My first taste of Essendon Country Club wedding photography had been on the other side of the lens – I got married there myself in August last year! So it was extra special when Laura and Lloyd asked me to be the photographer for their wedding at the venue.
It obviously holds special memories for me. Our day was perfect – it’s a lovely venue, with a beautiful barn style and lovely surrounding grounds, but it was also helped very much by Jo Newell and her fantastic staff there. It was great to meet up with them again; and to see them once more delivering a fantastic day for Laura & Lloyd. Helped as well, it has to be said, by the weather!
I went to Ponsbourne Park first, where Laura and her bridesmaids were getting ready. My first surprise of the day came when I saw that one of the bridesmaids, Kelly, was no longer pregnant. Her due date was the day of the wedding, but in not wishing anything to stand in the way of her role on her friend’s big day, she gave birth a few days early! It also mean there was a particularly young guest for the day – so young he didn’t even have a name yet!
After seeing Lisa O Connor finish Laura’s make-up, and witnessing a couple of emotional moments, I left for Essendon and to see Lloyd – who in truth was somewhat more nervous than Laura had seemed! Those nerves remained a little longer, as the girls were a tad late arriving; but when they did they all looked fabulous. And Lloyd’s nerves soon went when he saw his bride walking down the aisle. The ceremony at Essendon takes place in the mezzanine above the main room, and is a lovely setting. With laughter, some tears, and a great job done by Laura’s son Josh as the ringbearer, the ceremony was great, and then everyone could relax and enjoy the sunshine for a couple of hours.
The rest of the day was a great mix of laidback fun and laughter. As the evening celebrations started Laura & Lloyd had enlisted Gary Schiffman, who astounded the guests with some amazing close-up magic tricks (these are some of my favourite shots from the whole day!). With the evening sunshine and a great band, Revival, adding to the atmosphere, I left everyone around an hour after first dance to enjoy the rest of the night. But not before getting some great final shots of Laura dancing with Lloyd’s 90-year-old grandpa. A suitable way to end the day.
Thanks Laura and Lloyd for letting me share in a fantastic day.
Essendon Country Club wedding photography – if you’re interested in finding out more about me and how I work, please do get in touch.
You can see more of my wedding photography here.