Joyful, a bit of Geek, and almost flooded out.
Penelope and Daniel’s wedding day at Hepburn Springs was an absolute heart-melter—equal parts heartfelt, whimsical, and just the right kind of geeky. These two met the way all good love stories should start: at a World of Warcraft guild Christmas party in 2010. A few weeks later, fate brought Daniel to a New Year’s Eve party at Penelope’s place… and they talked until the sun came up. From then on, they were a team.
Their proposal was delightfully chaotic—Penelope was heading overseas for two weeks when Daniel casually joked, “You’d better come back.” She replied, “Let’s get engaged right now so you know I will.” Daniel said, “OK.” Boom. Engaged. A more formal proposal came in 2019, in writing, with plans to marry in 2020… but, as life does, things shifted, and they finally got their magical day, floodwaters and all.
Yes, floodwaters. I was rerouted four times just trying to get there. But honestly? Totally worth it. These two poured themselves into every detail—seven custom Spotify playlists, their sweet friend Jodie as MC, a cake crafted by Cakes by Mwah, and a first dance to Fly Me to the Moon (the very first song they ever danced to together). Their signing song? Married Life from Pixar’s Up, because of course it was. Cue the happy tears.
Penelope wore a showstopping couture gown from Hope and Harvest—seventeen layers of tulle, hand cut motifs from French chantilly lace, and all the drama we live for. It was actually the first wedding gown the designer ever made, and Penelope trusted them completely, but for me, the real showstopper was the hand knitted beaded lace shawl that Penelope made herself, it was so delicate and beautiful, I nearly mugged her for it. Daniel looked sharp in a custom Suitability ensemble, with shoes from Johnny Bigg, and her Skechers were the perfect blend of comfort and sparkle.
They did a First Look (on my advice!), and it became their favourite part of the day. After spending the night apart, the moment they saw each other was pure joy. Daniel’s reaction? “Holy crap! I wasn’t expecting that!” Neither was I, honestly—and I see a lot of first looks. It was that good.
Flowers were provided by the team at Wombat Hill Florist, makeup by Phoebe Lee, and smiles were everywhere.
Their best advice to future couples? Make sure your photographer shows a diverse portfolio and feels like someone you’d want to hang out with. Oh—and make a list of must-have photos. Photographers are many things, but mind readers aren’t one of them (yet!).
Want a photographer who celebrates your quirks, captures the chaos and the quiet, and makes sure you’re seen exactly as you are? Get in touch—we’d be honoured to tell your love story, your way.
