Josh & Laura

When Josh and Laura asked me to photograph their wedding in May 2019, I was stoked and said yes without hesitation. I went to school with Josh’s little brother, Nathan, and I got to know Josh when Nath and I started getting a small crew of the boys together to go on surfing trips down to Torquay and Anglesea. Josh was always keen to join in and would show us up in the surf. As the older brother to the group, he took the reins and knew all the best surfing spots.

If I’m completely honest, my surfing skills were pretty crabby, so I always felt a little bit shellfish taking one of the limited spots in the car, but it never stopped me. More often than not, after the tenth or so failed attempted to catch a wave and taking a constant dunking, I’d paddle back to the shore, pick up my camera and start photographing instead – something I’d like to say I had a bit more skill at. Through these habitual surfing trips, I got to know Josh as an honest, genuine, and all-round good bloke.

Josh and Laura’s wedding venue was The Bellbrae Harvest in Torquay, and it was the perfect place to help set the relaxed tone of the day. Surrounded by trees and nature, it’s a beautiful, secluded, and tranquil location. The day was built on the foundation of family, intimacy, and closeness. Everyone down to the celebrant and even me played a more significant role than just as a guest. Us being there meant more to them than only the titles we held and the roles we played as celebrant and photographer. We were all there purely to celebrate Josh and Laura’s coming together, nothing fancy and over the top. The wedding day was broken down and stripped back to its very core - they had no bridesmaids or groomsmen; instead, Laura’s two sons and one daughter stood by their sides. They didn’t walk down the aisle; instead, they waited at the altar for everyone to assemble and be seated. And instead of 100+ guests, they had a small guest list; just 50-60 people of their nearest and dearest.