Nic + Al’s

– Bendigo Art Gallery Wedding –

 

GAWD. These guys. I’ve never quite met such rad people to do a wedding with. These guys? The bees knees.

Things happen for a reason. I’m sure of it. I originally met with Nic + Al after their original photographer fell through. I was supposed to meet these guys, and I know they will be part of my life for a long time to come. We met up at the Gallery Cafe Bendigo, because, venue. And what an epic venue it is. Gosh I hope to shoot many, MANY more weddings here! Linc and his team are dynamite at creating an amazing experience. The food. The drink selection. The service. All sensational.

While Nic + Al chose not to have a traditional bridal party (My guess? they had too many amazing friends to choose from) – They both started the day getting ready with a handful of their nearest and dearest. Al had his brothers and his Dad. And of course, his gorgeous Daughter, Mia.

Nic had her Mum, Sisters, BFF, Niece and MIL (mother in law) helping her. So incredibly chill, and smile from ear to ear the whole morning. No nerves that I could see, but Day-umm! did she look smoking hot in THAT dress!

She had organised her Besty to drive her in style in a vintage black Catalina – And yours truly was privileged to ride in the back to get some important captures! This is something Nic asked me from day dot, is how we can work the day so I can be in the car with them on the way to the ceremony. And with the help from Mr. LLP and the kids, we made it happen.

When we rocked up to the back of the Art Gallery, we could see all of the guests waiting on the hill, peering down to get a glimpse of the Bride. Nic’s Sisters met her at the car, helped adjust her, and it was go-time! While Al and Mia waited so patiently for Nic to walk around the corner, to walk herself down the aisle…

Al scrapped the idea of waiting for her at the alter, and ran down the aisle to get his Bride, and walk her up together.

Sweetest. Moment. Ever.

As Al spoke from the heart, and Nic giggled through her vows, all of their guests were either happy-crying or smiling goofily at the couple. The celebrant, Kerrie, was a perfect match for these guys, and we got to know the story that brought these two legends together.

We went for a quick walk around the picturesque gallery precinct. And even got Al to ride his beloved motorbike up the street so it could make an appearance in their photos.

I can’t tell you how much I love this whole View Street area. So much beauty, art and culture. The brief for the day though, was not to spend too much time on portraits, and to start the party as soon as possible. After a few quick snaps, it was time for Mr + Mrs Rob-wood (inside joke guys, soz) to be introduced! And to begin the party? Let’s talk about their first dance. Choreographed to perfection – These cool cats nailed every step.

And the most beautiful sentiment after their dance, was that Nic dedicated an entire song to dance with her Mumma. I had a few tears behind the camera, I won’t lie. And my eyes are welling now just thinking about it. Can you look at her Mum’s face (down there) – Pure love.

So the party started early. And there were some seriously keen party people. The Pimms station didn’t help, or did it?! A quick break for some epic speeches. Best on ground goes to Nic’s Sisters and BIL for a Piratey-poetic rap that described the way Nic + Al fell for each other while dressed up as pirates. The pirate theme has continued through their relationship, with Linc serving them Pirate Life beer at the wedding, and the guys showing off their stick figure pirate tattoos.

And then, there was THIS…

Dance moves that put Michael Jackson to shame. Power ballads that sh*t on Whitney Houston. There was action, there was drama, there was commitment.

But most of all? There was love. A butt-load of it. Love between Nic + Al sure, but that’s not all. So much love from their family and friends. I was genuinely moved by the warm-ness of the night (funny that, cos it was cold AF!) and the true love that was showered on them as a couple by all of their guests. Each and every relationship was clearly so important, and it was so visible to watch. I mean, it doesn’t surprise me. From the moment I met these guys, they took me into their world and treated me like family. They are so respectful and kind to everyone they know, and at the risk of it getting all mushy here, they are the most wonderful people to know.

Nic… Al… I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting you & working with you, but the best part is… I walk away with some ripper new friends.

Arghhh me hearties ~ xoxo ~

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Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Leah Ladson Photography

Venue: Bendigo Gallery Cafe

Flowers: Vogue Nature

Celebrant: Kerrie Grossman

Dress: Brides on Collins

Suit: Roger David

Hair: Vibe Hair Lounge

Makeup: Jaime Adelle Makeup

Cake: Cake Walk