Fire pits, rose bushes and lawn games

This weekend, I have a wedding coming up at Ocean View Estates, so I went through our previous galleries from the venue to dream up some things we can do for photos. I have lost count of how many occasions we have been fortunate enough to film and photograph at Ocean View Estates, but it always feels so energising to be up the mountain, roam around the hills, being greeted by a venue team of absolute legends, and then being spoilt with the most wonderful food. Guitar music, drinks and canapés going around, the faint smell of smoke from the fire pit mixed with the fragrance of rose bushes and the giggles and shouts of guests enjoying lawn games - these are all the things that come to mind when I close my eyes and think about the winery.

Keeping it in the family

Going through our galleries, I noticed I hadn’t added Cat & Austin’s intimate wedding to the journal yet, so here it is - a little collection of their August winter wedding at Ocean View Estates, only featuring their closest family members and the two of them. Cat is the sister of my dear friend and my former Pilates teacher, Lizzie, whose wedding we documented in August 2020 at Somerset Sunset {it’s on the journal, click here to check it out} - needless to say that this one felt extra special to me.

Grace Loves Lace Gown, Aesop fragrances and other details

Cat was an absolute vision in her Inca Gown by Gold Coast based label Grace Loves Lace. She kept her hair and makeup natural with a little glow and ditched the heels for sandals. Lizzie and Cat’s brother James works at Aesop, so the perfume choices for him and her were easy: Aesop’s Rozu fragrance for Cat {'A fragrance of tender intensity—unmistakably Rose, yet nuanced and expansive, with vibrant shiso accords, woods and spice, earth and light smoke’} and Aesop’s Karst for Austin {‘Fresh, herbaceous notes give way to marine coastal accords and subtle smoky undertones’}. It might only be me, but the fact that the brown tones in Lizzie’s Maid of Honour dress corresponded perfectly with the brown tone of the Aesop fragrance bottle tickled my colour palette-loving heart. I used Lizzie’s dress as my backdrop to photograph Cat’s rings and her exquisite modern earrings by The Traveller Series. Cat chose their Pim Petite Pearl Earrings with a perfect freshwater pearl stud and removable irregular pearl drop element.

When you marry a Photographer…

I was pregnant with Maya and only 4 months away from becoming a mama when I photographed Cat & Austin’s wedding with my love and my husband of then 8 years, Doruk. The fact that we get to create together, and that we get to roam around wineries with people who feel like family to us, will never get old for me. Before I hit you with more images, I thought I should also send a nod to the family who founded and still runs Ocean View Estates, so below is a little bit of background for those who are interested, otherwise scroll down straight to the piccies of Cat & Austin’s intimate and heartfelt celebration of love.

A bit scenic ~ Ocean View Estates Winery

Nestled in the picturesque Moreton Bay region of Australia, Ocean View Estates Winery is the ultimate wedding destination that's equal parts stunning scenery and family vibes. Let's dive into what makes this place so special.

First off, let's talk about the scenery because, let's face it, that's what draws us in. Picture rolling hills adorned with rows of vibrant vineyards, and beyond that, breathtaking views that stretch for miles. It's the kind of backdrop that makes you want to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming. Whether you're exchanging vows under a canopy of trees or dancing the night away under the starry sky, every moment feels like it's straight out of a movie.

Founded in 1998 by the Honnef Family

But what sets Ocean View Estates apart isn't just its Instagram-worthy views — it's the family behind it all. Since 1998, the Honnef family has poured their heart and soul into this place, turning it into a haven for wine lovers and wedding dreamers alike. And guess what? We've been lucky enough to witness their magic firsthand. Our relationship with the Honnef family goes way back—we've been capturing love stories at Ocean View Estates since 2018, for six years, and have also looked after their chef portraits and branding photography for a while. We've seen it all, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations, and each one has been a testament to the warmth and hospitality of the Honnef clan.

Speaking of family, we can’t help but remember the amazing celebration that was Hannah Honnef’s wedding at Ocean View Estates, which we were fortunate enough to be a part of in May 2019, a time of innocence where no one knew of any restrictions or chaos in the wedding industry. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears, and it's a memory we'll cherish forever.

If you're hunting for a wedding venue that's as chill as it is beautiful, Ocean View Estates is calling your name. It's a place where nature's beauty meets family warmth and epic food, creating the perfect backdrop for your love story to unfold.

The small things are the big things

We are super excited that the Equinox has come and gone, and that the boiling hot days of a Queensland summer are behind us. The temperature dropped below 20 degrees for the first time this year and we will use the next three months to explore, hike and get out and about moving our bodies, doing all the things we couldn’t do while it was so hot.

We hope everyone is feeling safe, happy and well. It can feel laughable to try and be happy while so much is going on in the world and I’ve certainly had my moments of feeling like it’s rude to write and post about beautiful occasions. What helps me when I feel like I have no control to change what is going on politically is to focus on my little circle and my own little world. Helping the people around us. Being kind in all interactions because we don’t know what others are going through. Being the neighbour that bakes and brings a cake over, being fully present and choosing to have lots of fun as a mama even if I haven’t slept since 2022. Being patient and gentle with myself and filling my own cup, so that I can function and be helpful in my little world.

Much love,

Tina

6 hours of coverage | 2 Photographers | 1,267 edited images delivered
{including black and white copies of 15% of the images}

Catherine & Austin … •☾• … 10.8.22 ~ Ocean View Estates

CREDITS:
Gown @graceloveslace
Photography @lovelenscapesphotography
Venue @oceanviewestates @oceanviewestatesweddings
Celebrant @flameandpickle @caitlinhealycelebrant
HMU @sarah_harrington__
Her Scent Rozu by @aesopskincare
His Scent Karst by @aesopskincare
Groom shoes @loakeshoemakers
Florist @emmachealy_
Cake @pippaspantry
Videographer @jamesfinnian
Rings @jamesallenrings
Earrings @thetravellerseries
Bridal shoes @thebalitailor

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