asterisk photography | the wedding blog

There’s no more iconic a location for wedding photographs south of Sydney than the historic Wollongong Lighthouse.  Of course, there are in fact two lighthouses in Wollongong and both are good for photographs but the newer, bigger one located on Flagstaff Point rather than the one on the breakwater is our preferred location.

Whether it’s a blazing hot day or a storm is brewing off the coast, being beside the water provides you with a refreshing breeze that picks up the bride’s veil and whips it around dramatically.  Mind you, the wind will also catch any rose petals thrown by the flowergirl as she seeks to amuse herself.

The area is often a popular spot for tourists but there is a fair amount of space so it should be possible to find yourself an area free of onlookers.  And, standing on one of the wide grass expanses, you and the bridal party will be captivated by the ocean views.

Naturally, many of your photographs will have the lighthouse in it.  It makes sense as it is the central feature at the site.  But if you happen to be there at the same time as the Mr Whippy ice-cream van is in the car park, a shot with the bright pink vehicle will boldly stand out from the norm, especially if you’re there on one of those “picture postcard” blue sky days.

Yet there are other photographic opportunities around the harbour including the row of dinghies on the beach, the large boulders of the breakwater and the old, corrugated-iron building where the fishing trawlers come in.  The options are endless!

Kim*

Wollongong Lighthouse

It can seem a little confusing at first to discover Pymble Golf Club is actually in St Ives.  But finding the club is not difficult as it’s located just across the road from Christ Church St Ives on Sydney’s upper north shore.  And this is one golf club that makes quite the statement as a wedding ceremony and reception venue!

Sporting a fascinating history since its formation in 1924 and official opening in 1926, the course is wonderfully picturesque with dams, sculptured sand bunkers and rolling fairways.

The gardens make a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs and the requisite family photos.  But then it’s always fun for the bridal party to drive the golf buggies around the course as there are ample opportunities amongst the trees and bushland for the location photographs.  One of the most popular stops is the quaint, cobbled-stone bridge across one of the dams.

Pymble Golf Club is well-known for the variety of bird life found on the course including cockatoos, crimson & eastern rosellas, rainbow lorikeets, king parrots, magpies and kookaburras just to name a few.  Yet it’s the geese, ducks and black swans often found down at the dams near the 16th hole that will add a twist to your location photographs.

Photographing in the late afternoon adds a delicate touch to the photographs as the sun is gently filtered through the trees on the western side of the course creating long shadows across the greens.  It can be nice to grab some shots of the bride and groom beneath the veil as they spend a few quiet moments together before the bridal party heads back to the clubhouse.

If the family shots were not captured earlier, there is a practice green amongst the trees on the car park side that comes in handy.  Inside the clubhouse the dining room has been refurbished to take full advantage of the stunning views with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Catering for functions from 10 to 200, the feel of the room is both smart and sophisticated.  Outside on the wide balcony guests can delight in the rays of the setting sun through the eucalypts as they sip pre-dinner drinks and indulge in canapés.

So if you’re thinking about a wedding venue then take a good, long look at Pymble Golf Club - you won’t be disappointed.

Kim*

Pymble Golf Club, St Ives

You might not expect to find a pub restaurant that can compete with the best of them but I know you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what The Terrace on Pittwater at The Newport Arms Hotel has to offer.

Located at Newport on Sydney’s northern beaches, on the beautiful stretch of water known as Pittwater, the pub and restaurant have incredibly picturesque views across to Bayview.  Even the bistro downstairs is a fantastic location to grab a hearty meal but head upstairs if you really want to celebrate in style.

Outside the restaurant on street level there is a sandstone wall where the wheelchair access ramp is that makes a great backdrop for location photographs of the bride & groom, especially at dusk when the lights add a warm, romantic glow.  The entrance to The Terrace is yet another photo opportunity, a quiet moment before you enter the wedding reception.

Once inside there is a separate room for guests to be served pre-dinner drinks.  Then through to the recently renovated and very chic dining room shaped as a crescent with large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to take in the breathtaking scene.  The dance floor and bridal table are on a level above the guest seating helping them to better see the speeches, cake cutting and bridal waltz.  The curved nature of the room also facilitates them watching the proceedings.

If the wedding is in the evening you might like to decorate the room with tea-candles to add to the ambience.  Then with the lights low enjoy the flickering flames reflected in the glass during the first dance.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the chef knows what he’s doing back there in the kitchen.  He’s certainly good enough to score the restaurant some well-deserved awards!

Kim*

The Terrace on Pittwater, Newport

Although Bondi Beach has the potential for some awesome location photographs with the bridal party, it can get too crowded as it is quite the tourist destination.  Also, the Bondi Lifeguards and Waverley Council are not too keen on photographers working their trade on the beach so it’s probably best to move to the rock shelf near Bondi Icebergs at the southern end or Marks Park on Mackenzies Point, Tamarama.  In fact, there are plenty of photo opportunities on the “Bondi to Bronte Walk”, it’s just a matter of choosing the one that suits you the best.

One of the great benefits of utilising a wedding location that is up as high as Marks Park is that it manages to catch the late afternoon sun.  And of course you also have the stunning views of the world famous Bondi Beach on the northern side and the dramatic cliff faces of Tamarama, Clovelly and Coogee on the southern side.

The park itself is a popular spot for families but it has a relatively large grassed area so it shouldn’t be too hard finding a spot to photograph the bridal party.  And if the breeze is blowing attracting the folk flying their kites then there are some graphic, gnarly trees that make a great backdrop and can double as a wind break.

The exception to this quiet, idyllic scene is during the annual “Sculpture by the Sea” held in November in which case it might just get a little crowded.  However, it could also make for interesting artistic elements to add your wedding landscape.

From atop the hill on the northen side the outlook is spectacular with panoramic views of Bondi Beach.  Follow the goat track down to the sandstone lookout and enjoy the sights and sounds of the crashing surf 50 metres below.

Carefully place yourself on the rocky outcrop and you’ll feel like your on top of the world!

Kim*

Marks Park, Tamarama

The suburb of Mosman on Sydney’s lower north shore is blessed with countless wedding reception venues.  One such place is Boronia House Restaurant, convenienty located on Military Rd, the main street running through Spit Junction.

Built in 1855 and fully refurbished in 1997, the grand old two-storey building was once home to the local municipal library and remains very much an historical icon.  Surrounded by established parterre gardens, the landscaping and architecture brings character and charm to any event.  Therefore, this makes it a venue that works well for your ceremony, location and reception photographs.  Reservoir Park in nearby Brady St also has ornamental gardens, a grassed area and a gazebo and so it too can be used for larger outdoor wedding ceremonies.

The building itself has a wonderfully ornate balcony overlooking the gardens.  Use this spot to grab a breath of fresh air during the reception, or perhaps utilise it for location photographs of the bride & groom.  Even the staircase leading up to the second floor is a photo opportunity in the making.  Although the house can fit over 200 wedding guests it’s more than suitable for a smaller, more intimate function.

The house boasts a number of rooms that can each serve a different purpose.  As you enter, to the left is a large bar area well-suited to pre-dinner drinks and canapés.  There’s even a quaint sunroom on the other side of this room.  To the right of the entrance, the open room with timber floorboards makes the perfect dance floor.  And the dining room has a clean, crisp feel to it with beautiful, tall windows behind the bridal table. 

Interestingly, despite the history of the building, the place feels anything but dated and stuffy.  We think it’s because they did such a good job renovating.  But then again, it could also be the incredibly friendly staff.  The food too is superb with the menu a scrumptious blend of traditional and contemporary options.

Their sister venue, Barrenjoey House opposite Palm Beach Wharf, is equally impressive so we will be sure to write a review about our recent experience there in the next few weeks…

Kim*

Boronia House Restaurant, Mosman

Most of Sydney’s northern beaches make great locations for wedding photographs.  One of my personal favourites is the less frequented northern section of Mona Vale Beach called The Basin.

It is relatively secluded, with a wealth of different photographic options.  A wonderful combination of sandy beach, thundering surf and reflective rockpools – the place has it all!

Arriving in the late afternoon as the sun is setting, the stroll from the park to the beach is a photo opportunity in itself with the graphic fence railings separating the two.  As you’ll be walking in the sand it’s probably best if the bride and bridesmaids kick off their high-heels.  You might even consider wearing thongs on your feet for something a little different.

Romantic images of the bride & groom are easy with the roaring waves or brilliant blue sky in the background.  And the beach itself has an unusual crescent shape that dips and weaves creating an interesting walk for the bridal party.  If they’re anything like one of my recent weddings then it’ll be a lot of fun.

You then have a choice of making use of the rockpools near the swimming pool or the rock platforms at the northern end of the beach.  Either way, the effect will be stunning.  Using the rockpools gives you texture and reflections whereas the rock platforms glisten at low tide contrasting dramatically with the wedding dress.

It’s always a good idea to come to the beach prepared so don’t forget cool refreshments and a towel as the sand is relatively sticky, quite a contrast to that of Balmoral Beach.

As always, remember to enjoy this time-out from the formal proceedings - it is after all a celebration!

Kim*

The Basin at Mona Vale Beach

A golf club generally makes an excellent wedding reception venue because they often double as the perfect spot for the location photographs.  One such place is Avondale Golf Club in Pymble, just around the corner from Pymble Ladies’ College (PLC), on Sydney’s upper north shore.

Founded in 1926, the stunning white club house with its New England architecture makes a statement all on its own.  The countless romantic white rose bushes at the entrance means the driveway becomes a terrific focal point for the bridal party photographs.  Add to that the majestic clock tower in the background and your images will definitely look amazing.

Then have the bridal party hop on some golf buggies for a fun, escorted tour of the course.  The fairways are surrounded by Australian native bushland creating a wonderfully natural backdrop to your photographs.  The wide open expanses of the fairways lead to perfectly manicured greens.  And look out for the coloured sandstone amongst the trees to provide an intimately secluded spot for a bride & groom willing to try something different.

Returning to the clubhouse, the green closest to the carpark has a gorgeous Jacaranda tree that produces a bold, purple backdrop when it flowers from October to December.  The bunkers around the green also provide opportunities for some fun shots with the newlyweds, especially if the cheeky groom decides to leave his mark in the sand with the words “Just Married”.

Outside the clubhouse everyone can enjoy drinks as they bask in the rays of the setting sun.  While inside you’ll find the decor feels quite modern and stylish despite the obvious history of the place.  The elegant dining room fits at least 150 guests with a dance floor that will easily accommodate all those eager to burn off their delicious dinner.

What’s more, the service from the staff is friendly and attentive giving you an experience to remember for a lifetime!

Kim*

Avondale Golf Club, Pymble

A wedding reception venue by the water is more often than not a popular choice simply because of the location.  But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a place worth holding your reception.  Fortunately, our experience of Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant in Gladesville has been all smiles!

Built in the 1830s, the sandstone cottage “Rockend” was where A.B. “Banjo” Paterson lived as a young man with his grandmother while he studied at Sydney Grammar School.  Now, it’s a fine dining restaurant that has set high standards and manages to achieve them every time we visit.  Being once a home, and now a famously historic one at that, it still has that homely feeling exuding lashings of charm & character.

Set on about five acres of land near Bedlam Point in Gladesville, according to their website the landscaped gardens are perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony and we couldn’t agree more.  The flower beds add a romantic touch to the occasion and the pathway that gently winds from the front of the house through to the back lawn area opens up to a wonderful vista of the Parramatta River allowing for a grand entrance by the bride as she is escorted down the “aisle”.  Afterwards, the open grassed area is large enough for both the family photographs and a group shot of the guests as they’re gathered, captured from the top of the steps.

Taking a stroll down to the jetty for photos with the bridal party is effective with the wooden boards in the foreground and the wide expanse of the river in the background.  The walkway along the shoreline with the occasional copse of fir trees provides another option for location photographs.  Even the gate of the property can be utilised to good effect, especially when all the guests have gone inside to be seated for dinner.  And don’t forget the front of the cottage with the rose bushes and bridal cars.

Return through the vine-covered archway and through the homestead’s doorway to be warmly welcomed by friendly staff and open fireplaces.  Then be greeted by your guests to a round of applause as you join them in one of the dining rooms.  With any luck, the glorious colours of the setting sun will be streaming through the windows during your dinner reception.

One of our recent weddings was blessed with a fantastic cake, flowers and table decorations that Form Over Function had organised for the bride & groom whose nominated theme was, coincidentally, “sunset”.

The venue may have a heritage listing but the food is modern and delicious with staff that bend-over-backwards to ensure you and your guests have a great time!

Kim*

Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant, Gladesville

The mark of a good wedding photographer is one who is prepared for any situation.  So if the weather happens to turn bad and you need a location for the bridal party photographs in the City of Sydney it’s hard to pass up Martin Place and the façade of the old Sydney GPO at No.1 Martin Place.

Built in the 19th Century and given a complete makeover in 1996 when it was sold and refurbished, it’s now home to some very fancy retail outlets including Armani Collezioni, XILE and Anthea Crawford as well as the Westin Sydney Hotel.

The sandstone columns and large archways allow for soft directional light and the undercover walkway provides plenty of shelter from the rain.  Position the bride & groom below a sign or simply walking hand-in-hand and they can laugh in the face of inclement weather!

Admittedly the steps of the GPO are exposed to the elements but they do provide an opportunity for the bridal party to spread out on different levels, a nice change from shots where everyone is at the same level.

The Cenotaph in Martin Place commemorates ANZAC forces serving in World War I together with later conflicts and can often draw a crowd of tourists as it’s quite a public place but it shouldn’t impact greatly on your wedding photographs.  However, nearer to Christmas when the huge tree goes up at this end of the mall the sightseers will increase exponentially.

But there are other great spots in Martin Place that can be utilised such as the water fountain near Pitt St and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) building near Phillip St and Macquarie St, especially if the weather is fine.

Even a bus shelter advertising sign in the evening can be used to good effect and the time around twilight when the city lights start to twinkle will add a magic to your photographs that make this location something special.

Kim*

Martin Place, Sydney

There is a place that will take you high above the clouds.  Well, not quite.  But the views are so spectacular that you will be blown away.  Jonah’s Restaurant at Whale Beach is the spot and you just have to check this classy joint out if you’re getting married on the Northern Beaches.

The historic home is perched on the escarpment overlooking Whale Beach and as you’re watching the surf roll in crashing on the shore below, all the cares of the world will just fall away.  This is the idyllic outlook you command should you choose to have your wedding ceremony on the grassed area below the restaurant or pre-dinner drinks on the stylish balcony.

Rose petals litter the aisle as the bride makes her appearance on the arm of her father atop the steps.  And it’s from here a great group shot incorporating all your guests can be achieved after the ceremony and the flurry of discreet, candid shots of the guests as they mingle, champagne glasses in hand and canapés at the ready.

The bridal party can then head down to Whale Beach or Palm Beach or even Palm Beach Wharf for wedding location photographs.  All are terrific locations that will provide the perfect backdrop to your shots.  Or you could simply take advantage of the space at Jonah’s.

For your wedding reception there is the choice of the larger restaurant for up to 100 guests or the more intimate terrace for half that number.  Either way you will be treated to the most fantastic food & wine.  They really know how to cook and their SMH Good Food Guide chef’s hat proves the point.

Add to that the world-class luxury accommodation and what more could you want?

We should warn you though that it’s not cheap but then again they do offer million-dollar views so it really is worth it!

Kim*

Jonah's Restaurant, Whale Beach