Wedding Expo
I met Bec and Mike at a wedding expo. They were chatting with vendors, gathering May 2025 ideas. We had a great chinwag. I was pumped when they booked me as their Gracelands wedding photographer.
From Swipe Right to Wedding Night
For their Gracelands Wedding questionnaire this was what Bec told me “We met through an online dating app back in 2017. I was just about to head off on a trip to the UK when we had our first in person meet up. we didn’t make anything official until my return and as they say the rest was history”.
Wedding Day Vibes: Nothing Short of a Damn Good Time
This Gracelands wedding had all the good energy.Gracelands is located at Forresters Beach with handy accommodation a stones throw away and this is where I started with these two lovebirds. At The Quarters. Bec had the best suite in the house. Perfect for a bride and her crew to spend a nice morning and get all glammed up for their big day. Close to the venue. Comfy accommodation. Handy for everyone.
I started with Mike and his groomsmen. They had a bit of a battle with ties. Getting a tie right is harder than it looks – I’ve mastered Buttonholes but I really need to learn ties. They did it and all looking dapper indeed! We hit the hallway and carpark for photos. Yes, the carpark. Who needs fancy surrounds, it’s all in the light. Oh and the lens.
Glitter, Glitter, Glitter..
Upstairs, Bec, her Bridesmaids and her and Mike’s little girl were being glammed up by Fiona Rogers. Makeup artist by morning, celebrant by afternoon. Honestly, she’s a jack of all trades, my friend Fee. Bec’s dress was glittery magic. Thank you Brides To Be! I only just vacuumed up my sparkly backseat yesterday. All good Bec – the Dyson did it’s job ;).
No complaints! I’m now wondering why more wedding gowns don’t have glitter – she was a walking sparkle. Combine that with her bold lipstick – absolutely stunning!
Indoor Ceremony
Rain threatened, so the ceremony went indoors. How gorgeous are these florals! This colour scheme was right up my alley. Beautiful soft pinks and white, the arbour and bouquets were stunning. Credit to The Flower Room I love an intimate setting but on a cloudy day, indoor spaces become darker and dark spaces and photographers go together like a flash light and dead batteries. But I’m prepared with some additional lighting and I LOVE how those ceremony shots turned out. Flash is so good when you can get it off your camera. Photographer tip there.
Thank you my human stand.
Huge shoutout to family photographer Katrina Hutchins. She was looking to get some second shooter experience and I invited her along. She snapped some side angles and became a human light stand after I broke an attachment. Legend.
Heartfelt Ceremony
Down the aisle, their daughter. She had the biggest smile all day, and was absolutely AMAZING when she saw me taking photos of her. The look on her face doing a father daughter dance and the way she’s looking at him. Bless her cotton socks. She sure does love her Mum and Dad. Such a sweetheart. She walked to Mike, who greeted her with a big smooch. Then Bec appeared. Mike’s grin said it all.
Fiona was now Celebrant Fiona, her warmth and care always shining through. Before long, they were officially hitched and their lovely Mum’s signed as witnesses.
Confetti, Lookouts & One Glittery Ride
With light fading fast, we dashed for location photos. First up, the confetti cannon. A few lovely guests to set them off and let me tell you, they committed. Thanks, guys! 🎉
We hit the lookout.
No rain, just that last little bit of golden hour, and some moody skies.
Food, Friends & Tequila
Back at Gracelands, it was photo time. Now this is where I broke my stand and Katrina probably woke up the next day with a sore arm having to hold up my softbox. Thanks again!
We settled into a night of good food, speeches, the conversations were flowing, Gracelands food – delish, such a perk of the job, thanks to all my couples for feeding me! Sometimes my squished muesli bar just doesn’t cut it. MC Jackson kept the laughs rolling.Brenden captured the memories on video, apart from when they were stuffing their face with wedding cake. Photo below haha.
Oh and that cake. Yes, our beautiful bride made it, because there’s nothing else to do the day before your wedding. #no pressure
One slice in and I seriously considered smuggling a piece out in my camera bag. Then I remembered… probably not the most professional move. 😉
Lets not forget tequila shots at the bar and I was there for the shots too. Photo shots of course!
And just like that — the dance floor exploded. How good are dance shots? Expressions are priceless.
Final Thoughts
Bec and Mike, your day was glitter-filled, loveheart-sunnies-wearing, tequila-shot-taking, sweet-first-dance-having, lovely family and friends kind of day!
Thanks again for letting me capture all the magic. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Your sparkly Gracelands wedding photographer
Jodie.
follow me on instagram @jodiereardonphotography