Many of my bookings are the result of having forged close working relationships with my favourite wedding vendors over the years. It’s a symbiotic connection, as referrals flow back and forth. When you’ve especially enjoyed working alongside planners, venues, florists or celebrants, it only makes sense to recommend them to your own clients. And this is exactly the kind of relationship I enjoy with Leish and Mia and the team at Willow and Stone Estate. Apart from running a venue which is literally a photographer’s dream, they epitomise what proper hospitality is all about. Leish contacted me earlier this year wanting to know if I’d be interested in being part of their all inclusive Elopement packages. Naturally it was a yes from me! The result of this collaboration was finally realised with Ian and Bree’s elopement in early June.
Bree had decided that she and Ian would get married at Willow and Stone Estate long before she had even visited. In fact, from the moment she first saw photos online of the historic homestead, the rolling green lawns and the pristine manicured grounds, she had fallen in love. It became a very real canvas upon which to project her ideas and imaginings when planning the perfect Elopement. Fortunately for me, Leish pointed Bree in my direction and I was quickly brought on board to document the day. I’m not necessarily a believer that, as a photographer you already need to be familiar with a venue before you work there. After all, even venues that I now know like the back of my hand were once complete unknowns to me. In the case of shorter bookings however, such as micro weddings and elopements, I think familiarity is critical. When time is limited, you have to devise an approach that is bullet proof, no matter what’s thrown your way. This is as true of Melbourne Registry Office Elopements as much as it is of Yarra Valley Elopements or, in this case, Ballarat Elopements – the one constant is solid planning.
The forecast for the day was sketchy to put it mildly. Rain and wind were both forecast with temperatures in the single digits. However what transpired was anything but – still cold, but no rain or wind and even moments of pure sunshine. I don’t think even Ian and Bree could believe how fortunate they’d been with the weather. But in all honesty, we could have endured the worst winter weather imaginable and it wouldn’t have dampened the love or excitement that permeated this little celebration. Even after years of picturing the perfect day, Bree’s expectations were blown out of the water by what Leish and Mia put together. An intimate ceremony held in front of the historic house’s iconic red door, followed by a banquet that would satisfy the absolute most gourmand of eaters. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the day and I honestly can not wait for the next one!
Contact me today to discuss how we can bring your Micro Wedding plans to life!
