Jess and Shan
20 April 2024

Jess and Shan’s wedding was nothing short of magical—a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Their beautiful home, nestled atop a hill in Myrrhee, was the perfect backdrop for their special day. As they told me, “if you think you’re going the wrong way, you’re going the right way, so just keep going!” They weren’t wrong—the journey up the winding dirt track led to breathtaking views and a charming garden that set the stage for a lovely, relaxed celebration.

The day started with Jess getting ready at home, surrounded by her two little ones. Keelie from Bare Aesthetik worked her magic on Jess’s makeup. Jess and Shan decided to do a first look before the ceremony—a lovely moment that meant after their ceremony they could just relax and enjoy a drink with their guests. We took some photos in their beautiful garden among Jess’s blooming dahlias and the soft, misty smoke from a nearby burn-off that created a dreamy, foggy vibe.

The ceremony took place further up the hill, with the rolling hills and valleys providing a stunning natural backdrop. The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, reflecting Jess and Shan’s easygoing personalities. The celebrant, a family friend, was an absolute character and set the stage for a fun and lighthearted ceremony. Afterwards, it was time to kick off the reception under a beautifully styled marquee. Jess’s hard work and creativity shone through every detail—from the hand-poured candles to the dyed fabric draping the tables, and the floral ladder adorned with flowers from her garden. Mel from Mellyrain Events was instrumental in pulling everything together and ensuring the day ran super smoothly.

As the sun began to set, we snuck away to capture some breathtaking sunset portraits in a nearby paddock. The golden light and the hilly landscapes made for some truly stunning photos. Jess and Shan’s laid-back and fun-loving nature made the entire day a joy to photograph.

Jess and Shan’s story is so sweet. They first met through friends who secretly set them up, and despite the long-distance between Melbourne and Numurkah, their relationship blossomed. Shan’s proposal in Thailand, complete with custom-made shirts for their kids spelling out “Will U Marry Me,” was a perfect reflection of their fun and loving dynamic.

In their own words, they share a love for the simple joys of life—Shan with his passion for motorsport, farming, and snowboarding, and Jess with her hobbies of running, gardening, and caring for animals.

When I asked Jess and Shan what drew them to my photography style, they said it was my use of light and the relaxed vibe I bring to capturing these special moments. They wanted their wedding day to be a fun, relaxed celebration where everyone could enjoy themselves without worrying about the little things. And that’s exactly what it was—a day filled with joy, laughter, and love celebrated with family and friends.

Jess and Shan’s wedding day was so much fun, and I loved capturing the day for these two down-to-earth, loved-up buddies.

BRIDE DRESS: Mariana Hardwick
SUITS: Identity Menswear
FLOWERS: Flowers by Lindy
MAKEUP: Bare Aesthetik
HAIR: Lavish Hair and Beauty Salon
ACOUSTIC MUSIC: Josh from We Are Paper Hearts
DJ: Jono from Tubbzmix
WEDDING COORDINATOR: Mel from Mellyrain events
CATERING: Northeast Catering Company
MARQUEE: RBR Party Hire

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