Somerley House Wedding | Lani & Aaron | Southern Highlands Wedding Photographer

Lani and Aaron's November wedding was the perfect example of a dream day. The day started with groom prep, Aaron spent the morning getting ready with his groomsmen at a nearby Airbnb before travelling to Somerley House for the ceremony.
Just as everyone was finishing getting dressed, Aaron's family arrived so we could capture a few family portraits before heading to the venue. This is something I often recommend to couples whenever it's possible. Photographing immediate family before the ceremony means we can tick off a large portion of the formal photographs early, allowing couples to enjoy much more of cocktail hour with their guests instead of spending it all taking family photos.
Meanwhile, Lani spent the morning getting ready in the beautiful on-site cottage at Somerley House, surrounded by her closest family and friends before making the short walk to the ceremony.

One of Somerley House's most unique ceremony locations is its beautiful woodland setting.
Surrounded by towering trees and thoughtfully styled florals by The Flower Wonderer, Lani and Aaron saw each other for the very first time as she walked down the aisle. Choosing not to do a first look meant that moment felt incredibly emotional, creating one of the highlights of the entire day.

After the ceremony Lani and Aaron joined cocktail hour with their guests where we finished off their joint family photos and they mingled with guests. 
One of my favourite things about Somerley House is the poolside cocktail hour. With crisp white umbrellas, beautiful landscaping and canapés served by the Somerley House catering team, it has a relaxed European feel that encourages everyone to slow down, enjoy a drink and celebrate together. Rather than disappearing for a long portrait session immediately after the ceremony, Lani and Aaron were able to spend most of cocktail hour catching up with family and friends before we quietly slipped away later for portraits.

Portraits at Somerley House

When it came time for portraits, we began with the entire bridal party before finishing with just ten quiet minutes for Lani and Aaron. Having photographed at Somerley House many times, I know the property well and love taking couples beyond the obvious locations.
Each wedding seems to reveal another hidden corner or beautiful pocket of light, meaning no two galleries ever feel the same. Whether it's tucked away gardens, winding pathways or beautiful evening light filtering through the trees, there are endless opportunities to create photographs that feel unique to each couple.

Before guests entered the marquee, Lani and Aaron shared a quiet first look at their reception together.
It's one of my favourite moments to photograph because couples get to see all the months of planning come together without distraction before the space fills with guests.
The beautifully styled marquee created by Rhianna Smith Events provided the perfect setting for an elegant evening celebration.

Instead of breaking up the evening with speeches throughout the reception, Lani and Aaron chose to hold all of their speeches during dinner, allowing the celebrations to flow naturally once everyone made their way onto the dancefloor. Later in the night, Lani changed into a fun mini dress before we snuck away one final time for a series of editorial inspired flash portraits.
Those last few minutes at the end of their nine hour coverage created the perfect ending to a wedding gallery filled with genuine moments, timeless portraits and effortless celebrations.

Somerley House is one of those venues that gives couples the best of everything.
With accommodation on site, multiple ceremony locations, beautifully maintained gardens and countless portrait opportunities, the entire wedding can unfold without ever needing to leave the property.
For photographers, it's a venue that continues to inspire. Every season brings different colours, different light and new locations to explore.
For couples, it creates a relaxed experience where the focus stays exactly where it should, celebrating with the people you love.


Vendors
Venue & Catering: Somerley House
Photography: Dear Fiore
Videography: Ethan Hart Films
Planning & Styling: Rhianna Smith Events
Florals: The Flower Wonderer
Makeup: Imogen Ovijach Makeup
Entertainment: The Zancs