Mr & Mrs Dowling
05/01/2022
It has been two months since the wedding of Mr & Mrs Dowling! This special couple tied the knot in the cute and cosy town of Armidale. I had a wonderful time; from the getting ready, right to the couples departure. There were so many beautiful moments throughout the day, some heartfelt and nostalgic, while other moments had my sides aching with laughter. I enjoyed watching the groom and his groomsmen struggle to clip on a bowtie - it seems to be a recurring theme at weddings I’m involved with haha. I also loved being with the girls as they got ready, pumping out some old school Taylor Swift tunes, I think the makeup artist was having to work around Moniques passionate lip-syncing during a few bangers that came on. I had a permanent smile plastered on my face that morning. Oh my goodness - the girls with their never-ending snacks!! I happened to be craving sausage rolls that day, and it was like they had a never-ending supply! Safe to say me and bub were very happy hehe.
When I arrived at the ceremony location, everyone was eagerly anticipating the brides arrival - especially Callum! They had their ceremony in the beautiful St Peters Cathedral. The processional was seamless and I got teary watching Monique tear up as she made her way towards Callum. The ceremony was over before I knew it, and there they were - Mr & Mrs Dowling, husband and wife! They beamed as they walked out of that church, and the rest of the day was such a blur!
The reception was just a heartfelt and beautiful as the rest of the day. Echidna Gully was like something off of a pinterest board! We were served dinner almost as soon as we got there and launched straight into speeches. Speeches are one of my favourite parts of a wedding as you get to know the bride and groom from a totally different perspective and if the siblings get a chance to grab the mic - well you almost feel like you have known the couple your entire life.
We then made our way outside as a light rain began to fall. Under the fairy-lights, on the grass is where Callum and Monique decided to share their first dance as husband and wife. They locked eyes and moved together in time with the music, it was truly enchanting. The song came to and end, and the next song came on as the lawn was filled with others, the party had officially started! Everywhere I turned, people were smiling and dancing, enjoying the company of one another. It was so refreshing to see after what we have all been through the last few years.
And then, it was time for the bride and groom to go. I’ve grown quite fond of Callum and Monique, and I was quite sad to say goodbye. They’re based in Armidale, whereas I’m based in Coffs Harbour so I won’t be bumping into them very often. Yes, I’m a bit of a softie when it comes to my couples.
I’m always so grateful to be involved in such a significant milestone, and especially to be trusted with capturing photos. Weddings are a lot of work but they are my FAVOURITE! They’re my favourite because of couples like Callum and Monique, who love so deeply and radiate such a contagious joy. I know that will be something that will be the trademark of who they are as a married couple.
Here are a few photos from the day. Enjoy xx
