Meaghan and Tysen... I don't think I've ever photographed a more fun, vibrant, and spirited wedding day! From quiet moments of reflection to bursts of tearful elation, this day was a total roller coaster from start to finish. 

Now, I love the rolling Adelaide hills more than almost any wedding destination I've ever photographed... But since moving away from Australia (now based in the USA), I can really only make the trip across the pacific for weddings that I really feel a connection with... and since Meaghan herself is a fantastic multi-skilled photographer and artist, I felt extremely honored and excited to be entrusted with telling her wedding day story.

For a wedding photographer, it's pretty much the ultimate compliment shoot another photographer's wedding. And yeah, it's a little nerve racking when the expectations are high... but honestly, I knew everything would go beautifully because Meaghan has such a great eye and taste that every little detail was bound to be thoughtfully planned and styled to perfection... which it absolutely was! From the gorgeous hidden gem of a venue, to her epic custom dress... AND her florals that were anything but boring! 

One thing that always prods at me on a wedding day, is the question of how do I give this couple something beautiful and authentic... but also unexpected and creative? I pondered this at length in the lead up to this wedding... and when the day arrived and the moments starting unfolding before me, I began to notice something. Every time Meaghan and Tysen locked eyes, they seemed to be spontaneously overcome with emotions. Like an awkward but genuine flutter of nervous energy mixed with a deep sense of adoration. Every time this happened, it resulted in a rather animated reaction that was just too pure and uninhibited to be voluntary or contrived. And I realized, all of a sudden, that I would never be able to truly capture each of them in the way that they see each other... one this day, on any day.

And so, in a quiet field shortly after the sun had set, I handed off one of my cameras to the couple and gave them a very simple instruction. Capture just one portrait of the person you just married. Look past the camera and try capture them how you'll want to remember them in this moment.

Then, I (and the videographers) stood back and watched. When Meaghan suddenly noticed that Tysen was welling up behind the camera, she gasped, and folded in two. The emotions the came rushing out of the two of them in the moments following were heavy and contagious. Pretty soon, we all had watery eyes and sore cheek bones. And the photos... well they speak for themselves. It was one of the most moving moments I've ever been a part of.

Thank you Meaghan and Tysen, for your trust and enthusiasm for having me as your photographer. It was a honor!

And thank you to all their amazing contributors: Venue - Old Woodhouse Manor // Dress - Greta Kate // Florals - Studio Botanic // Catering - Out in the Paddock // Video - KMS Visions // Make Up - Mandy Nash // Hair - Crystal Award Winning Hair // Styling - Courtney Rae // Bride's Photography - Meaghan Coles