Scott Surplice
A Golden Hour Tinkersfield Wedding
BY
Liam & Ali — A Golden Hour Tinkersfield Wedding in the Snowy Mountains NSW
Some couples are quietly confident.
Gentle, thoughtful, a little reserved at first — but once they settle in, they’re all in.
Liam and Ali are exactly that.
Their wedding at Tinkersfield felt relaxed, considered, and deeply intentional — a Snowy Mountains destination wedding shaped by beautiful light, honest moments, and a real appreciation for photography that feels natural rather than forced.
A Snowy Mountains Destination Wedding
Although Liam and Ali live in Canberra, the Snowy Mountains have always held a special place for them. They’re regular visitors during winter, drawn to the snow, the landscape, and the feeling of stepping away from everyday life.
So when it came time to choose a wedding location, the Snowy Mountains made perfect sense.
With most guests travelling in, the day had all the hallmarks of a destination wedding — unhurried, present, and focused on spending time together rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
A Relaxed Autumn Day at Tinkersfield
Their wedding took place in March, at the very start of autumn.
The day began slightly overcast, the kind of soft light that feels gentle and calm — and then, as the afternoon unfolded, the sun slowly made its way through.
By the time golden hour arrived, the light was absolutely perfect.
The ceremony was held on the lawn at Tinkersfield, in the venue’s signature ceremony spot, officiated by The Snowy Celebrant. Personal vows, plenty of laughter, visible emotion — all the things that make ceremonies feel human rather than performative.
There was no First Look. Liam and Ali chose the classic aisle moment instead — letting that first reaction happen naturally, surrounded by their people.
A Natural, Unforced Approach to Photography
I hadn’t met Liam and Ali in person before the wedding day — we’d only chatted online — but from the moment we connected, there was an ease there.
They were open about one thing though:
they were not excited about being in front of the camera.
That’s always my cue to slow things down.
My approach as a Snowy Mountains wedding photographer is natural and relaxed — minimal posing, short portrait sessions, and plenty of breathing room so couples don’t feel pulled away from their guests for long stretches.
And honestly, the Snowy Mountains do a lot of the work for you.
Golden Hour Portraits — Light, Landscape & Space
Portraits were planned for golden hour, once the light softened and the day had settled.
We started on the Tinkersfield property — down by the dam, through long grass, with the bridal party laughing the entire time. The energy was light, playful, and completely unforced.
Then Liam and Ali wanted to venture just off the property for something a little quieter.
We headed to Diggings Campground, where long grass, the river, and a mountainous backdrop came together beautifully. As the sun dipped lower, the landscape changed minute by minute — colours softening, shadows stretching, the mountains reflecting the last of the light.
This was the moment they truly relaxed.
Just the three of us, a gentle pace, quiet conversation — and some of my favourite images from the day.
Watching the light fade across the Snowy Mountains is something special. It’s one of the reasons I love photographing weddings in this region so much.
Modern Styling & Thoughtful Details
Ali wore a KYHA gown from Mrs Fray — modern, timeless, and perfectly suited to the setting. Liam looked sharp in black tie by Xavier, giving the day a refined, semi-formal feel without ever feeling stiff.
The overall style was modern and understated, letting the setting and the people take centre stage.
A Warm, Joyful Celebration at Tinkersfield
The reception took place on site at Tinkersfield — one of the many reasons I absolutely recommend it as a Snowy Mountains wedding venue. Not only is the setting beautiful, but the food is consistently incredible and the on-site accommodation makes everything feel easy and seamless.
Speeches were heartfelt and warm, the kind that balance emotion with humour and leave everyone feeling connected.
As the night unfolded, the first dance took place outside in the courtyard, with Soda the Band playing hit after hit while guests danced under the open sky.
It was relaxed, joyful, and exactly right.
Words from Liam & Ali
Liam and Ali later left this review, which really sums up the day — and what matters most to me as a photographer:
“Best decision we made for the wedding (aside from getting married of course)… He made us feel relaxed and comfortable on the day, which was especially appreciated as we were both dreading being in front of the camera… We’ll be recommending Scott to anyone and everyone we know.”
That trust — especially from couples who feel nervous about photos — means everything.
Photographing Weddings at Tinkersfield in the Snowy Mountains
This was another reminder of why I love photographing weddings at Tinkersfield and throughout the Snowy Mountains NSW.
The landscape, the light, the pace — it all lends itself to natural, relaxed wedding photography that focuses on connection rather than performance.
If you’re planning a wedding in the Snowy Mountains and are looking for a photographer who keeps things calm, unforced, and true to how the day actually feels, you can read more about my approach here:
👉 Snowy Mountains Wedding Photographer – natural, relaxed wedding photography
