Rhys & Jessica | Ecco Restaurant, Drummoyne, NSW

On March 15, 2012 by Anthony Ponzo With 2 Comments - Weddings

I knew Rhys & Jessica’s wedding would be one to remember from the beginning. You see, around lunch time on Friday (day before the wedding) I got a last minute phone call asking if I was available to shoot Jess’s preparation for her big day.
“No worries!” I said. I almost always keep the entire day free for this very reason. “Just send me over the address, and I’ll make it happen.” Finding out that Jess was getting ready approx 45 minutes away from the church (and my house) meant my day just got a lot more interesting!

Arriving around 1-and-a-half hours before the ceremony was due to begin, Jess was getting the final touches on her make-up and all the bridesmaids were dressed and ready to go! After some quick introductions and photos of her dress & accessories, it was straight down to fitting and some formal photos. Jess was getting ready at her mother’s house, who had a great main bedroom which was flooded in natural light, perfect!
After a little mishap (that is worthy of a whole other blog post!) I made my way to Mortlake for the ceremony which was being held at St Patricks Catholic Church. After seeing Rhys and his groomsmen standing down the front and everyone eagerly awaiting Jess’s arrival, I see David (Rhys’s father) come rushing out the church! Knowing this isn’t normally a good sign, I quickly ask “everything still going ahead?”
“They forgot the bloody rings!” was his only reply. Just a note to all the best men out there…remember the rings!
After a quick ceremony and Jess’s 94 year-old grandmother handing her a horse shoe for good luck, it was off to Elkington Park, Balmain for some shots in the parklands and by the water.
Coming across some dog walkers as we were heading to the car…we couldn’t turn down a photo opportunity like that!
When we arrived at Ecco Restaurant, it was a little before the start time of 6:00PM and the guests were still arriving. We had some time to spare so spent a few minutes doing portraits with the bridal party overlooking the river.
As the sun set over the water behind Ecco Restaurant, the meals were cleared and a few tears during some speeches it was onto the dancing…and these guests knew how to dance! I don’t think there was anybody left sitting once the music started, and kept going till the music stopped.

As I mentioned at the start, this wedding will be one I won’t forget for a long time. Partly due to some of the stories and events (who forgets the rings on their wedding day?!) but also because it was FUN. Everyone I spoke to, all the guests were there to celebrate this great day and have fun…which always makes my day a lot easier.

I’ve put a few of my favourite photos from the day below, and will also be updating my main website (www.ap-photography.com.au) in the coming few days.