-time favourite weddings… And not just because I managed to take a week’s holiday with my wife and daughter at the same time as photographing the wedding!

We’ve included below Karli & Tony’s full finished wedding album, to show you how our design aesthetic carried through the entire book.

Enjoy the story, and enjoy our first Designer Fine Art Album!

[book id=1]

Lara & Phil’s Favourite Image

“We love this image of us kissing, yet cracking up at each other in the vines. We love it because it is just so us… A posed shot but somehow we make it not. Such a beautiful tender moment, full of laughs & happiness, just like our whole life together!”

Advice From Lara & Phil

“Just relax and enjoy! It’s such an amazing day – everyone close to you gathering to celebrate your love for one & another.”

What We Loved…

The tears of happiness, the laughs and well everything really!

Lara & Phil are so relaxed & full of life. Right from the first time we met them at their Wedding Design Consultation we had loads of laughs.

They have amazing families that have made our entire family (Israel, Bel, Indrani & the Israel Smith Team) feel part of their family. And we love the tears of happiness cried at this wedding. Just take a look at the images of Lara with her parents before the ceremony, then the look on Phil’s face as he first sees his gorgeous bride walking down the aisle.

And talk about a photographers heaven – glorious sunshine in Tyrells Vineyard with a fun bridal party. The sunlight was so warm & yummy, shining through Lara’s veil and sending a beautiful sun flare across some of the images, almost as though it was encasing Lara & Phil. And have a look at just how relaxed Lara was as a bride – even when the wind whipped her veil from her head & it got caught in the vines she laughed.

Peppers Creek Barrel Room was also sensational – the ambience of the room, the table settings & the food were all amazing!

Lara just loves her shoes & so do we – they are amazing. She says she looks at the everyday & why wouldn’t you!

The Finer Details

Lara & Phil describe the theme of their wedding as “Winter White”.

Lara says her dress is “romantic, feminine & mesmerising. Cathy at Pallas was so amazing with my ‘Gloriana’ gown – it was everything I had imagined & more.”

“My hair and veil were really simple and complimented my dress perfectly.”

Lara says she “loves that Phil and our amazing jeweller Aaron designed my rings without me knowing & they are so perfect.”

We just love the beautiful emotion of these images of Lara with her dad & then with her mum. They say it all!

The Ceremony

When we asked Lara what she loved most about their ceremony she said quite simply “Marrying Philip”.

Lara & Phil exchanged vows at the beautiful old sandstone St Peter’s Anglican Church in East Maitland. This church as so much old world charm and the length of the aisle is just fantastic for building the anticipation for the bride and groom coming together for the first time.

We just love how these 2 images of Phil show how seeing Lara for the first time takes his breath away – the biting of the lip as she first enters the church, then the little gasp and look of “OMG she is so beautiful” as she gets closer.

Then this look on Lara’s face – it says I know I look great and I am about to be your wife! And dad, well he’s doing his best to keep it all together!

Location Shots

After the ceremony, we headed to Tyrell’s Vineyard for some stunning location shots. Lara & Phil unwound by sharing a bottle of Moet with their bridal party, then sitting down on their own for a few moments just to take in that they were finally man & wife.

The Reception

What an amazing venue the Peppers Creek Barrel Room is.

Lara & Phil invited 110 of their closest friends and family to be part of their day. “We wanted our reception to be a huge celebration. It was so much fun, it was difficult for our MC to get us to leave! … I think we would have been there all night!”

“The Slideshow at the reception that Israel prepared of the day was so special. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room!”

Lara & Phil’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Israel Smith and Sami Gale

Dress & Veil: Pallas – 02 9358 5761

Hair & Makeup: Lesley Cameron – 0411 173 175

Shoes: Cosmopolitan Shoes (Rene Caovilla) – 02 9362 0510

Rings: Quinn Fine Jewellery – 02 4325 7292

Grooms outfits:  Peppers Formal Wear –9953 4261

Florist: Julie Pilcher Flowers – 9516 4792

Cars: Exclusive Vintage Wedding Cars – 0409 346 534

Stationery: Artisan Press – wayne@artisanpress.com.au

Church: St Peter’s Anglican Church, East Maitland

Reception venue: Peppers Creek Barrel Room – 02 4998 7780

Cake: The Sweetest Things – 0402 263 877

Music: Slide McBride – 02 9388 9771

Kate & Gavin's Favourite Image

Kate & Gavin’s Favourite Image

“Israel has completely captured the true ‘us’ in this photo, we love the setting, the colours and the happiness it portrays.”

Advice From Kate & Gavin

“Take some time out together on the day. Its important to stand back and take it all in. Try and plan your wedding well in advance so you are only faced with a few tasks at any one time.”

What We Loved…

That Kate & Gavin chose picturesque Bowral for their wedding.

Because we had not shot a wedding at the locations Kate & Gavin chose, it was a perfect opportunity to take a relaxing ‘Sunday Family Day” drive to Bowral a couple of weeks before their wedding. Israel was in absolute raptures with the lushness of the Southern Highlands – the light, the greeness, just beautiful!

On the day, all Kate & Gavin’s choices from the Church, stopping along the way for location shots then to The Centennial Vineryard were just perfect. It was photographers heaven!

The Finer Details

“Relaxed, contemporary with a hint of country” is how Kate & Gavin described their special day.

Kate’s dress was Old New York Glam. “Because my dress was so detailed I had a simple veil for the ceremony, I changed into a more glamorous headpiece for the party.”

“My ring is slightly antique with a modern feel – I absolutely love my ring! Gav’s ring was designed my himself and is quite modern, he wanted some ‘bling’ so we added some black diamonds.”

The Ceremony

Kate & Gavin ceremony was extra special as Kate’s Uncle – Father John Pearce married them. The ceremony was held at ST Francis Xavier Chapel.

“Having all our family and friends witness the most important, happy day in both our lives celebrated in such a beautiful chapel.”

Location Shots

After their ceremony, we headed to The Centennial Vineyards. And really, could Kate & Gavin had ordered any better a day – the sunlight was incredible adding such a yummy warm glow to everything! At The Centennial Vineyards Kate & Gavin met with their friends & family. Then we quickly nipped out to take these amazing shots in the Vineyards.

We love this cheeky look on Kate's face & Gavin's expression says it all!

The Reception

Kate & Gavin played host to 130 guests at The Centennial Vineyards.

They describe their reception as “Relaxed with an element of formality. A picturesque cocktail party with a vineyard backdrop followed by a sit down dinner, speeches then into loads of dancing with a live band.”

Kate simply loved Gavin's words

Kate & Gavin’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Israel Smith

Dress & Veil: Joanne Panzarino Alta Moda – 1 Birchgrove Road Balmain  02 9555 2755

Hair & Makeup: Marion Phillips – 0411 524 850

Shoes: Apex Shoes Paddington – 02 9357 4175

Rings: Camelot Jewellers Cammeray – 02 9959 3904

Grooms outfits:  Shirt/Suit -Herringbone Woollahra –9362 9901 ;  Tie – Dior – Assin Paddington

Stationery: Designed our own.

Printer: DPPP Design, Print & Pre-Press – 02 9453 4404

Church: Fr John Pearce (uncle) ST Francis Xavier – 02 4868 1931

Reception venue: The Centennial Vineyard, Bowral – 02 4861 8700

Music: Senani & Lady Jam

Other: Church Soloist – Penny Hartgerink

Sunday Brunch – Burrawang Hotel, Burrawang

Friday night dinner – Briars Restaurant, Bowral

Angela & Bob’s Favourite Image

“It’s beautiful, classic and intimate. It was taken on the Church steps, and it keeps reminding us of our love and our commitment for one another.”

Advice from Angela & Bob

What are your best words of advice for other brides?

“Have a long and relaxing honeymoon after the wedding!”

What We Loved

Angela  & Bob have a fantastic sense of style, so every detail fitted together perfectly. The invitations were art-deco flavoured, tying in with the QVB Tea Rooms.

The gorgeous old sandstone church cathedral introduced some lovely architecture, which was explored again in Martin Place and QVB itself for location images.

Lastly, the food was SPECTACULAR! (The way to this photographer’s heart is through his stomach!)

Oh, and finishing with sunset shots by the harbour was GORGEOUS.

The Finer Details

“My dress was elegant – Duchess silk, lace and beaded with Swarovski crystals. I had a traditional hairstyle.”

“I love our rings. They are simple and internally flawless.”

The Ceremony

The couple opted for a morning ceremony at St Andrew’s Cathedral. In Angela’s own words:

“What I loved most was the sacredness of the Church – it adds meaning to our wedding vows.”

Location Shots

Angela & Bob had planned a 30-minute delay between their guests arriving at the QVB, and when they would be announced. This meant we had some time to play with between ceremony & reception, plus a separate location shoot after the reception wrapped up. Starting straight after the ceremony, we took a brief walk through the Town Hall courtyard and had some lovely shots with the vintage wedding cars.

Impromptu dance practice while waiting at the traffic lights!

The Reception

“Our plans for the reception were to keep it beautiful, intimate and elegant. Good food, good company, lots of laughter and lots of fun. We ended up having around 160 guests.”

Angela & Bob had taken intensive dance lessons and performed a specially-choreographed dance for everyone’s enjoyment!

Location Shots Part 2

Once everyone had left the reception, we took a brief stroll through the QVB and then grabbed a lift into Martin Place. The Westin Hotel in Martin Place was the perfect match to Angela & Bob’s style of the day.

We continued up to the Hilton Hotel for a drink and some time out after the busyness of the day. Then, once we were all watered and refreshed, we left the bridal party and Angela & Bob had some solo time on the harbour for some sunset shots with the Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House as backdrops. We were blessed with a spectacular wisp of cloud right on sunset, giving beautiful colours and a romantic emotive feeling to the images.

Angela & Bob’s Illuminating Team

Photography: Israel Smith & Katrina James

Rings: Tiffany & Co – 1800 829 152

Cake & Flowers: Sweet Art – 02 9361 6617

Hair & Makeup: Dream Studio – 02 9560 2444

Cars: Able Classic Wedding Cars – 02  9313 5833

Ceremony: St Andrew’s Cathedral – 02 9265 1661

Reception: The Tea Room QVB – 02 9283 7279

Videography: Iconic Films Videography – 02 9862 6624