Courtney & Stu | An intimate setting

When I arrived at Courtney's parents' place I was greeted by Courtney's mum Glenda. She opened the front door and welcomed me into her home. She was happy & excited, as was I, I couldn't wait to see Courtney!

As I walked upstairs I could hear the same sounds I often here when I arrive at a pre-ceremony shoot - soft voices talking over music that gets you in a good mood, giggling & the clinking of champagne glasses. And then I saw Courtney - perched on the side of the couch with her makeup done & her hair tied to one side (perfect up-do for the windy weather outside). She was beautiful.

As soon as we stepped outside the wind hit us! Thankfully it wasn't raining though and the vintage EJ Holden was shined up to perfection. Courtney insisted on a photo of her pretending to drive it - I don't think it would impress Stu too much if he caught her driving it, so we needed a photo to capture the cheeky moment.

The ceremony was held at a church (Trenavin Chapel) situated at what felt like the edge of the world. It's backdrop was Bass Strait & the wind here was a lot more fierce - the ladies were forced to hold their skirts down & people forgot about keeping their hair neat and luckily for Stu, this wasn't a problem for him. 

Inside the church however, the atmosphere was the complete opposite. It was quiet. The only sound you could hear was the creaking of the church & the soft voices from Courtney & Stu. Their ceremony was intimate and they told the story of how they met. It wasn't too serious and we all had a few chuckles along the way. 

We then wandered out past the church towards the water. Courtney lost her veil & Stu was quick enough to catch it. He ran down the hill & secured it back in her hair. This is what love and marriage is all about - being there for one another. The two then shared a warm cuddle and kiss, I could tell that they were so happy - happy to be married and finally in each others arms. Courtney held tightly on to her veil (and very sweet husband) and we all hurried back to get out of the wind and then... out of the rain...

We found some magnificent trees which provided us with a bit of shelter & a spot where Courtney & Stu relaxed a little more & really started to have fun. The bridal party helped out a little too and we all had a laugh & got some beautiful photos. 

We finished at the Cowes beach - a perfect spot to end a perfect day! I took down my umbrella (just in case) and luckily I did - the rain came from nowhere, so Stu and I raced to cover Courtney. Even though she was a little wind swept & only a little bit wet - Courtney still looked as gorgeous and happy from the moment I met her back at the beginning of the day...

Courtney's only half ready and she just looks so beautiful

how cute!

Lovely Glenda, looking very happy

there's that wind!

To see Courtney and Stu's four photos click here