Stacey and Mike got married at one of my favourite Adelaide wedding venues – Glen Ewin Estate – and it was a pleasure to work with their coordinator Rita Andretti, never underestimate how smoothly a wedding coordinator can make your special day run especially for someone like me! Stacey and Mike got ready across the road from each other and both houses were packed. There were even tents outside and every single room had a bed on the floor to accommodate all the special people that had travelled so far to enjoy the day with them.
We met the wonderful couple first at their engagement session in Adelaide, where we learned of their romantic story that was almost cut short by an ending Visa. “Mike is incredibly good at communicating. I’ve never met a guy before that was able to share their thoughts and feelings, and make me feel like the most loved girl in the world. We have great conversations on life events and share similar view points on many subjects. We complement each other in so many ways and I feel so very lucky to have followed my guy and kissed him that night in August 2011.”
Fast forward nearly 4 years and Mike and Stacey were ready to ‘officially’ start their life together in front of friends and family at Glen Ewin Estate. Opal earrings worn by Stacey matched the 2 different blues of bridesmaid dresses and the blue and white flowers. While she wore gold sequin flats, her bridesmaids wore silver, and they probably had the most comfortable footwear of everyone!
Stacey wore a beautiful wedding dress with a sheer neckline and lace overlay, button up back and a layered full skirt complemented with a diamond cuff to complete the outfit. When she finished getting dressed her mum was overcome with emotions and I was pleased to capture the sweet moment. After a few selfies it was time for a surprise reveal for her Dad, and his beaming smile screamed pride over the little girl whom he was about to give away.
Following with the shades of blue there were ornamental umbrellas to shade guests on the day and paper fans to keep them cool at the ceremony. The groom waited at the end of the aisle as all of the attendants made their way arm in arm down the aisle. Because Stacey chose to have her brother make up part of her ‘bridesmaid’ side of the bridal party to keep it to 5 attendants each side, it broke the ice of nerves for the groom to see the two guys walking down the aisle arm in arm. I think the laugh definitely relaxed him! But then came the best reaction from the groom when he saw his bride for the first time. Overcome, he fought back tears, but the closer his bride got, the bigger his smile became.
In the gardens of Glen Ewin Estate, Stacey and Michael’s parents gave their blessings and together they all lit the family candles. There were so many gorgeous moments in this wedding ceremony – the way Michael’s parents held each other, the way Stacey and Michael were lost in each others eyes, their heartfelt first kiss, and the dads shaking hands in congratulations only to end up in a hug. Even as I write this I have a big smile on my face. This wedding was pure happiness and it has an everlasting effect.
We had family photos under the trees and by the little pond while champagne was handed around to celebrating guests. I tell you what – I had some competition at this wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many cameras out – and professional cameras at that! Stacey and Mike would have a great set of photos to tell the story of their day – and I love that they got to capture every angle.
The bridal party, made up of Stacey’s 3 bothers and sister as well as their closest friends were a bundle of laughs – we seriously had so much fun doing their wedding photos. They really were their own little party while we were away from the main event! As the season was changing to autumn, we were blessed with not only the greens of the winery but also the reds and oranges of the changing leaves – making for a gorgeous wedding album. Stacey and Mike are so in love, every kiss and smile in their photographs is pure and genuine emotion – they didn’t even have to be directed.
The blue theme flowed through to the reception – candles handmade by Stacey’s friend light up the tables. Stubbie holders designed by Stacey’s sister were brilliant caricatures of the bride and groom – I loved them! A photo booth with printable photos entertained the guests, and they stuck their pictures in the guest signing book with a message for the bride and groom. Paper lanterns hung from the roof and Stacey and Mike chose to keep their decorations grand but simple, following the theme of the rustic old winery pulpshed where the reception was held. Tall arrangements of white flowers embellished the tables and fairy lights wrapped the poles with a tree of light adding to the room ambience.
The cake was cut, the speeches inspiring laughter and cheering, and it was time for Stacey and Mike’s first dance as husband and wife. The dance floor didn’t take long to fill with their fun loving guests, but one photo sums up the whole day. Even with all the people, dancing and fun around them, Mike and Stacey still had eyes only for each other as they swayed on the dance floor. A love that runs deep like that will last a lifetime – congratulations.
Wedding dress: Found on dhgate.com
Bridesmaid: The Dainty Yard
Suits: Tailor4Less tailor4less.com
Rings: Solid Gold Jewellers
Jewellery: From Bali
Cake: Made by Stacey’s Mum
Celebrant: Gerrelyn Gilco
Ceremony and Reception Location: Glen Ewin Estate
Bouquets: St Agnes Florist
Adelaide Hills Wedding Photographer: Jade Norwood Photography
