St Sava Church wedding photos: Momir and Biljana lean in close beneath the white angled walls of the Bicentennial Conservatory in bright sun, Adelaide
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Real church wedding · Woodville Park, Adelaide

St Sava Church Wedding Photos: Momir & Biljana

St Sava Church · Woodville Park SA · Adelaide

Ballroom Wedding · Church & Cathedral Wedding · Cultural & Traditional Wedding · City: Adelaide · Venues: Festival Function Centre · St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church · West Lakes Shore Beach

A white tuxedo jacket waiting on a stand, jewelled crowns under a golden church ceiling and a veil wrapping round two people in the dunes. Momir and Biljana’s day ran from two family homes to a church in Woodville Park, the glasshouse at the Adelaide Botanic Garden and the sand at West Lakes Shore, then on to the reception at Festival Function Centre in Findon. We were with them from the first champagne cork to the last kiss by the sea, and it was a big, joyful, crowded day.

The gallery
Momir's white tuxedo jacket with black satin lapels waiting on a stand for the church, beside his shoes and a framed family portrait
White quilted wedding cake with pearl trim and a red and gold crest printed above the couple's first names
Momir in a white shirt and black bow tie spraying cologne by the window as he gets ready for the church
Momir straightening the black satin lapel of his patterned white jacket on the stand by a timber glass door
A friend in a white shirt settles the white tuxedo jacket onto Momir's shoulders in front of the timber door
Momir crouching between two little boys in black vests and bow ties who hold red, blue and white flags
Momir and a groomsman in a black tuxedo with arms round each other's shoulders, grinning in front of the glass door
Momir and a groomsman clapping their hands together in a high ten, laughing by the dressmaker's dummy
Momir and his groomsman clasping hands in a hearty shake, both beaming as the morning light pours through the door
Momir in his white jacket between a woman in a navy and gold floral gown and a man in a charcoal suit
Momir grinning as a woman in navy floral lace and a man in a dark suit kiss him on both cheeks
Momir with one hand in his pocket beside an older loved one in a charcoal suit and patterned blue tie
Momir cheek to cheek with a smiling woman in navy lace embroidered with gold flowers, his arm round her shoulders
Momir and a bearded groomsman in black tuxedos flanked by the woman in navy lace and the man in a navy suit
Momir in white beside a bearded groomsman in a black tuxedo, both smiling next to the dressmaker's dummy
Momir lined up in the living room with his five groomsmen in black tuxedos and bow ties before the church ceremony
Momir laughing beside a groomsman in a black tuxedo, framed by beige curtains and the timber door
Momir and a fair haired groomsman with a wide grin standing shoulder to shoulder against the bright glass door
Momir with a hand in his pocket next to a dark haired groomsman in a black shawl collar tuxedo
Momir playfully pressing a hand to a bearded groomsman's chest as they pose together by the door
Momir standing close beside a woman with soft blonde waves in a blush satin wrap dress
Momir with the two little boys in black vests, the woman in blush satin and a man in a black tuxedo
Momir alone by the window in his white jacquard tuxedo jacket, hands in pockets and smiling before heading to church
Biljana's tiered white tulle gown on a stand beside a rail of blush bridesmaid dresses, ready for her church wedding
Biljana's jewelled gold heels, crystal drop earrings and a pearly white clutch set out on a clear acrylic stand
Biljana laughing in a white satin robe as a soft brush sweeps blush across her cheek
Biljana in a white robe on a folding chair while a stylist in black pins the long veil into her hair
Biljana in her veil and white robe on the bed with five bridesmaids in lilac robes under rose gold BRIDE balloons
Biljana popping a bottle of champagne on the bed as her bridesmaids in lilac robes squeal and duck
Biljana in her beaded bodice and tulle skirt between an older man in a white shirt and a woman in blue lace before the church
An older loved one in a white shirt smiling over at Biljana, her lace bodice sharp and a woman in blue lace blurred in front
An older loved one kissing Biljana's hand as she grins and a woman in blue lace looks on beside them
Biljana laughing as the woman in blue lace covers her mouth with delight and the older man holds her hand to his face
Biljana with loved ones in the living room, from a woman in blush to a man in a bow tie and a baby in florals
Biljana and her family laughing together in a second group, the baby in a floral dress held high on the right
Biljana smiling between a man holding a laughing baby in a floral dress and a woman in a pale blue dress
A bridesmaid with dark hair fastening a small earring for Biljana, who smiles with her blonde hair swept into a low bun
Biljana looking down as a pair of hands fastens her earring above the beaded lace straps of her gown
Close view of Biljana tucking a curl behind her ear as she adjusts her earring, her veil falling behind
Biljana from behind in her open back lace bodice and veil, checking the huge tulle skirt in a tall mirror before the church
Biljana holding her white and blush rose bouquet beside a dark haired bridesmaid in a long blush gown
Biljana and a bridesmaid in a blush halter gown smiling at each other, white roses held at her waist
Biljana and a bridesmaid with a long curled ponytail holding each other and grinning, pink and white roses in hand
Biljana posing cheek close with a smiling bridesmaid in blush, both holding their rose bouquets with satin ribbons
Biljana and a dark haired bridesmaid in a one shoulder blush gown pouting for a playful air kiss
Biljana throwing her head back and raising her bouquet as two bridesmaids in blush lift her tulle skirt
Biljana sitting on a deep red sofa with her white rose bouquet before the church, her tulle skirt spread across the cushions
Biljana touching the white and pink roses in her bouquet, her beaded straps catching the light against the red sofa
Biljana seated in the corner of the red sofa, her long veil and white tulle layers sweeping over the cushions
High angle portrait of Biljana gazing to one side on the red sofa, roses tied with white satin in her lap
Biljana in profile on the red sofa, hands resting on her tulle skirt with the bouquet laid beside her
Biljana glancing down at her layered skirt as she spreads it across the timber floor in front of the red sofa
Biljana swishing her full tulle skirt and long veil as she turns in the living room, bouquet raised in one hand
Biljana stepping out along the sunny brick path as a bridesmaid in blush carries her tulle train behind
Momir with his groomsmen and loved ones in dark caps by a black stretch limousine bound for the church, two boys holding flags
Momir throwing his head back with laughter under the rose arch as a red apple dangles and older men cheer
Biljana pausing under an archway in the hallway as an older man opens the front door to a crowd of guests
Biljana raising her bouquet and flinging her arms wide in the hallway, nearly ready to leave for the church
Biljana pulled into a hug at the front door, her rose bouquet held high while guests film from outside
Biljana smiling up as Momir leans in at the doorway, a man in a dark cap waving a hand high behind them
Biljana pinning a white rose buttonhole to Momir's lapel as he smiles down at her
A guest in sunglasses and a white sash waving a huge red, blue and white flag high above the parked cars
Biljana blowing a kiss under the red and white rose arch in the front yard, her veil trailing across the path
A man in a navy suit, dark cap and white sash between two bridesmaids in blush gowns and sashes
Biljana with three bridesmaids in blush gowns and white sashes beneath the rose arch before leaving for the church
Biljana and Momir under the rose arch with two bridesmaids and a groomsman in a dark cap holding a round wooden flask
Full length portrait of Biljana, Momir, two bridesmaids and a bearded groomsman with a wooden flask beneath the arch
Biljana and her five bridesmaids in blush and white sashes throwing their bouquets up and kicking out a leg at the arch
Biljana and Momir with two bridesmaids and two men in sashes under the arch, flags flying on the gateposts
Biljana and Momir under the rose arch with a woman in a long blue dress and a groomsman holding a wooden flask
Biljana and Momir with a groomsman and two little boys in caps holding flags in front of the floral arch
Biljana and Momir beside a woman in a blush satin wrap dress, framed by the rose arch under a tall pine
Biljana and Momir under the arch with a man in sunglasses and a navy suit and a bridesmaid in a blush gown
Biljana hugging a baby in a pink romper and white sandals against her lace bodice in the sunny front yard
Biljana laughing as she lifts the baby in pink high above her face, bridesmaids in blush waiting behind
Biljana and Momir with loved ones under the rose arch before the church, a man holding a red pouch
Wider view of Biljana and Momir with the same four loved ones beneath the rose arch between the white gateposts
Momir arm in arm with a groomsman in a black tuxedo holding a green bottle, beneath the red and white rose arch
Two men in suits, a woman in red, a woman in green lace and a bearded man in a long black robe smiling indoors
Two groomsmen in caps and sashes with two little boys in blue vests and striped belts, all holding big flags
Biljana and Momir under the rose arch with the bridal party in sashes before the church, one groomsman carrying a tall flag
Biljana smiling out through the car window as Momir kisses her cheek in the back seat on the way to the church
Looking down from the gallery of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church as the couple stand among chandeliers and painted walls
Two little boys in blue vests and striped sashes holding flags inside the church beside a woman in navy lace
A groomsman and a bridesmaid in white sashes standing with hands clasped during the church ceremony
Rows of men in suits and white sashes standing on the patterned tiles of the church as the service goes on
Biljana holding a tall lit candle and smiling as the wedding begins at St Sava Church in Woodville Park, robed officiants framing her
Groomsmen in sashes and loved ones in dark suits standing quietly in the church, a carved timber chair behind them
Older loved ones in suits and a man holding a round wooden flask watching from the side of the church
Momir with hands clasped and Biljana beside him, both looking ahead during their church wedding
An officiant in gold robes raising his hand over Momir and Biljana in jewelled crowns at St Sava Church, Woodville Park
Momir and Biljana side by side in jewelled crowns of deep red velvet while an older woman in blue sequins watches nearby
Biljana smiling straight at us in her jewelled crown and veil as Momir stands beside her in the church
Guests in suits and summer dresses lined up along the church wall, one man cradling a sleepy little girl in white
The officiant in gold robes holding a small cup to Momir's lips as Biljana waits in her crown under the painted church walls
Close view of Biljana sipping from a small gold cup held by the officiant, Momir's crown blurred in front
From the gallery of St Sava Church in Woodville Park, the crowned couple walk hand in hand as attendants carry tall candles
Overhead view of Biljana and Momir walking in their crowns across the tiled church floor, a bridesmaid lifting her train
Bridesmaids in blush gowns and white sashes holding white and pink rose bouquets as they watch the church ceremony
The woman in blue lace laughing beside the woman in navy lace, rose corsages pinned on, a camera on a tripod behind
Guests in blush, blue sequins and florals smiling during the ceremony beneath tall painted walls in the church
The woman in navy and gold lace and the woman in blue lace smiling side by side among guests at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
Momir and Biljana sharing a kiss at the front of the church beside the officiant in red and gold robes
Guests in blush, blue lace and navy florals laughing and clapping as the couple walk past inside the church
Momir and Biljana with four loved ones beneath tiered crystal chandeliers and the carved gold screen of St Sava Church, Woodville Park
Biljana and Momir with a woman in blue lace and a man in a checked suit holding a round wooden flask in the church
Wide family group at St Sava Church in Woodville Park, on the tiled floor before the gold screen and red curtain
Momir between Biljana and a bearded groomsman in a white sash at the front of the church, candles burning behind
Momir and Biljana with bridesmaids and loved ones on the red runner under the crystal chandeliers of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
Biljana and Momir in the church with a man in a navy suit and white sash and an older woman in a floral top
Momir and Biljana with the bearded man in a long black robe and a woman in a red dress at the front of the church
Momir, Biljana, a bearded groomsman in a white sash and an older woman in bright blue sequins hugging close in the church
Momir and Biljana at St Sava Church, Woodville Park, with a groomsman, a woman in red lace and two boys
Closer church portrait of Biljana and Momir with the woman in red lace, a groomsman and the two boys in blue vests
Momir and Biljana with family in pale blue and blush before the gold screen of St Sava Church in Woodville Park
A second take of the same family group laughing together before the painted church panels and red curtain
Momir and Biljana with a woman in pale blue holding a baby in pink and a man in a black tuxedo in the church
Momir and Biljana between a groomsman and a bridesmaid in white sashes at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
Biljana and Momir with an older woman in red lace, a woman in blush satin and the two boys at the front of the church
Momir with his hand on his chest beside Biljana and the woman in blush satin, a tall silver church candlestick nearby
Momir and Biljana with a huge crowd of guests on the forecourt of St Sava Church, Woodville Park, below its brick domes
The whole crowd cheering with arms and bouquets in the air around Momir and Biljana in front of the domed church
Momir and Biljana beside a black Hummer tied with white ribbon outside the church's carved timber doors, her veil lifting in the wind
Momir and Biljana standing small against the angled white panels of the Bicentennial Conservatory, her train across the brick paving
Biljana and Momir nose to nose against the slanting white walls after the church, her long veil pooling on the paving
Momir and Biljana forehead to forehead beneath the sloping white panels, soft grass seed heads blurred in front
The whole bridal party lined up small beneath the curving glass roof of the Adelaide Botanic Garden glasshouse, flags at each end
The bridal party marching arm in arm across the brick paving with flags and sashes after the church, the glasshouse behind
Wide view of the bridal party strolling with flags past the glass dome of the Bicentennial Conservatory, Adelaide Botanic Garden
Biljana and Momir with the bridesmaids in blush gowns and white sashes, one skirt swirling out in the breeze
Bridesmaids lifting their bouquets high as Momir and Biljana kiss in the middle of the row at the Bicentennial Conservatory
Biljana holding her white roses among five bridesmaids in blush gowns and sashes, leafy shrubs behind them
Bridesmaids in blush gowns chatting and laughing around Biljana as she holds her roses on the garden path
Biljana and her bridesmaids giggling as one kicks up her blush skirt and heeled sandal, the white glasshouse behind
Momir in his white jacket leading his groomsmen in sashes past a rust red wall and steel beams, flags at both ends
Momir and his groomsmen standing along the rust red wall and steel posts in black and white, flags in hand
Momir striding forward with groomsmen in sashes and caps along the red wall under a deep blue sky
Momir and the groomsmen walking in a loose line beside the steel beams, the sky dark above in black and white
Momir, Biljana and the groomsmen with two big flags flying on the path below the glasshouse at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Momir kissing Biljana's cheek after the church ceremony as the breeze carries her veil across the brick path
Biljana and Momir kissing as her long veil streams across the paving in front of the Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden
The same kiss with her veil streaming beneath the glass roof, softened in black and white
Biljana and Momir kissing on the brick paving, her veil trailing far behind under the glass and white panels
Momir and Biljana wrapped together in her veil at the foot of the curving glass roof of the Bicentennial Conservatory
Momir and Biljana under her veil against the vast slanting panels and glass roof, shown in black and white
Momir and Biljana small at the base of the glasshouse as the sun flares over its glass roof at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Biljana and Momir walking side by side past the white louvred wall, her veil and tulle skirt flowing out
Biljana and Momir running hand in hand between tall hedges at the Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Momir kissing Biljana's forehead as they walk along the brick path beside the slanting white wall
Momir gazing at Biljana as she smiles down on a garden path at the Bicentennial Conservatory, Adelaide Botanic Garden
Biljana and Momir smiling at each other as they walk out from the tall white peaked entrance of the glasshouse
Biljana and Momir cheering on the brick path below the peaked glass entrance before their ballroom reception
Momir and Biljana cheek to cheek holding her white and blush roses with the sea and sand behind at West Lakes Shore Beach
Biljana glancing back over her shoulder as her veil billows across the dunes beside Momir
Momir kissing Biljana's temple in the coastal scrub, her veil lifting in the sea breeze
Momir and Biljana face to face on the sandy path through the dunes at West Lakes Shore, the bright sea behind
Biljana and Momir close together on the dune in black and white, her tulle skirt spilling over the sand
Momir and Biljana forehead to forehead on the beach at West Lakes Shore, the sun glittering on the sea
Momir and Biljana forehead to forehead above the glittering sea, shown in black and white
Momir kissing Biljana's cheek beside a silvery coastal shrub as her veil swirls over the sandy path
Biljana smiling as Momir kisses her cheek by the coastal shrub at West Lakes Shore Beach, her veil swirling in black and white
Biljana laughing up at Momir on the sand before the ballroom reception, her veil lifting and the blue sea on the horizon
Biljana smiling at Momir in the dunes at West Lakes Shore as her veil billows up, captured in black and white
Momir and Biljana kissing on the sand as the wind wraps her veil around her bouquet, the sea glinting behind
A last kiss by the sea in black and white before the ballroom reception at Festival Function Centre in Findon
The wedding story

Our St Sava Church wedding photos: jewelled crowns, a giant glasshouse and a veil in the sea breeze

Getting ready at two family homes · Floral arch at the bride’s house · Church ceremony in Woodville Park · Bicentennial Conservatory portraits · West Lakes Shore Beach · Reception at Festival Function Centre

Read the full story

A white jacket on the stand

Momir’s jacket was the first thing we saw: a white tuxedo with black satin lapels on a stand by the window, his shoes on a black plinth beside a framed family portrait. We photographed it before anyone touched it, then watched him lift it off and slip it on. A loved one in a dark suit fastened his cuffs in front of the glass door, and the groomsmen in black tuxedos took turns beside him for portraits. That timber door gave us soft light from behind, so we stood them just to one side of it.

Lilac robes and a pink balloon

At Biljana’s house, rose-pink balloons spelling BRIDE hung over the bed and her bridesmaids, all in lilac robes, piled onto it while a bottle of champagne popped. Biljana sat for her last touches of makeup, smiling with her eyes closed, and a bridesmaid fastened her earrings. Then the gown went on: a beaded bodice and a huge layered tulle skirt that filled the room. We caught her checking it in a tall mirror from behind, because a back view shows the shape of a skirt like that better than any front-on frame.

Kisses on the red sofa

Family came in one by one. An older loved one took Biljana’s hand and kissed it while a woman in blue lace laughed beside them, and soon the whole room was lined up for a group. Her bridesmaids changed into blush gowns and took turns with her, one planting a kiss on her cheek. Biljana sat on a deep red sofa with her white bouquet, and the colour against all that white tulle was too good to skip. Strong colour behind a bride is our favourite way to make a white dress pop.

Roses, flags and a full house

By early afternoon the house was overflowing. Guests packed the hallway with phones up, someone pulled Biljana into a hug at the front door, and outside a guest in a white sash waved a big flag high above the cars. A floral arch of red and white roses stood in the front yard, and the bridesmaids threw their arms up under it with their sashes on. Momir joined her in his white jacket for groups with loved ones under the arch. In the back of the car, a quick kiss on the cheek and a grin for us through the window.

Crowns under a golden ceiling

The church in Woodville Park glowed with gold, painted walls and chandeliers. Two little boys in vests stood near the front holding flags, and Biljana held a candle as the ceremony began. We worked from the sides and kept our distance, using a longer lens so we could fill the frame without stepping into the aisle. For part of the ceremony Momir and Biljana wore jewelled crowns, and we stayed tight on their faces as they shared a sip from a small cup. Guests in the front rows smiled and clapped as they walked.

Everyone on the steps

Family groups were made at the front of the church under the chandelier, with the gold screen behind, and the bridal party in blush and black lined up either side. Then we moved everyone outside for one huge group in front of the domed brick building, guests spilling right across the forecourt. For a crowd that size we get up high and ask the back rows to step up, so every face shows. Momir and Biljana finished with a portrait beside the long black car waiting at the kerb, the veil catching the wind.

A giant glasshouse

Portraits started at the Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The bridal party marched in with flags and sashes, the bridesmaids kicked up their blush skirts, and the groomsmen strode past a rust-red wall under a deep blue sky. The conservatory’s white panels bounce light like a giant reflector, which is lovely for skin on a hot, bright afternoon. We placed Momir and Biljana small against the curving glass for one wide frame, sun flaring over the roof, then moved in close as the veil swept across the brick paving.

Veil in the sea breeze

The last stop before the reception was the beach at West Lakes Shore. Up in the dunes the breeze grabbed Biljana’s veil and wrapped it round both of them, and we let it: wind on a beach is a gift, not a problem, if you shoot with it behind the couple. A few of these frames went black and white, foreheads together with the sea behind. Then it was off to Festival Function Centre in Findon, where these wedding photos end and the party with all those loved ones began.

Photographer's venue notes

Bicentennial Conservatory, Adelaide Botanic Garden: a bridal party march and a veil across the brick paving

Read the venue notes

A portrait stop between church and sea

The Bicentennial Conservatory was the middle stop of Momir and Biljana’s portraits, after the church in Woodville Park and before the dunes at West Lakes Shore. We spent our time outside the glasshouse rather than in the rainforest, working around its angled white panels, the curve of the glass roof, the brick paving at its foot and the tall hedges beside it. The whole bridal party came along with their flags, so the stop began with groups and finished with the two of them alone.

Hard summer sun on white panels

It was a hot, bright summer afternoon under a deep blue sky, and the white frame threw that light straight back at us. We used the glare rather than fighting it: standing the couple close to the slanting panels filled the shadows on their faces, and turning them side on kept their eyes open. For the widest frame we put the sun just over the glass roof so it flared behind them. The tall hedges nearby gave us a softer, shaded option for a running frame hand in hand.

The frames that worked

The long brick path in front of the building was made for the veil: every gust carried it out behind Biljana, and a low angle kept the glass roof above them. Wrapping the two of them in the veil at the foot of the curving roof gave a quieter, closer set. For the bridal party, we lined everyone up small beneath the glass, then had them march arm in arm across the paving. The groomsmen got their own frames against a rust red wall and steel beams nearby, which suited the white jacket beautifully.

Planning a conservatory stop

Allow time to walk from the cars to the conservatory, because the garden paths gave us relaxed frames of the couple on the way. On a summer afternoon, bring water and keep the bridal party in the shade between set-ups. Take the groups first while energy is high, then send everyone back to the cars and keep the couple for a little while on their own. The peaked white entrance makes a lovely closing shot as you walk out together, smiling, before heading on to the beach.

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