Tokar Estate Wedding Photos
A Mediterranean-style cellar door on Maddens Lane, with the vines running straight at the ranges
Tokar Estate is a family-owned winery on Maddens Lane at Coldstream, in the Yarra Valley. Leon and Rita Tokar bought the land in 1995, had 30 acres under vine by 1999, and opened the Mediterranean-inspired cellar door and restaurant in 2003; their son Daniel now runs the estate. Weddings use either the restaurant, which seats 80, or the cellar door and vineyard lawn, which holds up to 200 for cocktails under a 21-metre festoon-lit pergola.
We photographed Danni and Jarrod’s outdoor ceremony above the vines, followed by portraits in the vineyard rows and a reception in the dining room and on the covered deck. The Yarra Ranges appear behind the couple in several of their photographs.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at Tokar Estate
Tokar Estate’s ceremony lawn overlooks the vineyard, and the rows offer a nearby setting for portraits. Danni and Jarrod’s gallery moves from their outdoor ceremony to portraits among the vines, speeches in the dining room and dancing under the marquee.