Samantha and Rien’s summer wedding at the Margaret Whitlam pavilion located at the national arboretum in Canberra. After the wedding we made the trip to the Cedar forest within him the Arboretum and took the bridal party and bridal portraits before moving on to the Reception at The Parlour wine bar in New Acton.
You might remember their magical engagement session at the gallery of Australia , Secret Garden amongst the mist and sculptures.
Their wedding coverage started at the house. When I got there Samantha and the girls were just relaxing watching TV . Their make-up and hair already been done, all was left was to get into the dresses.
After a quick set of portraits of Samantha and bridesmaids it was on to meet Rien and the boys at the Margaret Whitlam pavilion.
Ceremony – Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
When I arrived at the Margaret Whitlam pavilion Rien and groomsmens were enjoying the 180 degree views of Canberra from the balcony.
I kept Ryan’s photos extremely casual consideration as the ceremony was starting soon. Quick portraits of the boys and candid photos of the boys chatting.
All the guests had arrived, with only standing room at the venue. A nice touch was handing out little fans to all the guests to keep them comfortable on a extremely hot summer’s day.
The users gave the signal as Samantha was making her way along the gravel road in a vintage Packard.
The big wooden doors leading into the Margaret Whitlam pavilion opened and the bridesmaids walked down the aisle taking their position by the big bay window.
Samantha appeared with her father dressed in a stunning lace gown fighting to hold back tears of joy.
Celebrant Lisa Joy Teasdale Officiated the wedding and spoke beautifully. During the ceremony, Rien’s mother and Samantha’s sister also read hart felt poems.
Bridal Party Portraits – Cedar Forest
Shortly after the wedding we made the short trip to the Cedar Forest where we took the bride and groom portraits and the portraits of the bridal party.
The Cedar Forest was chosen because it had enough shade and a variety of locations that we could utilise without becoming a pool of sweat because of the hot summer weather.
We had some spare time before we moved on to the reception at Parlour. The last stop for the hire car was Ovolo Nishi in New Acton.
The bridal party had a quick drink I stole the bride and groom for a couple more relaxed portraits Before they headed up to the reception.
Reception – The Parlour wine room
Away from the traditional sit down three course meal you normally see at weddings. The Parlour Wine Room is the perfect balance of relaxed and formal. The friendly staff kept everyone feed and the alcohol flowing.
Since it wasn’t a sit down wedding it gave a unique feel to an already calm and relaxed day. I loved how accessible the bride and groom was to all their guests and it allowed me as a photographer to get more candid photos which is what they both really wanted