Wedding: Chloe and Joel

My wedding on the weekend was a little different from the usual as it involved a trip to the country town of Casino in the NSW North Coasts hinterland. There was driving, flying and more driving to get there and on arrival it was introductions all round then off to one of the local pubs for dinner and a drink.

It was evident here that it was going to be a great weekend with both families coming together with plenty of chatter, laughs and larger. Chloe cut a striking late entrance in a gorgeous off the shoulder black dress and new blonde hair to plenty of whooping and applause. It was difficult to picture her growing up in a small town and working behind the bar at this pub as she made that entrance.

Unfortunately, Joel was running from airport to airport trying to intercept his best man Tom as his chartered plane was making diversions to miss an impending storm. And that was after his plane missed the takeoff, bumped and rolled off the end of the runway before turning around and having another go! A journey to turn anyone off flying again. Joel did eventually make it to the pub and jumped right in to the festivities.

The morning of the wedding I took a walk through town to find a couple of suitable locations for photos and there were plenty – I was going to have to suggest we come into town for the shoot instead of spending all our time at the one spot as originally planned.

One thing I did notice and just loved about my walk was that I didn’t pass a single person without hearing a g’day, good morning, hi, how are ya – something you just don’t get living in larger areas.

The boys all looked very sharp in their new suits and were right into the photos from the beginning, especially Doogie who was very keen to strike a pose. Once suited, we popped up to the train station for a few shots and we came away with some cracking photos and plenty of laughs.

The girls were right on schedule (which was great) so after a few final touches for the brides maids, Chloe was slipping into her dress. WOW, what a figure, what a dress, she looked awesome! I couldn’t wait to start photographing!

Karen and Phil (Chloe’s parents) were so accommodating as their house and bedroom were taken over and a more excited mum I don’t think I have ever seen. It was obvious that Chloe meant the world to both of them and Phil was seen to be subtly wiping the odd tear amongst the commotion.

The Hummer and limo arrived shortly after some photos and it was off the the ceremony which was on the outskirts of town in a flower bordered garden with a gazebo. It was an emotional and teary entry for Chloe and her parents and it was impossible to ignore the happiness as they approached Joel and his groomsmen.

The party pretty much started immediately after the ceremony and it was off to the location shoot and some breathing space for Chloe and Joel. We had a great shoot that started at a family friend’s property and finished in town at a couple of the areas I’d found that morning.

Once at the reception the celebrations really kicked off and everyone seemed to be having a real blast. A great moment I witnessed toward the end of the night was when two guests were very undecided whether they should join their wives on the first bus leaving the reception or to kick on and keep partying. As you’d expect from any true blue Aussie bloke, they stood unsteadily, waved at the bus, turned their backs, clinked glasses, finished their drinks and headed back to the bar. Classic!

When I finally left the reception, Chloe’s mum had control of the bands microphone and was singing her heart out – a great day and a great night. Congratulations Chloe and Joel!