(deep breathe... sigh) Here goes.

When a couple has a specific vision in mind for the most important day of their lives, there are bound to be some interesting challenges involved. A lot of things have to fall in to place so perfectly for a day to live up to the hopes of those who are the most emotionally invested. Creating a unique and dreamy space for loved ones to gather, whilst keeping it relevant to your story and personality as a couple is no easy task. Especially when the unique and dreamy location you had in mind (or rather that you discovered together on a routine hike) happens to be a wild and isolated slice of paradise in a thick South Australian pine forest. But with some imagination and heartfelt vision, this day... this glorious day, I'm pleased to report, went off without a hitch!

It was honestly so so beautiful. The kind of beautiful that is hard to believe, even when you're standing right there. At one point, whilst peering through the gaps in the trees, I could have sworn I saw a family of unicorns having a tea party.  

An awesome location is one thing... But all the glistening pine needles in the world can't replace a good story. As well as pulling of a stunning aesthetic design, Nikki and Mark also designed their day to include the perfect balance of hang time with friends and family, and much needed alone time amongst the rugged landscape. All of which helped an otherwise fleeting day to feel like it would last forever. As they wove through pockets of sunlight, stepping over fallen logs and sharp thorns, it was almost like they created a vacuum where time and space didn't exist. Only each other. 

Sadly, as we know, nothing lasts forever... but there are probably a few Koalas that are now permanently hard of hearing due to epic rave that ensued once the sun went down! As I stood, mesmerized by the lights and lasers threading their way through the dark forest, I could barely believe what I had just witnessed, let alone how many awesome moments were now immortalized on my camera. Nikki and Mark are just so damn lovely and this perfect day is well deserved!

Needless to say, this is the type of day that I wish for all of the couples I'm lucky enough to photograph, and not because of what it looked like, but because of what it felt like.

Take a look.

Florals - Lilli Anthus, Food trucks - Cargo Catering and Speakeasy Hotel, Cake - Quintessential Cakes, Celebrant - Sonia Quaini, Event Planners and Stylists - Ely and Elm Events & Two Brothers, Dress - CPop.