Canberra Nara park is becoming a popular destination for Canberra weddings. It’s located right on Lake Burley Griffin and only minutes to the city center. It also has ample space to cater for even the largest of weddings and large trees to shield the wind.
Wedding of Bridie and Sandon at Canberra Nara Park. The reception took place at the Rydges Capital Hill, Canberra on the 9th April 2016 (Photo by Mike Biboudis / www.BiblinoImages.com.au)
In fact when I photographed Bridie & Sandon’s wedding recently. There was another wedding taking place at the same time.
The photography coverage started from the ceremony, and ended well into the night. With an emphasis on documenting in the moment, candid photos.
Their ceremony took place on the Point of Nara Park, right on the water’s edge. The Yarralumla Yacht Club was to the left of us, Commonwealth bridge to the right and Black Mountain as our backdrop.
You just couldn’t fault it. Mother nature even came to the table with a bright, blue skied, sunny day.
Sandon stood near the water’s edge with his three grooms men, waiting for Bridie to arrive.
The walk down the aisle had to be a world record!
Bridie, accompanied by her sister. Made the long walk from the car park, along the stone path that split the Nara peace park in two. Coming to a stop at a tree that blocked their view from Sandon and their guests.
Once the signal was given. Bridie’s sister first made the walk to the waters edge, wearing a red form fitting lace dress.
Bridie started her walk down the aisle, wearing an A line inspired wedding dress with a hint of red ruffled chiffon.
Sandon, meet Bridie half way and they walked down the aisle together.
The wedding ceremony, was beautifully spoken by Gina Callan and officiated a hand-fasting ceremony. And included a reading by both of their mothers.
During a hand-fasting ceremony The bride and groom join hands and a ribbon or cloth is wrapped around their hands as a symbol “to formally promise, to make a contract”. It’s also where the term tying the knot comes from.
Bridie, whose voice was just amazing. Sung and played an acoustic song for Sandon, that had most of their guests in tears.
Following the ceremony was the large group photo with all the wedding guests, using black mountain as the backdrop. Then it was on to the family portraits, followed by portraits of the bridal party.
For the bride & groom portraits, we used the bridge and surrounding areas of the Nara park. Its also known as the Japanese peace gardens. A Japanese themed garden gifted by the people of Nara to Canberra to celebrate the sister city link between Canberra and Japan.
We also use the stairs of the Canberra Beijing garden, also located within the Lennox gardens.
After their portraits, they took a small break to reflect on the day. This is starting to be a trend that I’m glad to seeing happen more and more at the weddings I Photograph.
A wedding day is long and can be intense. Such a simple and important thing to do for yourselves. The perfect time to take a break is between the ceremony and reception.
From here it was on to the reception at the Rydges Capital hill in Canberra, at their Wellington room
Their invited Guests, treated to drinks and canapes before the bride and groom arrived.
The proceedings started with the speeches. Separated by the three course meal which is a pretty cool way of doing it and kept the night going.
After the best man speech, It was time for the cake cutting and the bride & groom first dance. Followed by dancing with their guests well into the night.
Are you getting married at the Canberra Nara Peace park or Rydges Capital hill? Consider using the experience of Biblino Images. Call 0410 691 114 or fill out the contact form for availability and a quote.