Southern Highlands Wedding Photographer – Bendooley Estate
A CLASSY AFFAIR: My invitation to capture Wedding Photography In the Southern Highlands
Look beyond the terracotta gravelled drive, over the listening light that dances across the lake and across the gently rolling hills.
Or perhaps, you might prefer to stroll through the vineyards; the bright autumnal leaves punctuating the baby blue skies.
Indeed, many other couples have fallen in love within the charming stone churches nearby, whose walls have witnessed many say, “I do”, before tumbling back to expansive manicured gardens to continue their wedding celebrations into the evening.
It’s not hard to inject magic into Southern Highlands wedding photography when I’m blessed to be shooting at a location as superb as Bendooley Estate. This place is steeped in history, resulting in an atmosphere so enchanting that all the simply cannot forcibly recreated– for with all the props and styling in the world.
Before its incarnation as a Southern Highlands wedding venue, the Book Barn – a popular choice for couples to host their wedding reception – was, well, precisely that; a book barn. In fact, for more than six generations, the Berkelouw family – owners of Bendooley Estate – have managed the family’s well-known publishing house, Berkelouw Books. While the company is still in operation, the modernisation of the publishing industry saw the need for the family to reimagine the estate’s purpose, much to the delight of every bride and groom-to-be (not to mention every Southern Highlands wedding photographer). But make no mistake; while this particular venue is candidly referred to as the Book Barn, this is one palatial barn, and understandably favoured by many wedding parties. Today, its majestic stone walls are lined with an extraordinary collection of books, and the restoration of the building has seen its cathedral ceilings exposed, set off by oversized chandeliers. If you’re more the outdoors type, the large, summery marquee that is adjacent to the Bendooley Estate’s lake is a wonderful choice for your wedding reception, after vows are exchanged in the landscaped gardens or lakeside pavilion.
But it’s not just all a feast for the eyes. Another highlight of this esteemed Southern Highlands wedding destination is Paul’s, and his wife, Katya’s passion for viticulture and a paddock-to-plate approach to food. Head Chef, Benn, his culinary team along with wedding coordinator Kelly, works with all brides and grooms to create a delectable wedding menu – one that will have your mouth watering long before you’ve even glimpsed the suggestions for main course. Think fresh seafood, wine direct from Bendooley Estate’s vineyards and desserts you’ll be excused for wanting to photograph before you take a bite.
It’s my job as a Southern Highlands wedding photographer to focus equally on the bride and groom. And oh, how I tried. But I challenge anyone to step into the shoes of a Southern Highland’s wedding photographer and not catch their breath at the sight of this bride’s spectacular gown. Exposed button work, exquisite lace detailing and a gentle sea of fabric that was the gown’s full skirt. Her relaxed, brightly coloured bouquet added a playful touch, as too did the flowers girls who skipped their way through the afternoon.
Located in Berrima, a leisurely 90-minute drive from Sydney, Bendooley Estate makes for the perfect Southern Highlands wedding destination. Just don’t be surprised if your guests aren’t in much of a hurry to head home after your big day. This place is easy to settle into, but oh-so hard to part ways with.
Want to twist my arm and invite me back to Bendooley Estate to work my Southern Highlands wedding photography magic with you?
CONTACT ME to be your Southern Highlands Wedding Photographer
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