PORTFOLIO

SALLY-ANNE & BEN

A groom in a tuxedo holding hands with a bride in a wedding dress, outdoors with trees in the background.

HARBOUR VIEWS & HERITAGE CHARM: A WEDDING AT ATHOL HALL

A gentle breeze rustled through the gum trees as Sally-Anne stepped onto the lawn, each breath of native bushland mingling with the faint hum of Sydney Harbour beyond. The city’s skyline shimmered in the distance—the Opera House sails and Harbour Bridge arches—all watching as she walked down the grassy aisle at Athol Hall.

Her veil caught the light, soft and luminous, guiding her toward Ben, waiting beneath a simple floral arch framing them against the harbour backdrop. Friends and family sat in hushed anticipation, sunlight dancing across white chairs and the green expanse of the lawn.

Vows were exchanged, whispered promises punctuated by distant water sounds and rustling leaves. Somewhere between “I do” and shared smiles, a photographer froze the moment—Sally and Ben forever together against the sweeping city.

Applause broke the stillness. Guests drifted across the lawn for canapés and champagne under leafy branches.

As dusk approached, they returned to Athol Hall’s cream-painted terrace. Inside the heritage hall—restored in 1908 with timber floors, exposed beams, and a grand marble bar—the reception space glowed.

Tables were thoughtfully arranged to balance conversation and dining, while the elegant venue offered space for dinner and dancing. Guests marveled at the clever mix: elegant table settings, festoon lights overhead, and playful baskets of Crocs for those ready to hit the dancefloor comfortably.

After the speeches and magical first dance beneath twinkling lights, Sally disappeared for a moment and returned in a chic, shorter dress—perfect for dancing the night away. Comfortable in her second gown and stylish Crocs, she laughed as she took her place among friends, jumping right back into celebration.

The music pulsed, the floor filled, and laughter rang through the hall.

It was more than a wedding—it was a tapestry of harbour views, heritage charm, and personal touches: handwritten table notes, Crocs-ready dancefloor, a surprise dress change. Every moment—from the ceremony on the lawn to dancing under the stars—felt like coming home. Athol Hall, with its timeless beauty and seamless flow from one moment to the next, held their day beautifully.

DAY COORDINATION

Venue: @atholhallvenue

Photographer: @barefootandbearded

Day coordinating: @nh_weddings

  • A bride in a white wedding dress holding up her dress while standing on a rocky surface, with a groom in a black suit beside her, overlooking a body of water and surrounded by trees during sunset.
  • Black and white photograph of a smiling woman in a wedding dress and earrings, standing next to a man in a tuxedo with a bow tie, outdoors with foliage in the background.
  • Wedding party outdoors by the water, with a bridge and boats in the background. The bride and groom are celebrating with champagne, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen in formal attire.
  • A man and woman dressed in formal attire, smiling and looking at each other, with the woman having blonde hair and the man in a tuxedo, standing outdoors near water during sunset.
  • A bride and her three bridesmaids standing outdoors near a body of water with boats in the background, holding bouquets of flowers.
  • Elegant wedding reception table set with white tablecloths, greenery, candles, glassware, and white chairs in a bright room with large windows.
  • A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom facing each other, the bride holding a microphone. Three bridesmaids in beige dresses holding bouquets stand behind them, watching the couple. There are trees and greenery in the background.
  • A black and white photo of a wedding scene outdoors. A man in a suit is holding a piece of cloth, possibly part of the woman's veil, while a woman in a wedding dress holding a champagne flute walks away on a stone pathway surrounded by trees.
  • Wooden wedding arch decorated with a large floral arrangement of white flowers and green leaves, set outdoors with trees and bushes in the background.
  • A bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their wedding, surrounded by guests throwing flower petals outdoors.
  • Four women wearing matching robes with
  • Black and white photo of jewelry and a decorative cloth with the embroidered message 'Your something blue with you always Mum and Dad' on a flat surface.
  • A group of five women wearing matching white or pastel silk robes, sitting closely together outside, smiling, and holding champagne glasses, celebrating a special occasion.
  • A bride and groom kissing outdoors near the water, with sailboats and a cityscape in the background.
  • A woman with long, blonde, curly hair in a white dress walking outdoors on a grassy path, photographed from behind.
  • A black and white photograph of a bride holding a glass of wine, with her face obscured by a veil, and a man in a suit embracing her.

READY TO START PLANNING YOUR STORY?

We’d love to hear from you.