AN AFTERNOON AT RIPPONLEA

One of the things I appreciate most about shooting weddings is how different each and every one of them are.  There are any number of combinations of churches, paddocks, locations and venues that can add up to make a perfect, and perfectly unique day for any given couple.  There are any number of vendors; photographers, celebrants, ministers, florists, make-up artists, hairdressers, car-hire companies, dress designers, jewellers, caterers – the list goes on.  I remember how completely overwhelming it was to me when planning our own wedding, so many choices to make and no idea how to settle on what would make it the best day it could possibly be.  The idea of eloping became very appealing.  But one thing that’s struck me is at the end of the day, it’s not about any of these things.  The venue, the flowers, the cake – they all make for a beautiful day, and they very much did on this particular day, but what makes it even more perfect is the love, the family, the friends – and the uniting of all of these things.

It was a real honour to witness the wedding of Alex and Nicole recently, the coming together of two beautiful families, and a whole bunch of wonderful friends.  I did a little clap and dance inside when I learned that the Father that was to marry them also married Nicole’s mother, and Nicole’s sister.  I love little traditions like this, that weave a thread of commonality and unity through a family.  And I squealed out loud, just a little bit, when I saw their cake.  A literal Cheese Cake. Something so completely unique and as individual as they are as a couple.  These two aspects of the day kind of summed it up for me, a day of respectful tradition, woven together with an individuality and a newness that spoke of who they are, and who they hope to be.  And, yes, it was all about Love. And Family. And friends.

Nicole and Alex – I wish you much love and joy as you head into your wonderful future together, a new history in the making.

Narrelle x