THIS POST FIRST APPEARED ON www.translucentphotography.com.au
I love the networking that comes from styled shoots. From collaborating with other wedding vendors that I may or may not personally interact with on a wedding day, putting faces to names behind businesses and creating kick ass content – I have a real soft spot for styled shoots. The Secret Garden located in Wildes Meadow, near Robertson in the Southern Highlands region of NSW is a venue I’ve had my eye on for a while. You wouldn’t even know this venue was here unless you were looking for it – and trust me, you want to look for it! With an epic team of local wedding vendors, we all headed up to the Highlands to create some magic at this beautiful 5 acre property!
My jaw just dropped as I was arriving on site. From just entering the driveway into The Secret Garden, you’re just taken into a whole other world of just garden beauty! I met with owner, Kathy on site and she gave me a tour of the venue. Alyce Apps Makeup & Shannon Purse Hairstylist were underway on working their magic on our bride, Kim in the Powder Room, whilst Shique Floral Design and Splash Occasions were busily underway in our arbour set up in front of the Conifer Arch in Megan’s Garden, and reception set up under the Wisteria Arbour which was in full bloom and what got me was the smell of this area – it was absolutely phenomenal! Spring is definitely this venue’s best season, and upon arriving on site it is no question as to why!
Our couple, Kim & Will have been together for almost 8 years, and have 3 beautiful children together! Being that Will had never seen Kim in a wedding dress before, we did a first look between the couple prior to commencing our shoot and the look on Will’s face just said it all! We shot two Stella York gowns from Cheboom Bridal in this shoot, with the first being a more fitted gown, with an upstyle by Shannon Purse Hairstylist & stunning burgundy bouquet & hair piece by Shique Floral Design. Our second look was a more flowy glitter Stella York gown, with a half up/down style and another gorgeous Shique Floral Design bouquet with those STUUUUNNING luxe orchids featuring. The Southern Highlands has the most gorgeous sunsets, and the day of our shoot was no exception. We shout around the grounds right through until sundown and optimised on the beautiful afternoon light that just illuminates through The Secret Garden.
I just cannot wait to return to this beautiful venue, and we only shot in small pockets of The Secret Garden! I cannot stress what a hidden gem this venue is, with countless ceremony location options, more than you’ll ever need photo locations, and it’s a DIY wedding venue too so bring in the marquees and food trucks for an epic intimate festival-like wedding! (& totally invite me along to capture it as I’m dying to come back!)
Vendors:
Venue: The Secret Garden, Wildes Meadow NSW
Stylist: Splash Occasions
Florist: Shique Floral Design
Hair: Shannon Purse Hairstylist
Makeup: Alyce Apps Makeup
Gown: Cheboom Bridal Boutique / Stella York
Couple: Kim & Will
