I feel like I really clicked with Matt and Mel from the get-go. When we first met at their engagement session, we pretty much laughed for an hour and a half.
They shared with me their amazing engagement story — How Mel had just arrived home from the gym thinking they were heading off for a weekend of camping. Matt (who had arrived home earlier, coming straight off night shift), had decorated their bed with flowers and 'Bonfire Heart' by James Blunt (their song) was playing. Matt had laid out a dress for Mel to get changed into, along with a letter he had written describing their future and all the things he hoped they would achieve together. The letter finished with inviting Mel into the kitchen, where she found the room full of balloons and photographs of all the memories from their past that they had already made together. Mel then found one last note that said "Go outside to our present, will you marry me?", where he was waiting for Mel on one knee.
Matt and Mel chose Wallalong House for their day, as it had a story of its own that they could share with their friends and family. I think I had to pick my jaw up off the ground a few times. Everywhere you looked there were beautiful backgrounds. The breathtaking views across the farmlands provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, which was held beneath the 190+ year old fig trees on the property.
Mel loves a good DIY and created the designs for their stationery, she put together the gifts for their guests, and handmade the incredible fur shawls for her bridesmaids (which were later referenced to Game of Thrones by the bridal party).
Matt and Mel truly are a special couple and that was well reflected by the loving atmosphere of their family and friends. Three of the longest tables I have ever seen were filled with their nearest and dearest (Rowlo's Ruckus, Krazy Kota's and M&M's all sorts). They were so appreciative of having so many of their loved ones join them to celebrate.
The whole marquee was in stitches after two of Mel's bridesmaids, Louise and Tess gave speeches about how they had met Mel, and shared some hilarious moments that they had experienced together, including the recount of how Matt and Mel broke the "friend zone".
Mel's Dad started his speech with a line that I won't forget;
"I am Mel's Dad. The happiest Dad."
Both Matt and Mel's Father's gave touching speeches about how proud they were of Matt and Mel, and all they have achieved professionally and together as a couple.
The whole day was just so fun and had this amazing energy, which I am so grateful to have been invited to be a part of. The bridal party and guests were so easy going and welcoming that it made me feel as though I was just one of their mates with a camera.
I often get asked what made me want to get into photographing weddings, and it's families and friends like this that inspire me with their stories and make me love what I do.
Matt and Mel are both so warm and down to earth with this amazing ability to make you feel like an old friend and are simply just all round legends! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for these two incredible humans!
Mel x
Venue: Wallalong House
Florals: Little Willow Floral Design
Hair and Make Up: Bellus - Bridal Hair and Make Up
Catering: Mason Restaurant
