Amanda and Steve have said, “we just have so much fun together, if we could spend all day, everyday together that would be our ideal life”, so when joining this pair on their wedding day, I knew there would be some fun but also a genuine promise to be by each others side for always.
It was a sunny warm day in the Barossa Valley, perfect conditions for their wedding ceremony at Saltram Wine Estate. Amanda wanted a simple vineyard country wedding and included hand made decorations and stationery, crediting Pinterest for a lot of her planning inspiration. I met with Amanda at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. I loved the vintage boxes that Nicole gave her bridesmaids with gifts inside, including a photo of them together, a sweet and thoughtful touch.
Amanda wore a beautifully detailed dress with a sweetheart neckline and soft train. The bridesmaids wore soft lavender dresses and there was lavender throughout their bouquets to match…and it smelled lovely! Steve wore a grey suit with a black tie, while his groomsmen wore black suits with a grey tie. It was a great contrasting look and a way for Steve to stand out, where other weddings might just have the groom in a different tie.
Amanda and Steve took the (brilliant) step of having a ‘first look’ moment with each other before the wedding at Saltram Estate Winery. These moments are so romantic and genuine, and the best part is they are (quietly) caught on camera. Amanda and Steve were able to share a kiss but not able to wipe gigantic smiles off of their faces, feeling the real emotions that they might try to hold back in front of the crowd lining the aisle. Amanda spun for Steve, showing off her beautiful wedding dress, and they were hand in hand as we walked through the winery for bridal party photos before the wedding. ‘First looks’ mean so much more time for bridal party photos…
When Amanda and Steve look back on this time, they want to remember how happy and in love they are, the time they spend bush walking, weekend outings with their dog, gardening, and time spent on the beach. It was along the waterfront that Steve proposed. “Steve had been planning for several months and was a little nervous the night before, not because he didn’t know the answer, but wanted to get the wording just right! I found out later he had to ask before I noticed money missing from our account! It was a Thursday night after work and he asked if I wanted to go out to dinner for something different for a week night. We had a beautiful romantic dinner at Raby Bay, then took a walk along the waterfront; Steve proposed on bended knee…I had no idea!”
They chose ideal locations in the Barossa Valley for their wedding celebrations – Saltram Estate Winery for their wedding ceremony, and Vinters Bar and Grill for their reception – which you can read about in part 2 of their wedding story.
Wedding Dress: Frida-Paris Designs (Brisbane dressmaker)
Shoes: Zu Shoes
Suits: Myers
Florist: Miss Maggies Flowers
Hair and Makeup: Sarah Craker Weddings
Wedding celebrant: Pastor David Gogoll
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Saltram Wine Estate
Wedding Photographer: Jade Norwood Photography
Amanda hidden away ready for a ‘first look’ with her bridesmaids and Mum
And the ‘First look’ for Steve and Amanda… Priceless…
