One of the best things about being a wedding photographer is meeting so many lovely couples, each with their own individual twist on what will be their wedding day.

Enter Jaime and Dale, a couple I met earlier this year when we talked about their wedding ideas and plans. I was really excited to be their chosen photographer, their wedding was to be an intimate wedding with just family and close friends at Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville.

For my clients, I typically photograph from engagement to reception. The images from Jaime and Dale’s engagement shoot were fabulous even though there was a heavy downpour of rain. Fast forward to the wedding day, rain again. Not to worry, dramatic skies up the top of the range at Montville will make for spectacular photos.

With the wedding all “under one roof” at Spicers Clovelly Estate, the drama of travelling for venue to venue for all was removed. Everything in one place adds to the relaxed experience for wedding guests as well. Jaime and her bridesmaid Sandy relaxed as they had their make up done by Rina Hepworth. Time to dress and Jaime to put on her most beautiful white silk Fiorenza Collections gown from Bridal on James. Wow, Jaime looked absolutely stunning. Jaime and Sandy’s gorgeous tulips were supplied by Melissa Sims of Flourish Design by Mel.

Dale and his best man Kerry after relaxing over lunch donned Hugo Boss suits, and waited nervously with the guests for the bride to arrive. Intermittent showers during the day suggested the wet weather plan would be prudent, the ceremony was held undercover on the verandah. As Jaime walked down the aisle, there was a collective gulp, and tears! Celebrant Merlin Coughlan had put together a beautiful wedding ceremony with Jaime and Dale, their vows and exchange of rings was punctuated by tears of happiness.

Immediately after the ceremony, guests congratulated the bride and groom as they enjoyed drinks and canapés.

Our photoshoot together was fabulous and perfectly timed. We snuck away for some photos to a nearby lookout, the very spot where the proposal occurred. Moet is the perfect tonic for congratulations.

Our next stop was “One Tree Hill”, a place offering panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains… on a good day. Today there was lots of low cloud, some sunny breaks for a few moments, then more cloud. Dramatic skies make dramatic photos.

With clouds threatening, it was off to the reception to join the guests for an intimate dinner at The Long Apron, Spicers Clovelly Estate restaurant. Suddenly… the heavens opened… and it poured. Safely stowed in our vehicles, we wondered what it would have been like to be a minute later and stuck in the rain and off to the reception absolutely drenched.

Returning to Spicers Clovelly Estate, Jaime and Dale and their guests were in for a treat, this was no ordinary reception, a five course degustation was on the menu. What a treat. The meal was superb, Chef Cameron Matthews and his team did an amazing job working with great precision. After the meal, the chefs were summoned to the dining room… for hearty applause by all the guests. Congrats guys!

A wonderful day always has to end, but celebrations don’t have to. Jaime and Dale and their guests enjoyed a relaxing breakfast together before casually heading off back to reality.

Me, I enjoyed my drive home down the mountain and homeward bound as I always do. Tired, excited and thankful all at once; I had witnessed and documented the wedding day of a very special couple.

Best thing about being a wedding photographer? Going home feeling enriched about life and knowing you have very precious “cargo” in your camera bag.

Congrats Jaime and Dale, enjoy your honeymoon, you guys rock!