I met Rosie and Kurtley back in September, 2017 at the Mansfield Wedding Fair not long after we moved from Melbourne to Mansfield. It was a brief introduction but later that day we drew them as the winner of our Wedding Fair competition. I was very excited to call Rosie to chat about their prize which was an engagement photo session and photobook of images from their session.

During that call I realised that Rosie and Kurtley lived in country New South Wales and getting together for a photo session was going to be a challenge.  A few days later they booked me as their wedding photographer and we arranged extra time and album pages to replace the original prize.

I've been looking forward to this wedding. Such a lovely couple, very relaxed and down to earth and the first wedding booking in the Mansfield area since moving to this beautiful part of the world. Having been established as a photographer in Melbourne for many years and moving to a country town with no connections it is always an unknown as to what the future holds.

The wedding fair not only allowed me to meet some wonderful couples but also some amazing vendors in the region.  We may be small but there is some incredible talent within our community. 

With a love of the outdoors Rosie and Kurtly chose the banks of the Delatite River at Playshack 2 & 4 for their ceremony and reception.  

Kurtley and his groomsmen got ready in the main house at Playshack 2 & 4 with little Jimmy (the ring bearer) having lots of smiles for the camera and looking super cute in suit.

A country girl at heart, Rosie's heavily detailed and sparkling cowgirl boots were not only the most comfortable wedding shoes I've seen but also made for the perfect background for a 'ring' shot.

The skylight in the attic bedroom at Playshack 5 allowed for some beautiful light for some of Rosie's getting ready shots.

The ceremony was held on the banks of the Delatite River with the lovely Mary-Anne Egan as their celebrant. Rosie's parents walked her down the aisle to a nervous but excited groom. They were both relieved to have made it through their vows while the cutest of ring bearers, despite being a little champion all day, needed a bit of help from dad to pass over the rings.

This amazing metal work was done by a talented groom and along with lots of other details really personalised their ceremony and reception.

A few photos by the banks of the river at Mirimbah Park before heading back to the reception.

The original plan was to have an open air reception with dining tables lining the river bank however with the unseasonal wet weather there was a last minute decision to hold the reception in a marquee.  Rosie and Kurtley entered their reception to a rousing ovation and the enthusiasm of the guests continued throughout the speeches.

We see the traditional Maori war dance performed on the television before rugby matches but there is nothing like experiencing it live. This impromptu performance of the Haka by Kurtley's friends was a powerfully moving show of respect for the couple.

We had to be on our toes for the quickest of first dances with the happy couple keen to have others join them on the dance floor.

We were going for a backlit romantic shot towards the end of the evening but with half the guests watching egging them on and the party already in full swing there was no chance.  Thank you Rosie and Kurtley for such a wonderful day and warm welcome by not only you but also your parents, friends and family. We wish you every happiness for the future x

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