A Dream Wedding at Yellingbo Art House Private Estate, Yarra Valley

There’s something undeniably special about documenting a wedding at someone’s family home—especially when that home is as breathtaking and full of soul as Jesse’s.

Jesse and Jay were married on her family’s private property in the heart of the Yarra Valley winery wedding region, a place that doubles as the Yellingbo Art House. Every inch of the venue felt personal and lived-in, a creative haven nestled amongst wild gardens, curated sculptures, and warm weathered stone. And while the setting was spectacular, it was the energy of the day—easygoing, filled with laughter and no-rush moments—that made this wedding such a joy to photograph.

Couple kissing surrounded by people holding sparklers at an evening celebration.

Getting Ready: Laughter, Champagne, and Aisle Rehearsals

A woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin is smiling and standing against a stone wall, wearing a white lace dress.

Jesse got ready in the warmth of her childhood home, surrounded by her bridesmaids, reminiscent of an intimate home engagement session and the kind of easy laughter that only comes from years of friendship. Between sips of champagne and final touches of makeup, they playfully practiced their aisle walk—laughing, stumbling, and perfecting their timing like it was a rehearsal for joy itself.

A group of five women in colorful robes hugging and laughing together in a bright room.
A woman with long brown hair, smiling and crouching, holding a fluffy cream-colored dog outside on a patio.

A Ceremony Grown with Love

The ceremony was held beneath a wisteria arch lovingly grown by Jesse’s father specifically for this day. And yes, it was as poetic as it sounds. The vines cascaded above them in full bloom, filtering light just so, and creating this cinematic, almost dreamlike altar where they promised forever.

No wedding stylist could have created something this heartfelt. It was homegrown, in the truest sense.

And as they sealed their vows, Jesse and Jay released a pair of white doves—a gentle nod to unity, love, and peace. Traditionally, releasing doves at a wedding symbolizes the journey of two souls bonded for life, flying together in freedom and harmony. Just like these two.

A bride and groom kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony under a floral arch, with guests seated and clapping.
A newlywed couple holding hands and smiling outdoors on a sunny day, with the bride in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet, and the groom in a light-colored suit and bow tie.

The Freedom of a Relaxed Yarra Valley Wedding

Group of ten people in wedding attire laughing and smiling outdoors on a sunny day with greenery in the background.

One of the most beautiful parts of this day? There was no pressure. No venue turnaround times. No rigid timeline breathing down anyone’s neck. Just soft sunlight, chilled champagne, and the hum of laughter from every corner of the garden.

This countryside celebration gave space for those natural, unscripted moments I live for as a photographe—family cuddles, stolen kisses, and spontaneous bursts of joy between friends sprawled on the grass with espresso martinis in hand. Every moment unfolded gently, without force.

A happy bride and groom on their wedding day, outdoors in sunlight, with the groom gently kissing the bride's forehead and she smiling warmly at the camera.
A happy couple embraces and holds their golden retriever puppy outdoors during sunset, with trees in the background.

Their Golden Doodle & Golden Hour

Of course, the real star of the show? Their golden doodle puppy, grinning through group portraits and stealing nibbles from the grazing table. He had his moment in front of the lens—and rightly so. His energy mirrored theirs: playful, affectionate, and completely at home.

As golden hour hit, I snuck Jesse and Jay away from the music and chatter. We wandered into quieter corners of the property—just the two of them—and captured those sacred, just-married moments that feel like exhaling after the “I dos.” No posing. Just presence.

A Sparkling Send Off and an Irish Goodbye

A wedding celebration with a group of people holding sparklers at night, surrounding a bride and groom.

Not ones for the limelight, Jesse and Jay shared one last slow dance under the canopy of festoon lights, then slipped away just before 10pm with the sweetest Irish goodbye—leaving their guests to party on well into the night.

But before they vanished, we capped the evening with a sparkler send-off—a soft, glittering farewell that felt both celebratory and cinematic. A flicker of firelight, a few tears, a thousand grins. The perfect close.

Group of five women smiling, dressed in white and holding colorful bouquets; likely a bridal party.
Bride in lace dress holding bouquet, posing with a young girl in a maroon cape holding a wicker basket.
Bride and bridesmaids in elegant dresses holding bouquets, accompanied by a flower girl in a white dress with a basket, standing on a wooden floor indoors.
Bride being assisted with her lace wedding dress, focusing on the intricate floral design of the gown.
A bride wearing a white lace robe, smiling broadly while leaning against a stone wall.
Smiling bride in white lace robe against stone wall.
A group of five smiling women, wearing colorful floral robes, embracing and laughing in a bright indoor setting with a stone wall.
Group of five women in colorful robes, standing together indoors, with one woman in a white lace robe.
Five women wearing colorful floral robes standing together indoors.
Five smiling women in colorful robes holding champagne glasses in a bright room, celebrating together.
Group of five women, four in floral robes and one in a suit, smiling and posing together indoors.
Smiling person with dark hair, sitting at a wooden table, wearing an orange floral robe, in a well-lit room.
Two women laughing and hugging in a bright room, one in an orange robe and the other in a white robe, with a large abstract painting on the wall.
A woman with long, wavy hair adorned with small flowers, sitting in a chair, in a softly lit room.
Woman in a white robe smiling, having her hair done with floral decorations. Two people in the background assisting.
Woman with long brown curly hair wearing a white lace top
Smiling woman with long brown hair having her hair styled, wearing a white robe.
Abstract landscape painting with blue sky and white foreground
Elegant banquet setup under a white tent with tables and chairs arranged. Tables are decorated with white tablecloths, glassware, plates, green foliage centerpieces, and wine bottles.
A lively indoor scene with several people. One woman celebrates with raised arms while another, dressed in a suit, laughs in response. In the background, a woman styles another woman's hair who is seated and looking at her phone. The setting is moder
Close-up of wisteria flowers with green leaves, featuring white and pink blooms against a blue sky.
Outdoor wedding setup with white chairs and floral arch in a garden setting, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Elegant wedding tent interior with white draped ceiling and neatly arranged round tables set for dining, featuring white tablecloths, chairs, glassware, and floral centerpieces.
Metallic balloon dog sculpture in a garden setting with trees and plants.
Person blow-drying hair of smiling man in suit with boutonniere, indoor setting.
Two women smiling and hugging in a bright room, one wearing a floral robe and the other in a sheer white dress.
Bride crouching and holding a fluffy dog outside.
Bride smiling while holding a fluffy puppy outdoors near a tent and balloons.
Bride holding a playful, fluffy dog outside by a pool.
A smiling groom in a light gray suit and bow tie, wearing a boutonniere, standing in front of a stone wall.
A couple embracing and smiling in a bright, modern room with a stone wall.
Black and white photo of a couple kissing indoors; the woman in a sheer robe and slippers, the man in a suit with socks, near a stone wall and modern fireplace.
A couple standing indoors; the woman is wearing a sheer, white robe and the man is dressed in a white shirt with suspenders and light pants. They are smiling and looking at each other in a room with a stone wall background.
Landscape of tall cypress trees near a modern stone building with a curved pathway, under a partly cloudy sky.
Bride adjusting a groom's suit and tie, smiling, indoors.
Scenic view of hilly landscape with colorful agricultural fields under a partly cloudy sky.
Handwritten sign reading "Jay & Jess" attached to a pole by a rural road.
A couple celebrating, with the groom lifting the bride, under a floral archway in an outdoor wedding setting.
Bride and groom holding hands and walking on grass, bride in lace gown, groom in light gray suit, outdoor setting with trees in background.
A couple embracing outdoors, woman in a lace dress, man wearing a bow tie and suspenders.
Black and white image of a couple embracing; man wearing suspenders and bow tie, woman holding him from behind.
Couple embracing in wedding attire, man wearing suspenders and bow tie.
Bride in lace dress walking on gravel beside person in light pants and black shoes.
A couple dancing on a gravel pathway in front of a modern stone building. The man wears suspenders and light pants, while the woman is in a white lace dress. Trees and a mirrored sculpture are in the background.
A happy couple embracing, both smiling widely. The woman is wearing a floral lace dress, and the man is in a light-colored suit. The image is black and white.
Bride in lace dress smiling, groom in light suit kissing her forehead outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and kissing outdoors.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors in wedding attire, with a stone wall and trees in the background.
A couple embracing on their wedding day, forehead to forehead, with the groom in a light suit and the bride in a lace floral gown.
Bride and groom embracing in outdoor setting near stone building, with sunlight filtering through trees.
A group of people at a wedding, with the bride in a white lace gown and others in light-colored attire, smiling and posing outdoors.
Group photo of a bride, groom, and their wedding party outdoors at private estate in the Yarra Valley.
A group of people dressed in formal attire stand on steps outdoors in a garden setting. The individuals, including a bride in a white dress and others in light-colored suits and dresses, are posing together under a blue sky, surrounded by greenery an
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling outdoors. The bride is in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet, and the groom is in a light gray suit. Background includes trees and a sculpture.
A happy couple embracing outdoors, with the woman in a white lace dress and the man in a light suit, surrounded by greenery.
A bride in a lace wedding dress and a groom in a light suit smiling joyfully in a sunny outdoor setting.
Close-up of couple holding hands, woman in lace wedding dress, man in light suit.
Close-up of a couple embracing, focusing on hands with wedding rings. One person is wearing white lace sleeves, the other a light gray suit.
Close-up of a bride in a lace wedding dress with floral patterns, smiling while being embraced from behind.
A couple in wedding attire embracing closely, with the groom in a light suit and the bride in a floral lace dress.
Bride and groom holding hands, wearing a lace wedding dress and light-colored suit.
Group of people walking in a garden, including bride and bridesmaids in dresses, carrying bouquets, under tall trees.
Bridal party walking outdoors with bouquets, featuring a metallic balloon dog sculpture in a garden setting.
Group of five women smiling and posing with flowers, outdoors in a bright, forested setting.
A group of five women, including a bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, posing playfully outdoors in front of trees. The women are smiling and holding bouquets with red flowers.
Bride and bridesmaids smiling outdoors holding bouquets.
Group of four men in formal attire, wearing light-colored suits and suspenders, walking outdoors on a path surrounded by trees.
Four groomsmen in matching light suits and bow ties outdoors, smiling, with trees in the background.
Bride and groom embracing outdoors, bride in lace dress holding bouquet.
Bride and groom kissing outdoors with bouquet, surrounded by nature.
Bride and groom smiling outdoors, wearing wedding attire, with bride holding a bouquet of flowers.
Bride and groom smiling with an elderly woman outdoors at a wedding.
A joyous outdoor wedding celebration with a man in a light suit hugging someone with long hair, surrounded by other smiling guests in formal attire and flowers in the foreground.
Smiling woman hugging another person holding a bouquet at a wedding.
Two women hugging at an outdoor event with one holding a bouquet of red and white flowers, surrounded by smiling guests.
A bride and groom happily walking down an outdoor aisle surrounded by guests. The bride is wearing a white lace dress and holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a light beige suit. Greenery and flowers hang overhead.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with dove release; bride and groom under floral arch, guests watching.
Bride holding a white dove during an outdoor wedding ceremony, flanked by bridesmaids with bouquets, with trees in the background.
A black and white wedding photo featuring a couple holding doves in their hands.
A couple getting married outdoors under floral decorations, surrounded by a small gathering of people applauding and holding bouquets, with a celebrant officiating the ceremony.
Wedding ceremony with a bride and groom kissing under a floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests are sitting and clapping in an outdoor setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony, bride and groom holding hands under floral arch, guests seated and applauding, greenery in background.
A couple holding hands during a wedding ceremony, wearing formal attire.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with couple holding hands, officiant reading, and child holding a ring pillow.
A couple getting married outdoors, holding hands and smiling. The bride is in a white lace dress, the groom in a light suit. An officiant is speaking into a microphone and a bridesmaid holds a bouquet of flowers.
Man in a suit holding a microphone, speaking at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom, officiant, bridal party, and guests under floral arch.
Bride and groom holding hands, bride in lace dress holding bouquet, groom in light suit, outdoor setting.
White dove inside a decorative metal cage
Outdoor wedding ceremony beneath floral archway with bride, groom, guests, and officiant under sunny sky.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a couple holding hands under a floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids and a flower girl, with attendees in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a bride facing three groomsmen under floral decorations, featuring colorful floral arrangements and greenery.
A bride in a white lace dress is walking arm-in-arm with an elderly woman in a red jacket during an outdoor wedding ceremony. Guests are seated on either side, and greenery is hanging above.
Black and white photo of a man in a suit and bowtie standing outdoors under an arch with foliage.
Fluffy white dog walking on a leash beside a person wearing a red blouse and black pants during an outdoor event.
Three men at an outdoor wedding ceremony wearing light-colored suits and bow ties, standing under a decorative arch with greenery and pink flowers, with trees in the background.
Black and white image of a group of people gathered in a park with trees in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a groom and groomsmen under a floral arch.
A group of people celebrating at a wedding with sparklers. A couple in wedding attire is smiling at the center.
A joyful group of people celebrating at a nighttime event, holding sparklers. A couple in the center embraces and smiles, surrounded by cheering friends.
Bride and groom kissing surrounded by a celebratory crowd holding sparklers and candles at night.
Group of women celebrating at a party, one holding a bouquet and raising arms, surrounded by clapping and sparklers, in a decorated event tent.
Bride tossing bouquet surrounded by guests at wedding reception, with people reaching out to catch it.
People dancing and celebrating at an indoor party or reception, including a man in a blue jacket and tie. Others are smiling and enjoying the moment.
Two women dancing under a draped tent with string lights.
Group of people dressed in formal attire dancing and enjoying a party under a tent.
A couple seated at a wedding reception table, kissing and holding hands. The venue has white chairs and table linens, with green foliage decorations.
A couple feeding each other cake at a wedding reception.
A bride and groom cutting a tiered cake with assorted desserts at a wedding reception.
Three-tiered dessert stand with various layered desserts in cups and a cake on top, displayed on a table with plastic spoons and a knife.
Outdoor event with a large white tent and people seated inside, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
A couple in wedding attire embraces outdoors, with the bride in a lace dress and the groom in a light suit.
A couple standing under a floral arch at an outdoor wedding venue, surrounded by greenery and white chairs.
Bride and groom with fluffy dog under floral arch in garden setting.
Smiling couple holding a fluffy dog with a leash outdoors.
A couple in formal attire holding a fluffy white dog outdoors with sunlight in the background.
Bride in lace gown and groom in light suit with a puppy on a leash in a sunlit park.
Bride and groom embracing outside with sunset in the background.
Bride and groom embracing in garden with sunlit backdrop and floral arch.
Couple kissing in a garden wedding setting with sunlight filtering through trees.
Bride and groom embracing outdoors during a wedding, with sunlight shining through, bride wearing a lace gown and groom in a light suit.
Romantic black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire embracing closely outdoors.
A couple holding hands and walking in a sunlit park, with the woman in a white lace dress and the man in a light gray suit.
A couple walking in a garden, with the woman wearing a lace dress and the man in a suit.
A person in a suit giving a speech with a microphone at an indoor event while another person in a white dress sits nearby smiling.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing outdoors, wearing formal attire, with a blurred natural background.
Smiling bride in lace wedding dress sitting on a chair at a wedding reception.
Man in beige suit holding a microphone on stage with a musical instrument case and speaker in the background.
A bride in a white lace gown and groom in a beige suit stand on a stage, smiling and holding a microphone. The scene is set in a wedding reception venue with musical equipment visible in the background.
Man in beige suit holding a microphone and smiling at an event.
Smiling woman in a white lace dress sitting on a white chair during an event.
A bride in a white lace dress and a groom in a light suit sitting and smiling at a wedding.
Bride and groom sitting and smiling during a wedding ceremony, with the bride in a white lace gown and the groom in a light suit.
Person in white shirt holding a microphone and smartphone, speaking or singing.
Woman holding a microphone and phone, smiling, standing indoors with blurred audience in foreground.
Woman in a formal dress gives a speech with a microphone in her hand while holding a notebook, in a tented event setting.
A wedding celebration with a bride in a white gown hugging another woman in a light-colored dress. A joyful man in a light-colored suit stands nearby. Guests are seated in the background on white chairs.
Bride and groom seated at a wedding, bride wiping her eye, outdoors.
Close-up of a couple sitting together, with focus on the woman's lace dress and their hands clasped. Man in a light suit is beside her.
Woman in white dress holding a microphone on a stage with music equipment, speaking to seated attendees indoors.
Bride and groom sitting together, bride in lace dress, groom in light suit with bow tie, holding hands.
A bride and groom sitting side by side; the bride in a lace wedding dress and the groom in a light-colored suit with a boutonniere, indoors, seated on white chairs.
Person giving a speech at a wedding reception, with the bride and groom seated and smiling in the audience. Guests are seated in the background.
Bride in lace wedding dress smiling and sitting indoors, with guests in the background.
Wedding speech inside a tent, featuring a man speaking into a microphone, a seated couple, and a DJ in the background.
Bride in lace dress and groom in beige suit sitting, holding hands, smiling.
Bride and groom sitting and smiling at a wedding reception, with guests seated at tables in the background inside a decorated tent.
Guests seated at a formal event under a draped tent with a man in a suit standing and people clapping.
A woman in a wedding dress kisses a man in a light suit at a wedding reception. The man smiles while seated at a table with food and wine. The background shows other guests seated at tables under a white tent.
People seated at tables in a white marquee during an event.
Smiling woman in a lace dress at an event.
Wedding seating chart on an easel with table numbers and guest names.
Bride walking through wedding reception in a tent, surrounded by seated guests and holding a bouquet.
Wedding reception with people toasting, bride smiling, festive atmosphere
Woman adjusting a man's collar or shirt indoors, close-up.
Two women walking through a modern hallway with large windows, bookshelves filled with books, and art pieces on the walls.
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Bride and groom in wedding attire embracing outdoors during sunset, standing on a lawn with trees and floral arch in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors, accompanied by a dog, towards a floral wedding arch, in a sunlit garden setting.
Group of people celebrating with sparklers under string lights in a tent.
Group of people holding sparklers at an indoor celebration under a white tent.
Women dancing outdoors on a lawn in front of a large white tent at a casual gathering.
Bride in lace wedding dress holding bouquet next to stone wall
Bride in lace wedding dress holding bouquet on wooden steps, stone wall background.
Bride in lace wedding dress holding a colorful floral bouquet with protea, roses, and greenery.
A person in a suit is standing outdoors with a fluffy dog on a leash in a wooded area.
Fluffy white puppy being held by a person.
Man in a light gray suit holding a fluffy white dog with a pink tongue, outdoors with trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a person in a suit holding a fluffy light-colored dog outdoors.
A person in a beige suit walks a fluffy white dog on a leash across a grassy field with a large white tent and a group of people in the background, on a clear day.
Five women dressed in light-colored outfits holding bouquets of vibrant flowers, including proteas and greenery, smiling together indoors.