Audley Dance Hall Cafe and Events Wedding Sydney - Steven & Nikki

One thing I never considered when starting my wedding photography journey was the connections I'd build with couples and their wedding guests. Although a wedding is just a one-day event, I often repeatedly run into the same guests! Whether it be a family member's wedding, a close friend group, or they happen to be a local social butterfly, I find myself seeing familiar faces everywhere I go. That's how I met Steven and Nikki. This couple first contacted me about photographing their Sydney wedding after seeing (and loving) my work from a past wedding that I captured of their friends Matt and Elaura at Hunter Valley Gardens. Small world, hey? After a quick vibe check (of me, not them), they were happy to lock me in.

Moving on to the fun part- the wedding day! Steven and Nikki chose to get married at the stunning Audley Dance Hall Cafe and Events Wedding venue. Located in the serene Royal National Park, Audley Dance Hall is not just a venue but a haven for weddings, receptions, celebrations, and corporate events. With breathtaking views over the Hacking River, spacious interiors, and subtle hints of character and history, it offers everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Audley is surprisingly quiet despite being so close to the city. Although it feels secluded, it is close to many accommodation options. The seaside town of Bundeena is only a short 20-minute drive away and offers a beautiful selection of accommodation, from Air BnBs to Holiday Houses.

Unfortunately, we were off to a rocky start to this wedding. Due to recent floods, and a very inconveniently placed fallen tree (rude of it to decide to die there, I know), Steven and Nikki's original spot to hold their ceremony had to change. I just happened to be in the area the day before to scout the locations. I always allow the time to check out surrounding areas with all new or not-so-familiar places I shoot at, and this is why! After a quick phone call with the couple, we met on-site and wandered around to decide on a new spot, putting the rightfully stressed couple's minds at ease. With their rocky start, it seemed fitting to choose a place right beside the river, backdropped by a jagged rockface and dense bushland, which was perfect. This new location was even better than the original, regardless of the inconvenient lumber.

Come the big day, Bride Nikki and her I do crew got ready in the Audley Ranger's Cottage, a two-bedroom weatherboard cottage opposite the venue, overlooking the river and park area. The cottage was perfect for a wedding party, and the Bride and girls could stay the night before. Its large open living and dining areas are perfect for accommodating wedding day prep. Monique Kazokas did the girls' stunning makeup while they had a glass of champagne in their coordinated robes. The groom and his crew got ready nearby, a 7-minute drive away at Hilltop Cottage. All are within The Royal National Park. There are also many other options, such as Reids Flat Cottage, Hilltop Cottage, and Weemelah Cottages, all of which have three to four bedrooms so everyone gets their own space.

Steven and Nikki, eager to spend quality time with their guests after the ceremony, opted for a 'first look '. This special moment, when the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony, was a beautiful and emotional experience. Once Nikki was ready in her gown, Steven and his groomsmen eagerly awaited her outside The Rangers Cottage, creating a heartwarming scene. The first look was unique, with all their close family and wedding party watching on. After a few portraits of the two of them, we added in the wedding party. We spent about 15 minutes at the cottage getting some portraits before heading to the ceremony spot to capture the guests arriving and setting up.

Sydney wedding celebrant Megumi Carver conducted the ceremony beside the Hacking River. The couple Steven and Nikki arrived hand in hand. I often get asked if having a "first look" diminishes the emotional walk down the aisle, and I'd have to say, not at all! Emotions still run high, for the Bride the groom, old mate in the third row- everyone! You know the most significant difference having a first look makes? The nerves and anxiety dissipate. Having that quiet moment together pre-busyness can help to keep those wedding day jitters under wrap (if the champagne isn't doing the trick!)

The ceremony finished, and the newlyweds made their way down the aisle, skipping the signing of the register as they were overwhelmed with excitement. It's pretty funny to be reminded that not everyone attends 50+ weddings a year, so the order of the day isn't just second nature to them. After a bit of a laugh, the couple doubled back and signed the papers. We then rounded up all the guests for a few family and friends photos. Once we had taken the group shots, the wedding party took a well-deserved champagne break. Following this, we took some beautiful portraits of the wedding party near the ceremony location and photos of the Bride and her bridesmaids together, as well as the groom and groomsmen.

Once we ticked the wedding party box, we focused on photos of the Bride and Groom. As the sun set over the river, the colours shifted, and that golden glow became more of a blueish, moody tone—a perfect contrast to providing diversity in their collection of photos. We jumped in the cars and headed towards the Audley Dance Hall, stopping just back from the bridge to capture the golden light piercing through the trees. The last spot we visited was on the river's edge, near their guests, where we caught the last light before it dipped behind the hills.

The rehearsal room at Audley Dance Hall is stunning and versatile. The beautiful historical character is just subtle enough that each couple's style can shine, though. The rustic timber-clad dance hall is beautifully tied into the native florals and greenery enveloping the room. This space is so large yet feels so intimate with the soft lighting and glowing candlelight.

Live music by Kamura (Oberon Lane) kept the party going into the night while everyone tried their hand at being a comedian during speeches as if it was talent night at the local pub. The couple and their guests finished the night carving up the dancefloor. Luckily for everyone there, I was much too busy capturing it all to get my dad boogie on. Theres always the next wedding!