Carly + Ian’s Chateau Doré Wedding

This chick. She is so incredibly kind and lovely. When I met with Carly a year before her wedding, she was so calm and chilled and I knew we would make a superb team! Her fiancé, Ian was still back in South Australia where they are both currently living and working, so everything they planned was from interstate. I take my hat off to them for creating such a beautiful wedding all the way from Rad-elaide! With the help of some wonderful weddings vendors, of course (Looking at you Chateau Doré!)

Carly and I chatted all the way up until the wedding day talking about her plans, her ideas and *the* wedding dress – She’d mentioned to me in 2015 that she would LOVEEEE a Grace Loves Lace dress… And low and behold, she got the one she was after ~ Might I add, she looked smoking hot in it too!

First stop was to Carly’s Mums house, where the boys were getting ready. I was told by the Groomsmen I could call Ian “Jonesy, Buffalo (correct me if I’m wrong Ian) or Dickhead”. I went with the latter. Well, not really – With trying to keep things profesh y’know… But it makes the story sound better right?

The lads were full of banter and hanging shit on each other, and graced me with their finest fake posing (See above ^ bottom right).

Then off to see the ladies who were staying at the stunning Weeroona House. With it’s high ceilings and ornate features, this was the perfect backdrop for the girls to do their thang. Carly & her Maids bought the flowers from the market and made all the bouquets and table decorations themselves the night before.

Clever!

One of her Bridesmaids even had personalised wrapping paper made up for them – WHAATT?

#friendgoals

The girls looked immaculate in their plum coloured dresses as they sipped champagne and laughed and got the finishing touches done on their Makeup.

Then it was time. To put on the dress.

THE dress.

The dream dress, that Carly has been imagining for so long. Ohh mahhh gawd, it is beyond beautiful.

And how cute is Carly’s little niece, so in awe of her Aunty ^^

Just. Look. At. It.

Off to the ceremony!

Carly’s Dad walked her down the aisle with great pride on his face, I’m always a sucker for these captures.

And while Ian read out his vows with great conviction… Carly started giggling and couldn’t compose herself. It happens to the best of us. It was so infectious though, hilariously inappropriately timed, which made it all the funnier. But so so sweet. Her Hubby embraced her to reassure her, and within a few moments she was able to speak.

Oh, and did I mention the moment when the celebrant brought out a road bike and made some wonderful bike related metaphors about marriage?

Hil.ARIOUS!

So now, as the guests ate and drank on the lawn area, we got to go for a walk around this amazing property, but not before a few BBQ shapes, a lippy retouch and the boys posing for their imaginary boy-band album cover (below).

Nailed it.

This venue really is so amazing, and after all these years of following their success and watching other photographers capture weddings there, it was finally my turn! Couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with, really!

Anti-pasto platter and some romantic backlit photos in the cellar before heading up to the reception? Yes please.

What an absolute pleasure it was to work with these guys, all of the vendors, friends and family. I wish you all the health and happiness in the world, and know that great things are coming your way…. P.s. Can’t wait til you move back to Benders!

Lastly, I just want to say a huge shout out to my main girl Rusila, for second shooting with me on the day. You were a dream to work with, you are reliable, talented and your work ethic rocks. Looking forward to working the next wedding together, girl! X

Big Love, Leah

~ xoxo ~

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Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: Chateau Dore

Photography: Leah Ladson Photography (Second Shooter: Rusila Sevudredre)

Hair: Neon Peach

Makeup: Melinda Keighran

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Flowers: DOY by Carly and her Maids

Celebrant: Eddie Barkla

Music: Ryan Gay

Cake: Cafe Essence