Emma & Josh’s Acacia Ridge Winery Yarra Valley Wedding

On a crisp autumn afternoon in the Yarra Valley, Emma and Josh exchanged vows amidst the golden hues of Acacia Ridge Winery. The vineyard's rolling hills and vibrant foliage provided a stunning backdrop for their intimate ceremony. Their daughter, Piper, added a heartwarming touch to the day, embodying the love and unity of this beautiful family.

Wedding party standing on grass with vineyard in the background, groom in tuxedo, bride in white gown, bridesmaids in pink dresses, groomsmen in black suits.

Getting Ready: Family Moments and Vineyard Vibes

The day began with Emma, her bridesmaids, and little Piper preparing at their family home. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, the rustle of dresses, and the soft hum of excitement. Piper, ever curious, wandered amidst the flurry, bringing smiles to everyone around. Emma's mother helped her into her gown, a moment of quiet reflection and shared joy.

Wedding invitation with jewelry, perfume, and gift box on white fabric.
A bride in a white wedding dress helps two young girls in white dresses while an older woman adjusts the bride's dress in a bright, neatly decorated room with a black carpet and a large green plant.

Meanwhile, Josh and his groomsmen got ready at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley. The setting provided a relaxed backdrop as they adjusted ties, shared stories, and toasted to the day ahead. Josh took a moment to read a note from Emma, his expression a mix of anticipation and affection.

These separate preparations, set against the familiar warmth of home and the serene elegance of the Yarra Valley, set the tone for a day that was both intimate and grand.

Four men in formal attire, three wearing bow ties, are in a hotel room. One man is adjusting another's bow tie, while the other two prepare themselves, with one adjusting his collar. The scene shows preparation for an event or gathering.
A man in a tuxedo with sunglasses and a boutonniere stands outdoors in a natural setting.

A Vineyard Ceremony in Full Colour

The ceremony took place under the white marquee with vines stretching in every direction. Emma walked down the aisle with golden light hitting her face, and Josh just stood there, frozen in the best way. Their vows were full of laughter and a few tears, with Piper front and centre, clapping at all the wrong (and right) moments.

A young girl in a white dress with a floral crown walking on a grass aisle at an outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests standing and seated under umbrellas in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss under a gold circular wedding arch decorated with pink and white flowers, set in a vineyard with rolling hills in the background.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle after a wedding ceremony outdoors, surrounded by friends and family throwing flower petals.

Family Photos Amongst Autumn Vines

After the ceremony, we gathered for family portraits amidst the vibrant autumn hues of the vineyard. Emma, Josh, and little Piper stood surrounded by rows of golden leaves, creating a picturesque backdrop. These moments captured the essence of their close-knit family, with genuine smiles and warm embraces. The natural beauty of the Yarra Valley in autumn added a timeless quality to these cherished memories.

For more inspiration on capturing intimate family moments, explore Jesse & Jay’s Dream Wedding at Yellingbo Art House, where the couple's connection was beautifully highlighted amidst the serene Yarra Valley setting.

A large wedding celebration with guests and the bride and groom, outdoors in a vineyard with rolling hills in the background.
A family of three on their wedding day, with the parents kissing their young daughter on the cheeks, outdoors with a cloudy sky in the background.

Candid Moments with the Bridal Party

The bridal party brought an infectious energy to the day. We captured spontaneous moments—laughter echoing through the vines, playful toasts, and impromptu dance moves. These candid shots showcased the genuine camaraderie and joy shared among close friends. The relaxed atmosphere of Acacia Ridge Winery provided the perfect setting for these unforgettable memories.

Four men in black tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties standing on a grassy field, smiling at the camera, with a blurred outdoor wedding setup in the background.
Group of four women dressed in light-colored dresses standing outdoors on grass, holding bouquets of flowers, smiling and chatting with each other, with a vineyard and cloudy sky in the background.
Group of eight people dressed in formal wedding attire standing outdoors in a grassy field with a vineyard and hills in the background, smiling at the camera.

Golden Hour Portraits in the Vines

As the sun dipped, we wandered the vineyard rows. Emma’s lace dress caught the light, Josh couldn’t stop smiling, and every photo felt like a little piece of their story. One of my favourite frames? Josh lifting Piper above his head with the last bit of sun behind them.

If you're drawn to golden hour portraits, Ellie & Anthony’s Winter Wedding at Marnong Estate showcases how even a winter setting can be transformed by the soft glow of the setting sun, creating timeless images.

A bride and groom sharing a kiss outdoors during a wedding ceremony.

Reception Under the Stars

The reception was rustic and low-key — long tables, wine flowing, fairy lights above. Heartfelt speeches, a lot of laughs, and a couple of emotional nods to Piper being the surprise star of the day. Their first dance under the open sky felt like something from a film.

They wrapped it all up with a sparkler exit. Everyone cheering, Piper tucked into Emma’s arms, and the two of them disappearing into the night, just quietly.

A couple dancing closely at a wedding reception, with the man in a tuxedo and the woman in an off-the-shoulder gown, surrounded by softly lit decorations and other guests in the background.
A couple holding a young girl at a wedding reception with dim lighting and other guests in the background.
Group of people celebrating at an outdoor wedding reception in the evening, with a floral arch and a darkening sky in the background.

Why This Day Stood Out

This is what a Yarra Valley wedding can look like — relaxed, intimate, full of love and light. Acacia Ridge Winery gave us the space and the view, but it was Emma, Josh, and Piper who brought the real magic. These are the weddings I love to photograph — honest, personal, and quietly unforgettable.

Quick Takeaways

  • Venue: Acacia Ridge Winery Yarra Valley

  • Vibe: Autumn colours, candid moments, relaxed energy

  • Highlights: Their baby Piper, vineyard ceremony, golden hour portraits

  • Style: Intimate, natural, no fuss

  • Photographer focus: Real emotion, nothing forced

Planning your own Yarra Valley wedding?

If you’re after warm light, a vineyard view, and photos that feel like you — I’d love to be part of it.

Night sky with dark clouds and the moon partially obscured, over a silhouette of rolling hills.
Flat lay of wedding invitation, engagement ring, Gucci jewelry pouch, yellow Gucci gift box, pearl earrings, and a perfume bottle on a white tulle fabric background.
Black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo with sunglasses, standing outdoors with trees in the background.
Bride in white dress looking in mirror
Four men in tuxedos walking on a garden path, holding bottled drinks.
Four men in tuxedos standing outdoors with greenery in the background, smiling for a group photo.
A Gucci box and small drawstring pouch on white fabric.
Woman in white robe sitting on a bed reading a letter
Bridal preparation with woman adjusting ankle strap of white shoe
Woman in a white off-the-shoulder dress adjusting earrings in front of a mirror, next to a tall plant.
A bride in a white gown being assisted by an older woman, while a young girl in a white dress stands nearby in a bedroom with a mirror and potted plant.
Three women in blush pink dresses smiling and reacting excitedly to a woman in a white wedding dress, seen from behind, in a bright room.
Black and white photo of a woman in a white off-the-shoulder dress applying perfume in a bedroom with a lamp and side table.
Outdoor wedding reception with guests under white umbrellas at a vineyard with mountains in the background.
Bride holding a bouquet of light pink roses, wearing a white dress and an arm of a person in a blue suit is visible beside her.
Outdoor event with people in formal attire, string lights overhead, and a tented area. Guests are socializing near tables and chairs.
Circular wedding arch with flowers on grassy field
Country road with a large round hay bale and a wooden sign labeled 'Acacia Ridge 169' beside greenery and a tree.
Man in black suit and bow tie standing in front of a circular floral arch on a grassy vineyard setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated in white chairs, a groom and groomsman in suits standing on the left, and a bride walking down an aisle lined with grass and bricks.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with groomsmen in black suits as groom waits excitedly for bride.
Four men wearing black tuxedos and sunglasses, standing outdoors, holding bottles, with trees and greenery in the background.
Man in black tuxedo with bow tie and sunglasses smiling, standing in front of lush greenery and yellow flowers.
A wedding scene with a man in a tuxedo holding a young girl in a white dress and floral headband. They stand outdoors, with a group of men in tuxedos clapping in the background, and a vineyard visible in the distance.
Bride and groom standing under a floral arch during an outdoor wedding ceremony at Acacia Ridge Winery.
Bride walking down the aisle with a man in a garden wedding setting, surrounded by applauding guests seated on white chairs under large umbrellas.
Young flower girl in a white dress with a floral headband, holding petals, standing on grass, surrounded by seated wedding guests in an outdoor setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a couple exchanging vows under a floral arch, attended by a bridesmaid and groomsman, set in a vineyard.
Three men in tuxedos stand on grass with a vineyard background.
Bride in white gown and groom in black suit holding hands, standing in front of floral circular arch in a vineyard setting.
Bridesmaids in blush dresses holding flowers outdoors
A woman holding a young girl in a white dress with a floral headband, seated outdoors at an event with other attendees in the background.
Bride and groom holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a vineyard with a circular floral arch; bride and groom exchanging vows, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests seated in the foreground.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a couple standing under a floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests seated on the lawn. White umbrellas and a tent are in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, under a decorative arch adorned with greenery. Guests are seated in the background on white chairs. The bride is wearing a white off-the-shoulder gown, and the groom is in a black su
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride holding pink bouquet, groom in black suit embracing older man, guests in formal attire seated in background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a vineyard with bride and groom under a floral arch, surrounded by guests seated in white chairs, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Scenic landscape with mountains in the background.
Bride and groom hugging outdoors, holding pink roses, surrounded by guests at a wedding ceremony.
Wedding party celebrating outdoors with people hugging and holding white flower bouquets.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle, smiling, with guests in the background. Bride holding a bouquet of pink roses. Wedding ceremony outdoors with rose petal confetti.
Bride and groom smiling during outdoor wedding ceremony, sitting at a table in a vineyard setting, with a document being signed.
A wedding scene with a flower girl in a white dress walking down an aisle, holding hands with a woman in a blue patterned dress, surrounded by seated and standing guests.
A groom in a black tuxedo placing a wedding ring on the bride's finger during an outdoor ceremony.
Bride and groom holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of a bride in an off-shoulder wedding dress holding hands with a groom in a suit.
Bride and groom kissing under a floral arch in an outdoor vineyard wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom standing face-to-face during their wedding ceremony. The groom is wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black bow tie, while the bride is in a white off-shoulder gown with a veil. They appear to be outdoors.
Bride and groom sharing a moment during their wedding ceremony, with the bride wearing an off-shoulder dress and veil.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a bride and groom standing under a floral arch, surrounded by guests seated on white chairs, and a bridesmaid holding flowers on the side.
A young girl in a white dress applying stickers to a woman's leg during an outdoor event, with grass visible in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride in white dress and groom in black suit standing by floral arch, bridesmaid holding bouquet, and groomsmen in the background.
Bride and groom kissing under a floral circular arch in a vineyard setting.
Colorful sunset sky with clouds and silhouette of hills and trees.
Bride and groom posing in formal attire outdoors with floral arch and scenic background.
Bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of pink roses standing in a vineyard with hills in the background.
Wedding party group photo outdoors with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits.
Bride and groom kissing a child in a white dress at a wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom walking on grass near a floral arch, vineyard background.
Bride and groom kissing outdoors on their wedding day.
A couple kissing at a wedding, with the groom wearing a bow tie and the bride showing her engagement ring. The background features soft, out-of-focus lights.
Couple holding hands, bride in white dress, wedding setting
Wedding reception under a transparent tent, featuring guests in formal attire watching a couple. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and decorations include greenery and a wooden barrel.
Bride and groom toasting at wedding reception under a clear tent with guests seated in the background.
Smiling bride and groom celebrating at wedding reception, with the bride holding a bouquet and a champagne flute, and the groom holding a beer. They are in a tented venue, surrounded by guests.
Man in a tuxedo giving a speech with a microphone, holding a paper, indoor event setting.
Group of elegantly dressed people at an outdoor event, with men in tuxedos and women in formal dresses, some holding drinks and a flower bouquet, under a tent with string lights.
Bride and groom standing in a vineyard of Acacia Ridge Winery with distant hills, wearing formal wedding attire, lush grapevines on either side.
Bride and groom standing in a vineyard, bride in white dress, groom in black tuxedo holding bouquet.
Bride and bridesmaids in pastel dresses holding bouquets, smiling outdoors at a wedding.
Bride and groom embracing at a wedding, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a black suit, surrounded by blurred guests.
Bride in a white dress with a bouquet of flowers and a flower girl in a vineyard setting.
A bride and groom stand together at an outdoor wedding venue with mountains in the background. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet of pink roses. The groom is in a black tuxedo, holding a beer bottle. A cake sits on a barrel to their sid
Bride and groom standing together, bride holding pink rose bouquet, wearing wedding dress, groom in black tuxedo.
Two people posing on a grassy field, one wearing a suit holding a beer, the other in a white shirt with a bow tie holding a beer.
Three people dressed formally standing on grass, with rolling hills in the background.
Bride and groom walking in a vineyard, wearing formal wedding attire.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand through a vineyard, bride holding pink flowers, in a white wedding dress and groom in black suit with bow tie.
A bride in an off-the-shoulder wedding dress dancing playfully with a man in a white shirt at a wedding reception, with other guests in the background also smiling and enjoying the moment.
Black and white photo of a couple kissing, the woman wearing a strapless dress and the man in a suit.
Bride and groom kissing outdoors in sunlight, wearing wedding attire.
Bride holding a bouquet of light pink roses, wearing a white wedding dress, standing outside on grass with a person in a black suit.
Bride and groom holding hands in a vineyard, bride in white dress with bouquet, groom in black suit and bow tie.
People dancing and celebrating at a party under a large transparent tent with string lights, chandelier, and greenery decoration in the Yarra Valley.
Bride and groom posing outdoors, groom kissing bride's forehead. Bride in white off-shoulder dress with veil, groom in black tuxedo.
Close-up of a bride and groom leaning their foreheads together, smiling softly, with their hands clasped. The bride has blonde hair styled in a ponytail and wears a white off-the-shoulder dress, pearl earrings, and the groom is in a black suit with a
Bride in white dress and veil holding bouquet, standing in vineyard with hills in background.
Group of people in a photo booth at an outdoor event, dressed in formal attire, smiling and laughing.
Bride and groom embracing under a veil outdoors on a sunny day in the Yarra Valley.
Wedding scene with bridesmaids holding white rose bouquets, a man in a suit being hugged, and another man smiling, outdoor setting, white umbrellas in background.
Bride and groom under a veil in a vineyard setting.
Bride and groom embracing on dance floor during wedding reception, with blurred guests and lights in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand through a vineyard, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a black suit.
Bride with three bridesmaids in pastel dresses holding bouquets, smiling outdoors on a sunny day.
Bride and bridesmaids posing outdoors in a grassy area, wearing pink and white dresses, holding bouquets, with trees and outdoor tents in the background.
Four women in white dresses holding bouquets, standing closely together outdoors, smiling at the camera. Black and white photograph.
Bride and three bridesmaids in blush dresses holding bouquets, standing outdoors on a sunny day.
A bride in a white gown with three bridesmaids in blush pink dresses walking outdoors, holding bouquets, with a vineyard and hills in the background.
Bride and groom in formal attire holding drinks and a bouquet, standing on grass with vineyard background.
Man in tuxedo with bow tie, standing in vineyard, smiling
Four men in tuxedos walking outdoors on grass, smiling and chatting, in a black and white photo.
Four men in tuxedos standing outdoors at a wedding.
A bride and groom in wedding attire posing outdoors. The groom is in a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white off-the-shoulder dress with a veil.
Bride in an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress holding a bouquet of pink flowers, standing in a vineyard setting.
People dancing at an indoor event with blurred motion and warm lighting.
Bride and groom smiling at a young girl in a white dress and flower crown at an outdoor wedding.
Black and white portrait of a couple embracing, wearing formal wedding attire, with the focus on their peaceful expressions.
Bride and groom at an outdoor wedding ceremony, with the bride holding a bouquet of pink roses and wearing a veil.
Large group of people celebrating at an outdoor wedding, with vineyard and mountains in the background.
Four women in silk robes holding glasses of champagne, standing outdoors by a brick wall and greenery, smiling and talking.
Two men in formal attire posing at a party, one holding a beer. Guests and a photographer in the background. Woman drinking on the right.
Bride kissing groom on the cheek, holding bouquet, outdoors in vineyard.
Bride and groom standing in a vineyard, bride in white dress holding flowers, groom in black suit, smiling, sunny day.
Four men in tuxedos standing on grass at an outdoor event.
A bride in a white wedding dress steps out of a silver car with assistance from a man in a suit, parked on a brick and gravel driveway, with trees in the background.
A wedding party posing outdoors, with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits. The bride and groom are in the center, embracing and kissing, holding bouquets. The background features a vineyard and hills under a cloudy sky.
Bride and groom dancing at a wedding reception, bride in a white gown, groom in a black suit with bow tie, surrounded by blurred guests and string lights.
Close-up of a couple embracing, bride in a white dress showing engagement ring, groom in a black suit.
Two women dressed in formal attire, one wearing a hard hat and reflective vest, holding papers and speaking at an indoor event with string lights and DJ equipment in the background.
Wedding party posing outdoors with groomsmen in black suits and bridesmaids in pink dresses holding flowers, set in a vineyard with hillside background at Acacia Ridge Winery, Yara Valley.
Two people playing giant Jenga outdoors on grass, one smiling as the tower falls.
Wire basket filled with white flip-flops labeled "Dancing shoes, a treat for your feet" on a grass-like mat.
Bride and groom embracing in a field
Bride and groom kissing under veil
Group of people smiling and posing at an outdoor wedding event, standing in front of a floral archway, with a blue evening sky backdrop.
Three men in black suits and bow ties walking with bottles, likely groomsmen at a wedding.
A group of four men in a room, all wearing formal attire. Three are adjusting each other's bow ties and suits, while the fourth is fixing his own tie. The image is in black and white.
Bridal party with women holding bouquets of roses in light pink dresses.
Panoramic landscape of Yarra Valley with a blue sky, white clouds, distant hills, and tree line.
Black and white photo of a group of people dancing at a party with lights above.
Two men in formal attire posing at a social event; one is wearing a bow tie and holding a wine glass, the other has an arm around him and holds a drink bottle. They are smiling in a festive setting.
A couple in formal attire, with the man wearing a white shirt and bow tie and the woman in a white dress, holding a child in a dimly lit venue with string lights.
Bride and groom holding glasses, smiling at their wedding reception with guests and a cake in the background.
Bride dancing at a wedding reception with guests in formal attire.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception. The bride is wearing a white dress with an off-the-shoulder design and the groom is in a black tuxedo with a bow tie. They are inside a decorated venue with hanging greenery and lights.
A couple dancing at a wedding reception, with the groom in a suit and the bride in a white dress, surrounded by guests on the dance floor. A heater is visible in the background with decorative lights.
Bride and groom cutting a wedding cake on a wooden barrel at an outdoor venue.
A newlywed couple walking hand in hand on a brick path in a garden. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and the groom is in a black suit. The setting includes greenery, flowers, and outdoor seating.
A couple in wedding attire embracing under string lights at night.
Bride and groom in a white dress and black tuxedo, respectively, smiling at a wedding reception under a canopy with guests watching.
A group of seven people dressed in formal wedding attire posing outdoors on a grassy field with a scenic hillside background. The bridal party consists of women in dresses holding bouquets and men in tuxedos.
Night sky with a bright moon partially obscured by dark clouds.