Destination wedding in Stanthorpe.
I’m always up for a destination wedding, so when Dan got down on one knee and gave me a ring out of a candy machine, and asked me to be his wedding photographer I almost cried!!
Honestly it was the best way anyone has ever asked me to be their photographer, and I was also handed a lanyard with VIP written on it which was very thoughtful and totally hilarious! I knew this wedding would be good!
Ellen grew up in Stanthorpe, and so when they decided to get married they chose this beautiful picturesque location. Wine Country need I say more!!
As my family were all invited to the wedding I made them get up and leave at 4am the day before the wedding just so I could get some shots of the sun coming up through the countryside. Unfortunately it was really dark and foggy, but just as we started climbing the mountain range through the glasshouse mountains the fog began to lift and I risked my life running across the highway to get a few shots in.
Friends from far and wide came for the wedding, and being there a day early meant I was able to attend the rehearsal and mingle with the guests before the big day, as well as check out the unfamiliar territory for some good locations. Meeting some of the guests or the bridal party before the wedding always helps to break the ice when your brandishing a camera in peoples faces all day long!
The girls went and got their hair done at Masquerade before going back to their little cottage retreat to have their makeup done by Beauty on High. The brides dress was from Bella Donna Bridal (Wendy Makin) in Brisbane, and shoes were Betts for Her. Flowers were supplied by Flowers of Elegance
The wedding was a traditional wedding at The Uniting Church, where a few of the locals had heard there was a wedding and decided to take a look. I love little country towns and their sticky beaking! Such a great community spirit!
Ellen’s brother played the bagpipes to honour their Scottish heritage.
In my little escapades around Stanthorpe I discovered their local train station which handles one train a week. I figured it was pretty safe to get in there and get some photos in this cute little station. Im sure the bridal party thought I was a weirdo! In fact they already know I am! haha!
They chose Varias Restaurant at the Queensland College of Wine and Tourism for their reception and the styling was handled by Stanthorpe Events and Hire.  The cake was made by Ellen’s very talented girlfriend Amber. Dan and Ellen’s first dance was spectacularly choreographed after taking professional lessons (and having to miss the occasional game of football). Ellen and her aunt also treated the guests (or maybe just couldn’t help themselves) doing the highland fling and a fun night was had by all!
Thank you Ellen & Dan for a wonderful weekend! xxx