The gardens at Mona vale provided the perfect setting for Will & Hannah’s special day and their twilight wedding ceremony. We were lucky enough to be there an hour before they said “I Do“, to capture their ‘first look’. A first look is the emotional, priceless moment when the groom first sees his beloved in her wedding dress. Being there allows us to capture the beauty, wonder and feeling of the moment as well as providing an opportunity for the bride and groom to be quietly still in their love together without two hundred eyes on them. Will & Hannah’s first look involved their Labrador pup, Lola, who had to be restrained from leaping excitedly all over Hannah’s graceful gown.
Will then led Hannah, gently by hand, through the gardens, and we took a moment to capture some portraits, making the most of the garden’s beautiful dappled light.
When the time came for Will to spirit away for the ceremony with Lola, Hannah stole a precious, quiet moment with her mum, Anne, who would be walking her down the aisle. Hannah’s dad, Doug, had relinquished this honour to instead officiate the wedding as celebrant (what a beautiful thing, not many Dad’s can do that!).
After the I-Do’s, it was time to congratulate. To me, this photo epitomises what makes a wedding day so special, and if we were to strip away everything else, to capture such a natural reaction from our loved ones is a real treasure !
Will and Hannah were then whisked away to New Brighton, where the War Memorial Hall was to become the location of one of the coolest receptions in town, with one of the most welcoming group of family and friends we’ve ever encountered. Just before Hannah & Will stepped in the elevator, we were inspired to capture a few more twilight portraits away from the wind, so we found a secluded spot under the stars and grabbed these shots.
With the ocean as our backdrop, and romance as our centerpiece, bubbles and laughter continued to flow freely throughout the evening’s heartfelt speeches.
And in a single moment, the wedded were on the dance floor, captivating their guests. Before long the floor was full.
Will and Hannah – It was a such a pleasure to share your wedding day with you.
Lovelight Photography Team: Photographer: Craig Forster /// Second Shooter: Dion Manson
Ceremony Venue: Mound Lawn, Mona Vale Gardens
Reception Venue : The New Brighton War Memorial Hall
Hair : Michele Robertson, Balayage Hair
Makeup : Jumee from MAC
Celebrant : Doug Hill
Christchurch Wedding Photography by Lovelight
