A Toowoon Bay Central Coast Wedding

It was a party with a wedding….

These intimate weddings are truly becoming the norm, with couples choosing smaller gatherings, keeping the guest list minimal, and ensuring they have quality time with each loved one.

This year, many of my weddings on the Central Coast and in the Hunter Valley have embraced a smaller, more casual style.

Jen booked me to capture her and Renato’s ceremony, held at Toowoon Bay and officiated by Sonia Hartman. On arrival, I photographed the surf club so beautifully decorated. A beach-themed setup, bar tables, and casual seating awaiting guests for the reception.

Renato’s family traveled all the way from Brazil and it was heartwarming to see how proud they were. Despite a language barrier, it’s clear that emotions transcend words; the warmth of his family was a joy to capture. Once all the guests had arrived, Renato walked down the aisle with his mum, Elizabeth, and grandma Martha.

Jen arrived in her dad’s classic ’90s BMW, escorted by her brother Tim and her mum, Sue. Such a sweet mother daughter hug before they walked toward Renato. During the sweet ceremony, Jen fought back tears as she and Renato exchanged vows, with translations in Portuguese making the smiles even bigger.

After a few windswept beach photos, we returned to a reception filled with delicious food, impromptu speeches, and a first dance. It was a reminder that, ultimately, having those you care about around you is all that truly matters.