Welcome to the Bush Bash of the Century!
There are country weddings, and then there’s Deb & Brett’s epic two-day bush bash that turned their farm at Lower Pappinbarra into a full-blown carnival! Forget laid-back country vibes—this was an outrageous, costume-filled, fireworks, bloody big bonfire, spit-roasting, mechanical bull-riding PARTY!
Outrageous Outfits AND a Full Cow on a Spit!
Deb and Brett are one of the most laid-back couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. But don’t let their relaxed vibe fool you—they sure know how to throw a party! Picture this: five wedding marquees, 200 guests, a full makeshift campground and it was a dress up wedding, so fun! I’ve still got no idea what the dress-up theme was but I’m assuming it was: “The More Outrageous, The Better!” There were Where’s Wally’s (plural), blow-up unicorns, human sized chickens (several), a man dressed as a tractor, a priest, Teletubbies, and even the entire Addams Family made an appearance. And oh, did I mention the full cow on a spit? That was a first for me!
Rotating Rosie...ok I may or may not have named the main course.
Tears, Laughter, and a Heartfelt Speech
Their gorgeous farm, nestled right on the river, was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. Brett’s dad officiated, but it was Brett’s speech to his stepdaughter that truly stole the show. With everyone gathered on the riverbank, Brett bent down and gave his stepdaughter a beautiful necklace. He told her, "I may not be your biological dad, but I’ve always wished I was. No matter what, I’ll be here for you, loving you as if you were my own, even if your mum ditches me after going to the optometrist." By this point, my camera lens was fogging up from the tears rolling down my chubby cheeks. It was one of those rare moments where the entire crowd was wiping their eyes. Next it was time for the official wedding kiss, which is when Brett’s Dad announced it was time for him to kiss the bride! I laughed way too loud. I honestly thought Deb was getting a kiss from her new father in-law he got that close. Everyone was in stitches.
Not a dry eye in the crowd when Brett declared his undying love to his step daughter before marrying her Mum. So beautiful.
A little surprise for Deb, Brett had hurt his ring finger (ironically attending to a cow that was no longer moving) it was swollen badly. I'd known about this and suggested we try to see if the ring fit before the ceremony. Brett decided it was only going to go on once and no trial was necessary (turns out it wasn't going to go once). Surprise Deb!
What a location. Simply Stunning!
When your daughter steals the show, step aside Deb!
Romantic River Photos and a Cow Paddock Showdown
After the ceremony, we took some stunning family shots down by the river. Then we paddock bashed to Deb & Brett’s ‘special spot’ and took some romantic photos of just them. I love this time in the wedding day as it’s the first time the couple really gets to connect. I hang back with my long lens on and just watch the magic happen.
Then came the moment of truth: Deb had her heart set on bridal photos in the cow paddock. Brett, however, was more interested in getting back to his 200 guests and his one special cow that was rotating on the spit. It soon became clear who the boss was—Deb won, after Brett checked up on Rotating Rosie, off we went for some romantic shots in the cow paddock (that had one less cow in it then it did the week before). Picture me running backwards taking photos, yelling “come-oooon, come-oooon” with my cameras dangling off me hoping I didn’t fall arse over in a pile of cow shit whilst Deb and Brett ran towards me with a mob of cattle. Remember this, if you need a wedding photographer who doesn’t mind 50 head of cattle running towards them on your wedding day, you know who to call! #cowweddingphotographer!
Mechanical Bull Mayhem: Cowgirl UP!
You know who the real boss is when one gets down on all fours so Deb could climb onto the mechanical bull—wedding dress and all. What a sight! Everyone was cheering as Deb held on for dear life. Her photographer may or may not have been yelling, “Faster, faster”! Brett stood by, grinning like a proud husband, knowing full well he’d be getting a ride of his own later that night!
True love when your new hubby helps you climb onto a mechanical bull!
Looking for a Fun Wedding Photographer? Look No Further!
If you’re looking for a fun wedding photographer who loves a good laugh and knows how to capture those candid moments contact me AKA Kris from Kristen Shaw Photography. Whether you’re planning a wild bush bash or an intimate beach ceremony on the Mid North Coast, I’m here to make sure your day is as unforgettable as Deb & Brett’s! I'm a Port Macquarie Wedding Photographer but I will travel anywhere to (escape my family) capture your special day.
Cheers
Kris x
Vendors:
Brides Dress: Newcastle Bridal House, Newcastle
Hair: Sass & Co, Wauchope
Makeup: Beauty by Ginger, Port Macquarie
Flowers: Mogra Connection, Wauchope
Catering: Seed Catering & Events, Port Macquarie
Live Music: Kyle Moore Music
Jumping Castle & Mechanical Bull: Mad Cow Entertainment
Cow on the Spit: Groom AKA Brett!
Wedding Photographer: Kristen Shaw Photography, Port Macquarie