Hairdresser/Makeup: Texture and Hue, Tanunda
Groom’s preparation accommodation: Novotel Barossa Valley
Bride’s preparation accommodation: Stonewell Cottages
Ceremony: St Johns Lutheran Church, Tanunda
Reception: The Farm Barossa Function Centre
Band: Rush Hour
(This is probably going to be a long post, so perhaps go and grab yourself a cuppa
)
I had promised myself at the end of 2010, that I would never again shoot a wedding the week before Christmas, because I was so exhausted by the time Christmas day had arrived, that I slept through it!… That was until I got Laura’s email… She first contacted me quite a few months before their wedding while she was living with Simon, in Darwin. The subject of the email was “17 December 2011″, and I quickly realised that it was the week before Christmas. Laura’s email was unlike any normal enquiry. She had written quite a lengthy message about her love for Simon, how excited she was about their wedding day, and how she had fallen in love with my photography, and was very much hoping that I would be available. Well, basically, she had me at hello. So there went my promise to myself, and I happily replied to Laura and told her that I would be available. She booked me on the spot and we were both very excited.
A couple of months later, Laura + Simon had travelled down from the NT to organise their wedding plans, and it was during this time that we met in person. I still maintain to this day that Laura could have pre-warned me that she had legs that went up to my eyeballs! She’s gorgeous!! Miss Glamazon And Simon, well he is truly gorgeous as well. Such a beautiful and gentle soul, not to mention dashingly handsome. (Poor Simon, was so unwell at our meeting, but kept soldiering on, only to find out later that he’d had pneumonia!) As we discussed the details of their day, Laura got teary with excitement, and I felt so privileged to be able to share in their wedding. I could not wait!
Finally their wedding day arrived. And it did not disappoint! It had absolutely everything you could think of… Laughter (LOTS of laughter), tears (lots of those too), rain, hail, wind, thunder and lightning, and a gorgeous rainbow. PLUS, dancing. LOTS of dancing at the reception. I loved it, and enjoyed having a little twirl myself!
My assistant for the day, Tanya, and I travelled up to Tanunda the night before so that we could get an early start with the girls at the salon. It was here that we met Laura’s bridesmaids, and a special mention to Amy who had us in stitches from the get-go. After the salon, we headed over to the Novotel to meet up with Simon and the boys. Such a great bunch! Simon’s parents were also there and were as lovely as could be! His mum is gorgeous and had a little cry every time she looked at Simon. It was soon time to finish up with the boys and head back to the girls at Stonewell Cottages. Now, let me give you a hot tip… don’t always listen to your GPS!! Mine decided to take Tanya and I cross-country along a MUD road. We were slip-sliding all over the road, mud was flicking up everywhere! My poor little car only just made it back to a normal road. It was actually quite a scary experience, and unless you are a rally car driver or driving a 4WD, I would recommend avoiding roads made of mud. But we made it back to the girls and everyone was enjoying a lovely glass of bubbly! Yes please!
I really should stop talking and let the photos tell the story, but I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to not only Laura + Simon, but also to their friends and family. Tanya and I were made to feel so very welcome, and really felt more like guests on the day than virtual strangers. We were sent home with a car full of beautiful flowers and delicious wine (from Simon’s Uncle’s vineyard “Seize the Day – Milhinch Wines“), and felt very spoilt by all the hugs and kisses as we left. I’m so glad I didn’t keep the promise to myself about not photographing a wedding before Christmas, because I will truly remember Laura + Simon’s wedding for the rest of my life. I loved it.
Now, on with the show!
Here are the girls getting pampered at Texture & Hue!
Meet Simon.
He was a busy bee when I arrived!
He then showed me the beautiful present that Laura had bought him… a fancy pants watch!
Simon and his mum. I live for moments like this.
Back at Laura’s, it was time to get dressed!
Time to get married! Exciting!
Newlyweds!
When it was time to do some portraits, we were all crossing our fingers that the rain would stay away. It did for a short time, but then it absolutely bucketed down!! Laura + Simon were absolute troopers though, and made the best out of the weather situation! Gumboots!
The weather soon became so bad that we decided to head over to the reception venue a little earlier, where everyone had alot of fun
cooking up a storm in Maggie Beer’s kitchen!
The beautiful bride.
The Farm Barossa Function Centre is always fabulous, and the details Laura + Simon had planned were gorgeous!
Just after the reception started, the skies cleared and so we quickly ran outside to get some more shots of Laura + Simon in the vineyards.
It was stunning!
Love. Laugh. Dance.
Laura + Simon, I know I’ve told you already, but I adore you both and I am so blessed to have been able to share your wedding day with you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
xox
www.allisonhernachphotography.com
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