Big Hill Winery | Zav + Rach’s wedding!

By Leah Ladson Photography

I have known Rach for a few years now, I photographed her youngest Daughter and her Mumma Bear for a Mothers Day gift, and we kind of just kept in touch through social media. So I was thrilled to see she got engaged, and even more excited when she asked me to photograph their wedding! Zac + Rach have since added to their clan, and their wedding day was shared with their two beautiful Daughters – And this family? Now officially all have the same surname! And no-one is more excited about that, than Rach!

 

Literally the ENTIRE wedding day, she had *the* biggest grin on her face. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It was so beautiful, that she literally couldn’t hide her happiness (and why should she?!)

 

My day started off with the boys at a local Motel in Golden Square. They were all pretty chilled, and Zav was explaining to us all about his amazing tie tying skills. The name of the knot escapes me, but I have to say, it was worth the extra effort!

 

 

Rach had organised with one of the Groomsmen to give Zav a gift too, so we worked it all out to make sure I was there to capture the moment when he received it.

A pocket watch, with the inscription ” Yours for all of time” – Rach said that Zav loves her lame jokes, and we lol’d at how corny it was 🙂

 

 

While the boys finished off getting dressed and adorning their car with white ribbon, I headed over to the girls.

 

They were hanging out at Zav + Rach’s home in Maiden Gully. Rach was getting the finishing touches on her makeup, her oldest babe was sleeping and the youngest loving life in her bouncer. The most delicious grazing platter (by Grazed & Infused) spread out over the kitchen bench, champagne for the girls (the adult ones, not the kids!)… Life is good.

 

I ran around and took some shots of the stunning details while Rach finished her makeup and tended to her babes. Meanwhile, her eldest had to be woken up to get ready, and was kind of miserable. The most beautiful sight when a Mumma drops everything on her wedding day to comfort her child. These photos were deeply moving to me, as a Mum, I know they will be cherished for eternity.

In between cuddles, Rach and her Maids managed a glass of bubbles, quite a few laughs, and then it was time for the dress…

You can see above, the entire time Rach was getting dressed, her Daughter was right by her side. I don’t know what it is about a wedding day, but kids always seem to be out of whack. I think it’s pretty overwhelming for them too… Even if they don’t understand what the day is about, there is all this commotion, all these people in their house, they are out of their routine, and they just…. need a bit of extra love.

 

Kids were fed. Rach was in her dress. The time was nigh… to hit the road!

Meanwhile at the ceremony, Zav waited patiently at the top of the aisle. He greeted his friends and family, and every couple of seconds would be looking around to see if Rach had arrived yet.

Rach arrived, and it was time to get the show on the road!

Just watch for her grin… In Every. Single. Photo!

It was seriously just the warmest, most family-friendly, beautiful ceremony I’ve witnessed. Rach + Zav’s girls are their entire world, and it just showed as they were both so included on the day.

We had time for a quick lap around the beautiful property (Big Hill Winery) before breastfeeding duties called (#mumlife)

The reception was set up beautifully, with awesome personalised details and stunning florals dripping from the bridal table.

And once Rach had finished Mum duties (for the time being!) – It was time to introduce… Mr + Mrs Orel!

The pair headed straight into their first dance as husband & wife. They danced with each other, and then with their babes.

Just. So. Lovely.

Pretty darn cute if you ask me!

Oh, and I can’t forget THAT beautiful Dad & Daughter dance, with Rach and her Dad. So moving.

Once the formalities were all over, the rest of the family joined in on the party and the night began! Not sure who was BOG (best on ground)… The kids, or the adults!

The night ended (for me) with the most epic sunset, of oranges and pinks. Seriously special!

Rach, Zav… Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your day. It was a complete and utter honour hanging out with you on the day and being able to capture these memories for you.

You have the most wonderful friends and family around you, and I can see why… You two are both so loving and giving to all of those in your life. It was so nice to see it being returned on your wedding day. The amount of love that I saw everyone have for your family was incredible.

Wishing you all the happiness in the world, and plenty more babies!

Big Love, Leah

~ xoxo ~

 

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Wedding vendors for Rach + Zav:

Dress: Bendigo Bridal Collections

Bridesmaids dresses & decor: Bridal & debutant creations

Hair: Hair & Makeup 2 U

Makeup: A friend, Hannah (SO clever!)

Bouquets: The Eternal Vase

Cake: For Goodness Cake

Entry sign: Inviting Designs Bendigo

DJ: Rewind

Celebrant: Stephanie Baldi

Flowergirl dresses: Little Loves Boutique

Place Settings: Wooden Letters Australia

 

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To see more of Leah’s weddings, click here.