Sheri & Brandon// Montville Estate
Photographing a wedding is always a privilege. When the bride is your sister-in-law’s little sister, it feels particularly special. You’re there to work, but you also know you’ve been invited into a day that means a great deal to your own extended family. Fortunately, this family celebration came with pizza. A thoughtful provision for everyone involved.
Sheri and Brandon have been together since they were 13. While most of us were making deeply questionable decisions about our hair, these two had already met the person they would eventually marry. Growing up together, then choosing each other all over again as adults, is quite a story. Their wedding at Montville Estate brought that story into a beautiful setting, surrounded by family and close friends.
A wedding tucked into the hinterland. Montville Estate gave the day a lovely sense of privacy. Tucked away in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, it offered lush gardens, beautiful views and plenty of places for photographs without needing to disappear for an expedition. Sheri and Brandon had put real thought into how everything would come together. Maple Weddings and Events handled the coordination and styling, with furniture and pieces from Maple Event Hire. Bloom and Bush supplied the florals, which suited the setting beautifully.
It all looked considered, while still feeling like somewhere people could settle in and enjoy themselves. That’s a very good combination. Getting ready and getting married. Sheri’s hair and makeup were by Nix Makeup and Hair, and the morning was relaxed, with laughter, caffeine and time to take it all in.
Brandon wore an M.J. Bale suit and looked thoroughly ready to marry the person he’d been with since his early teens. Fair enough. This had been a reasonably comprehensive courtship. Their ceremony, delivered by Sunny Coast Celebrant, balanced the heartfelt moments with humour. There was plenty of feeling in it, alongside the familiarity of two people who have already shared so much life.
Knowing a little of their history made photographing those moments particularly meaningful. Excellent company. Equally excellent catering. Dar Nasone Italian Street Food took care of the food, with drinks from The Vine Bar and Co. Sheri’s talented cousin made the cake, adding another personal connection to the day.
There was so much to photograph beyond the details: the laughter, the emotional glances and the people gathering around Sheri and Brandon. This family has a lovely way of making you feel included, and that warmth carried through the celebration. As beautiful as everything looked, those connections were what made the day memorable.
A little time at the lookout. Later, we headed to the lookout for sunset photographs. It was a beautiful way to finish their portraits, with the hinterland giving us one last backdrop to work with. A little time together, lovely light and room to enjoy being newly married. Very little else required.
Sheri and Brandon, thank you for trusting me to photograph such a personal chapter of your lives. It meant a great deal to be there, both with the camera and as part of the wider family. Together since 13, and now married. An excellent result for the teenage decision-making department.
Planning a Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding?
I’m based in Brisbane and photograph weddings across Montville, Maleny and the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Tell me a little about your plans, and I’ll check your date and send through the wedding guide.
