Lace in the bay window
Kate’s gown was hanging in the bay window of the bridal suite at Riverstone, framed by heavy curtains and the white glow of a cloudy sky. Hair and make-up were already done, so the bridesmaids settled in with bubbles in their burgundy dresses while Kate sat among them in her robe, everyone laughing together. Then the gown went on, fitted lace with a long, sweeping train, and three bridesmaids worked on the buttons and the hem at once while Kate stood still and smiled down at them.
Hands to her face
One bridesmaid took a look at Kate in the finished dress and her hands went straight to her face. We love that reaction more than any posed frame, so we keep the room relaxed and stay out of the way while the gown goes on. Kate held her bouquet of burgundy and cream roses low against the lace, then took a quiet moment by the window, looking down at the flowers with soft side light across her shoulders. Cloudy days give lovely getting-ready light: no harsh patches, just an even glow.
Guests on the lawn
Outside, the guests gathered on the lawn under festoon lights, with timber benches set out and the ranges sitting under low cloud. James came down the grass grinning, an older guest reached up to pat his cheek, and the groomsmen lined up by the gravel drive in black tuxedos and bow ties. With the deck wet and the sky still grey, the ceremony moved indoors, and everyone filed inside without any fuss. A wet-weather plan you are happy with is worth more than any forecast.
Vows among the tables
A loved one lifted Kate’s train as she came down the steps from the bridal suite and along the covered verandah, and then she stepped through the French doors with James beside her. Inside, the long tables were already set for dinner beneath a crystal chandelier, and the guests stayed in their seats while the two of them stood at the head of the room with the bridesmaids and groomsmen on either side. Indoor ceremonies are wonderful for expressions: everyone is close, so we caught the laughter running down every table.
Happy tears and a signature
Kate wiped away a happy tear partway through, and the bridesmaids beamed beside her. Afterwards, she and James signed the register at a white iron table out on the verandah, the vineyard and hills spread out behind them, and we moved in close on their hands resting on the certificate. The bridal party clapped them along the verandah, and the hugs began. For the signing, we always look for a backdrop that tells you where you are, and this verandah does it in a single frame.
One big crowd
The cloud lifted enough to bring everyone out onto the lawn, and the whole crowd lined up with the mountains behind for one big group photo, burgundy dresses in the middle. Family groups followed beside the wine barrels, a loved one squeezed Kate tight, and the bridal party stood in a long line while one groomsman punched the air. Under grey skies we keep groups tight and close to the edge of the hill, so the valley stays clear behind them rather than fading to white.
The bluestone front door
On the way back, Kate and James stopped in front of the homestead, where a grey sports car with racing stripes was parked beneath the bluestone gables. The front porch, with its lanterns, stained glass and dark stone, became our frame for the bridal party, and then for the two of them alone against the stone wall. Inside, everyone took a breather in the lounge with a grazing board and a few beers before the bridal party introductions along the verandah. Stone and timber photograph warmly in any weather.
A gold break at sunset
During dinner we worked the tables, catching guests laughing and the little ones grinning straight at us. Then the cloud split over the paddock and the sun came through low and gold, so we took Kate and James out for ten minutes. Standing them against the light gave her hair and lace a glowing edge while the paddock and hills went soft. Of all our Riverstone Estate wedding photos from this day, those ten minutes are our favourites. A sunset slot is a plan, not a promise, so keep it anyway.
Speeches, a band and a first dance
Back inside, a bridesmaid and a groomsman each took the microphone, and then Kate and James gave their own speech, James reading from his notes into the mic with Kate beside him. The band set up on the balcony, guitars and all, and the dancing started under the festoon lights, older guests and young ones side by side. Kate threw her bouquet over her shoulder to a waiting crowd, and their first dance came in a pool of backlight on the timber boards, James grinning down at her the whole way through.
