Nikolas + Carmelina’s Spring Wedding | Sutton Grange Wedding Photographer
Sutton Grange Wedding Photographer
Nikolas + Carmelina
Oh GOSH! Where do I even start with these guys…?! It has been *the* biggest pleasure to get to know Nik + Carmelina. From the moment we started chatting almost 2 years ago, I knew Carms was a good egg. It’s funny, I often get clients saying they feel like they are annoying me by asking me questions… But I actually love it. And it gives me a chance to build a friendship with you, so it’s quite the opposite!!
Carms and I chatted on and off for the best part of two years before their wedding day actually came about, so when the day came it was like I was walking into a friends wedding and I was so comfortable, I knew what she liked, I knew the locations we had spoken about, I knew all the wedding details. Being prepared and having a ball at the same time!
First off the bat I went and hung out with Nik and the boys for a little while to capture them getting ready. Nik had his Brother, Josh and best mate, Brad with him. As well as his Sister, BIL, Nephew and of course his Dad.
The atmosphere was very chilled, and with gifts lined up on the kitchen bench (true Carms style I’ve been told!) ready to hand out to the wedding party, as well as a gift from Carmelina to Nik. It was lovely watching his face as he opened it, smile from ear to ear.
The boys started to get ready while I took some photos of all the little details that can’t be forgotten, all the while with my new little assistant, Ollie (Nik + Carms’ nephew) – Ollie had his little toy camera and watched intently as I rearranged the cufflinks and rings! What a little legend!!
With the boys looking dapper and ready to go, it was time for me to rush over to Carmelina and the girls at her Sister’s home nearby. Her dress was hanging up in the lounge when I got there and I was blown away with the design… Just you WAIT til you see it!!
Carms hung out in her robe while I scurried around to capture all the beautiful details. From her earrings, to her shoes… Every little thing had been carefully thought of.
With the Bridesmaids already dressed (and looking fab!), Carmelina opened up a gift that had been delivered from her husband-to-be! Lordy, she is just soooo happy, and it’s infectious. You’re smiling right now aren’t you?! 😀
Now though… it was time for the serious business. Getting that beautiful dress on!
With the flower girls giggling and watching intently through the door, Carmelina’s Mumma and two sisters helped her into her gown, and there was an air of silence (I think it was the nerves starting to kick in), but it was calm. So calm.
The dress is on.
It is wonderful.
Beautiful.
Perfect.
… Time to get married!!
Carmelina was walked down the aisle by her Dad, and my GOSH I felt like his face might just burst with pride.
I’m actually getting a bit teary writing this. It’s just so touching and wonderful and beautiful to see when Dad’s show their emotion, and show them hard.
The ceremony was BEAUTIFUL.
I have to say, one of my favourite church ceremonies EVER.
Father Rob Galea brought a light-heartedness to it. While it was still formal, it was also funny, personalised and breathtakingly beautiful. You couldn’t wipe the smile off either of their faces!
With the ceremony complete, and Nik and Carmelina officially Mr + Mrs… It was time for some portraits. We opted to do most of our photos out at Sutton Grange, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture some magic in the most grand of buildings, the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
The Bridal Party drove out to Sutton Grange in style in a beautiful black Limousine, and when we got there we wondered the property to find some favourite and some unique spots for some photos.
The reception area looked DIVINE.
The fullest I’ve ever seen Sutton Grange, making sure to cater for Carmelina’s big Italian family and their 200-odd guests!
Once all their guests were seated, it was time for the newlyweds to be introduced…
Please welcome, Mr + Mrs PELL!
Wanting to get the formalities out of the way early, the pair when straight into cutting the cake and their first dance, but not before the room of 200 guests sang to them (for they are jolly good fellows). I’m not sure if it was an Italian tradition, or a family tradition. But it was AWESOME, and electric! (see the first pic below? That’s their faces as they were being serenaded by every single loved one)
First dance time, this was beautiful. We all know Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ makes *the* best wedding song, but when they opted for the Ed Sheehan AND Andre Bocelli version (Half the song is in Italian – to honour Carmelina’s Italian heritage)…
Tears. Lots of tears!!
(Probably from others too, but most definitely from me)
You know the old saying, “the more the merrier”?
Well it is DEFINITELY the case at a wedding. Every single person got up on that dance floor after the first dance, and stayed there all night (apart from the food!) – It was EPIC!
So in conclusion, Nik + Carms you are AWESOME. Thank you for picking me to be a part of such a special day for you. I love how much you love each other, and I love how much your families love you. It’s a reflection on you both how many people were there to support and love bomb you into married life.
Big Love, Leah
~ xoxo ~
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Me! (If you want to see more, click here!)
Ceremony venue: Sacred Heart Cathedral
Reception Venue: Sutton Grange Winery
Dress: Raffael Ciuca
Suits: Briggins
Hair: Vibe Hair
Makeup: Kristie Hedington
Flowers: The Eternal Vase
Minister: Father Rob Galea
Band: Baker Boys
Cake: Carmelina’s talented cousin, Stefan Columbro
Signage: Lauren Dillon
Hair piece: Jeanette Maree
Limo: Oz Limo’s
Videographer: Dustin Schilling
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