Melbourne wedding photos: Aaliya and Adam stand hand in hand in embroidered wedding outfits beneath tall dark pines on an overcast day
Home/Weddings/Aaliya & Adam
Real Muslim wedding · Melbourne

Muslim Wedding Photos: Aaliya & Adam

Melbourne

Cultural & Traditional Wedding · City: Melbourne

A letter board by the door spelling out Adam & Aaliya to be wed, a rose bouquet as round and red as a ball, and a house so full of family that guests stood shoulder to shoulder in the doorways. Aaliya and Adam’s winter wedding day in Melbourne had a veil lifted with the gentlest hands, happy tears from an older loved one and a slow, cold walk under the pines to finish. We felt lucky to be inside that room.

The gallery
Letter board spelling Adam & Aaliya to be wed in pink letters above a scatter of pink rosebuds at home
Aaliya in a white robe and navy headband smiles down at a makeup palette, seen through a window
Aaliya sits on a chair in a curtained bay window as a woman brushes on her lip colour
Close up of an eyeliner pencil tracing Aaliya's lower lashes, with orange and gold eyeshadow and a small nose stud
Pink and cream flowers in woven baskets and a Mr & Mrs sign before a carved timber sofa with blush satin cushions
Wedding rings resting on the round red rose bouquet, shot from above on a pale carpet
Sleeve of a cream and gold dress with a deep red embroidered cuff, hanging by a window
Close up of pink peonies and cream chrysanthemum style blooms set against a deep red rug
Strands of pearls and gold beads draped over sheer white and gold curtains, pinned with pink flowers
Cream and red lace favour boxes tied with ribbon, lined up on a silver tray
Glittering gold pointed heels laid on a navy and cream patterned rug before the wedding
Rows of red and gold bangles and jewelled hair pieces laid out on a patterned silk cushion
Red and gold bangles, drop earrings and a jewelled red and gold necklace arranged on deep red fabric
An older loved one in red and gold cradles a newborn while Aaliya has her makeup done by the window
An older loved one in a gold scarf smiles down at the sleeping newborn wrapped in cream in her arms
Smiling older loved one in glasses and a red and gold wrap holds the newborn in a lilac knitted beanie
Aaliya with red lips and a jewelled forehead pendant as a friend adjusts her red scarf
A friend in yellow slips gold heels onto Aaliya's feet while another in purple fixes her scarf
A friend in purple and navy settles the red scarf on Aaliya as she sits on the bed in cream and gold
Gold heel and jewelled anklet on a foot painted with fine dark red patterns, below a red and gold hem
Looking down on Aaliya's smile, red lips and red scarf as hands pin a jewelled pendant at her brow
Aaliya's patterned hands and ring resting on the cream and gold embroidered skirt of her dress
The older loved one in red and gold works bangles onto Aaliya's wrist as she sits in cream and gold
One patterned hand resting in Aaliya's lap between the deep red and gold embroidered cuffs of her dress
Aaliya holds out her hand to show the bangles as the older loved one in red and gold looks on
Stack of gold, red and crystal bangles at Aaliya's wrist above a hand covered in fine dark red patterns
The older loved one in red and gold wraps an arm around Aaliya for a close portrait in warm window light
Aaliya grins up at the camera in her red scarf and jewelled pendant while a friend holds her hands
Seated portrait of Aaliya in a cream and gold embroidered dress, red scarf and gold and red jewellery
A friend in orange eases bangles over Aaliya's patterned hand as she sits on the bed
A friend in orange hugs Aaliya cheek to cheek as both smile at the camera in the bedroom
Calm front-on portrait of Aaliya in red lips, red scarf and a jewelled necklace over cream and gold
Aaliya beams on the bed with her round red rose bouquet in her lap, a warm lamp glowing behind her
Two friends in tan scarves draw a sheer cream and gold edged veil around Aaliya's shoulders
Aaliya in her cream veil with two smiling friends in tan scarves either side of her
Aaliya gazes straight through a sheer cream veil dotted with gold as a hand lifts it from above
The red and gold embroidered border of the veil raised over Aaliya's head as she glances down
Aaliya grins out from under the sheer cream veil held high above her like a little tent
Friends' hands smooth the cream veil with its red and gold border around Aaliya's face
Close profile of Aaliya with lowered eyes, long lashes and red lips under the gold embroidered veil edge
Aaliya smiles in profile as a friend tucks the gold embroidered veil edge in beside her earring
Detail of red lips, a red and gold jewelled necklace and the embroidered bodice framed by the cream veil
Aaliya looks out through the sheer veil with its jewelled pendant and embroidered border, in black and white
Aaliya in her veil stands beside the older loved one in red and gold for a smiling portrait in the hallway
The older loved one in a red paisley wrap pulls a laughing Aaliya into a warm hug
Aaliya plants a kiss on the cheek of the smiling older loved one in red and gold
Aaliya in cream and gold stands with five women in tan, yellow, blue, navy and red scarves against a pale wall
Full length group of Aaliya, her friends and the older loved one under a glowing pendant lamp
Aaliya's friends lean in and laugh around her as the group shuffles close for a portrait
A friend in a violet scarf and lilac lace stands beside Aaliya, veiled, holding her red roses
A friend in navy and purple satin smiles over Aaliya's shoulder as she sits with her red roses
A friend in a tan scarf and black embroidered top leans her head against Aaliya for a close portrait
The friend in tan kisses Aaliya's cheek while she smiles at the camera holding her red bouquet
Aaliya sits alone with the red rose bouquet, the cream veil with gold embroidery falling over her shoulders
A friend in a mustard scarf and black and white patterned top sits close beside Aaliya and her bouquet
Friends in navy and orange pull wide eyed faces at a phone held out for a selfie
Four friends in orange, navy, yellow and tan scarves squeeze in cheek to cheek for a selfie
A smiling young man in a black cap and glasses puts an arm around Aaliya for a close portrait
A friend in black and cream settles a sheer orange scarf over a guest's head beneath a woven fan
Quiet portrait of Aaliya with her red bouquet beside an older loved one in a grey and silver wrap
Aaliya's open palms painted with dark red swirls and the couple's names, gold bangles stacked at each wrist
Patterned fingers with a diamond ring wrapped around the stem of the round red rose bouquet
The dressed timber sofa in gold and blush satin waits empty under sheer white curtains, carved screens and pink roses
Three older men in caps sit talking on timber chairs beneath a row of framed posters as guests arrive
A row of smiling women in colourful scarves gathers by the door, one flashing a peace sign
Four friends in navy, tan and mustard scarves pose arm in arm below a framed painting
Men in caps sit cross legged on rugs before the dressed sofa, reading from books on carved stands and in their hands
Older women in scarves sit along the wall with booklets while children kneel on the carpet in front
Men of all ages sit on a green patterned rug by the window, each reading from an open booklet
A young man in a black cap and glasses reads from a booklet on the floor in soft window light
Older men in white and black caps follow along in yellow and white booklets, seated close in the lounge
One man in a black cap reads into a red microphone as others sit on rugs before the dressed sofa
Wide view of the room with men seated in a ring on green and red rugs, bottled water lined up in the middle
Women and girls in scarves sit on chairs and patterned rugs by a big window while the men read nearby
An older man in a white cap reads from a large book on a carved timber stand in front of the dressed sofa
A guest in a black cap and glasses reads from a yellow booklet, seated cross legged before the dressed sofa
An older man in purple satin and a black cap reads from a yellow booklet, a red microphone in his hand
A guest in rust silk waves drifting smoke towards himself from a pierced brass burner held out in the hallway
A young man in glasses and a dark jacket wafts smoke rising from a pierced brass burner
A smiling man in purple satin rests a hand on his chest as smoke curls from the brass burner beside him
An older man in a brown robe and white cap stands reading aloud from a booklet in front of the dressed sofa
Men young and old stand shoulder to shoulder in the lounge, reading aloud together from small booklets
The men now standing in a long row across the room, booklets open, as more guests fill the doorway
A bearded young man in a dark jacket reads aloud between older guests in white caps and a plaid scarf
An older man with a white beard and navy cap reads from a booklet beside a guest in a white cap
Three men in long brown and purple robes stand under the pink rose garland, reading from their booklets
A barefoot young man in a long dark robe and black cap stands on the red rug, reading from a yellow booklet
A young man in glasses speaks into a red microphone by the curtained window as others hold yellow booklets
Four young men in white, black and rust stand by the curtains with booklets held in both hands
Women in scarves of pink, sage and teal stand along the far room reading, one cradling a small child
A woman in a cream scarf and dark parka cradles the sleeping newborn while women stand reading behind her
An older guest in grey and silver stands beside a seated older loved one in lilac by the kitchen
Men seated in a circle before the dressed sofa hold up open palms as one leads with a microphone
Smiling guests in orange, cream, blue and red line up together for a group portrait by the door
The whole ring of men raises open palms together on the green rug before the pink and gold dressed sofa
The friend in orange holds a tray of rosebuds and a small ring box as friends in yellow, tan and navy look on
A little girl in peach holding a white rose leads friends in navy and tan through a doorway
The older loved one in grey and silver and a laughing friend in mustard come through the door together
Friends in violet and mustard scarves wait by a doorway, watching for the procession to move
The friend in orange carries a tray of rosebuds and a ring box down the hall towards the lounge
Aaliya steps through the doorway with her round red bouquet, face hidden behind the cream veil, as the room turns
The older loved one in red and gold sits beside Aaliya, still veiled, by the curtained window
Veiled Aaliya sits with her red roses as the older loved one in red and gold smiles behind her
An older man with a white beard films on his phone from the rug while guests crowd in around him
An older loved one in a white scarf sits by the window beside Aaliya, whose veil still covers her face
Guests look across at veiled Aaliya and her round red roses, the carved screen and window light behind them
Adam in a cream embroidered jacket and red trousers walks in through the doorway as guests raise their phones
Adam smiles softly in his cream and gold embroidered jacket, hands clasped, as the packed lounge watches
The older loved one in red and gold sits waiting on the carved sofa by the window, hands folded in her lap
An older loved one in a brown cap sits cross legged on a shaggy rug, a tissue in hand, beside a pink flower urn
Guests stand packed against the curtains in coats and scarves, one holding a phone up high to film
Children and adults squeeze shoulder to shoulder at the edge of the crowded lounge, phones held out
A guest lifts a camera to his eye while others stand with folded arms in the back of the packed room
A bearded man in a white cap speaks into a lapel microphone, seated cross legged before a carved screen
A guest in rust silk sits by the doorframe as a young man in a long white robe leans in to listen
A woman in a coral scarf and a young man in black stand watching at the back of the crowd
A young guest in a denim jacket films on his phone as an older man waits with a camera in hand
Veiled Aaliya sits by the bright window as an older loved one in grey and friends in scarves look on
An older man in purple satin and a green cap gazes down with a quiet smile, hands clasped
Adam sits perfectly still on a cushion, cross legged in cream and red, beside pink flowers on a white pillar
Adam in cream and gold holds a red microphone as an older man in a brown cap and dark green robe smiles beside him
Adam and the older man in the brown cap shake hands, each holding a microphone, below a vase of pink roses on a white pillar
An older loved one in a cream scarf smiles from the window seat as guests in tan scarves hold up phones to watch
A loved one in glasses, a red and gold paisley robe and a glittering bronze scarf smiles quietly by the window
Adam slides a ring onto Aaliya's patterned finger, her wrists stacked with red and gold bangles
Adam takes Aaliya's hand as she sits veiled in cream and gold, guests behind her filming on their phones
Aaliya sits still behind the sheer cream veil, its deep red and gold border framing her face, as Adam leans close
Close up of Adam's hand holding Aaliya's fingers, painted in fine dark red patterns and stacked with red and gold bangles
Adam presses his palms together before veiled Aaliya as guests peer in through the window from outside
A packed room of guests breaks into applause, one man lowering his camera to clap
Guests standing and kneeling at the back of the room laugh and cheer, phones and a camera raised high
Adam kneels on the patterned rug in cream and red, holding veiled Aaliya's hands as women behind them film
Adam grins up at veiled Aaliya with her hands in his, a row of women in scarves smiling behind him
Seated guests in caps and winter jackets burst out laughing, an older man in a white embroidered cap beaming among them
Rows of standing guests in denim, green and checked shirts laugh together beneath a ceiling projector
A grinning crowd of friends and children squeezes into the back of the room, several filming on their phones
Adam reaches for Aaliya's hands as she sits veiled between two seated loved ones, women filming over her shoulder
Adam lifts the cream veil back over Aaliya's head with both hands, her red lips and jewelled pendant now showing
Adam leans in close as Aaliya's face is cradled in patterned hands, the veil folded back over her red scarf
A friend in a tan scarf arranges the gold edged veil on Aaliya's head as she smiles with red lips
Adam cups Aaliya's face in his hands while a friend in tan tucks the veil in at her brow
Aaliya laughs with her eyes closed as Adam holds her face, an older loved one in a cream scarf smiling behind
Adam presses a kiss to Aaliya's forehead, his hand cradling her gold embroidered veil edge
Aaliya bows her head over Adam's hand as he holds hers, guests close behind filming the moment
Adam takes the hand of the smiling loved one in red and gold paisley and a glittering silver scarf
Two older men share a warm hug, one in a brown cap and glasses smiling over the other's shoulder
Eyes lowered, an older man in a white and blue embroidered cap holds the embrace against sheer white drapes
Adam smiles at the camera as he signs the paperwork, a bearded man in a white cap and black coat beside him
Aaliya signs the paperwork with a patterned hand as a friend in a pale yellow scarf watches closely
Head bowed under the veil, Aaliya signs her name, red and gold bangles stacked above fingers painted in dark red swirls
Aaliya sits poised with red lips and a jewelled pendant, the veil now framing her face, papers resting by her hands
The older loved one in the brown cap laughs beside the loved one in red and gold on the sofa, pink flowers behind
Adam disappears into a bear hug with the older loved one in the brown cap as children and guests look on
The loved one in red and gold paisley wraps Aaliya in a tight hug, her cheek pressed to the veil
The older loved one in the brown cap hugs Adam close while Aaliya embraces the loved one in red behind them
Aaliya smiles across at the older loved one in the brown cap, Adam standing beside her in beaded cream
Adam grins at the older loved one in the brown cap while Aaliya stands quietly in her gold edged veil
The loved one in red and gold chats warmly with Aaliya in profile in front of floral curtains
Aaliya rests her cheek on the shoulder of the older loved one in the brown cap as they hug, guests filming behind
Adam hugs the loved one in red and gold paisley, her hand with its watch resting on his back
Overcome, the older loved one in the brown cap holds Aaliya tight as Adam reaches out to another hug behind them
The older loved one in the brown cap bows his head with a teary smile beside Aaliya's sheer cream veil
Aaliya with red lips and a jewelled brow pendant looks up at the older loved one in the brown cap, Adam smiling behind
Glasses in one hand, the older loved one in the brown cap wipes his eyes with a tissue as Aaliya stands beside him
The older loved one in the brown cap breaks into a broad smile, the loved one in red and gold laughing beside him
The loved one in red and gold paisley gives a gentle smile, a carved timber screen and wall clock behind her
Adam bows his head as a seated man in a pale short sleeved shirt takes his hands, a friend holding the red roses behind
The man in the pale shirt grins over Adam's shoulder as he pulls him into a back slapping hug
Aaliya leans into a hug from the man in the pale shirt, her bangled hand resting on his knee
Adam hugs an older loved one in a cream scarf and grey embroidered top while Aaliya smiles behind them
The older loved one in the cream scarf and pink jewelled brooch looks away with misty eyes after a hug
The older loved one in the cream scarf laughs as hands rest on her grey embroidered shoulder by the sofa
Eyes brimming, the older loved one in the cream scarf holds Aaliya close in a quiet hug beneath the veil
Adam beams as he clasps the hands of a seated older man in a navy jumper and gold patterned tie
Adam leans down to hug the older man in navy while a white haired loved one in teal holds Aaliya's hand
The older man in navy closes his eyes as he hugs Adam tight, a guest in a purple scarf filming behind
Adam smiles beside Aaliya's gold embroidered veil as guests in purple and mustard scarves wait their turn
The white haired loved one in teal looks down with a soft smile beside the older man in navy
Aaliya and Adam hold hands on the dressed sofa for their first photo together, his red trousers matching her round rose bouquet
A big family group gathers around the seated couple in the decorated lounge, some kneeling on the red rug, a toddler stretched across two laps
A young man lifts a giggling toddler beside the sofa while a woman in a lilac scarf stands with Aaliya and Adam
Aaliya and Adam turn to smile at each other on the dressed sofa, pink cushions and pearl strands around them
Three loved ones in navy, coral and pale blue stand behind the seated couple, a Mr & Mrs sign among the flowers
Five loved ones line up behind Aaliya and Adam on the dressed sofa, including the older loved one in the brown cap
Wide view of the decorated lounge with Aaliya and Adam on the sofa, five loved ones behind and pink flowers either side
Eight loved ones in rust, orange, grey and plum robes stand in a row behind the couple on the dressed sofa
Rows of family sit, kneel and stand on the red rug around Aaliya and Adam, a little girl in pink on one lap
The big family group breaks into laughter and playful poses around the couple, one guest reaching an arm up behind
Aaliya and Adam on the sofa with loved ones around them, a little girl in orange tights sitting cross legged in front
Three loved ones in a brown wrap, pale shirt and purple scarf stand behind the smiling couple between glowing lamps
A friend in a purple scarf and blue lace leans in beside Aaliya on the sofa as Adam sits smiling, hand in hand with her
A friend in a navy scarf holds out a phone for a selfie with Aaliya, Adam and a friend in mustard on the dressed sofa
Outside under dark pines, Aaliya and Adam hold hands on the grass beside a friend in a mustard scarf and black and white wrap
Aaliya and Adam stand hand in hand on the lawn with three friends in black, navy and mustard against tall dark trees
Aaliya links arms with two friends in tan and mustard scarves on damp grass, her red roses held close, on a grey winter afternoon
Two friends in tan and mustard scarves kiss Aaliya on both cheeks as she grins, dark trees soft behind
Aaliya laughs up at Adam on the grass, her round red bouquet held at her waist, pines and shrubs around them
Adam leads a beaming Aaliya across the lawn by the hand, her veil and red roses swinging as they walk
Hand in hand, Adam glances back at Aaliya as she follows him over the grass with her red rose bouquet
Aaliya looks back over her shoulder as Adam leads her towards the pines, the veil's gold border trailing down her back
Aaliya grins at the camera with her cheek against Adam's chest, her bangled, patterned hand wrapped around him
Close portrait of Adam resting his face on Aaliya's head as she closes her eyes beneath the red and gold veil border
Adam kisses Aaliya's brow as she leans into him, the long cream veil falling behind her against deep green pines
Aaliya stands alone on the winter grass in cream and gold, her round red bouquet at her side and dark pines behind
Adam stands tall on a grassy path in his cream embroidered jacket, red trousers and navy sneakers
Adam smiles in a beaded cream jacket with deep red trim, standing before a wall of dark trees
Close portrait of Adam in glasses and a high beaded collar, his head tilted with a quiet half smile
Adam walks ahead holding Aaliya's hand as she follows calmly in cream and gold, her veil spread wide
Adam glances back at Aaliya as he leads her across the grass, faded bunting strung through the trees above
Aaliya and Adam hold hands among tall pine trunks, the overcast sky glowing through the branches
Aaliya and Adam stand side by side holding hands, small beneath towering pines on a grey afternoon
Smiling, Aaliya walks hand in hand with Adam past a bright green shrub, her cream veil framing her face
Aaliya's patterned palms rest in Adam's hands, Adam's name traced in dark red on one, gold bangles stacked at her wrists
Adam looks down with a gentle smile as he holds Aaliya's bangled hand, a dark stand of pines behind him
Aaliya twirls on the damp grass, the long cream veil with its gold border swinging out behind her
Arms wide, Aaliya spins under the bare pine branches as her veil fans out in a cream and gold arc
Aaliya and Adam stand close and smile under the pines, her gold bordered veil falling to her hem
Aaliya leans in with her patterned hand on Adam's arm, both smiling softly against the dark winter trees
Close portrait of Aaliya looking over her shoulder with red lips as Adam smiles down at her beside him
Aaliya tucks her hand into Adam's arm and rests her head towards his shoulder at the edge of the pines
The wedding story

Our Melbourne winter wedding photos: a veil lifted, happy tears in a packed lounge and portraits under the pines

A letter board and roses at home · Bangles, red lips and gold heels · A packed lounge for the ceremony · The veil lifted · Hugs and happy tears · Garden portraits under the pines

Read the full story

To be wed

The first thing we saw was a letter board on a white cabinet: Adam & Aaliya to be wed, in pink letters, with a scatter of pink roses below it. In the lounge a carved timber sofa had been dressed with sheer white curtains, cushions in blush satin and big vases of pink and cream flowers, with a Mr & Mrs sign on the rug. That sofa would carry the whole afternoon. We photographed it empty and tidy first, with the window light falling across it, because it never looked that calm again.

Gold, red and a newborn

Aaliya’s bangles were laid out on a patterned cushion, rows of red and gold that clinked every time someone picked them up. Gold heels waited on the rug, and an older loved one walked past cradling a newborn wrapped in cream, beaming at us over the blanket. In winter, house light goes warm and orange very quickly, so we kept to the windows for details and faces. A slightly slower shutter and a steady hand let us skip the flash and keep that golden feeling.

Bangles and red lips

Aaliya sat in a cream and gold dress with deep red embroidery, red lips and a red scarf framing her face. A loved one in red and gold bent over her to work the bangles over her hands, one at a time, and then pulled her into a hug. Another friend in orange squeezed her cheek to cheek. We worked close with a short lens for these, because in a small room a wide shot just shows furniture, while a tight frame shows how people hold each other.

A canopy of veil

Next came the veil. Two of her friends lifted a length of sheer cream fabric high over Aaliya’s head like a little tent, and she looked up at us from underneath it, grinning. Then it settled around her shoulders and the bridesmaids and friends crowded in: kisses on the cheek, a group in every colour against the wall and a phone held out for a selfie that we photographed from just behind. An older loved one in grey stood with her for a quiet portrait, the red bouquet between them.

A full house

Soon the house was overflowing. Older guests sat along the walls, the lounge carpet disappeared under people sitting cross-legged, and late arrivals squeezed into the doorways with phones held high. Adam sat on a cushion in front of the dressed sofa in a cream and gold embroidered jacket and red trousers, perfectly still. Packed rooms are where planning pays off: we took our spot near the sofa early and kept a second angle from the doorway, so we never had to push through anyone.

The veil lifted

Aaliya came through the doorway with her round red bouquet, her face hidden behind the cream veil, and the whole room turned. She sat facing Adam, close enough to touch. Then he reached up and lifted the veil back over her head with both hands, slowly and carefully, and her smile came out from underneath it. He held her face for a second and the room let out its breath. We shot it on a longer lens from the side so his hands and her eyes were both in the frame.

Signatures and happy tears

Aaliya signed her paperwork with a gold-ringed hand while friends leaned over her shoulder to watch. Then the hugging started. Two older men embraced in the middle of the room, Adam disappeared into one hug after another, and an older loved one in a brown cap held Aaliya tight and then wiped his eyes with a tissue. It was over in moments. We stayed on his face rather than hers, because his tears told the story, and Aaliya’s answering smile was right there beside him.

Family on the dressed sofa

Then the two of them sat side by side on the dressed sofa for their first photo together, Adam’s red trousers matching her bouquet exactly. Family groups followed: a few close loved ones at a time, then a big group of everyone who fitted on the rug, sitting, kneeling and standing in rows. In a lounge we stand on a chair to look slightly down on a large group, which keeps every face visible and hides the furniture at the edges of the frame.

Cold air under the pines

We finished outside, where the afternoon was grey, damp and cold, and perfect for portraits. Under a stand of dark pines, Aaliya and Adam held hands and walked towards us, laughed into each other’s shoulders and stood forehead to forehead. Aaliya twirled and the veil swung out around her. We came in close on her patterned palms resting in Adam’s hands, bangles stacked at her wrist. Cloud on a winter afternoon is a gift: no squinting, no harsh shadows, and every green deep and rich.

Photographer's venue notes

A family home in Melbourne: a packed lounge for the vows and a grey winter walk under the pines

Read the venue notes

The lounge, the hallway and the pines

Everything for Aaliya and Adam happened within a few steps. Getting ready took place in a bedroom and by a curtained bay window, the ceremony filled the lounge in front of the dressed sofa, and the hallway became the route in, with friends carrying a tray of rosebuds and a ring box towards the room. Afterwards the same sofa became the backdrop for the first couple frames and every family group, so nothing had to be reset. Only at the very end did we step outside, onto a damp lawn under a stand of dark pines.

Winter light, inside and out

Inside, the day was lit by big windows and a handful of warm lamps. We let the bay window carry the makeup and jewellery frames, and once the lounge filled, the bright window beside veiled Aaliya gave us a clean edge of light on her profile. Outdoors it was a grey, cold afternoon with wet grass, and that cloud was exactly what we hoped for: skin stayed even, the cream and gold of her dress kept its detail, and the pines turned a deep green. Bare branches overhead let a little extra sky glow through.

Where we stood in a full room

With guests on rugs, along the walls and crowding the doorways, our position mattered more than any lens. One of us held a low spot close to the sofa so Adam’s hands on the veil and Aaliya’s face were both visible, while the other worked from the back for the wide view of guests reacting, phones and cameras raised. That back angle also caught Aaliya’s entrance as the whole room turned. Later, for the big family group on the red rug, a little height let everyone from the kneeling children to the back row show clearly.

Tips for a house wedding in winter

Head outside for portraits as soon as the hugs and signing wind down, because a grey winter afternoon loses its light early and the cold arrives fast. You need very little: Aaliya and Adam had only a patch of lawn and a stand of pines, and it was plenty. Keep a warm layer for the bride to slip off between frames, and give the veil room to swing, since a twirl on open grass shows off its gold border beautifully. Inside, dress one spot properly, as this family did with the sofa, and it will carry the whole day.

Keep exploring

Melbourne weddings

More real weddings across the city