John & Suzanne | Australis Retreat, Wisemans Ferry, NSW

An outdoor wedding by the river with the sun setting behind the happy couple with blue skies overhead. Sounds perfect, right? Well, that was John & Suzanne’s wedding!

When I first visited John & Suzanne at their home, I think we connected right away. I could see they were both so relaxed and happy and so sure of what they were after. I knew right away that I wanted this job! Also, Hurly their dog was jumping all over me, and I was told he was going to be part of the day.

The wedding took place at Australis Retreat, Wisemans Ferry which is around 1.5 hours drive north-west of Sydney. Suzanne was staying in one of the suites at Australis Retreat so once I arrived in the afternoon I made my way to the room to find her and the bridal party applying the finishing touches to their dresses and Suzanne’s veil. After some quick portraits in the room we walked down to the car park where their transport was waiting – golf buggies!!
By far one of the best types of wedding transport I’ve seen.
Since the ceremony was taking place on the grounds of Australis Retreat, it was a few minutes ride down to the riverbank of the Hawkesbury River where John and the other guests were waiting.

The grass was green, the skies were blue and the sun was setting behind them over the river. It really was a beautiful place to photograph.
After a few laughs (and tears) through the ceremony, John and Suzanne were husband and wife and the congratulations began! Everyone moved up to celebrate with the new couple and after a few minutes (and a photo with Hurly the dog!) it was time for us to move on and the other guests to enjoy canapés by the pool.

Being that the reception was at Australis Retreat as well, we simply walked up the grounds along the Hawkesbury River past the golf course. Since the sun was setting quickly by this stage we moved quickly and got some great shots along the river. Wisemans Ferry is at the base of a gully, and as we walked back along the golf course the hills behind us glowed gold with the setting sun. Stunning.

After a slight delay entering the reception, John and Suzanne were welcomed into their wedding reception with rose petals being thrown in the air and cheers raising the roof!

It was a pleasure to photograph a wedding in such an amazing location as Wisemans Ferry…and for such a great couple that John and Suzanne are.

I hope you enjoy the small selection of photos below. If you have any queries or comments please feel free to leave them at the bottom or via the contact link above.

The amazing ceremony venue - right beside Hawksberry River

The amazing ceremony venue – right beside Hawkesbury River

She was called a flower girl for a reason.

She was called a flower girl for a reason.

Suzanne getting the final touches before the golf buggy ride!

Suzanne getting the final touches before the golf buggy ride!

One last thing to fix.

One last thing to fix…

One of the best wedding cars I've seen!

One of the best wedding cars I’ve seen!

Proud father walking Suzanne through the grounds, towards the ceremony.

Proud father walking Suzanne through the grounds, towards the ceremony.

Suzanne was glowing all day!

Suzanne was glowing all day!

The happy couple just before they were offically husband and wife.

The happy couple just before they were offically husband and wife.

Couldn't have asked for a better day by the river.

Couldn’t have asked for a better day by the river.

The groomsmen watching on.

The groomsmen watching on.

Sealed with a ring.

Sealed with a ring.

There's something about sun rays and water that go hand in hand!

There’s something about sun rays and water that go hand in hand!

The flower girl playing with John's dog Hurly, who was a fixture throughout the day.

The flower girl playing with John’s dog Hurly, who was a fixture throughout the day.

Detail shot of Suzanne's dress in the afternoon sun.

Detail shot of Suzanne’s dress in the afternoon sun.

The happy couple get congratulated by their guests.

The happy couple get congratulated by their guests.

John and his best mate.

John and his best mate.

Husband and wife share a kiss at Wisemans Ferry

Husband and wife share a kiss at Wisemans Ferry

Something both John & Suzanne believe in - and it showed throughout the day.

Something both John & Suzanne believe in – and it showed throughout the day.

The couple are welcomed into the reception with rose petals thrown everywhere!

The couple are welcomed into the reception with rose petals thrown everywhere!

Reception decorations on the bridal table.

Reception decorations on the bridal table.

A cute touch, family photos from John and Suzanne's family.

A cute touch, family photos from John and Suzanne’s family.

A shot at dusk of the ceremony venue, Australis Retreat Wisemans Ferry.

A shot at dusk of the ceremony venue, Australis Retreat Wisemans Ferry.

 

 

 

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