Amanda and Corey said "I do" on 17 October 2025 at Howard Vineyard in Nairne, in the Adelaide Hills. It was one of those spring days where the vineyard does half the work for you: the trees out the front of the cellar door were glowing yellow, the lawns were impossibly green and the old oak by the ceremony space threw the kind of soft, dappled shade photographers dream about.
This one was extra special for me, because the ceremony was led by my wife, Grace Moriarty of Gathering With Grace. Grace and I offer combined celebrant and photographer packages, and days like this are exactly why: one conversation, one plan and two people who already know how to work around each other.
Arrivals and an acoustic welcome
Guests drifted in to live acoustic music on the lawn from Lachy and Jess of Hillier Music, grabbed a drink and found their seats among the wine barrels and white florals. I love this part of the day for candids: everyone's relaxed, catching up and not yet aware there's a camera pointed at them.
A ceremony under the old oak
Grace writes every ceremony from scratch, so it felt completely Amanda and Corey: personal, funny in the right places and short enough that nobody's mind wandered to the bar. Amanda read her vows from a little blue folder, and the light through the oak leaves did something lovely to the whole scene.
If you're planning a wedding and want your ceremony to sound like you (not a template), Grace is the person to talk to. She handles the Notice of Intended Marriage and all the legal paperwork too, so there's one less thing on your list.
Family, friends and the fun bits
After the ceremony we knocked out the family photos quickly (the less time people spend standing in lines the better), then let the day breathe. The groomsmen cracked a few tins with Corey's mum, the flower girl and page boy had a very serious chat on a sandstone bench, and the bridal party kept me laughing the whole way through.
Reception in the cellar door
Howard Vineyard's cellar door is a stunner for receptions: barrel-lined ceilings, stone walls and warm lighting. A welcome sign and big white florals greeted guests, a cupcake tower sat on a wine barrel in place of a traditional cake, and Amanda and Corey made their grand entrance hand in hand with the kids.
Congratulations, Amanda and Corey. Thanks for having us both!
Planning a wedding in the Adelaide Hills?
I photograph weddings, elopements and engagements across Adelaide and South Australia, and you can book Grace and me together as a celebrant + photographer package. Sneak peek within 48 hours, full gallery within 12 weeks.
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