Katey + Brant’s

F A R M      W E D D I N G

 

I know, I know… I’m SO behind in blogging, but I was thinking about these guys just yesterday and knew I *had* to blog about their wedding. Today!

Katey got in touch with me back in October of 2015, a couple of people had recommended me to her (Thank you!) and going back through our conversations, we had A LOT to talk about! We’ve been chatting back and forwards for 18 months now, and I have so much time for both Katey and Brant, they are such a genuine and kind people. I’m so thrilled that I got to meet them and share not only their wedding day, but the lead up with them as well.

Brant + Katey are country folk. To the point where Katey wore her cowgirl boots to the wedding! I bloody love when couple’s really stay true to their personalities, and these guys did such a great job at it!

When I met these guys for their Engagement Shoot a little while ago, they brought their fur baby, Charlie. A energetic and adorable blue heeler pup. He is just beautiful. And because Charlie is such an important part of their little family, we had to figure out a way for him to be included in the wedding, without carting him all the way to Ballarat. So… to start off the day, I met up with Brant & Charlie (along with his Dad and Bro’s) at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens for a quick pre-wedding shoot. Charlie even wore a bow tie for the occasion. What a legend.

A quick pit stop to the girls getting ready before driving over to Donegan’s Farm (near Ballarat) to officially kick off the day.

I was greeted by Brant’s Dad, Leigh, who quickly made me feel super comfortable with his quick wit (and occasional Dad joke).

Another little trip, just down the road this time. To Stoneleigh Cottage, where Katey and the girls would finish off getting ready. This place. Oh my gosh. SO much character. A stunning little stone cottage with exposed beams inside and rays of sun streaming through the highlight windows. LOVE!

There was a calm in the air (to the point where we were running a little late!) as everyone scuttled around doing their thing. The Maids trying to figure out how their belts on their dresses did up, the little page boy getting his Nana to get him lollies while she juggled feeding his little sister (Mum was a Bridesmaid, so Nana was on duty to help for the day!), hanging Katey’s wedding dress from one of the exposed beams in the lounge. Not particularly memorable moments on their own, but together they created some magic.

My favourite part though? Katey’s parents. Their pride. I was watching them, watching her. It was seriously so lovely to see how loved this girl is. Second best part? The way her Maids were looking at her as she got into her dress. Total awe. And here is the beginning of the theme of the day. I could tell when I met these guys, that they were good people. Kind. Caring. Loyal to each other. But to watch their family and friends look at them the way they did on their wedding day, took it to a whole new level.

When we were in the early stages of planning this wedding, Katey had decided she wanted to do a ‘First Look’ before the wedding to get rid of some nerves and see Brant before she walked down the aisle. So that we did. And it was the cutest little moment. I put on my big lens and hid behind a bush as to not interrupt such a special moment, and watched them have all the heart-eyes for each other.

Ceremony time!

The ceremony was held in front of the lake at Donegan’s Farm, with nothing but blue skies above. They said their vows. Exchanged their rings. Nailed it, really!

… And then we got to go on an adventure! The owner of the farm had stacked some hay bails for us (#legend) for some bridal portraits – And Oh. Emm. Gee they looked awesome!

And as Katey was convinced to climb to the top of what really was a massive tower of hay – Brant thought he’d try his luck with his new wife and started rocking and swaying the tower before swiftly being told to STOP!

Totes worth it!

The owner also took us across the road to their parents farm where he grew up, and get this. Rounded up (herded?) a whole group of cows into our paddock so we could get some really country flavour into these photos!

ACTUAL. COWS! Like, A LOT of them!

And as we wrapped up the portraits, we headed back over to Donegan’s to prepare for the reception. This place is awesome. There is everything you could possibly need there for a wedding. There is accommodation for the Bride & Groom, plenty of choice for ceremony locations as well as bridal party photos, animals everywhere (which is SO relevant for these guys!) and the barn? So cool!

And to finish off the night (for me anyway) Katey & Brant had learnt the most amazing dance for their 1st dance! They had their close to 200 guests watching intently as they nailed every. single step!

Thank you guys, SO much for being so wonderful to everyone around you. It was an absolute pleasure to watch everything that you so obviously give out, being returned to you in love on your wedding day. The day was magical. So true to yourselves. So darn perfect.

Big Love, Leah

~ xoxo ~

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Vendors:

Photography: Yours truly

Venue: Donegan’s Farm

Dress: Belles & Bows Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Belles & Bows Bridal

Suits: Peter Anthony Mensland

Flowers: The Paper Lantern

Hair & Makeup: Hair & Makeup 2 U

Cake: Made by a family friend, Val Field (you clever lady!)