There’s something pretty special about Gerringong – where those rolling green hills tumble right down to meet the sea. Katie and Hugh picked the perfect spot for their laid-back south coast celebration, and honestly, the whole day just flowed beautifully from start to finish.
The morning kicked off with Hugh and the boys getting ready at their Airbnb in Berry. They were having a great time – beers were cracked, footy chat was in full swing, and if wasn’t for the tux’s you’d think it was a just regular day hanging with the boys. I loved discovering that each groomsman was rocking socks in their favourite team’s colours. It’s those little personal touches that make a wedding feel so authentic.
Meanwhile, Katie was getting ready at her parents’ place, also in Berry, and wow – the light in that house was incredible. Fresh flowers everywhere, champagne poured into gorgeous vintage glasses with personalised ribbons, and the whole atmosphere was just buzzing with excitement. The bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning in their mismatched dresses – all different styles but perfectly complementing each other in that effortlessly aesthetic way.
When it came time for Katie’s big dress reveal… honestly, the squeals of excitement from her family and bridesmaids were just everything. Her strapless Kyha gown with that perfect veil had everyone emotional, and Katie? She looked absolutely radiant and completely relaxed – not a nervous bone in her body. You could tell she was just soaking up every moment with her favourite people.
After a lovely ceremony at St Mary Star of the Sea in Gerringong, we headed to Crooked River Wines for the reception. Guests were loving the cocktail hour outside, soaking up those gorgeous views of the surrounding hills with cows dotting the landscape in the distance. The speeches kicked off during this relaxed outdoor time, which was such a nice touch – there’s something so special about heartfelt words shared under an open sky.
For photos, we took the bridal party to this incredible spot with sweeping coastal views, and then made our way down to the boat ramp for some fun shots by the water. There’s nothing quite like that Gerringong coastline – it’s got this perfect blend of rugged beauty and gentle charm that makes every photo feel like a postcard.
But here’s where the day got really magical – just as the speeches wrapped up, the sun decided to make its grand appearance, bursting through the clouds. We all rushed up the hill for some sunset photos, and that golden light was absolutely perfect. Meanwhile, Katie from Altar Socials (who I loved working with for the first time!) was capturing all the magic on her phone, and Adam from the Vintage Stylus had everyone dancing with his incredible vinyl tunes. Pure perfection.
The South Coast of Sydney is honestly one of my absolute favorite regions for weddings, and Katie and Hugh’s day perfectly showcased why. While this was my first time photographing at Crooked River Winery, I find myself traveling to the South Coast for at least half of my weddings – and for good reason. There’s something truly special about this stretch of coastline where lush green hills roll down to meet pristine beaches, creating the most stunning natural backdrops you could ask for.
As a South Coast photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories at some incredible venues throughout the region. Places like Merribee with its historic charm, the elegant Terrara House, the rustic beauty of Worrowing, and The Lodge Jamberoo nestled in the rolling countryside – each offering their own unique magic. Whether you’re dreaming of clifftop ceremonies, vineyard receptions, or that perfect blend of countryside and coast, South Coast weddings offer endless possibilities for creating unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a South Coast wedding, I’d love to chat about capturing your special day in this beautiful part of the world. Get in touch and let’s create something magical together!