I first met Daniel and Dani when they were kids studying at school and working part time at my local news agency. They were such sweet, friendly and outgoing kids that I used to find myself going into the shop just for a chat, Dani was especially taken with my son Ben who was only a few months old at the time.
Over the years I have had the pleasure of photographing their family and sharing in some fundraising events that both Daniel and Dani have hosted to raise funds for breast cancer research. They truly have the kindest spirits of any young couple I have met. So when they announced they were engaged I was truly happy for them, and even more excited that they wanted me to capture their wedding day.
Dani put a lot of herself into planning her special day, she made her own brooch bouquet from treasured heirlooms collected from special family members. She lovingly placed brooches and clips from her mother and her grandmothers, and carefully bound the stem with ribbon that was used on her grandmother’s wedding car. The sentimentality of it was really touching, throughout the day I saw people pointing out special pieces in the bouquet and it became a real talking piece.
Their wedding was held at Chateau Elan at the Vintage Estate in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s finest golf, spa and accommodation resorts. It was a gorgeous Autumn day and everything looked amazing, especially the beautiful reception styled by the team at Affections Wedding and Event Hire. I adored the mason jar and vintage books table decorations which represented Dani’s love of reading, not to mention the delicious desert table!
Dani and Daniel are very close with their families so some of my favourite moments from the day were about the love and emotion shown between them and their loved ones. The look on Dani’s fathers face when he saw his daughter in her wedding gown was priceless and when he walked her down the isle he was full of pride. Daniel’s mother delivered a gorgeous speech that had everyone in tears, including the hired help and Dani’s grandfather looked so gorgeous dancing with his Granddaughter it made me remember my own beautiful grandfather. But without a doubt Daniel and Dani’s wedding had the funniest, smartest and wittiest speeches I have ever heard, I was giggling behind my camera all night and I feel truly blessed to be able to share in such a gorgeous celebration of love.
Congratulations Daniel and Dani and thank you for asking me to capture you love and joy xxx
