Danielle & Blake

When Danielle and Blake reached out as a last-minute addition to their wedding day, I had no idea I was about to walk into one of the most joy-filled, f-bomb, weddings I’ve ever filmed.

Set amongst the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Chateau Elan felt like a little slice of Italy. It was my first time filming there, and between the stunning scenery and the incredible people, I certainly hope it won’t be my last.

But what I’ll remember most about this day isn’t the venue. It’s the laughter.

These two spent their entire portrait session laughing. Not the polite “camera smile” kind of laughter either — the genuine, can’t-catch-your-breath, tears-in-your-eyes kind. Watching them together made it obvious that beneath their love is an incredible friendship. They genuinely have so much fun together and it was such a joy to get to capture it.

And then there were Blake’s vows.

As he promised to always be there for Danielle and their two beautiful girls, the emotion completely got the better of him. As the tears started, so did the swearing, causing a burst of laughter from the guests. It was one of the most authentic moments I’ve witnessed at a wedding. It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t perfect. It was real. Just a man standing in front of the people he loves most, trying desperately to find the words.

Moments like these are the reason a wedding should be captured on film.