If you’re planning a big party of a DIY at-home wedding, you’ll love this wedding for inspiration!

When Charlotte and Michael first got in touch with me about their wedding, I was so happy – they were planning the most relaxed countryside wedding with a church ceremony and drinks in the garden for the reception. Charlotte and Michael are the most wonderful people and I couldn’t wait to shoot their wedding!

Getting Ready

I started at Charlotte's family home in St. Helen's, where the bride and her family were getting ready together, and it was so chilled out and relaxed. Charlotte wore a traditional white gown from Pronovias and Michael wore a three-piece suit and they looked perfect together. The reception would later take place in the family's lower paddock and the whole set-up was truly a labour of love with everyone coming the day before to pitch in. It was personal and sweet and you could really feel the love & connection these two share and are embraced by.

The Ceremony

The wedding took place at St Julie's Catholic Church in Eccleston, and was a traditional religious ceremony. They had some beautiful readings, which brought pretty much everyone to tears. After the ceremony they walked down the aisle together, and then we did a confetti tunnel outside the church door. I was so moved by Michael's obvious delight when he caught sight of his beautiful bride, there was so much joy and emotion in both of their faces.They so obviously adore each other and it's so powerful to witness.

The Party

The wedding reception took place, as mentioned above, in a marquee at Charlotte's family home, which they’d decorated with fairy lights and handmade bunting and so many thoughtful details. It was so wonderfully personalised.

It was a beautifully sunny day, which was glorious and kept everyone in high spirits. While the guests enjoyed the free bar, we wandered around the garden doing fun and creative portraits. My favourite photo from the afternoon is where we enveloped them in the veil for a quiet moment. Check it out below!

During the reception they had a lovely meal with friends and family, which went down a storm. Sadly their original caterer had to cancel with quite short notice but Charlotte’s parents worked their magic and called in some favours and were able to sort it in the nick of time! For the wedding breakfast they had proper wedding grub, and it was loved by all the guests. Afterwards, the couple cut the wedding cake and the party got started. They also had a beautiful a cappella performance by Charlotte's cousin Sam, which made us all positively weep. I can honestly say that the speeches were an absolute highlight of the day with Michael's in particular making everyone rollercoaster between emotional, heartfelt tears and cackle-level laughter. Charlotte's dad Tim welcomed Michael so warmly into the family and it was just so special hearing how loving and kind and generous this family is.

Charlotte & Michael are two of the warmest, most welcoming, GOOD people and I felt quite honoured to have been there to capture the day for them. Here is Charlotte and Michael’s wedding story sneak peek…