Daniela & Leighton, Burbrook Forest

Late Spring 2021

Burbrook Forest

Kuitpo Hall

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." Maya Angelou

I never teared secretly behind the camera more than I did with Daniela and Leighton’s wedding.

The unrehearsed layers of emotions of this wedding day took more than a camera and a skilled eye . It requires a heart that is able to empathise how the mixture of longing for family, excitement , finality and bliss , morph gracefully from one emotion to another without asking for the perfect smile, instead, listen and wait for the perfect moments to evolve. I'm glad I’m present in every moment that when the courage of vulnerability shows its true feelings, not only did I capture the sweetest smile but have illuminated the connection that brought them on the wedding aisle.

It was a beautiful day in late Spring of 2021, the weather forecast was not as they wished but they were ready for anything . Heaven shine its light upon them, the rain showered earlier to bless the day bringing fresh crisp air for this magical union. The alpacas were playing out in the field and the pine trees seemed leaping with joy for these two.

As a story teller I have immersed myself into their wedding day like a family and a friend.

Daniela was putting on her elegant gown and I could empathise with the longing for her mother to be with her that very moment, she couldn't come because the Australian border was close. I quietly captured those moments in all its rawness.

Stepping into vulnerability on your wedding day is not all about smiles, it’s embracing all emotions and choosing to be there for the essence of your special day and I saw Daniela raise her soul to the wildness of their day.

Over the wedding preparation I witnessed how these two stood above every trial and allowed their love and faith to conquer every fear they have.

And so there is no other perfect place to mark their wedding day than under a beautiful aged gum tree tucked in the middle of the Kuitpo region, the Burbrook forest. It was symbolic to their aspirations as husband and wife, to stand the test of time.

The wedding was filled with love and warmth as friends and family celebrated with them.

Leighton, with the supportive, loving man that he is, could not hold back his tears upon seeing Daniela walking down the aisle with their little boy Caleb and the loveliest cavoodle Waffle.

Then the bliss of finality occurred.

When Daniela met Leighton on the aisle she threw her arms around him , and the smile that I have been waiting for behind the camera finally unveiled itself in the most priceless radiance , there at the arms of the man , her true love, her home.

Ceremony, Burbrook Forest

Reception , Kuitpo Hall

Wedding Suppliers:

Photographer - Michelle Kenney Photography with Joanna Cordova

Videographer - Derrick films

Celebrant- Melanie Millen

Ceremony- Burbrook Forest

Reception - Kuitpo Hall

Brides bouquets & fresh jar flowers- Flowers of envy

Wedding hire- MASE agency - for Tables, chairs, pine stump for ceremony , table napkin, cutleries, wine glass, and games at reception

MASE agency - Tables, chairs

XL letters - for Large LED LOVE letters, neon Better together sign with green round arbour

Cake - Rachel Lo (work mate)

Buffet plus leaching - LV catering

Grazing box - idea and designed by bride and groom and was supplied with the help of grazing sisters Fresh Greenery table runner, small vase with dry flowers and dry eucalyptus, artificial greenery at buffet table, wooden names, small pot succulents for wedding favours , most of the decorations are from bride and groom’s DIY

Gown - by Stella York bought at Jenny & Gerry’s bridal centre

Groom suite and ring-bearer suite - Jenny & Gerry’s suite hire

Flower girl/flower dog (waffles) hair/neck flower piece -DIY