Ben + Britt’s

Montsalvat Wedding

This right here, is one of *the* most beautiful weddings I have EVER photographed. The love within this family, accompanied by the gothic Montsalvat venue was the perfect combination for this intimate wedding. Then throw in the thunderstorm on that day = EPIC!

I met Britt when she travelled over for the Bendigo I do I do Wedding Expo last year (almost exactly a year ago, actually!) – She hails from Shepparton and brought her SIL (Sister in law to-be) across for a girls day. When we first chatted, the wedding was going to be held at a property in Murchison (near Shepparton) and it was looking to be a very country wedding. A few months out from the wedding date though, I received an email from Britt asking if I would mind that they change the location. Umm… NO! Not at all – I have driven past Montsalvat a few times over the years, and always wished and hoped that I would get to photograph a wedding there one day. I was thrilled!

So… the morning of, I drove down to Eltham from Bendigo and rocked up at the hotel address that I had written down. I walked into reception to ask what room the boys were in… And a blank look on her face. I started to panic. What do you mean they’re not here? I call Britt… something I HATE doing on a wedding day. The couple shouldn’t have to take phone calls y’know?! I told her where I was and she was like… “Umm.. OK. We are not there! We are at the house getting ready” – I was SO confused! Luckily… I was only a 5 minute drive so I packed up my shit and hit the road! (I should mention, I am ALWAYS around early when I have to travel, and this day it came in handy! Serious patting myself on the back for this!). To this day, Britt & I have no idea where that address came from, or why I had it – But it scared the life out of me!

So… I found the correct house. The couple (Yep, they all got ready at the same house – How cute!) got ready at the loveliest little (AKA massive) property in Eltham. You see, Britt + Ben have two beautiful little kiddies already, so they wanted the morning to be together. I LOVED that they did this, it just… worked!

We still separated them a little, and took some snaps of the Boys before they headed off to the chapel. By this stage, the clouds were getting darker and darker, and we were praying the rain held off. And it did… For a little while.

Just as we arrived at Montsalvat… It started pouring!

But y’know… It didn’t really matter because Britt + Ben were always getting married indoors in the Upper Gallery anyway. So the day moved forward as planned, and Britt was greeted at the car door with a myriad of umbrella’s to then be walked down the aisle by her children. How freakin’ sweet is that!

I will never forget how loud the claps of thunder were outside. At some point during the vows, Britt + Ben had to stop and wait for the noise to pass because we couldn’t hear them. I am quite partial to a good thunderstorm, but this? This, was just so special!

They signed their marriage certificate by candlelight, with their kids by their side.

Britt + Ben had decided on a very intimate wedding day. They invited only about 35 guests who were mostly family, with a few close friends in the mix. The feeling was just so warm and beautiful (In contrast to how freakin’ freezing it was outside!) – This family is so tight knit, you could just feel the love and loyalty in the room.

Luckily, while it poured down rain – We had some ridiculously amazing indoor options for photos. This little gem (above) is only accessible by the narrowest spiral staircase. It is the attic area right above the ceremony chapel. I feel so happy that we were allowed to wonder around such a historical property – And these are some of my favourite photos I have ever captured.

We took advantage of the small breaks in the rain, and also did the old run out for photos and run back in trick! Despite the stormy afternoon, we were blessed with the most beautiful orange sunset as the clouds started to disappear.

With the ceremony and bridal party photos complete, we headed into the Great Hall for the reception. This venue is IN.SANE.

As the kids ran around, the parents revelled in their newlywed’ness – The most beautiful & heartfelt speeches were made. The seasonal harvest provided by the venue was THE best food I’ve probably ever eaten. The first dance was done as a family of 4. It was just done… Right. Exactly the way Ben + Britt wanted. I love that these guys threw out the traditions that didn’t suit them, and created their own. They are such down to earth, chilled people – And their wedding was exactly that.

I am so honoured to have been one of only 30-something people that got to witness this day. It truly was so so special, and I’m just thrilled to have been a part of it all!

Britt + Ben… Thank you, for trusting me with this day. Inviting me into your wonderful family, and letting me share in the love you have created for yourselves.

Here’s cheers to a lifetime of happiness together!

Big Love, Leah

~ xoxo ~

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Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Montsalvat, Melbourne

Photography: Yours truly (See more of my gallery)

Dress: Fairytales Bridal, Moonee Ponds

Suits: Identity, Shepparton

Hair & Makeup: Cleaver & Co

Celebrant: Love by Laura

Flowers: Spencer & Nash

Decor: DIY & Montsalvat