Vaucluse House Wedding, Sydney

Some people bring light into a room without trying.

Tess is one of those people.

From the moment I arrived on a hot December afternoon, it was impossible not to feel her warmth — not just the big, joyful energy she carries, but the quieter way she connects with people. The kind of person you want to go above and beyond for. The kind of person her nieces and nephews absolutely adored, and who adored them right back.

Tess and Ross had travelled home to Sydney from New York to get married, trading winter coats and snow for a few weeks of summer heat. And December delivered — one of those classic Sydney days where the air feels heavy, movement slows, and cold drinks become essential.

It suited the day more than you’d expect.

A Ceremony That Held Its Nerve

The ceremony took place beneath a large tree on the front lawn at Vaucluse House. There had been talk of rain earlier in the day, but Tess held firm. And just as guests gathered, cloud cover rolled in — offering a moment of relief from the heat, and a calm stillness as the ceremony began.

It was joyful and emotional in equal measure.

Ross, more reserved by nature, wore his nerves early in the day but softened completely as the hours passed. Around Tess, his affection was obvious — gentle, attentive, quietly grounding. His mum and sister were visibly emotional during the ceremony, while laughter moved easily through the crowd, balancing the tears.

With 111 guests and a large bridal party, the energy felt expansive without being overwhelming. Formal in dress, relaxed in spirit.

A Day That Moved Gently

Tess began her day at her nan’s house — a beautiful old heritage home filled with character. The room she got ready in was something else entirely: huge windows, soft pink walls, a deep burgundy ceiling, ornate detailing everywhere you looked. It felt timeless and creative all at once — very Tess.

Ross got ready with his crew at his sister Lucia’s townhouse, where the mood was quieter, steady, and warm. The kind of space where nerves are absorbed by familiar voices and well-timed jokes.

As the afternoon unfolded, the heat did what heat often does at Sydney weddings — slowed everything down. People found shade. Drinks flowed a little faster. Conversation lingered. Nobody complained about it (which should honestly be a rule at weddings).

Before the reception began, we spent some time taking relaxed guest portraits — something people really leaned into. It was playful, unforced, and set the tone beautifully for the evening ahead.

Colour, Creativity, and Meaningful Details

The styling leaned into colour and warmth. Florals in rich reds and pinks echoed through the day, with bridesmaids each wearing different dresses within the palette. It felt considered but not overly coordinated — expressive rather than styled for show.

Tess’s creativity was woven throughout the reception. One of the most special details was a painted version of the Vaucluse House fountain, created by Tess, where guests could leave messages. It became a living record of the people who had gathered — thoughtful, personal, and deeply her.

When the Day Let Go

As the sun dropped and the air finally cooled, the evening shifted gears.

Speeches were funny and heartfelt, with Tess’s sister speaking alongside the nieces and nephews — a moment that landed right in the chest for a lot of people. The kind of speech that reminds you what the day is really about.

For their first dance, Tess changed into a shorter dress that felt very New York — elegant, confident, and fun. The dancefloor built slowly, unforced, until Ross — now fully relaxed — scooped Tess up and spun her around, laughter cutting through the music.

It felt spontaneous. Joyful. Earned.

A Sydney Homecoming

For many guests, this wedding felt like a reunion — friends and family travelling from overseas, gathering again in a place that mattered. There was a sense of homecoming in the air, of lives intersecting briefly before everyone returned to their corners of the world.

I hadn’t photographed a wedding at Vaucluse House in years, and it was genuinely special to be back — not just for the setting, but for the people who filled it.

My favourite part of the day was simply experiencing Tess’s warmth and joy, and watching Ross soften into it as the hours passed. Being trusted to capture that — quietly, honestly — was a privilege.

A few days later, Tess sent me a message that summed it all up:

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your time and energy on Friday! I’ve had so many compliments about how amazing you were and I truly mirror that.”

Tess and Ross’s wedding was a reminder of why Sydney weddings can feel so special — layered, emotional, creative, and full of life.

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If you’re planning a wedding in Sydney and are looking for photography that feels natural, relaxed, and true to the day, you can view more Sydney weddings here →