Sarah & Sam – 21st October 2008

Sarah & Sam held their ceremony in the garden at historic Vaucluse House. Sam’s band played a Ben Lee song as Sarah walked down the aisle, and the Fire Brigade Chaplain married the couple. “It was all these things that gave our ceremony a personal touch for us.”

Sarah & Sam's Favourite Image

Sarah & Sam’s Favourite Image

“It’s our favourite because it’s a natural, non posed picture that captured the joy of the day. It’s a reminder of our perfect day.”



Advice From Sarah & Sam

What are your best words of advice for other brides?

Plan as best you can and tailor the event to reflect you as a couple. Relax on the day. If something doesn’t go as planned don’t worry because you can’t change it!

(Sarah & Sam have shared more thoughts about their wedding throughout this Real Life Story.)



What We Loved…

We first met Sarah & Sam many years ago as a young couple decorating their home and wanting to get some portraits of themselves. We knew then that we’d be seeing them on their wedding day!

They’ve been an absolute delight to work with, and have constantly warmed our hearts with their cute loving moments and Sarah’s amazing smile and laugh. Honestly, as you’ll see below, she laughs with her whole body – it’s very contagious!

This is also one of our favourite images from their day because of the emotion and laughter – but also because of the gorgeous light, the way Sarah’s veil is being caught by the breeze, and the unusual angle showing just a hint of the bridesmain and groomsman.

The Finer Details

“Our idea of the day was to reflect us as a couple and try to keep the day as relaxed as possible.”

“My dress had a fitted bodice in white silk, with a slightly full skirt. My hair was done as a side fringe with the rest pinned at the back. I had a few orchids pinned in as well.”



Location Shots

Following some beautiful location images taken on the grounds at Vaucluse House, we all packed up and headed into The Rocks to the Lord Nelson Hotel for a beverage and some chill-out time for the Bridal Party. Sam is also a mad-keen home brewer, so any chance to visit a boutique brewery such as the Lord Nelson was more than OK with him!

Given the reception was at Pilu at Freshwater Beach, we opted for some more fun images overlooking the water once we arrived at the Reception. In about 10 mins flat we captured some hilarious images of the bridal party enjoying themselves. (Perhaps the visit to the pub helped loosen everyone up a bit…)



The Reception

“For our reception, we wanted to host an elegant party with friends celebrating our life together over the last 7 years, and set a beautiful path for our future.

We had so many speeches but they were all so heartfelt and beautiful it didn’t seem to drag out. We also walked straight in after being announced and did our first dance.

Thanks to Israel’s suggestions we got the formal stuff out of the way early so we could relax and enjoy our night!”



Sarah was quite emotional while Sam gave his speech

Sarah & Sam’s Illuminating Team



Photography: Israel Smith & Sami Gale

Dress & Veil: Pallas Bridal – 02 9358 5761

Rings: Tiffany & Co – 1800 829 152

Hair: Desmond & Molly Jones – 02 9281 2100

Makeup: Mecca Cosmetica

Cars: 7th Heaven Wedding Cars – 02 9583 2921

Suits: Ben Sherman @ David Jones

Cake & Flowers: Brides In Bloom – 02 9564 3540

Stationery: We made our own.

Reception: Pilu at Freshwater – 02 9938 3331