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Get ready to scroll folks, this was such a stunning day for photography! Not just the weather and light but the most cool, calm and collected couple who had a schedule like a dream! Join me on the fun adventures of Abby and David’s wedding at the National Aborteum in Canberra. You can’t get more iconic than a real wedding at the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion. And no they weren’t professional models! But they now have an alternative career path after this session with me!
The Arboretum had lots of special significant moments for the couple including this being the place that David proposed to Abby. I felt like this just added to the special love vibes of the day.
We started the day at the Burbury Hotel and Apartments. Both Abby and David had their own ground level apartments and what a great open and bring space to get ready in! I love when the bride and groom are in the same location and it’s so easy to float between them during the whole getting ready stage of the day. If you want to capitalise on a photographer’s time, this a great pro tip of how to do it.
Since the schedule we’d planned together was a little ahead – FYI – this rarely happens, but since there was no real bridal party, we had more time than a usual wedding day. I had scoped the hotel on the way in and found this beautiful sheltered walkway between all the buildings – win for the Burbury! The forecast had been for rain but we had sunshine! However it was still a super windy day. We decided to have the first look and some portraits right at the hotel to maximise on staying out of the wind. I think you would agree from the stunning photos we got, this was a VERY good idea.
I took some of the groom and his mates. Abby had a first look with dear old dad, what a sweet man. Then the main event – the bride and groom first look. One of my FAVOURITE parts of every wedding day.
Another pro tip, if you want to maximise your wedding day to be spent with friends and family AFTER the ceremony, then push more photos to BEFORE the ceremony. We met up with Abby and David’s immediate families early at the Cork Oaks car park to knock some family formals out of the way. It was a windy day, the clouds and sun couldn’t decide who would win so we shuffled back and forth chasing the best light, but it was a relaxed un-pressured session for the fam jam. Not to mention, yes more portraits.
We had done A LOT already but now it was time for the main event – the ceremony and reception. This was my first time at shooting at the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and wow does it knock your socks off! For such a simple space, the stunning views are eye catching. Yes Abby, I did get a lot of photos of your looking out the window instead of at David! Haha. It actually makes for some tricky backlight, but we managed to capture just a glimpse – good thing since the real highlight of the day is always those looks of love and commitment passed between the couple as they become man and wife.
After every good ceremony are more group photos! We had banged out a lot so this was a breeze! Not to mention fun! The benefit of the having a wedding at the National Arboretum is the stunning 360 views.
Now the Pavilion at the Arboretum is an intimate space. There were about 60 guests here and the mix and mingle was fun. There was no formal meal, but the canapés just kept rolling and there were full bellies all around. After the formal speeches, which were hilarious, I mean, I laugh a lot at weddings, but this was I had paid tickets to a stand up comic show it was so funny … and then the dancing. These awesome friends and family went to town! All the golden favourites were Brough on by Boom Box 2 U. My highlight was doing the Nutbush while trying to hold my camera still enough to get the guests doing it to. I do love a good dance.
Pro tip number #3, always nip out to catch the sunset during your reception. More portraits is what you are paying the best wedding photographer in Canberra for, so cash in on that amazing light!
I dare say this is my favourite wedding in Canberra to date. When a bride and groom put their trust in you like and old friend, are bold in trying new things, the weather is spectacular, then you can get smash out the most amazing photos in town. I love, love, love this session.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Drinkwater. May the days ahead be full of a fruitful and meaningful life with all your amazing family and friends to support you in all the adventures to come. Hope you call me back to immortalise the important moments too. Love you both!
If you’d like to capture your wedding day just like this be sure to get in contact here.
For more fun with brides and grooms from Canberra and Calgary (yes I go to Canada each summer) … before sure to stay tuned on my social media.
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TODAYS VENDOR LIST
Make up – Sarah Jane – Beauty and Makeup Artist
Florist – Urban Jungle Canberra
DJ – Boom Box 2 U
Catering – The Ginger Group
Groom’s suit – MJ Bale
