Lyrebird Falls wedding photos: Andrea and Steve smile between tall dark conifers, a misty green valley opening behind them in the Dandenong Ranges
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Real mountain wedding · Kallista, Melbourne

Lyrebird Falls Wedding Photos: Andrea & Steve

Lyrebird Falls · 175 Monbulk Rd, Kallista VIC · Melbourne

Garden Wedding · Mountain Wedding · Rainforest Wedding · Region: VIC - Dandenong Ranges · City: Melbourne · Venues: Lyrebird Falls · RJ Hamer Arboretum

A vintage van pulling up under the tree ferns, flower girls clutching baby’s breath along a red brick aisle and a swing dance that had the whole room on its feet. Andrea and Steve’s wedding at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista began at a white gazebo deep in the Dandenong Ranges forest, then climbed the hill to the RJ Hamer Arboretum for golden light among bronze conifers. We were with them from her dad’s first look at home to the last spin on the dance floor.

The gallery
The couple walk hand in hand across a windswept grassy slope in casual knits, a dark line of trees behind them
Andrea's ivory satin gown waits on a dress form in the lounge room, framed by swagged red curtains and a sunny window
A wedding invitation with a black and gold damask border propped against a twig ornament on a dark timber table
Ivory lace peep toe heels with slim ankle straps set out on a round dark timber table
A three stone diamond ring and two wedding bands resting beside pale pink and deep pink roses
The make-up artist works on Andrea's face as she sits in a striped top with her veil and jewelled hairpiece already on
Close on Andrea with her eyes closed as lip liner goes on in soft window light
Andrea smiles in her ivory satin gown and long veil while a bridesmaid in violet blue crosses the room behind her
Her dad waits on a leather armchair in a tartan bow tie and dinner suit, phone in hand
Two bridesmaids in violet blue dresses fuss over the back of Andrea's satin gown as she laughs
Close on a loved one's hands fastening an earring for Andrea, a pearl bracelet on the wrist and a jewelled pin in her hair
Andrea ties a white rose corsage onto the wrist of a loved one in navy lace and pearls
A loved one in navy lace and pearls shares a quiet word with Andrea by the curtained window
Andrea stands cheek to cheek with a loved one in a navy lace dress, both smiling in the lounge room
Andrea pins a white rose buttonhole onto her dad's lapel beside his tartan bow tie
Her dad kisses Andrea's hand during his first look at her in the gown
Andrea and her dad both raise a hand and laugh in front of the swagged curtains
Andrea stands arm in arm with her dad in his dinner suit and tartan bow tie by the lounge room window
Looking down over Andrea's shoulder at her bouquet of deep red, pink and white roses with trailing greenery
Andrea gazes out the window holding her bouquet, her veil falling over one shoulder, in black and white
Andrea sits in her gown with her veil spread across the rug while a dog in a striped tie looks up at her
Andrea smiles from a patterned armchair with her red and white rose bouquet resting in her lap
A wide view of Andrea on the lounge room couch with her long veil spread over the floor, in black and white
Andrea poses in an armchair with her rose bouquet, a timber side table and urn beside her
Andrea smiles down at her bouquet beside a tall window, lit from one side, in black and white
Andrea glances over her shoulder in the back garden at home as the sun flares through a tall shrub behind her veil
Garden portrait of Andrea with a loved one in navy lace and pearls in front of a leafy hedge
Andrea and her dad stand side by side against dark green foliage in the garden, her rose bouquet held low
Her dad smiles down at Andrea, his tartan bow tie and white rose buttonhole in sharp focus
Garden portrait at home of Andrea between her dad and a loved one in navy lace, all three smiling
Her dad and a loved one both kiss Andrea on the cheek as she beams against the hedge
Andrea laughs between her dad and a loved one in navy lace who turns to say something
Andrea lines up with her three bridesmaids in violet blue in the back garden, all holding deep red and pink rose bouquets
Close on the bride and bridesmaids laughing together, their bouquets of red, pink and white roses pressed side by side
The bridesmaids crowd in around Andrea for garden portraits, bouquets in hand and everyone mid laugh
Andrea and her bridesmaids in violet blue tea length dresses laugh out loud in front of the hedge
Andrea grins at her bridesmaids during garden portraits as they hold their red and pink bouquets together
Andrea and a bridesmaid in violet blue smile side by side with matching rose bouquets
Garden portrait of Andrea laughing with a dark haired bridesmaid, bouquets of deep red roses and white blooms between them
A blonde bridesmaid in violet blue poses cheek to cheek with Andrea, who closes one eye mid laugh
Andrea leans her head on a blonde bridesmaid's shoulder during garden portraits at home
A bridesmaid wraps an arm around Andrea as they both burst out laughing, bouquets held low
Andrea stands with a bridesmaid in violet blue against the garden hedge, both smiling straight to camera
Andrea with her dad, a loved one in navy lace and a bridesmaid for a family garden portrait at home
Andrea laughs as her dad, a loved one and a bridesmaid gather around her in the garden
Steve fastens a cufflink in a white shirt, lit by a slice of window light as he gets ready in the Dandenong Ranges
Close on a groomsman's hands fixing a silver cufflink on Steve's white French cuff
Steve grins as two groomsmen help with his collar and tie in a brick bedroom up in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve and two groomsmen laugh while straightening each other's collars and ties against a bright window in the hills
A groomsman settles Steve's collar from behind as he buttons his navy waistcoat by a window up in the mountains
An older loved one helps Steve into his navy dinner jacket beside a red brick wall in the Dandenong Ranges
An older loved one smooths the lapel of Steve's navy jacket as he does up the button
Steve and an older loved one share a long hug by the bedroom window
Steve stands with a groomsman in a purple tie against a wall of dark red timber boards before the mountain wedding
Steve and a groomsman high five against the dark red timber wall as they finish getting ready
Steve and a groomsman pose hands in pockets in front of red timber boards before the Dandenong Ranges wedding
A groomsman kneels in front while Steve stands behind with both hands on his shoulders, laughing, on the mountain wedding day
Steve with a bald groomsman in a purple tie, both grinning against the red timber wall of the house in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve stands among four women in floral, lace and patterned dresses for a group photo by the red boards
Steve between a blonde woman in a navy slip dress and a man in a striped tie, getting ready in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve with a man in a grey suit and a woman in navy lace, hands folded, in front of red boards up in the mountains
Steve smiles between a man in a striped shirt and a woman in navy lace for a family portrait before the mountain ceremony
A groomsman pours drinks for Steve and the boys in a brick hallway before heading to the rainforest ceremony
Steve leans on a balcony rail above the treetops of the Dandenong Ranges, looking out across the forest
Steve and his groomsmen raise a glass on the balcony, one in a pink unicorn beanie, rainforest treetops behind them
The groomsmen sip their drinks on a balcony against a pale sky above the mountain treetops
Steve and his three groomsmen stand under the timber eaves with autumn leaves and tall trees behind them in the Dandenong Ranges
A moody portrait of Steve seated in his navy dinner suit and white tie, lit from one side
Chalkboard welcome sign on a white easel among tree ferns at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A life size cardboard cutout of the couple stands among the ferns on the rainforest garden path
The white gazebo dressed with pink and red roses waits at the end of the red brick aisle for a garden ceremony at Lyrebird Falls
Pink, white and deep red roses cascade down one post of the gazebo against dark rainforest foliage in the gardens
Steve waits at the front with his hands clasped, sunlit tree ferns beside him in the Dandenong Ranges forest
Guests gather on the red brick path beside rows of white chairs under tall mountain trees
Guests mingle beside the white chairs under tree ferns and towering trees at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Steve laughs with two groomsmen beside the rose covered gazebo before the rainforest ceremony
Guests in patterned and black lace dresses smile from a row of white chairs on the lawn in the gardens at Lyrebird Falls
A woman in black crouches to settle the flower girls in blue floral dresses and baby's breath crowns before the garden ceremony
Andrea looks out through the window of the vintage van as it pulls into the drive in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea gathers her skirt as she steps from the vintage van with her dad and a loved one at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea stands between her dad and a loved one in navy lace beside the vintage van, tree ferns and mountain forest behind
Wide view of guests seated on the lawn facing the white gazebo, deep in the forest at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests smile from the front rows of the garden ceremony, tree ferns and the dining room behind them
A bridesmaid in violet blue lines up the flower girls with baby's breath posies on the garden path as the pageboys clown around
Flower girls wait with baby's breath posies on the leafy rainforest path while guests drift towards the chairs
Steve and his groomsmen wait at the gazebo steps on the edge of the rainforest gardens
A pageboy in a blue shirt leads a flower girl by the hand past tree ferns on the red brick aisle in the Dandenong Ranges
Pageboys and flower girls head down the red brick aisle between rows of guests at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Guests laugh as a pageboy and a flower girl walk the aisle holding baby's breath posies at the rainforest wedding in the mountains
Steve crouches for a high five with a little pageboy as the flower girls arrive for the Dandenong Ranges garden wedding
A flower girl reaches up to high five Steve at the gazebo steps as mountain wedding guests laugh from the front row
Looking down on a flower girl in a baby's breath crown shading her eyes by the gazebo steps on a Dandenong Ranges afternoon
Flower girls and pageboys find their seats among the guests at Lyrebird Falls as tree ferns arch over the mountain garden
A pageboy and a flower girl peer back down the aisle from their white chairs as the rainforest garden ceremony begins
A bridesmaid in a violet blue high low dress walks out past the dining room windows at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A second bridesmaid in violet blue steps out from under the tree ferns in the gardens with her red rose bouquet
A smiling bridesmaid in violet blue passes the tall glass windows and chandeliers, framed by rainforest fronds
A bridesmaid walks the red brick aisle between rows of guests at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea appears on the stone path beneath a towering tree fern in the rainforest, a loved one in navy lace beside her
Three bridesmaids in violet blue turn to watch the bride arrive in the rainforest gardens
Andrea peeks out between her dad and a loved one behind a curtain of tree fern fronds in the gardens
Andrea pauses on the steps with her dad and a loved one before walking into the garden ceremony at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Steve waits by the gazebo with his hands folded as the garden wedding guests turn to see the bride coming
Both of Steve's hands come up to his face as he sees Andrea walking towards him through the rainforest gardens
Steve smiles from the gazebo as Andrea comes down the aisle under tall mountain trees, a loved one in navy lace at her side
Andrea walks the brick aisle with her dad and a loved one on either arm beneath the tree ferns at Lyrebird Falls
Her dad kisses Andrea at the gazebo as Steve waits on the steps among the Dandenong Ranges gardens
Steve greets Andrea on the gazebo steps, her long veil trailing over the brick paving at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea and Steve face the guests on the gazebo steps with the groomsmen lined up on the lawn of the mountain gardens
Andrea and Steve hold hands under the white gazebo deep in the forest of Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea laughs beside Steve under the rose dressed gazebo as the rainforest ceremony begins
Andrea and Steve stand together under the white gazebo framed by dark mountain foliage at Lyrebird Falls
Three bridesmaids in violet blue stand together beside the aisle, a giant timber lawn game on the steps of the rainforest gardens behind
Guests in the front row listen closely as tree ferns rise behind the seating at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
Guests listen from their white chairs as fairy lights hang in the dark rainforest behind them
A flower girl in a baby's breath crown reads to the guests into a microphone during the rainforest ceremony in the mountains
Andrea bends down to hug a flower girl after her reading at the Dandenong Ranges garden ceremony as Steve looks on
Andrea and Steve hold hands and beam under the white gazebo dressed with pink and red roses at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea smiles across at Steve through soft rainforest light, roses climbing the gazebo post beside her
Andrea laughs with Steve on the gazebo steps, her veil spilling behind her in the rainforest gardens of the Dandenong Ranges
A woman in a striped skirt gives a reading as Andrea, Steve and the groomsmen listen beside the white gazebo at Lyrebird Falls
Guests in suits and floral dresses listen from rows of white chairs during the rainforest garden ceremony
Three groomsmen in black suits and royal blue ties stand beside the red brick aisle at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
An older man in a pinstripe suit and tartan tie closes his eyes beside an older woman in a floral top during the garden ceremony
An older woman in a floral cardigan watches the mountain ceremony beside a woman cradling a sleeping baby
Pageboys in blue shirts watch from their chairs beside a sleeping baby, a giant timber lawn game on the brick steps at Lyrebird Falls
Guests in floral dresses and suits smile from the white chairs, the sunlit rainforest gardens behind them
Steve reads to Andrea from a card into the microphone, eyebrows raised, as the groomsmen grin behind him in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests fill the white chairs beside the red brick aisle under tree ferns, the dining room windows glowing behind at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea reads from a card into a microphone under the rose dressed gazebo as a bridesmaid in violet blue smiles at the rainforest ceremony
A silver haired woman in a cream jacket smiles from the front row beside a loved one in navy lace in the Dandenong Ranges
Her dad and a loved one in navy lace sit with hands folded in the front row of the rainforest ceremony
Her dad looks on, visibly moved, in his tartan bow tie and white rose buttonhole beside the brick aisle at the garden wedding
Two guests watch the garden ceremony from the white chairs, one in black lace and one in a strapless black and white geometric dress
A silver haired man in a striped tie sits beside a smiling blonde woman in black on the lawn at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea holds Steve's hand as they exchange rings on the gazebo steps, a bridesmaid in violet blue watching from the rainforest gardens
Wide view of the garden ceremony at Lyrebird Falls, with Andrea and Steve at the white gazebo between the bridesmaids and groomsmen
Andrea and Steve kiss on the gazebo steps as the groomsmen clap and tall rainforest trees tower overhead
Her dad presses his palms together and smiles beside a loved one in navy lace in the front row of the mountain ceremony
Guests applaud from the white chairs, a tree fern rising over the garden ceremony behind them
Older guests clap and smile in the rows of white chairs, tree ferns and fairy lights behind them at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
Her dad, a loved one in navy lace, a woman in a cream jacket and a man in grey smile through the rainforest ceremony
A woman in a cream jacket laughs in the front row as a loved one in navy lace turns to her during the garden ceremony
Andrea and Steve sign at a white table dressed with pink and white flowers, seen through soft blooms at the Lyrebird Falls garden wedding
Close on Andrea signing the register in dappled rainforest light at the white table inside the gazebo
Steve signs the register as Andrea looks on, dappled light from the gardens falling across the white table
A bridesmaid in violet blue signs as a witness beside a groomsman in a blue tie under the gazebo at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A groomsman with his hair tied back signs as a witness at the white table during the mountain ceremony
Andrea and Steve smile side by side at the signing table, white blooms and hanging hearts behind them under the gazebo in the rainforest
Andrea and Steve hold hands on the steps of the rose dressed white gazebo at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests clap from the white chairs with her dad in the front row of the rainforest ceremony, the dining room glowing behind
Young guests laugh and applaud from the rows on the garden lawn, sunlight filtering through the forest canopy
An older man in a navy suit laughs and claps among the guests, tree ferns and fairy lights behind him at Lyrebird Falls
Flower girls in baby's breath crowns clap along with the guests at the garden ceremony
Andrea and Steve step down from the white gazebo hand in hand as the bridal party applauds at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea and Steve walk back down the red brick aisle grinning, the gazebo and tall rainforest trees behind them
Steve leads Andrea back up the aisle past clapping guests, her red and pink rose bouquet in hand, in the mountain gardens
Andrea and Steve stop for a kiss halfway down the red brick aisle between the white chairs of the rainforest ceremony
Everyone gathers on the brick paving before the white gazebo in the gardens for one big group photo at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Seen from above, the guests smile up for another big group shot, flower girls and pageboys in front, at the garden wedding
Andrea and Steve crouch to hug the flower girls and pageboys in front of the gazebo at Lyrebird Falls
The pageboys flash peace signs at the camera as Steve hugs a loved one in navy lace after the garden ceremony
Andrea beams up at a grey haired guest as a bridesmaid and a groomsman smile behind her under the tall mountain trees
Steve gets a bear hug from a guest in a grey suit on the brick path at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A silver haired man in a striped tie laughs as he congratulates Andrea, the groomsmen grinning behind him in the rainforest
Steve hugs a silver haired woman in a cream jacket and navy lace on the brick path through the gardens
Steve grins as an older man reaches out to shake his hand, tree ferns behind them at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea laughs with three groomsmen in black suits and blue ties on the brick path, the gazebo behind them in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea points playfully at two grinning groomsmen in blue ties on the brick path of the rainforest garden
Steve shakes hands with a silver haired man while hugs carry on beneath the tree ferns beside the dining room at Lyrebird Falls
Steve wraps a silver haired guest in a big hug while Andrea smiles beside them in the mountain gardens
Andrea hugs a guest in glasses as Steve greets the crowd, a bridesmaid in violet blue nearby in the rainforest
Andrea and Steve hug guests at the same moment by the dining room windows, fairy lights glowing inside at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
An older man in a pinstripe suit shakes Steve's hand as an older woman in a floral cardigan congratulates Andrea in the gardens
A guest with pink tipped hair and a striped dress laughs beside a man in a blue tie, greeting Steve at the garden wedding
Andrea and Steve chat with guests on the brick path as a flower girl wanders across the rainforest garden lawn behind
Andrea chats with an older man and a woman in a teal floral dress under the tree ferns at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A guest in a white lace dress hugs Andrea on the brick courtyard as the garden wedding guests mingle behind
Andrea laughs with guests on the brick path as a woman in a yellow floral dress counts on her fingers beside the rainforest
Andrea and Steve laugh together, her deep red and pink rose bouquet up close and guests smiling in the gardens behind
Three women laugh together among the guests in the Dandenong Ranges, one in teal lace and pearls beside an older woman in a floral cardigan
Steve shares a long hug with a silver haired woman in a cream jacket as a guest in teal florals smiles under a tree fern
Older guests chat on the lawn after the garden ceremony beside the white gazebo at Lyrebird Falls, one in a bright green jacket
Three pageboys in blue shirts and three flower girls in baby's breath crowns pose on the red brick steps in the gardens
The flower girls and pageboys pull silly faces on the curved brick steps under the tree ferns at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea and Steve pose with a woman in a black top in the green shade of the rainforest
Garden portrait of Andrea and Steve with four loved ones, including a woman in a cream jacket and a blonde woman in black
A group of ten gathers around Andrea and Steve on the round brick courtyard at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea and Steve stand with her dad, a loved one in a purple cardigan and two more guests in the rainforest gardens
Andrea and Steve with a blonde woman in a black slip dress and a man in a striped tie in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea and Steve with a loved one in a purple cardigan and a man in a grey suit and glasses, tree ferns behind
Andrea and Steve with a man in a grey suit and spotted tie and a silver haired woman in a cream jacket for garden portraits
Andrea and Steve on the brick steps with a man in a striped tie and a woman in cream at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Her dad and a loved one in a purple cardigan stand either side of Andrea and Steve against the dark rainforest foliage
Andrea and Steve with the flower girls and pageboys on the brick steps, one pageboy waving in front, at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
The bridal party cheers with bouquets raised in front of the vintage van on a grassy verge up in the Dandenong Ranges hills
Andrea lifts her skirt as she walks across the grass from the vintage van with Steve and two groomsmen carrying drinks in the mountains
Steve waits under a small autumn tree flaring with sun as Andrea walks towards him on the slope at the RJ Hamer Arboretum
Andrea and Steve walk hand in hand across the hillside as the low sun flares over the forested mountain ridge
Andrea looks up at Steve as the sun backlights them on a Dandenong Ranges hillside, in black and white
Andrea and Steve smile under a red leafed tree as golden hour sun floods the valley at the RJ Hamer Arboretum, Olinda
Steve kisses Andrea under the autumn leaves as hazy light spills across the valley in the Dandenongs
Andrea and Steve stand beneath a red leafed tree, rows of tall conifers and a forested hill behind them at the R.J. Hamer Arboretum
Andrea leans into Steve with her eyes closed under the autumn leaves, her long veil trailing across the grass up in the mountains
Andrea and Steve share a kiss on the sloping lawn as late sun spills over the Dandenong Ranges hill behind them
Andrea and Steve stroll across the open grass under tall trees, her veil lifting in the mountain breeze
Groomsmen and bridesmaids stroll up the hillside with drinks in hand at the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges
The wedding party raises bottles, glasses and bouquets in a cheer on the grassy mountain slope
The wedding party lines up across the grass in front of a wall of rust and bronze conifers at the RJ Hamer Forest Arboretum
Andrea and Steve share a smile in the middle of the lined up wedding party, rust coloured conifers rising behind them in the Dandenongs
Andrea and Steve with three bridesmaids in violet blue holding red and pink rose bouquets before a rust coloured conifer wall in the hills
Andrea and Steve kiss while the bridesmaids laugh beside them, rows of tall conifers behind them in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve holds Andrea's bouquet up in front of her face as the grinning groomsmen each hold a bouquet at the RJ Hamer Arboretum
Andrea and Steve hide their faces behind her bouquet as the groomsmen laugh, golden autumn light in the Dandenong Ranges
Three bridesmaids in violet blue smile as they watch from the grass, autumn trees glowing on the mountain behind them
Andrea and Steve stand with the groomsmen, each holding a bouquet, in front of tall rust conifers at the RJ Hamer Arboretum, Olinda
Andrea, Steve and the groomsmen blow kisses to the camera with bouquets in hand, autumn conifers blurred behind in the Dandenongs
Steve and the groomsmen lift Andrea across their arms, all laughing, in front of a row of rust red conifers at the R.J. Hamer Arboretum
Andrea and her bridesmaids in violet blue pose with deep red and pink rose bouquets against dark conifers in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea laughs with her bridesmaids, heads leaning in and bouquets pressed together, on the mountain hillside
Steve and the groomsmen walk in a line across the grass carrying bottles, tall rust conifers behind them at the RJ Hamer Arboretum
Steve leads the groomsmen across the open lawn with drinks in hand, bronze conifers and the Dandenong Ranges sky behind
Andrea and Steve smile at the camera hand in hand, blurred conifers behind them up in the mountains
Andrea smiles up at Steve as they walk across the grass before towering bronze conifers on the mountain
Andrea glances back as she and Steve walk towards a row of rust red conifers at the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges
A distant view of Andrea and Steve walking between two dark conifers towards a sunlit forested mountain
Andrea and Steve stand between tall green conifers with misty hills behind them at the R.J. Hamer Arboretum
Andrea and Steve smile at each other with her bouquet between them, the soft green mountain hillside behind
Andrea and Steve gaze at each other between two conifers as mist drifts across the valley in the Dandenongs
Steve and Andrea kiss in front of a misty valley and a sunlit hillside in the ranges
Andrea and Steve stand beside a towering dark green conifer as the light fades over the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea gathers her skirt and laughs as she walks with Steve across the grass, tall bronze conifers behind at the RJ Hamer Arboretum, Olinda
Andrea and Steve stride towards the camera grinning, her satin skirt swinging, a row of conifers lining the Dandenong Ranges hilltop
Andrea walks alone across the sloping lawn with her bouquet, rows of conifers and a forested ridge behind at the RJ Hamer Forest Arboretum
Steve strolls down the sloping lawn glancing to one side, rows of conifers and the mountain forest behind him
Steve grins in his navy dinner suit and red rose buttonhole before tall dark conifers in the fading mountain light
Andrea swishes her satin skirt and smiles down at her bouquet on the grass between tall conifers in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea and Steve head back across the grass towards a row of boulders and a golden autumn tree on the mountain
Andrea and Steve climb the grassy slope beside rows of rust conifers below a forested ridge at the RJ Hamer Arboretum
A two tier buttercream cake dressed with red and pink roses sits beside a silver knife, ready for the garden wedding reception
A garland of pink and red roses spills along the skirted head table, the rainforest gardens glowing through the window behind
White roses and trailing greenery fill a low bowl on a guest table in the dining room at Lyrebird Falls
A gold place card holder and a wrapped thank you biscuit sit on a folded napkin at the garden wedding reception
A framed collage of a tree lined road through the seasons stands on a white easel at the mountain garden reception
A white wishing well, guest book and jars of baby's breath on the polished timber gift table at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Four guests lean in and grin at their table under the chandeliers, rainforest greenery dark in the windows behind
A man in a navy suit and a blonde woman in black lean together at their table, the rainforest gardens behind the glass
A guest in a lilac shirt and a woman in a red and navy floral dress smile beside a gilt mirror at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Two pageboys and three flower girls in baby's breath crowns pile over their white chairs with glow bracelets at the Dandenong Ranges reception
A blonde guest with a white rose wrist corsage flashes a peace sign beside an older man in a striped tie at the mountain reception
A guest with bright red hair and a woman in glasses and a white blazer smile at their table at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Three guests squeeze in together at a round table as the mountain rainforest reception fills the room
A bearded guest in a black suit and a brunette in black smile, the polished parquetry and tables of the mountain dining room behind
Two guests with a flower girl in a baby's breath crown and a pageboy with a buttonhole gather at their table at Lyrebird Falls
A blonde guest in a white blazer smiles over her shoulder as a flower girl plays behind her, tree fern gardens beyond the windows
Two guests in glasses sit close at their table, leafy greenery from the Dandenong Ranges gardens at the window
A silver haired guest in a cream jacket and an older man with a white rose buttonhole hug at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A curly haired flower girl in a blue floral dress and violet sash sits between guests at the rainforest reception
A guest in glasses and an olive jacket sits beside a man in a striped tie as the mountain wedding reception gets going
A silver haired guest in a leopard print top and a bearded man in grey smile at their table at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Two older guests in a rust blazer and a lime green jacket smile by the window onto the rainforest gardens
A guest in black holds a wide eyed baby over her shoulder at the Dandenong Ranges garden wedding
A silver haired guest in long pearls raises her wine beside an older man in a red tie at Lyrebird Falls
An older guest in a red tie and a woman in teal lace and pearls smile at their table, the tree fern gardens dark outside
A silver haired man in a salmon tie and a woman in pearls smile by the rose dressed head table at the rainforest wedding
A guest in black lace over white and a man in a pink tie lean together by the night window at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
A guest in black lace over white laughs with a man in a striped shirt, dark tree ferns beyond the window
Two older guests in a tartan tie and a floral top laugh with their arms around each other at the Dandenong Ranges wedding
An older guest in glasses with a white rose buttonhole and a red haired woman in gold lace smile at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A grey haired man in glasses and a woman in royal blue with pearls sit close at the mountain garden wedding
A guest in a navy three piece suit sits with two smiling women by a gilt framed painting at the rainforest reception
Three guests in black, gold and a printed halter dress smile in front of tall white floral arrangements at Lyrebird Falls
A guest in glasses and a printed halter dress leans on a bearded man in a grey tie at the Dandenong Ranges wedding reception
Three men in white shirts ham it up at their table, one flexing, as the chandeliers glow at the mountain venue
A brunette in black and a laughing blonde in a white jacket share a table at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A guest in a bird print dress and a bearded man in red gingham smile under gilt framed paintings at the garden reception
A guest in a pale floral off shoulder dress and a man in a navy jacket sit by the window onto the rainforest
A guest in a mustard floral dress and a man in a check shirt smile by the window at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A guest in a pastel floral dress and a man in a polka dot tie pose at their table at the mountain rainforest reception
A guest in a pink floral wrap dress and a man in a purple tie sit together at the garden wedding in the Dandenong Ranges
A guest with long auburn hair and a man in a red striped tie sit close by a gilt painting at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
A guest in a coral dress and a man in a silver tie smile among the tables at the rainforest wedding
A curly haired guest in glasses and a red haired man in a checked bow tie lean in at the reception among the tree ferns
Three guests in navy floral, yellow and navy smile around a table set with crystal glasses at Lyrebird Falls
A dark haired guest in a white shirt hugs a brunette in a navy floral dress as the garden reception carries on behind them
A guest in a red sleeveless dress and a man in a purple tie smile at their table at the Dandenong Ranges rainforest venue
A guest in glasses and a heart pendant sits beside a man in a blue suit at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A guest in a navy cardigan and a man in a grey shirt lean together at the garden wedding high in the ranges
Two guests in a paisley top and a teal cardigan smile side by side at the rainforest garden reception
A guest in a pale shirt puts his arm around a woman in a paisley wrap dress at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A guest in a red dress and a man in a white shirt hug by the dance floor at the forest wedding in the mountains
A guest in a burgundy dress and a bearded man in a cream tie sit together as the rainforest reception hums behind them
Her dad, in his tartan bow tie and white rose buttonhole, leans in beside a red haired guest in gold lace at Lyrebird Falls
An older guest in a pinstripe suit and a blonde woman in a wavy navy print smile at the Dandenong Ranges garden reception
An older guest in pinstripes, a blonde woman in navy print and a long haired guest in pink lace squeeze together, tree ferns dark outside
A bearded guest in a dark jacket hugs a long haired woman in pink lace at their table at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
A young man in glasses, an older man in grey and a woman in a green print dress smile at the tree fern garden wedding
A groomsman and a bridesmaid in violet blue satin wait arm in arm as others peek from the doorway, ready to enter the garden reception
Bridesmaids in violet blue hold rose bouquets in the hallway with the groomsmen as Andrea waits behind them at the mountain rainforest venue
A groomsman and a bridesmaid in a violet blue high low dress walk in under a brass chandelier at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A groomsman in a blue tie and a bridesmaid in violet blue stride onto the parquetry as the rainforest wedding guests clap
A tall groomsman and a bridesmaid in violet blue enter arm in arm, beaming, the tree fern gardens dark outside the windows
Andrea and Steve walk out of the lounge past the stained glass door to make their entrance at Lyrebird Falls
Guests clap as Andrea, in her lace backed gown, and Steve enter the dining room under the chandeliers of the mountain forest venue
Andrea and Steve walk in hand in hand as guests clap around the tables at the rainforest garden wedding
The full bridal party lines up on the parquetry before the dark windows and chandelier at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Guests stand to watch the entrance, one filming on a tablet, under the chandeliers in the Dandenong Ranges
A silver haired guest in pearls holds up her phone beside a man in a pink tie as the rainforest reception cheers
A row of guests in white shirts claps behind their chairs as a boy kneels with a phone at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
Wide view of guests on their feet clapping, her dad in his tartan bow tie among them, at the mountain garden reception
Andrea laughs and holds her bouquet over Steve's head at the head table, the night gardens in the window behind
A flower girl in a baby's breath crown fiddles with the head table roses as the groomsmen grin at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
A guest in a blue tie and a woman with pink hair and a striped dress smile at the rainforest wedding reception
A blonde guest in a floral dress and black jacket sits with a man in glasses at the Dandenong Ranges reception
A guest in a black suit pouts for the photo booth with a baby in his arms against the gold XO backdrop at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea leans in to chat with a silver haired guest and an older man with a white rose buttonhole at the tree fern garden wedding
Andrea and Steve laugh with a bearded older guest as they go table to table at the rainforest venue
Steve sits to chat with a guest in a lime jacket as Andrea leans in to another at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve stands behind three of his groomsmen in blue ties at the head table, fairy lit trees glowing in the gardens outside
Three bridesmaids in violet blue sit at the head table with a guest in white behind them, rainforest greenery lit outside
Two pageboys in blue shirts hug and pose on the shining parquetry dance floor at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A pageboy throws his arms up and grins on the dance floor of the garden reception in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea gives Steve a sideways look as a pageboy pops up between them at the head table, the tree fern gardens dark outside
Pageboys in a rainbow wig and a lion hat and flower girls in pink glasses and a sequin hat crowd the Lyrebird Falls photo booth
Andrea laughs with a hand to her forehead as she and Steve chat with guests at the rainforest wedding reception
An older guest in a pink tie rests his chin on his hand and smiles up at Andrea and Steve at the mountain wedding
Andrea bends to an older guest who reaches for her arm as Steve looks on at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea clasps her dad's hands as he sits at his table in his tartan bow tie, Steve smiling behind, at the garden wedding reception
Andrea laughs with a standing older guest as Steve chats beside a tall white rose arrangement at the venue among the tree ferns
Andrea and Steve chat with a guest in teal lace and an older man in a red tie at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A groomsman in a blue tie and a guest in a gold pleated dress pose by the gilt mirrors at the mountain rainforest reception
A man in grey sits on the lounge sofa with a baby as pageboys tumble around him, just off the garden reception
Guests squeeze onto a beige sofa with a baby, a pageboy and a flower girl in a baby's breath crown at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea and Steve pose with two guests under the feathery chandelier by the stained glass door of the mountain venue
Andrea and Steve chat with two guests, one holding a camera, in the panelled hallway of the Dandenong Ranges venue
A blonde guest in a wavy navy print dress raises her glass with a man in a silver tie at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea and Steve whoop in the photo booth, waving blue and red sequin hats against the gold XO backdrop at the mountain rainforest wedding
Three pageboys and a barefoot flower girl huddle on the sofa over a phone, taking a break from the garden reception
A guest in black lace crouches to hold a barefoot flower girl's hands on the dance floor at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A guest in glasses speaks into the microphone at the gold lectern as guests listen at the mountain wedding reception
Her dad gives his speech at the gold lectern in his tartan bow tie, rainforest greenery lit in the window beside him
Wide view of the bridal party at the long head table, rose garland and chandelier glowing, at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea, Steve and the bridal party smile from behind the rose garland as her dad speaks at the garden wedding
Guests at a round table applaud a speech beneath tall white rose arrangements in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests sit in a row by the tall windows onto the tree ferns, listening closely to the speeches under the wall sconces
Her dad speaks into the microphone at the gold lectern as guests listen beneath tall white roses at the rainforest reception
Guests listen and smile as her dad holds the microphone, a guest in purple at the front, at the mountain garden reception
Bridesmaids in violet blue listen as her dad speaks, lush plants lit in the window at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Guests laugh through the speeches around a table as a woman in red shoes holds a baby at the rainforest garden wedding
Andrea listens at the head table with Steve beside her, purple fairy lights glowing in the gardens outside
Steve leans in and smiles at Andrea during the speeches, purple fairy lights glowing behind them at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea and Steve share a look at the head table behind the red and pink rose garland in the mountain dining room
Wide view of the head table laughing along with the speeches under the chandelier at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Steve and a groomsman grin as her dad speaks at the lectern, rainforest foliage in the window behind
Guests listen from their chairs as a baby crawls across the carpet during the speeches, tree fern gardens beyond the glass
Her dad listens from his table in his tartan bow tie beside a guest in purple as the speeches continue in the Dandenongs
A guest in glasses laughs into the microphone beside the gold lectern among the tables of the rainforest venue
Guests at a table laugh at the speeches, a bearded man in a grey tie leaning in, at the mountain wedding in the forest
A loved one in purple lace and pearls gives a speech at the gold lectern, tall white roses behind her at the garden wedding
A loved one in purple speaks at the lectern as Andrea, Steve and the bridesmaids listen at the head table of the rainforest wedding
Andrea smiles across at Steve at the head table of their garden wedding reception while a bridesmaid in violet blue sips her drink
A loved one in purple speaks at the gold lectern as the head table laughs behind pink and red roses at Lyrebird Falls
The loved one in purple and pearls holds the microphone under a chandelier during the speeches at the mountain wedding reception
A loved one in purple leans in to talk with an older guest at their table during the speeches beside the rainforest gardens
A man in glasses applauds from the gold lectern as the head table claps along at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea's dad in his tartan bow tie smiles from a round table with guests during the rainforest garden wedding speeches
Guests laugh through the speeches while a flower girl in a baby's breath crown lies on the floor, chin in hands, at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A blonde guest in black laughs and raises a hand at her table under tall white flowers at the rainforest venue
Steve hides his face in his hand as Andrea and her bridesmaids in violet blue laugh at the head table at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea, Steve and two groomsmen crack up at the head table, chandeliers reflected in the windows of the mountain venue
A groomsman in a purple tie grins from the gold lectern, microphone in hand, as guests smile at a Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding
Guests at a round table laugh at the speeches beneath a gilt mirror and wall lamps at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea laughs and touches her hair while Steve grins during a speech, fairy lights twinkling at the rainforest reception
Andrea listens with a soft smile as Steve raises his eyebrows at a speech behind pink and red roses at the mountain reception
Andrea and Steve burst out laughing behind pink and red roses at their wedding among the tree ferns
Guests grin through the speeches as a flower girl in a baby's breath crown peeks up from the floor at the mountain venue
A blonde guest in black lace raises her champagne glass and smiles from her chair at the mountain garden wedding reception
Andrea and Steve laugh together at the head table with a groomsman in a purple tie smiling behind, the gardens green beyond the window
Steve speaks at the gold lectern with Andrea beside him as guests listen from round tables in the dining room at Lyrebird Falls
Guests listen from round tables under tall white flowers, an older guest in a cream jacket smiling at the rainforest garden wedding
A grey bearded guest leans on the back of his chair to listen to the speeches up in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea's dad in his tartan bow tie and a loved one in purple smile at their table during the garden reception speeches
Andrea's dad leans in laughing towards a loved one in purple as guests behind them smile at the rainforest wedding
Steve speaks into the microphone with Andrea beside him as the bridesmaids in violet blue roar with laughter at the mountain wedding
Guests at a round table applaud the speeches, a woman in black and pearls laughing by the windows onto the tree fern gardens
Guests turn in their chairs to listen, a tall arrangement of white roses behind them at the mountain garden reception
Wide view of Steve speaking at the gold lectern beside Andrea as guests listen across the dining room at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea and Steve cut their three tier buttercream cake dressed with pink and red roses on the polished parquetry of the mountain venue
Children sit on the parquetry floor to watch Andrea and Steve cut the cake at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Three guests in suits pose arm in arm beside the photo booth light at the rainforest wedding reception
Steve poses on the parquetry with an older guest in a striped tie and a blonde guest sipping through a straw, up in the mountains
The blonde guest in black lace laughs with her drink between Steve and the older guest under the chandeliers of the rainforest venue
Five guests in suits throw their arms around each other and grin by the windows overlooking the gardens
A guest in a grey suit holds a baby in a blue knit who reaches up to touch his face at the rainforest garden reception
Andrea's dad in his tartan bow tie poses with three guests in suits beside the photo booth light at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea's dad stands between two smiling guests in suits by the tall windows onto the gardens, a studio light behind them in the Dandenong Ranges
A flower girl in a baby's breath crown and three pageboys pile onto a couch over a phone, shoes kicked off, at the mountain wedding
A bridesmaid in violet blue satin and a guest in a spotted tie smile under a chandelier at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A flower girl hangs upside down laughing as a guest in black holds her hands and Andrea's dad plays along at the tree fern venue
A loved one in purple tries giant red heart glasses beside a guest in a rainbow wig at the garden wedding photo booth
Guests in wigs and hats crowd the photo booth corner under a crystal chandelier beside a stained glass door at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea in a short white swing dress and Steve in his waistcoat take to the parquetry for their first dance at the mountain garden reception
Steve twirls Andrea under his arm, her white skirt swinging, as the head table watches at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Hands joined high, Andrea beams mid turn during the swing dance before the head table and windows onto the rainforest gardens
Steve kisses Andrea's temple as they hold each other close on the polished parquetry during their rainforest wedding first dance
Andrea and Steve smile at each other mid step under a chandelier on the parquetry at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Steve twirls Andrea and her full skirt flares above black and white saddle shoes at the garden wedding
Andrea spins out to arm's length from Steve across the gleaming parquetry of the tree fern venue
Andrea and Steve swing side to side holding hands as mountain wedding guests watch from their tables at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea's skirt flares as she and Steve step out side by side in their swing routine at the rainforest wedding
Andrea and Steve kick out together in time, her saddle shoes flashing on the parquetry of the Dandenong Ranges venue
Guests at a round table laugh and clap the swing dance under gilded mirrors at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Children with gold gift bags and guests on chairs cheer the first dance at a Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding reception
Steve dips Andrea low at the end of their swing dance as the room watches at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
Guests by the doorway cheer and clap as the first dance ends, a woman in a floral dress beaming at the garden reception
Bridesmaids in violet blue, a flower girl and a pageboy clap from the head table against windows onto the tree fern gardens
Andrea and Steve stand arm in arm grinning on the dance floor as the head table applauds at Lyrebird Falls
Steve beckons an older guest in a cream jacket onto the dance floor as a flower girl looks on at the Dandenong Ranges rainforest venue
Steve dances with the older guest in a cream jacket and black lace skirt in front of the head table at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Steve and the older guest hold hands close and smile as they dance across the parquetry of the tree fern garden venue
Andrea smiles up at her dad as they dance, guests watching from their tables at the garden wedding
Andrea and her dad grin at the camera mid dance, hands clasped, at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A loved one in blue and pearls laughs up at an older guest with a white rose buttonhole as they dance at the mountain wedding
A red haired guest in a bright bow tie dances close with a woman in a floral dress at the rainforest garden wedding
A guest in a mustard yellow dress hugs a guest in a black suit, both grinning on the crowded dance floor at Lyrebird Falls
Two guests in suits hug and grin on the dance floor as a flower girl in blue peeks between them at the garden wedding
A guest in a navy floral dress and a guest in a spotted shirt and floral tie dance at a Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding
A blonde guest with pearl straps dances cheek close with a guest in a black suit at the garden reception
Steve and the older guest in a cream jacket dance again, both smiling at the camera at the mountain wedding reception
Two guests in glasses dance and smile over their shoulders on the parquetry at the rainforest reception
A guest in aqua florals dances with a guest in a polka dot tie by the head table at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
An older guest in black and white lace dances with a guest in a grey suit, both smiling, at the rainforest garden wedding reception
A groomsman in a blue tie and pink rose buttonhole smiles sideways on the crowded dance floor at the mountain venue
A loved one in blue and pearls chats with Andrea on the dance floor as Andrea's dad smiles behind them at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea hugs a loved one in blue and pearls, both smiling to camera, with her dad close behind in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea lets out a delighted shout beside a grinning Steve on the crowded mountain wedding dance floor
The older guest in a cream jacket dances with a grey suited guest wearing a white rose buttonhole at the tree fern venue
Andrea and Steve gather with a big group of guests by the doors, one kneeling with a baby, at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A flower girl in a baby's breath crown dances hand in hand with two guests on the parquetry at the garden wedding
A blonde guest in black and a guest in a grey tie dance with a flower girl held between them at the mountain wedding
Two older guests dance and smile for the camera, one in a navy swirl print dress, one in pinstripes, at the reception among the gardens
An older guest in a floral cardigan chats beside a guest in a striped tie at the reception among the tree ferns
A blonde guest in black lace bends down to hug a flower girl in a baby's breath crown at the reception amid the rainforest gardens
A guest in a grey tie spins the older guest in the floral cardigan as both laugh at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
A blonde guest in black dances with an elderly guest in a pinstripe suit, hands clasped, at the Dandenong Ranges rainforest reception
A guest in a lilac shirt and striped tie dances with a guest in a black floral dress at the mountain wedding
Two pageboys in blue checked shirts grin side by side with gold chevron gift bags at their feet, up in the Dandenongs
Two bridesmaids in violet blue clap along with a guest in a floral dress by the head table, the rainforest gardens dark beyond the glass
Three guests, one a bridesmaid in violet blue, pose together on the mountain wedding dance floor at Lyrebird Falls
A guest in a white shirt shouts along mid dance as women in white and black dance beside him at the mountain garden wedding
Andrea and Steve pose with three guests beside the framed table seating plan at Lyrebird Falls in Kallista
Andrea and Steve stand with five guests in red and floral dresses by a gilt mirror at the tree fern garden venue
Andrea's dad sits with two guests, one pulling a wide eyed face, at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
A guest in black with long pearls and a guest in a coral tie smile on the dance floor at the mountain wedding reception
A groomsman in a blue tie and pink rose buttonhole poses with a blonde guest in white lace at the tree fern garden wedding
Steve laughs beside a guest giving two thumbs up and a grey bearded guest at the Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding reception
Andrea turns her back with the bouquet as women gather on the parquetry for the toss at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Women reach up and point as the bouquet flies over the dance floor at the garden wedding reception
A guest in blue satin with a red flower in her hair lunges for the flying bouquet at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges
Andrea hugs the guest in blue satin who caught the bouquet as others clap at the mountain wedding
Andrea and the guest in blue satin pose with the caught bouquet of pink and white roses at Lyrebird Falls
Andrea laughs with an older guest in black and long pearls by the head table at the rainforest reception
Andrea squeezes in with her bridesmaids in violet blue for a selfie at their wedding among the tree ferns
A guest in a black dress and a guest in a navy suit swing dance across the floor at a Dandenong Ranges rainforest wedding
A guest in a white shirt lifts a flower girl in blue florals high on the dance floor at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs
A flower girl in a baby's breath crown twirls, her blue floral skirt flaring, beside a guest in stripes at the garden wedding
A guest in a navy suit dances with fists up and a grin as flower girls and guests crowd around at Lyrebird Falls
Guests step out in unison across the parquetry under the chandeliers, the gardens and tree ferns dark beyond the windows
A groomsman with a pink rose buttonhole raises his arm and a drink as guests dance at Lyrebird Falls, Kallista
Andrea and Steve hold each other close in a slow dance among the guests, in black and white, at the rainforest wedding
Andrea and Steve kiss on the crowded dance floor at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenong Ranges, in black and white
The wedding story

Our Lyrebird Falls wedding photos: a vintage van, vows at the white gazebo and a swing dance under the chandeliers

Getting ready at home · Arrival at Lyrebird Falls in a vintage van · Gazebo ceremony on the red brick aisle · RJ Hamer Arboretum portraits · Speeches and cake · Swing dance in the dining room

Read the full story

A gown in the lounge room

Andrea’s gown was waiting on a dress form in the lounge, framed by swagged curtains and a big sunny window, with her lace heels set out on a dark timber table. We always start with those details while the room is still calm. Then make-up, the gown going on, and her bridesmaids crowding in behind in violet-blue dresses to help. A loved one in navy lace helped with her earrings, Andrea tied a white rose corsage on her wrist, and we kept close on the hands. Window light like that is a gift: soft from one side, it shapes the face and makes satin glow.

Her dad’s first look

When Andrea’s dad came in and saw her, his hand went straight to his face, and a moment later he was kissing her hand. We stayed wide enough to keep both of them in the frame, because his reaction told the story as much as her smile did. Out in the garden we turned Andrea so the sun sat behind a big shrub and rimmed her veil with light. Then her bridesmaids gathered close, laughing, their bouquets of deep red and pink roses pressed together in front of the hedge.

Steve against red timber

Meanwhile, Steve was doing up his watch and cufflinks by a window while the groomsmen helped with collars and ties. The room had a wall of dark red timber boards, and we used it for every portrait: warm, plain and rich enough to make navy suits pop. Steve stood with each groomsman in turn, then with family, hands folded and grinning. Out on a balcony above the treetops the boys raised a glass together, and we finished with Steve leaning on the rail, looking out at the forest.

A cutout and a vintage van

At Lyrebird Falls, guests were greeted by a life-size cardboard cutout of the couple standing among the tree ferns, which got plenty of laughs and photos before we even reached the gazebo. Pink and red roses climbed one post of the white gazebo, and white chairs lined a red brick path on the lawn. Then a vintage van rolled into the drive and Andrea stepped out, gathering her skirt, with her dad and a loved one in navy lace beside her. Arrivals happen fast, so we were already in place.

Flower girls and a high five

Three flower girls in blue floral dresses and three pageboys in blue shirts went first, baby’s breath posies held high. Steve crouched down at the front for a high five with one of the little ones, and the guests loved it. A bridesmaid walked out past the tall glass windows of the reception room, then Andrea appeared on the steps with her dad on one arm and a loved one on the other. We watched Steve as much as Andrea: both hands came up to his face.

Vows at the white gazebo

Andrea and Steve faced each other under the gazebo with the forest behind them, and the guests laughed along with every word. Under that canopy the light is soft and even, so we could move around the edges and catch faces in the rows without anyone squinting. They signed at a table dressed with roses, then walked back down the brick aisle grinning. We climbed up high for one big group of everyone, flower girls and pageboys at the front, and then the hugs began.

Bronze rows at the arboretum

After family groups on the round brick courtyard, we drove up the hill to the RJ Hamer Arboretum in Olinda. The sun was low and we put it right behind Andrea and Steve, letting it flare through the trees for a warm, hazy glow. The wedding party cheered with bouquets on the grass, then lined up in front of rows of conifers turning rust and bronze for autumn. Pairing a forest venue with an open hillside like this gives Lyrebird Falls wedding photos two moods in one afternoon.

Speeches under the chandeliers

Back in the dining room, a white buttercream cake dressed with red and pink roses waited beside the dance floor. We went table to table for guest photos, then the bridal party made their entrance across the polished parquetry. Speeches came from a gold lectern beside the head table, with loved ones taking turns at the microphone and Steve having his say too. Andrea laughed until she had to wipe her eyes. They cut the cake together, and a photo booth with colourful wigs and giant glasses kept guests busy.

A swing dance to finish

Andrea changed into a short white swing dress for the first dance, and it was worth it. Steve spun her out, pulled her back in and finished with a dip, while the full skirt flared under the chandeliers. We shot it wide to show the room clapping, then tight for the footwork. Steve danced with an older guest, Andrea with an older loved one, a flower girl twirled in her blue dress and the bridesmaids squeezed in for a selfie with the bride before the night rolled on.

Photographer's venue notes

Lyrebird Falls, Kallista: sunlit vows at the rose gazebo and golden backlight among bronze conifers

Read the venue notes

From the van to the gazebo

Andrea arrived in a vintage van that pulled right into the drive, so we waited by the tree ferns and caught her stepping out with her dad and a loved one beside her. Her entrance came down the garden steps, after the flower girls and pageboys had gone first along the red brick aisle to the white gazebo, its post wrapped in pink and red roses. Afterwards we gathered everyone on the brick paving in front of the gazebo for one big group, then moved the family photos onto the round brick courtyard.

Dappled light, then low sun on the hill

The forest was bright on Andrea and Steve’s afternoon. Sun filtered through the canopy during the ceremony and threw dappled patches across the signing table under the gazebo, so we watched where each patch fell and waited for faces to move into the cleaner light. Up at the arboretum the sun was already low, and it gave us exactly what the shaded garden below could not: warm backlight flaring through a red leafed tree, then mist drifting through the valley as the light faded over the ridge.

Where we stood at the arboretum

We started with Steve waiting under a small autumn tree while Andrea walked to him across the slope, the sun behind them both. The wall of rust and bronze conifers became the backdrop for the full wedding party, including the groomsmen holding the bouquets and lifting Andrea across their arms. For quieter frames we tucked the two of them between darker conifers, where the valley opened up behind them. The vintage van came up the hill too, and it made a fun spot for the bridal party to cheer before heading onto the grass.

Tips from Andrea and Steve’s day

Give the little ones a real role. A flower girl read to the guests into the microphone, and Andrea’s hug afterwards is one of the sweetest frames of the ceremony. If your first dance is a rehearsed routine like their swing dance, let us know beforehand; we keep a wide view of the parquetry so the spins and the dip read fully, then step in close for the footwork. And keep the car you arrive in for the drive up the hill, because it doubles as a backdrop.

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