Alissa & Liam’s Wedding - Tocal Homestead - Hunter Valley

It doesn’t matter how many weddings I photograph at Tocal Homestead, it just never gets old. It’s one of my all time favourite venues.

Alissa and Liam were married at Tocal Homestead on a sweltering November day. The air that day was so thick with smoke from the summer bushfires, and there was next to no wind. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable both Alissa and Liam would have been with Alissa in a big dress with so many layers, and of course, Liam in his suit. But not once did I hear them complain, and they didn't let the weather conditions impact the vibe of their day.

One of the moments from their day that I remember so vividly was when I arrived to start photographing the girls. Alissa was sitting with her Dad, just talking. This might not sound like a big deal. But I've never walked in to start shooting, and everyone is ready and so relaxed. Or with enough time that the bride even has a spare minute to sit and connect with her Dad. It was really so special.

Once Alissa was dressed, she nervously waited for her Dad to come up the stairs to see her. This moment unfolded so naturally. And so unhurried. It was as if time stopped when they embraced. I am quite sure Alissa will cherish this moment with her parents forever, and I am so grateful I was there to capture it!

This moment happened because there was space in the day for it to happen. By inviting space in your day, it gives you time to spend with family, to talk and to mingle. Time to slow down and take it all in and be present!

This is where the magic happens!

You can imagine if Alissa was rushing to finish her hair and makeup, rushing to get dressed or rushing to get out the door to the ceremony, this moment would not have been able to take place.

When I first met Alissa and Liam at their engagement session, Liam told me how much it would mean to him to be able to get some cows in the background of some of their photos. (Liam is a soon to be qualified Vet with a small business breeding Angus Cattle, so cows are his passion!). I said I would see what I can do ha! You could imagine how excited they were as I lead them out to the paddock right on sunset, only to find that all of Tocal's cows were perfectly positioned in the paddock. It was almost as though the cows knew this was a big deal. I am sure Alissa and Liam felt like they were the only two in the whole world when we danced around in that paddock as the sunset.

I just admire Liam and Alissa so much. Their love for each other is so special. They simply adore each other, and it shows in the way they look at each other when no one else is watching. Their wedding day was so focused on their love for each other, their supportive parents and the beautiful relationships they share with their friends and extended family.