A Relaxed Vineyard Wedding at Stanlake Park | Rachel & Abigail

Some weddings just feel completely and utterly like the people at the heart of them — and Rachel and Abigail’s beautiful day at Stanlake Park was exactly that.

Set amongst the vines, their wedding was relaxed, personal, full of laughter and wonderfully unfussy. Rachel and Abigail described their style as “vineyard smart casual (is that a thing?)” — and I think we should absolutely make it a thing.

With eucalyptus green, navy, soft white and blush pink running through the day, everything felt fresh, natural and perfectly suited to their vineyard setting.

But there was also one particularly important member of the wedding party who was always going to steal a little bit of the limelight…

Enter Camembert…

Rachel and Abigail’s dog, Camembert, had a very important job to do: bringing the rings down the aisle.

And honestly, is there anything better than a four-legged ring bearer?

Capturing Cam making that journey — and the reactions of Rachel, Abigail and all their guests — was one of those moments I knew was going to be important to them. Later, there was another starring role waiting, complete with a replica car and special number plates.

It was fun, personal and very them — which is exactly how wedding days should be.

Two brides, one very special first look

There were so many moments Rachel and Abigail were looking forward to, beginning with getting ready together on the morning of their wedding.

One of the moments they particularly wanted captured was the first time they saw one another properly in their dresses.

We planned their first look in the hayloft, with one waiting downstairs as the other made her entrance. Those few seconds before you see one another — the anticipation, followed by that instant reaction — are always incredibly special to photograph.

Then came another moment they couldn’t wait for: their first kiss as a married couple.

Celebrating amongst the vines

Stanlake Park gave us the most beautiful backdrop to their day, and naturally we had to make the most of the vineyard.

After the ceremony came drinks, time outside with their guests and plenty of relaxed photographs amongst the vines.

That was particularly important to Rachel and Abigail. Rather than wanting their day to feel like one long photoshoot, they wanted natural photographs of the people they love: conversations, reactions, laughter, speeches and all those little interactions which happen when nobody is thinking about the camera.

These are so often the photographs which become more precious as the years go by.

Their florals by Sonning Flowers brought together soft white and blush pink, complemented beautifully by the eucalyptus green of the bridal party and navy worn by the ushers.

And then… cheese!

I think every wedding should contain at least one detail which tells you something about the couple, and Rachel and Abigail had several.

Their evening plans included music from Tristan McKay, plenty of celebrating and — wonderfully — cheese and, hopefully, pasties.

Because sometimes the best wedding traditions are the ones you create yourselves.

From getting ready together in the morning to Camembert’s trip down the aisle, that first kiss, drinks amongst the vines and a packed dance floor later on, Rachel and Abigail’s day was full of exactly what they wanted most: natural moments, their favourite people and plenty of fun.

Vineyard smart casual?

I’m officially a fan.

Suppliers

Venue: Stanlake Park
Wedding planner/co-ordinator: Jo Jacob
Videographer: Chris Weston, Twenty Twenty Videography
Florist: Sonning Flowers
Make-up: Sarah Thorne
Music: Tristan McKay
VIP ring bearer: Camembert 

Interested in more weddings at Stanlake Park? – take a peek