Thorndon Park Reserve wedding photos: Sanita and Rav stand close together on a sunny lawn beneath tall shady trees, Adelaide
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Real garden wedding · Paradise, Adelaide

Thorndon Park Reserve Wedding Photos: Sanita & Rav

Thorndon Park Reserve · Hamilton Tce, Paradise SA · Adelaide

Garden Wedding · City: Adelaide · Venue: Thorndon Park Reserve

Pink balloons on the garage door, a red carpet running across the grass to a white arch by the water, then a backyard party with a gold and pink cake. Sanita and Rav’s wedding at Thorndon Park Reserve in Paradise, in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, was blue sky, blush tulle and a lot of hugs. We were with them from the first shoes going on to the speech into the microphone back at home, and the sunshine never let up.

The gallery
Bright balloons, pink tulle and a welcome banner on the garage door, with roses in the front gardens, ready for a garden wedding
Paper pompoms hang from the pergola above white gazebos and rows of white chairs set up for the backyard garden reception
A white gazebo shelters the long head table dressed in pink tulle and flower garlands among the backyard gardens
Pink tulle bows, paper fans and swirling streamers hang from the pergola beside a gold and white cake ready for the garden reception
Colourful paper butterflies and timber Home, Smile and Dreams plaques beside a red clock on the living room wall
Wedding cards for the bride and groom lie on a glass table beside a pile of pink ribbon favours
Two gold and silver wedding rings rest on an embroidered cloth beside two pink roses on the garden wedding morning
Pink foil wrapped favours tied with ribbon bows fill a white satin basket trimmed with diamantes
Pink organza favour bags with magenta ribbons and handwritten tags piled in a tray before the garden wedding
Three pink roses and baby's breath wrapped in brown paper wait on the table while the backyard gardens are set for the party
Rav hangs his navy suit jacket on the doorframe, his pink tie already knotted, while getting ready at home
Rav pulls on his black shoes on the leather sofa above the timber floor, in a white shirt and pink tie
Rav's polished black shoes and navy trousers stretch across the golden timber floor beside a blue patterned rug
Rav watches his groomsman knot a matching pink tie as they get ready for the garden ceremony
His groomsman tightens a pink tie while Rav looks down at his own, both in crisp white shirts
His groomsman fastens Rav's cufflink beneath the red clock and paper butterflies on the living room wall
Rav checks his cuff by the bright window, a silver tie bar holding his pink tie in place
Close up of hands fastening a round silver cufflink on a crisp white double cuff
His groomsman helps Rav into his navy jacket under the red clock, both men in matching pink ties
Rav straightens his navy jacket for the garden wedding as his groomsman settles it onto his shoulders from behind
Hands buckle a silver watch with a blue face onto Rav's wrist below his navy sleeve
A loved one in pink lace pins a pink rose buttonhole to Rav's lapel as his groomsman in grey looks on
In black and white, Rav adjusts his tie in the bathroom mirror, his reflection framed by the dark doorway
Rav's groomsman helps an older loved one in a navy suit and blue tie into his jacket
Rav, his groomsman and two loved ones in pink lace and a navy suit line up in the living room before the garden ceremony
A loved one in beaded pink lace waits beside Rav, his pink rose buttonhole bright against the navy suit
A loved one in pink lace glances up at Rav, standing between him and his groomsman in grey
Rav in his navy suit and pink rose buttonhole, ready for his garden wedding, with a loved one softly blurred behind
Rav and his groomsman sit on the black leather sofa with two loved ones in pink lace and a navy suit
Laughter on the sofa as a loved one in pink lace turns to smile at Rav's groomsman
Two loved ones in pink lace and a navy suit sit together on the sofa for a quiet portrait at home
Two loved ones dressed up in pink lace and a navy suit stand proudly under the red clock before the garden wedding
Rav stands tall between two loved ones in pink lace and navy beside the black leather sofa
Rav with a pink rose buttonhole between two loved ones under the paper butterflies in the living room
Rav looks to the camera with a loved one in pink lace blurred in front and another in navy behind
Rav in navy and his groomsman in grey stand side by side in matching pink ties before the garden ceremony
Rav and his groomsman grin shoulder to shoulder in navy and grey suits under the red clock
Rav sits on the black leather sofa with a calm gaze, his pink rose buttonhole pinned to his navy lapel
Close portrait of Rav looking up from the sofa in a pink tie, tie bar and rose buttonhole
Rav poses in his navy suit, hand in pocket, in front of the paper butterflies, ready for the garden portraits
Sanita's lace and tulle wedding dress hangs in the bright front window over the front gardens on her garden wedding morning
Soft window light glows through the tulle skirt and floral lace bodice of the hanging wedding dress
Sanita's white block heels laid out on the beaded edge of her tulle veil, waiting for the garden ceremony
A crystal and pearl hair vine is slipped into Sanita's curled updo as she gets ready for the garden wedding
A makeup artist in glasses and check flannel brushes colour onto Sanita's brow, the room reflected in a mirrored wardrobe
Sanita smiles in profile in a floral robe while a hand smooths her hair beside the mirrored wardrobe
A makeup brush traces smoky liner along Sanita's lashes as she sits in a pink and blue floral robe
Her bridesmaid in blush pink chiffon looks on as Sanita waits in her floral robe by the dresser
A helper in a purple shirt smiles as she settles the beaded veil over Sanita's hair
Sanita in profile in her floral robe as the helper lifts the long beaded veil behind her
A loved one in a red and gold dress with a gold drape looks out through the screen door towards the front gardens
Her bridesmaid in blush pink and a loved one in pink lace bow their heads together by the bright doorway
Sanita in her lace wedding dress and veil smiles over her shoulder beside the mirrored wardrobe
Her bridesmaid in blush pink fastens the back of Sanita's lace dress as the veil falls over her shoulders
Sanita's reflection watches in the mirror as her bridesmaid laces the keyhole back of her lace gown
Sanita leans on the dresser and smiles while her bridesmaid in blush pink finishes fastening her dress
A white peep toe heel and pink painted toes peek from beneath the layered tulle hem
Her bridesmaid ties a pink rose wrist corsage on Sanita, her round bouquet resting in her lap
Sanita looks down as her bridesmaid fastens the rose corsage at her wrist by the window, ready for the garden ceremony
Sanita sits by the window with a round bouquet of pale pink roses, her beaded veil falling around her
Sanita sits on a white chair in her lace cap sleeve gown, a crystal vine in her curls and pink roses in her lap
Window light falls across Sanita's face as she looks away, holding her pink and ivory rose bouquet
Her bridesmaid in blush pink stands behind Sanita, seated with her round bouquet by the window onto the front gardens
Sanita smiles up at her bridesmaid, who rests a hand on her shoulder before they leave for the garden ceremony
A loved one in a red and gold dress shares a smile with Sanita beside the sunny window
A loved one in red and gold stands close to Sanita for a portrait on the morning of the garden wedding
Sanita with a loved one in red and gold and her bridesmaid in blush pink, the front gardens bright through the window
Sanita turns to her bridesmaid as a loved one in red and gold smiles beside them in the window light
Sanita gazes towards the light from the bed, her crystal hair vine and gold earrings catching the sun
From behind, Sanita sits by the leaf patterned window, her veil spilling over the lace keyhole back of her gown
Sanita glances down at her layered tulle skirt by the tall window, bouquet in hand, set for her garden wedding
Sanita and her reflection in the mirrored wardrobe hold the pink and ivory bouquet, the front gardens glowing outside
Rav shares a laugh in the kitchen with guests in a cream jacket and a dark suit as two loved ones look on
Rav's groomsman in grey hands Sanita her pink and ivory rose bouquet as her bridesmaid smiles behind
Rav's groomsman passes a white rose posy towards the bridesmaid as Sanita waits with her pink bouquet
Sanita stands between her bridesmaid in blush pink and Rav's groomsman in grey, ready to leave for the garden ceremony
A loved one in pink lace offers Rav a glass of milk on a saucer at the front door as his groomsman waits
Rav steps down the tiled front steps in his navy suit and pink rose buttonhole as loved ones gather at the door
Rav's groomsman opens the rear door of the white ribbon dressed car for Rav in the sunny driveway
Rav and his groomsman stand with two loved ones in pink lace and navy outside the grey house
The white wedding car waits in the driveway beside the front gardens, a white ribbon and flower bow on the bonnet
Sanita sips from a glass of milk offered by a loved one in pink lace at the front door
Sanita lifts her tulle skirt on the front steps, pink bouquet in hand, as loved ones watch from the doorway
Seen through the car door frame, Sanita settles into the back seat in her lace gown, bound for her garden wedding
Sanita and Rav stand together under the tall pines at Thorndon Park Reserve before their garden ceremony
Rav and Sanita smile side by side on the sunlit lawn on their garden wedding day, her rose bouquet held close
Rav grins at Sanita as she turns to him in the dappled shade of Thorndon Park, gold earrings catching the light
Close garden portrait of Sanita and Rav, cheek to shoulder, with sunlit trees softly blurred behind
Sanita rests a hand on her hip beside Rav for garden wedding portraits at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Hand in hand, Sanita looks back over her shoulder with Rav, her layered tulle train trailing across the grass
Sanita and Rav walk hand in hand across the lawn at Thorndon Park in Paradise, long shadows at their feet
Rav glances at Sanita as they stroll hand in hand under the gum trees before the garden ceremony
Rav and Sanita pose arm in arm for garden portraits at Thorndon Park Reserve, her tulle skirt lifting in the breeze
Sanita and Rav walk towards the camera hand in hand, her bouquet trailing ribbons beside the tiered skirt
From behind, Sanita smiles back as Rav leads her across the grass of Thorndon Park, her veil and train flowing
Sanita swishes her tiered tulle skirt as she walks across the sunny lawn for her garden wedding portraits
Sanita looks down at her pink rose bouquet, her long train spread over the grass at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Rav stands in sharp focus on the lawn while Sanita waits softly blurred behind him in the sun
Rav waits in the foreground as Sanita walks up behind him across the open lawn at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Rav turns to see Sanita as her white tulle skirt kicks up in the breeze before the garden ceremony
Sanita swishes her tiered skirt while Rav holds her hand under the tall pines of Thorndon Park Reserve
The wedding party lines up in grey, navy, white and blush pink for garden portraits on the sunny lawn
Rav, his groomsman, Sanita and her bridesmaid stand together near the picnic tables at Thorndon Park
Linked arm in arm, the wedding party strolls towards the camera for garden wedding portraits under the pines
All four laugh as they walk arm in arm over the grass at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise, bouquets in hand
Rav and his groomsman walk arm in arm past a broad tree trunk as Sanita and her bridesmaid follow
The wedding party pauses arm in arm on a sunlit path at Thorndon Park in Paradise, pink and white bouquets bright
Sanita and her bridesmaid stand back to back for garden wedding photos, her long tulle train spread across the grass
Sanita and her bridesmaid lift their skirts off the grass as they walk together at Thorndon Park Reserve
Arm in arm, Sanita and her bridesmaid swish their white and blush pink skirts across the sunny lawn
Sanita and her bridesmaid share a smile as they walk the lawn at Thorndon Park, tulle and chiffon swirling
Rav, his groomsman and a guest in a cream jacket stride across the park lawn past a tall tree trunk
Rav leads his groomsman and a guest in a cream jacket across the grass at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Rav stands between his groomsman in grey and a guest in a cream jacket under the pines before the garden ceremony
Rav, his groomsman and a guest in cream line up shoulder to shoulder at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Rav lifts Sanita into his arms for a kiss on the lawn as his groomsman holds her bouquet and a guest grins
Sanita laughs with her arms around Rav's neck as he carries her, his groomsman and a guest smiling beside them
Carried in Rav's arms, Sanita beams at the camera while his groomsman holds her bouquet on the sunny lawn
Sanita takes the arm of Rav's groomsman in grey on the lawn before the garden ceremony, her veil lifting
Rav holds Sanita close for garden portraits under the tall pines at Thorndon Park Reserve, her pink rose bouquet in his hand
Sanita and Rav gaze at each other on the sunny lawn, a tall pine rising behind them and her bouquet held low
Rav twirls Sanita across the grass at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise, on their garden wedding day
Rav leads Sanita by the hand over the sunlit lawn as she gathers up her tulle skirt
Rav dips Sanita and they laugh together among the gum trees of Thorndon Park in Paradise
Sanita smiles up at Rav as he holds her in a low dip for their garden portraits on the lawn
Rav dips Sanita into a kiss on the open lawn at Thorndon Park Reserve, benches and pines behind
Close detail of the layered tulle hem swirling over the grass, her rose bouquet and wrist corsage at her side, before the garden ceremony
Sanita twirls her beaded veil and long tulle skirt on the lawn at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita swishes her tulle skirt and smiles down at it, the beaded edge of her veil catching the sun, for garden wedding portraits
Sanita lifts her skirt to show white strappy heels, her lace bodice and gold earrings bright in the sun
A Welcome to Thorndon Park sign stands under tall gum trees on the way to the garden wedding
The old water tower rises across the lake behind the white arch, chairs and red carpet set for the lakeside garden ceremony
A red carpet aisle runs between white flower pillars to the leafy arch beside the old Thorndon Park Reservoir in Adelaide
The old water tower and a fountain across the lake, framed by the soft white arch and green garland of the garden ceremony
A white welcome sign with white flowers and greenery stands on an iron easel by the lake at Thorndon Park Reserve
White pompom balls hang from shepherd hooks along the rows of white chairs on the grass for the garden wedding
A white pillar of white roses frames the red carpet leading to the arch, with the Thorndon Park Reservoir and water tower beyond
The celebrant in a white robe smiles beside the microphone at the arch, the signing table set by the lake for the garden ceremony
Guests gather in small groups across the open lawn under a cloudless sky before the ceremony
Guests in suits, a purple suit and bright red and pink dresses mingle on the lawn at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Rav grins among guests in dark suits and a purple suit as they wait on the lawn for the garden ceremony
Rav laughs as a guest in a white shirt and sunglasses reaches out to him on the grass at Thorndon Park
Four guests in pink and gold, red print, black and silver, and coral wait on the lawn for the garden wedding
A guest in a pale blue suit, sunglasses and purple tie takes a selfie on the park lawn
Rav and his groomsman walk down the red carpet between the white flower pillars at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise, two loved ones behind
Rav in navy and his groomsman in grey stride down the red carpet aisle, pink ties and rose buttonholes bright, for the garden ceremony
Rav and his groomsman pass guests standing by the white chairs as two loved ones follow along the red carpet at Thorndon Park Reserve
Far across the lawn, Sanita and her bridesmaid walk beneath tall gum trees towards the garden ceremony
Sanita and her bridesmaid cross the wide lawn of Thorndon Park in Paradise, framed by gums and pines
The celebrant waits at the microphone as Rav and his groomsman stand beside the arch, the lake and water tower behind
Sanita and her bridesmaid walk across the grass towards the two white flower pillars at Thorndon Park for her garden wedding
A guest in a cream and pink beaded wrap watches with hands clasped beside the white chairs
Her bridesmaid in blush pink leads the way as Sanita follows under her veil towards the red carpet at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita walks down the red carpet with her veil over her face, eyes on her pink and ivory bouquet, at her garden ceremony
A soft smile under her veil as Sanita passes a white flower pillar on the red carpet at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Guests stand by the white chairs, one dabbing her eyes, as Sanita walks down the red carpet aisle of the garden wedding
Rav smiles down at Sanita under her veil as they meet at the arch beside the old Thorndon Park Reservoir
Rav holds Sanita's hand under the leafy arch, her bridesmaid and his groomsman beside them and a fountain on the lake behind
The celebrant speaks into a microphone as the couple and their attendants stand under the arch at Thorndon Park by the lake
Heads bowed, Sanita, Rav and their attendants listen as the celebrant reads at the lakeside garden ceremony
Two loved ones in a navy suit and pink lace sit in the white chairs watching the vows at Thorndon Park Reserve
A loved one in navy with a pink rose buttonhole listens during the garden ceremony, the loved one in pink lace blurred in front
A guest in a pink and cream beaded silk wrap sits beside a guest in coral with a bright bead necklace
Guests fill the rows of white chairs on the open lawn at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise, beside the red carpet aisle
Guests in pink, coral and black and silver watch from the white chairs, framed by Sanita's veil softly blurred in front
Two loved ones in navy and pink lace watch through the gap between Rav's shoulder and Sanita's veil during the garden wedding
Guests sit in rows on the lawn, white pompoms hanging from shepherd hooks along the aisle
The loved one in pink lace watches the vows, framed between Rav's blurred shoulder and the edge of Sanita's veil
Sanita's beaded veil falls over her face as Rav holds her hand with his head bowed for the vows
Guests sit by the red carpet as the couple stand with the celebrant at the arch by the old Thorndon Park Reservoir in Adelaide
The celebrant reads into a microphone as Rav and Sanita hold hands, the lake glinting behind the garden wedding arch
A guest in a pink and cream silk wrap and a guest in coral lean together to whisper in the white chairs
Sanita and Rav face each other holding hands at the arch, the lake and old water tower behind at Thorndon Park Reserve
Close up, Sanita holds Rav's hand under the leafy arch as her bridesmaid smiles beside her during the garden ceremony
Guests film and photograph on their phones from the white chairs at Thorndon Park
His groomsman offers two gold wedding rings in his open palms as the celebrant reaches over at the garden ceremony
Rav takes a ring from his groomsman's hand beside Sanita, a fountain playing on the Thorndon Park Reservoir behind
Rav slides the wedding ring onto Sanita's finger by her rose wrist corsage, a fountain on the lake behind
The ring exchange under the white arch at Thorndon Park, her bridesmaid holding the bouquet and his groomsman beside
Guests watch from the white chairs as a guest in a dark suit films the vows on his phone at the back
Close up, Sanita slides a ring onto Rav's finger, her gold bracelet and ribbon corsage bright against his navy cuff
A guest in a pink and cream silk wrap and a smiling guest in coral sit together in the white chairs during the garden ceremony
Rav lifts Sanita's veil under the leafy arch as their attendants watch, the old Thorndon Park Reservoir glittering behind
Rav folds the veil back over Sanita's hair as her bridesmaid smiles at their lakeside garden wedding
First kiss under the white arch at Thorndon Park in Paradise, the bridesmaid and groomsman either side by the lake
Guests beam from the white chairs, the two loved ones in pink lace and navy smiling in the front row
Guests in a pink and cream wrap, a coral dress and a black top smile from the white chairs at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Guests laugh along in the rows of white chairs, sunglasses on under the bright sun of the garden ceremony
Guests in champagne and blush dresses turn to smile from the white chairs on the lawn
The celebrant addresses Sanita, Rav and their attendants at the arch, the Thorndon Park Reservoir and old water tower behind
Guests applaud from the white chairs on the lawn beside a speaker on a stand at the garden ceremony
Rav and Sanita sit at the round signing table listening to the celebrant at Thorndon Park, pink roses in the foreground
Sanita signs the register with Rav beside her, pink roses blurred in the foreground and the lake behind
Rav signs the register in an open book at the round table at Thorndon Park in Paradise as Sanita looks on
Close up of Rav's hands signing with a gold pen as Sanita watches, his rose buttonhole bright on his navy lapel
Her bridesmaid leans in to sign, braided hair and drop earrings catching the sun, Sanita softly blurred behind at the garden ceremony
Rav's groomsman signs at the round table as the couple smile beside the old Thorndon Park Reservoir and its water tower
Sanita, Rav and their attendants sit at the round signing table, a pink rose bouquet on the white cloth and a fountain behind
The celebrant, Sanita and Rav hold up the ceremony certificate under the white arch at Thorndon Park Reserve by the lake
The celebrant stretches out his arm to present Sanita and Rav under the arch at their lakeside garden wedding
Sanita and Rav walk back up the red carpet hand in hand past guests, the Thorndon Park Reservoir in Adelaide behind them
Sanita and Rav step out between the white flower pillars after their garden ceremony, the arch and water tower behind
Rav kisses Sanita on the aisle as guests fill the rows on both sides at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita and Rav walk the red carpet hand in hand as guests stand and film from beside the white chairs
Guests in pink and gold, coral, and black and silver clap and smile on the lawn at Thorndon Park
Rav bends to hug a guest in a pink and gold silk wrap as a guest in coral waits beside her holding a clutch
Sanita wraps her arms around the guest in pink and gold silk at Thorndon Park in Paradise beside the red carpet
Sanita and the guest in pink and gold silk hold each other cheek to cheek by the red carpet after the garden ceremony
A guest in a grey floral dress hugs Sanita as Rav smiles behind her at Thorndon Park Reserve
A little girl in a striped dress and sun hat holds Sanita's hand, looking up at her before the party in the home gardens
Sanita holds the arms of a laughing guest in a mint dress as a guest in pink florals waits beside them
Sanita hugs a guest in a pink floral dress, the edge of the Thorndon Park Reservoir glinting behind
A smiling guest in a nude dress with long dark hair hugs Sanita by the lake after the garden wedding vows
Sanita kisses the cheek of a guest in blush lace with long wavy hair on the lawn at Thorndon Park
Sanita reaches for a young guest in a blue check suit while Rav hugs a guest in beige, before the backyard gardens party
Sanita hugs a guest in a bright striped dress of purple, yellow and teal at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita bends to cup the face of a little boy in a blue hat and white shirt among the guests
Rav leans in to a laughing guest in a grey speckled dress at Thorndon Park in Paradise, Sanita's veil in the foreground
Rav grins as a guest in a dark suit offers red and white flowers in pink paper, the backyard gardens reception still to come
Sanita and a guest in a burgundy lace dress hug tightly, both beaming, as Rav smiles beside them at Thorndon Park Reserve
Sanita faces a smiling guest in glasses and a black and red rose print wrap, hands on each other's shoulders, after the garden ceremony
Sanita shakes hands with a bearded guest in sunglasses and a denim shirt as Rav smiles at Thorndon Park
A guest in glasses and a red patterned dress hugs Sanita tight while holding her bouquet, before the party moves to the backyard gardens
Sanita and a guest in a coral dress and bright bead necklace hold each other's shoulders, smiling, at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita hugs a guest in a black top and silver skirt as a guest in coral holds the pink rose bouquet and Rav smiles
Everyone lines up on the open lawn at the head of the red carpet at Thorndon Park in Paradise for a garden wedding group
Guests wave and cheer at the head of the red carpet with the celebrant before everyone heads to the backyard gardens
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a yellow and green embroidered dress and a man in a black polo by the Thorndon Park Reservoir
Sanita and Rav pose with a guest in a burgundy lace dress beside a white flower pillar for the garden wedding groups
A guest in a navy blazer and one in red and black print join Sanita and Rav between the pillars at Thorndon Park Reserve
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a striped dress and a guest in black, ahead of the party in the backyard gardens
Sanita and Rav stand with the guest in pink and gold silk between the two white flower pillars at Thorndon Park
Sanita and Rav stand close with the guest in pink and gold silk for garden portraits on the sunny lawn
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a sage satin dress and one in pink florals between the pillars at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a grey suit and one in red print, before heading back to the backyard gardens
Sanita and Rav with a guest in black and silver and a guest in a coral dress between the pillars at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a blue shirt and one in purple and black, soon to celebrate in the backyard gardens
Sanita and Rav with six guests in a purple suit, a red dress, florals and white shirts at Thorndon Park Reserve
Sanita and Rav with guests, including a girl in a sun hat and a boy in a bow tie, before the garden reception
Sanita and Rav with their groomsman, bridesmaid and three loved ones in navy, pink lace and red and gold silk at Thorndon Park
Three loved ones in navy, pink lace and red and gold silk stand with the couple beside a flower pillar for garden wedding photos
Sanita and Rav between a loved one in navy and another in pink lace, framed by two white flower pillars at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Rav's groomsman joins the couple and two loved ones in navy and pink lace for a family group after the garden ceremony
Sanita and Rav with a guest in a beige suit and a friend in blush lace holding a gold clutch at Thorndon Park Reserve
A friend in a beige off shoulder gown and a guest in a cream jacket grin beside the couple for garden portraits
Sanita and Rav with her bridesmaid in blush pink and two friends in black lace and grey stripes at Thorndon Park in Paradise
Rav and his groomsman in matching pink ties flank Sanita between two white flower pillars on their garden wedding day
The wedding party in navy, grey, white and blush pink lines up between the flower pillars at Thorndon Park Reserve in Adelaide
Sanita and Rav stand alone between two white flower pillars on the wide lawn after their garden ceremony, gum trees behind
Sanita and Rav hold hands for a full length portrait on the open lawn of Thorndon Park, her tiered tulle skirt brushing the grass
Rav smiles down at Sanita as she turns to him in profile, her gold earrings and lace cap sleeves bright for their garden portraits
Sanita and Rav share a smile under the leafy white arch with the old Thorndon Park Reservoir shining behind them
Rav smiles over Sanita's shoulder as she looks away, a crystal hair vine in her curls and the lake glinting behind
A food van opens its serving hatch on the street outside the house, a weeping tree hanging over the footpath
Guests in pink, grey and yellow chat on the footpath outside the house as the food van sets up behind the fence
Lace and calico WELCOME bunting and a rose vine hang from the carport as guests gather for the reception in the backyard gardens
A gold and white three tier cake climbing with pink sugar roses, topped with a little bride and groom
A Please leave your wishes card, red pens and a glitter guestbook sit beside white roses in a gold planter
Flutes of orange juice with strawberry slices and bright bendy straws crowd a white table under the carport
Pink tulle and rose garlands trim the white head table, a gold planter of white roses on top and raised beds in the gardens behind
Close up of pale pink and cream roses with baby's breath tied into the pink tulle swag on the head table
A big red shade sail and white tables spread across the paving and lawn of the backyard gardens, a white gazebo at the side
Silver chafing dishes line the buffet beside a white birdcage of roses and a spiral topiary against the brick wall
Pink, white and gold paper fans hang on the pipes along the red brick wall, ready for the garden reception
A guest in a charcoal suit pins a white sheet across the carport wall behind strings of pastel paper dots
A loved one in pink lace and a guest in a pale blue shirt hold drinks as a little girl in white wanders past
Two guests in lilac and white shirts laugh at a silver bar table under the red shade sail in the gardens behind the house
A guest in a pale blue shirt talks with two loved ones in a navy suit and pink lace under the carport
Five guests in a navy blazer, pink shirt, beige suit, white shirt and sunglasses line up with drinks at the garden reception
Friends in lilac and white shirts and a red dress with a crystal necklace grin at a silver table among the gardens
A woman in a floral dress holds up a phone for a little girl and a friend in sage green by the buffet
Two friends in a beige off shoulder gown and blush lace with a crystal choker smile from their white reception chairs
A guest in a navy blazer raises his phone and a victory sign as guests in floral and pink lace wait for the couple
Guests in a mustard and green outfit, a pink shirt, a navy polo and a black dress laugh under the carport, waiting for the couple
Sanita hides her laughing face as she is carried in on a chair by Rav's groomsman and a friend in beige, Rav close behind
Guests in pink and gold silk, a bright patterned dress and a white shirt film the couple's arrival in the backyard gardens
Sanita and Rav walk in hand in hand under the carport past white chairs and paper lanterns, his groomsman following
Sanita and Rav cross the lawn of the gardens hand in hand under the red shade sail, his groomsman just behind
Guests in red, pink and gold, a blue suit and black line the carport and white tables, waiting to welcome the newlyweds
Sanita and Rav sit at the tulle head table under the white gazebo with his groomsman and her bridesmaid, shrubs of the gardens either side
Guests in a navy blazer, pink shirt, white shirt and mustard and green stand by the white gazebos and plastic chairs
A guest in a green floral dress and a guest in a grey jacket sit either side of a little girl with a lollipop
A guest in purple silk hugs a little boy in a grey fedora, white shirt and black bow tie at a white reception table
Two guests in a grey jacket and a purple waistcoat lean in arm in arm at the reception tables, the gold cake behind
A guest in a purple waistcoat and a guest in a white jacket and gold choker smile at their table under the carport
Two friends in a white top and a red dress with a sparkling necklace hug at a white table, a pink flower in her hair
Guests in purple, grey, red and silver sit at a white table with plates, juice and a gold planter of white roses, the gardens beyond
Rav and Sanita turn to each other at the head table over a round bouquet of pink roses and two glasses of juice
Rav and Sanita clink glasses of orange juice with strawberry garnishes at their garden reception, her lace sleeve and veil catching the light
A guest in a navy floral dress and a guest in a grey suit and silver tie smile from a reception table near the buffet
A guest in sage green, a little girl in white and a woman in a pink floral dress smile beside a teddy bear
Her bridesmaid in blush pink laughs with friends in lilac, a red patterned dress and grey stripes at a silver table in the backyard gardens
A guest in a lilac suit grins as her bridesmaid and friends gather round a silver bar table under the red shade sail
Two men in white shirts give a thumbs up and adjust headphones behind the DJ desk under the pergola at the garden reception
A guest in a dark suit and purple tie sits with a guest in purple silk and a little boy in a fedora
Seen through leaves, Sanita and Rav sit at the head table beside potted plants and brick beds in the backyard gardens
Sanita in her veil and Rav sit side by side at the tulle head table, flowering pots and white chairs beside them
A loved one in pink lace speaks to Sanita and Rav at the head table under the white gazebo, a tree shading the gardens
Silver chafing dishes, bowls of salad and cucumber and two spiral topiaries line the buffet along the brick wall under the pergola
A guest in sunglasses hands a red gift box to the couple at the head table, a friend in navy waiting among the gardens
Rav shakes hands across the head table with a guest in sunglasses and a navy jacket while a friend in navy and white looks on
Rav shakes hands with a guest in a grey suit over the tulle head table, Sanita smiling beside him and guests queuing in the gardens
A guest in sunglasses and a skinny tie reads from his phone into a microphone beside the speaker under the pergola
Under the tinsel wrapped pergola, a guest in sunglasses holds the microphone and his phone as two men look on
Sanita and Rav sit at the head table framed by leaves and pink and red balloons, glasses of bubbles in front of them
Rav's groomsman raises a glass as a loved one in pink lace and her bridesmaid toast the couple in the backyard gardens
Guests in a leather jacket, a pale blue suit and green and mustard share a laugh at a silver table under the red shade sail
Rav's hand guides the knife into the gold and white cake while Sanita's hand, with its pink rose wrist corsage, rests on his
Sanita and Rav cut the gold and white cake with pink sugar roses as a loved one in pink lace watches behind them
Guests in a bright blue suit, a beige suit and blush lace with a crystal choker gather near the reception tables under the carport
Friends in a beige off shoulder gown, a blue suit, a cream suit and blush lace laugh together beside the reception tables
Rav speaks into the microphone under the pergola with Sanita beside him, flowering shrubs of the backyard gardens behind
Sanita listens with a soft smile as Rav gives his speech under the tinsel wrapped pergola, red flowers blooming behind them
Guests in mustard and green, a lilac suit, a pink shirt and a black jacket listen to the speech from the lawn of the gardens
Two loved ones in pink lace and a navy suit sit on white chairs beside the white marquee, listening to the speeches
Rav holds the microphone and Sanita turns to him under the red shade sail, potted plants of the gardens beside the lattice
Rav's groomsman stands by the open garage as guests at the reception tables turn towards the speeches
Rav's groomsman smiles from the garage doorway as guests at the long tables listen, paper lanterns and bunting overhead
Her bridesmaid in blush pink stands beside a seated guest in pink and gold silk, a guest in red at the cake table
Rav speaks into the microphone as Sanita smiles beside him under the pergola, flowering shrubs filling the gardens behind
A loved one in pink lace hands Rav an open pink card under the pergola as Sanita looks on
Her bridesmaid adjusts the gold necklace at the back of Sanita's neck as she looks down in her lace gown and veil
Rav watches as her bridesmaid settles the gold necklace at Sanita's collarbone, her veil falling over one shoulder
A guest in glasses and a white and navy top sits with a guest in a navy blazer, sunglasses on his head, by the buffet
Rav's groomsman in a charcoal suit and pink tie stands beside two loved ones in pink lace and a dark suit
Rav chats with guests in a purple waistcoat, a grey shirt and a brown jacket beside a leafy hedge in the backyard gardens
Her bridesmaid in blush pink rests her hands on the shoulders of a seated guest in pink and gold silk, the gold cake behind
Her bridesmaid holds out a white basket of pink ribbon favours as Sanita looks in, her rose wrist corsage on show
Sanita smiles at her bridesmaid as they share out favours from the white basket under the carport
A guest in a burgundy dress and a guest in a lilac suit and purple tie flash a peace sign at a silver table
Two friends in a bright floral jacket and a striped dress with a leather jacket sit under a leafy tree in the gardens
A little girl in a white dress twirls on the paving holding the hand of a guest in sage green satin
Sanita and Rav stand with guests in a black shirt and a pink shirt beside the head table, shrubs of the gardens behind
A guest in pink and gold silk sits on a white chair beside the tulle wrapped post at the long reception table
Rav's groomsman laughs with Rav and a guest in a blue check suit on the lawn, a leafy tree of the backyard gardens behind
Rav laughs and gestures to friends in sunglasses, a black tie and an off shoulder gown around a silver table on the lawn
Rav grins at friends in an off shoulder gown, sunglasses and blush lace as they share drinks around a silver table outdoors
Sanita listens to a friend in black and silver as her bridesmaid holds the favour basket by a white marquee in the gardens
A guest in a black shirt wheels a little boy in a bow tie and a little girl in stripes along in a yellow wheelbarrow
A guest in sunglasses and a friend in a nude off shoulder gown pose by the rose garland and balloons at the front porch
Friends in pink and gold silk and a red floral outfit with a navy scarf laugh with Sanita and her bridesmaid under the streamers
Rav's groomsman gives a speech into the microphone under the red shade sail, phone in hand, as guests listen in the foreground
Sanita and Rav watch from under the red shade sail as his groomsman speaks across the backyard gardens
Her bridesmaid in blush pink holds the favour basket beside guests in red with a navy scarf and pink with gold trim
Rav leads Sanita by the hand across the paving past the guests' tables, her veil and tulle skirt sweeping behind
Sanita rests her hand on Rav's shoulder as they dance under the pergola, her long veil and tulle train swirling
Rav looks down at Sanita as they dance close, a crystal vine in her hair and his pink rose buttonhole bright
Rav and Sanita start their dance on the paving beside the buffet as a guest in a white shirt films them on his phone
Rav twirls Sanita under his raised arm on the paving beside the gardens, her tiered tulle skirt flaring by the buffet
Sanita spins out from Rav's hand under the red shade sail, her veil lifting as guests watch from the long tables
Sanita and Rav dance close on the paving under the pergola as a little girl in navy stripes watches from the tables
Rav dips Sanita low under the paper fans and pompoms, both laughing as her veil spills towards the paving
Sanita swishes her tulle skirt as she dances with Rav under the red shade sail, guests smiling from the tables behind
Guests in a lilac suit, blush lace and pink and gold silk laugh and clap under the red shade sail in the gardens
Friends in white shirts, a beige suit and blush gowns crowd a silver table under the red shade sail beside an ice bucket of drinks
Guests in a lilac suit, a black dress and pink and gold silk relax at silver tables under the red shade sail, the gardens behind
The wedding story

Our Thorndon Park Reserve wedding photos: a red carpet to the lake, a white arch and a backyard party under the sails

Getting ready at home · Portraits under the pines · Ceremony by the reservoir lake · Hugs and family groups · Backyard reception and speech

Read the full story

Balloons on the garage door

We knew we had the right house when we saw bright balloons, pink tulle and a welcome banner strung across the garage door. Inside, the wedding rings sat on a cloth beside two pink roses, the first detail we always grab before the morning gets busy. Rav pulled on his black shoes on the timber floor, a mate helped him into his navy jacket, and his pink tie matched the one beside him. Two loved ones sat together on the sofa for a quiet portrait, dressed up and proud, while the house filled with family.

Block heels and a beaded veil

Sanita’s white block heels were waiting on the beaded edge of her veil, so we laid them out together for one frame. Then the veil went on, pinned carefully by a helper in a purple shirt, and her bridesmaid in blush pink fastened the back of the lace dress. Sanita sat by the window with a round bouquet of pale pink roses, and we kept her face turned to the light, which is the simplest way to make skin glow indoors. A loved one in a red and gold dress joined her and the bridesmaid for a portrait.

Under the pines before the vows

Sanita and Rav chose to see each other before the ceremony, which gave us time for portraits in the park while the guests were still on the road. Under the tall pines they stood close, then walked hand in hand across the lawn. It was a bright late-morning sun with short, hard shadows, so we kept them near the tree line and turned them so the light fell across their faces, not down onto them. Sanita swished her tiered skirt for us, and her bridesmaid walked beside her holding her own dress off the grass.

A red carpet to the water

The ceremony was set up on the open lawn right beside the reservoir lake: a white arch wrapped in green leaves, rows of white chairs and a red carpet aisle flanked by white pillars topped with white flowers. With the water behind the arch, every frame looking towards the couple had the lake and gum trees in it. Rav walked down the red carpet with his groomsman and took his place. Then Sanita and her bridesmaid came across the grass between the pillars, the veil lifting slightly as she walked.

Vows by the lake

At the arch the celebrant read while Sanita and Rav stood side by side with the bridesmaid and groomsman close in. We moved in for a profile of Sanita through her veil, the lace edge catching the sun, then stepped back to the chairs. Guests were in sunglasses and bright colours, with one leaning on a friend’s shoulder and smiling at us. Thorndon Park Reserve wedding photos are all about that lake behind the arch, so we kept our wider frames low to keep the water in the background.

Signing, then the hug queue

Rav signed the register at a round table with a pink rose bouquet in the foreground, Sanita leaning in beside him. Then the celebrant stretched his arms wide to present them, with the reservoir and the trees behind. What followed was a long queue of hugs. Rav bent to embrace an older guest on the red carpet, Sanita was wrapped up by a loved one in a floral dress, and friends pressed in close, laughing. We stay right inside these moments with a short lens, because the faces over a shoulder say more than any posed group.

Groups between the pillars

For family and friends we used the white flower pillars as bookends on the lawn. Group after group stepped in beside Sanita and Rav: loved ones in red, pink and gold, friends in suits, the bridesmaid and groomsman in their blush and grey. On a cloudless day the sky behind a group goes deep blue, so we shot slightly upwards from the lawn to fill the frame with it. It is a simple layout that works for anyone planning a park ceremony: the same two pillars frame every group, so the whole set looks neat.

Back home under the sails

The party moved back to the house for a backyard reception. A long table was dressed in pink tulle with roses on a gold stand, white chairs lined the lawn, and red shade sails and a white gazebo kept everyone out of the sun. Sanita and Rav walked in to cheers, sat at their table under the trees and then went down the line shaking hands. Guests leaned in for photos with us between plates, and a little girl in a white dress spun around the paving holding a guest’s hands.

A gold cake and a speech

The cake was gold and white with pink sugar roses climbing it, and we went in close on Sanita’s floral wrist corsage and Rav’s hand as they cut it together. Then Rav took the microphone under the pergola with Sanita beside him and spoke to the garden while she laughed along. Backyard receptions are lovely to photograph because everyone is close: no stage, no long room, just friends on chairs a few steps away. The afternoon carried on with chatting under the red sails and a little dancing on the paving.

Photographer's venue notes

Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise: a red carpet to the reservoir lake and portraits under the pines

Read the venue notes

Lakeside vows, pines for portraits

Sanita and Rav used Thorndon Park in two simple zones. Before the vows we kept them on the shaded lawns among the tall pines and gums, near the picnic tables, while their guests were still driving over from the house. The ceremony sat on the open grass at the edge of the reservoir lake, with their own arch, chairs and flower pillars placed so the water, the fountain and the old water tower filled the background. After the hugs and the groups, everyone headed back home for the backyard party.

A bright late spring morning

It was a cloudless late spring day with a late morning ceremony, so the sun kept climbing while we worked. That is hard light, but the park gave us choices: under the pine canopy the shade was open and even, and out on the lawn we turned the couple so the sun came from the side. During the vows the lake glinted behind the arch, and we stayed low to keep that sparkle in frame. The deep blue overhead became a feature in its own right.

Where we stood

Looking down the red carpet between the white pillars, the aisle led the eye straight to the arch and the water beyond, so that was our anchor view for the processional. For the ring exchange we shifted to one side, which let us catch the fountain playing over Rav’s shoulder. The two pillars at the head of the aisle then became our frame for every group, and the welcome sign under the gums near the entry made a quick scene setter as guests arrived.

Tips for a park ceremony like this

Sanita and Rav saw each other before the ceremony, which freed up the shady pines for relaxed portraits while the light was still kind; we would suggest the same for any midday park wedding. Bring your own seating, signage and aisle styling, as they did, and set the arch so you face across the lake rather than into the sun. Then build in a generous gap before guests leave for the reception, because the hug queue here ran long and deserved every moment.

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