Kim + Leigh’s Echuca Wedding!

Echuca Wedding

When Kim first got in touch with me earlier in the year, I got a really good vibe (I’m all about vibes). She is a total sweetheart. A little reserved when you first meet her, but quite funny when you get to know her. Kim and I chatted about all of her plans, and when she came over to meet me, I think we both knew what a great fit we would be together. Y’know when you just click?

She did warn me though, that her fiancé didn’t like having his photo taken, and probably wouldn’t smile for me. I was thinking to myself “Oh yeh, typical Groom, how bad could it be?!” – Ha! Silly me, she wasn’t lying!! Leigh is an observer. He doesn’t talk too much, but is an absolute legend. One of my favourite parts of this wedding? Getting Leigh to smile!!! I felt like I’d succeeded when I scrolled back through the photos on my camera… Yay me! I even received a message from Kim the next day to tell me that Leigh said “It was nowhere near as bad as he’d imagined” I’ma take *that* as a compliment, thank you sir!

First stop was to Kim + Leigh’s newly built home, where Leigh, his family, mates and puppy (when I say puppy, I mean big a$$ german shepherd) were getting ready. Leigh was shy as I’d been warned, but his family & mates were absolute crackers and warmed him up quickly! Kim had joked about how much Leigh loved fishing, and that he’d rather be doing that. So I had a little chuckle to myself when I saw the custom cuff links that read “I’d rather be fishing” – Such a great personal touch!

Then off to the girls, who were getting ready in the beautiful RL Apartments in Moama. I entered into a cruisey vibe, the best vibe there is for wedding morning! Kim was hanging with her Bridesmaids (Sister, Annie & BFF, Amber) and her parents. The girls wore matching robes (love!!) as they sipped on champagne and listened to some tunes. Kim was totally organised, and had her Fifi & Edgar dress, and the Bridesmaid dresses already hanging on the wall for me to photograph (MASSIVE brownie points!!) – and had even removed artwork to get the best shot (Even more brownie points!!) – And look at those shoes would you. Drool.

Then came the time to put on *the* dress. The dress that Kim had swooned over and described for almost a year leading up to the day! Kim sent me photos of it from the shop when she had fittings, it was a case of the perfect fit. I absolutely LOVE when my couple’s include me in their preparations, I feel so completely honoured to be that sounding board, ear on the end of the phone and advisor when it comes to some really important decisions. I think it allows me to do my job better too in all honesty… Being able to create a beautiful friendship prior to the wedding day lets me get insight into the personalities of my clients so I can know that I am capturing *them* in all truthfulness.

I must mention too, that Kim + Leigh’s wedding was just after the massive rains we had in late September, and the Murray River was still swollen, and the water was sooooo high! As they were getting married at Echuca’s Aquatic Reserve, so naturally we were nervous that we may need gumboots, or a canoe on the day!

Kim’s Mum + Dad both walked her down the aisle to the beautifully written song “A Beautiful Life” by Justin James – The words are so fitting.

What a stunning location for a ceremony, the light complimenting the beautiful words that they spoke to each other.

Then, to the guests delight – they were surprised and treated to a paddle steamer ride while they waited for the reception to begin! Best surprise ever!

Now, to my favourite part of the day (hehe)… off to get some photos with the bridal party.

Only….

No one had actually spoken about who was going to drive, and with only one sober bridal party member, lil’ old me got the job of driving Leigh’s beast of a ute around with the Groom & Groomsmen! I was treated to some FANTASTIC jokes (and when I say fantastic, I mean terrible!) by Hamish & Brent and it really made my day! #dadjokes

And with the romantic photos, also came the natural photos (see below, lol!) – This bridal party was the best, so fun to hang out with!

Incase you were wondering whats happening up there ^

Well, you see, Leigh is a Policeman, and Kim thought it would be fitting to have a role-reverse and give Leigh a pat down. Amber (left, with a glint of evil in her eye) took the pat down very seriously, and those photos I cannot show you (lucky her partner was her fiancé, is all I’m sayin’).

Last stop, the stunning Radcliffe’s where the vines crawl all along the inside of the venue, and anywhere you look is absolutely perfect!

Kim organised timber boxes for each table, that was labelled with her family farm’s name, accompanied by the beautiful blooms from the lady with the perfect name, Emily Bloom Florist!

A massive thank you to you Kim, for trusting me with your wedding day. For including me in all of your planning and decisions, and for being a total sweetheart. And thank you to you, Leigh… for smiling!! I had an absolute ball with your Bridal Party (#squadgoals) and know you will enjoy every happiness as hubby & wifey.

Big Love,
LLP

~xoxo~

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Wedding Vendors:

Dress & Veil: Fifi & Edgar 

Shoes: Nine West

Flowers: Emily Bloom Florist 

Hair: Leigh’s clever Sister!! (Meg’s Hair Boutique)

Makeup: Sarah May North

Bridesmaid Dresses: Sheike

Suits: Briggins

Cake: Tracey’s Cakes