Kellie and Greg didn’t set out to plan an “alternative” wedding — but they did know they wanted something deeply personal, meaningful, and a little bit unexpected. A day that reflected their shared love of history, their fascination with old places, and yes… a fondness for skeletons, taxidermy, and the quiet stories held within cemeteries.
For Kellie, it all began years ago with the historic chapel at the Bendigo Cemetery. Built in 1873 and rich with character, it had long captured her imagination, even while sitting in disrepair and closed to the public. Then one day, she noticed workmen on site. A simple question led to an extraordinary discovery — the Heritage-listed chapel was being lovingly restored thanks to a grant, and would reopen for public bookings in early 2025.
From that moment, everything fell into place.
They chose winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) intentionally. For its stark, honest light. For the way it echoes history. For how perfectly it suited the mood of the chapel and the surrounding grounds. With only their closest family and friends present, Kellie and Greg planned an intimate ceremony steeped in meaning — and then they asked me to capture it. I nearly swooned. Photographing a wedding in an old cemetery has been a dream of mine for my entire career, and this one was everything I’d imagined and more.
Their wedding day delivered the kind of winter magic you can’t manufacture. Soft, hazy clouds filtered the light beautifully, creating gentle tones and depth that felt utterly timeless. The cool air meant Kellie could finally wear the arctic fox wrap she had always dreamed of — wrapping herself not just in warmth, but in intention and romance.
Their ceremony was deeply emotional, led by a dear work friend, and made even more special with rings presented by Greg’s stunning daughter (truly unforgettable — and oh how I hope to photograph her again one day). There were tears, laughter, and that quiet reverence that comes from standing in a place where so many lives have been remembered.
Afterwards, we wandered slowly among the headstones, reading inscriptions of lives fully lived and marriages that had lasted decades. It felt grounding. Perspective-giving. A reminder that love, when nurtured, leaves echoes far beyond one single day.
This gallery is shared entirely in black and white — not because colour was unavailable, but because stripping everything back allows the emotion to breathe. It gives the images the timelessness the historic surroundings deserve, and places the focus exactly where it belongs: on connection, on feeling, on the gravity and beauty of choosing each other.
From there, Kellie and Greg headed off to celebrate with a long lunch at their favourite restaurant, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Kellie and Greg, your wedding was thoughtful, brave, and beautifully you. Thank you for trusting me with a day — and a dream — I’ll carry with me forever.
