I knew Rhys & Jessica’s wedding would be one to remember from the beginning. You see, around lunch time on Friday (day before the wedding) I got a last minute phone call asking if I was available to shoot Jess’s preparation for her big day.
“No worries!” I said. I almost always keep the entire day free for this very reason. “Just send me over the address, and I’ll make it happen.” Finding out that Jess was getting ready approx 45 minutes away from the church (and my house) meant my day just got a lot more interesting!

Arriving around 1-and-a-half hours before the ceremony was due to begin, Jess was getting the final touches on her make-up and all the bridesmaids were dressed and ready to go! After some quick introductions and photos of her dress & accessories, it was straight down to fitting and some formal photos. Jess was getting ready at her mother’s house, who had a great main bedroom which was flooded in natural light, perfect!
After a little mishap (that is worthy of a whole other blog post!) I made my way to Mortlake for the ceremony which was being held at St Patricks Catholic Church. After seeing Rhys and his groomsmen standing down the front and everyone eagerly awaiting Jess’s arrival, I see David (Rhys’s father) come rushing out the church! Knowing this isn’t normally a good sign, I quickly ask “everything still going ahead?”
“They forgot the bloody rings!” was his only reply. Just a note to all the best men out there…remember the rings!
After a quick ceremony and Jess’s 94 year-old grandmother handing her a horse shoe for good luck, it was off to Elkington Park, Balmain for some shots in the parklands and by the water.
Coming across some dog walkers as we were heading to the car…we couldn’t turn down a photo opportunity like that!
When we arrived at Ecco Restaurant, it was a little before the start time of 6:00PM and the guests were still arriving. We had some time to spare so spent a few minutes doing portraits with the bridal party overlooking the river.
As the sun set over the water behind Ecco Restaurant, the meals were cleared and a few tears during some speeches it was onto the dancing…and these guests knew how to dance! I don’t think there was anybody left sitting once the music started, and kept going till the music stopped.

As I mentioned at the start, this wedding will be one I won’t forget for a long time. Partly due to some of the stories and events (who forgets the rings on their wedding day?!) but also because it was FUN. Everyone I spoke to, all the guests were there to celebrate this great day and have fun…which always makes my day a lot easier.

I’ve put a few of my favourite photos from the day below, and will also be updating my main website (www.ap-photography.com.au) in the coming few days.

Jessica just after she's fitted her wedding dress

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Here is a taste of what’s to come in the next few weeks. Shot an amazing wedding and couldn’t resist sharing a few preview images!
Hope you enjoy :)

Rhys & Jessica | Preview 1

Rhys & Jessica | Preview 2

OK, before I start I have a confession to make – I may be a little biased about these photos and this event in general. Main reason being this is my lovely sister Jen getting married and I was given the honour of photographing her amazing day :)

Being that I am based in Sydney and only normally visit WA once a year, I was eager to get there and scout locations and had all my fingers crossed for the weather.
Most family and friends needed to travel some distance to get to Dunsborough (map), so all guests were invited to stay at the same place of the Wedding Ceremony, Halcyon Bay. Bring so close to the bride and groom as well as the ceremony location has its advantages. I had great access around the area, and it also meant I got to sleep in on the day! A walk down the driveway is a lot better than flying 5 hours!

Arriving at Jen’s house, she was already upstairs getting her hair and makeup done. The flowers had arrived, dress was hanging up and coffee was being made! After snapping a few details shots of the dress and other accessories (including Jen’s jewellery she made herself!), I took some candid’s of the bride then walked up the road to where Aaron was getting ready. These guys don’t waste any time! By the time I got there they were almost out the door and taking a casual stroll towards the beach for the ceremony.

The entire wedding was a very intimate event. The ceremony was very low key, with one of the main features being a sand ceremony in place of the traditional candle ceremony. Being so close to the beach, it worked perfectly!
I keep going on about the location of the wedding – it was that good! Everything so close, and picture perfect (excuse the pun).
After the ceremony, we walked 25 meters up the parklands and found some great shots with the lush greenery and trees. Then it was only another 15 meters and it was time to take off the shoes and get on the beach! Not a cloud in sight, the new couple looked amazing walking on the beach.

After the ceremony, we made our way to Busselton Jetty for the lunch time reception at The Goose Restaurant. After some great speeches from both sides of the family, it was time to finish the day and head back to Halcyon Bay. Before leaving, we got a great group photo in front of the restaurant and I asked Jen & Aaron if they’d like some shots down near the water. Not only did we get onto the sand, but we got into the water!
With the sun slowly setting, we drove to what is now one of my favourite spots I’ve ever photographed – Geographe Bay. This place is amazing. Crystal clear blue water, some great rock formations and white sand. The water was so blue it looked like it was painted there, and the setting sun cast a great light over the rocks. Jen & Aaron weren’t scared of getting on top of the rocks either - ”We’re only getting married once!”
After spending around 30 minutes taking photos, the shadows were chasing us and we made our way back to the guest house at Halcyon Bay for a well earned glass of Moet and a home cooked BBQ.

Looking back on this now, I can see I was incredibly fortunate to be able to capture this amazing day for Jen & Aaron. I hope they get as much enjoyment out of these photos in the years to come, as I do now.

As always, I’ve posted some of my own favourite photos from the day below, and added a few of them to my portfolio at www.ap-photography.com.au

Jen & Aaron at Geographe Bay

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