Mt Buller Snow Wedding - Craig's Hut and Mt Stirling

When Sarah and Stephen first came into the studio to discuss their vision for their wedding I was very excited but also had reservations.  A wedding at Mt Buller Chapel followed by photos at Mt Stirling then a helicopter trip to Craig's Hut all in the middle of winter!  The idea was amazing but the logistics were challenging and the day was heavily reliant on the weather.  High winds or poor weather could easily prevent a flight to Craig's Hut and in the middle of snow season getting around and back down the mountain could prove difficult.  

We were all watching the weather in the weeks leading up to the wedding but on the day the sun was shining and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.  Yes it was the busiest day on the mountain for the season, with day trippers flocking to the mountain, but getting up there early and careful planning prevented any major hiccups. 

Mt Buller Chapel was the perfect place for the ceremony with a thick blanket of snow covering the ground. Their two children Ethan and Ava played a big part in their day and in keeping with the winter theme they threw "snowballs' to the guests with a blue and pink "snowball" containing the wedding rings.

Sarah and Stephen were married by Civil Celebrant Mary-Anne Egan and their wedding was witnessed by close family and friends.

A quick lunch at The Loft Bar at Breathtaker was enjoyed before heading down the mountain and up to Mt Stirling.  A completely different environment to that of Mt Buller, Mt Stirling is designed for cross country skiers with the roads graded to provide the runs which are bordered by towering trees. 

Sarah and Stephen received lots of congratulations from the skiers passing by before the local ski patrol kindly offered one of their snow mobiles for some photos. 

We were greeted by Dave from Alpine Helicopter Charters  at the helicopter landing site at Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort and after a briefing I flew with the boys up to the hut.  On approach to the hut we could see there were bare patches on the ground but there was still plenty of snow.  It really is amazing to see the hut from this perspective.

Once on the ground we watched as the helicopter headed back to Sebel to collect the girls.  I took a moment to soak in this magical environment - the crisp clean air, the solitude, and the magnificent views and thought how fortunate I am to be a part of Sarah and Stephen's day and to be able to be part of this experience.

I captured a few images of Stephen and Ethan before the girls landed.

With so much to work with I set about capturing images of the couple together and with their children with an emphasis on featuring Craig's Hut (both inside and out) and the wider environment. 

Dave our pilot doubled as my assistant on the mountain where he held lights, moved items inside the hut and entertained the children when they weren't involved in the photos.  Thank you Dave for the safe and informative flight, your assistance on the ground and your professionalism.

Thank you Sarah and Stephen for choosing me as your wedding photographer - the whole day was just amazing and I wish you and your family health and happiness into the future.

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