Bendooley Estate Stables Wedding : Tarryn + Ben

I first met Tarryn and Ben at a Wedding Expo in Sydney, and I was pumped when they got in touch to chat about their upcoming wedding in the Southern Highlands. I knew when I met them that their wedding would be right up my alley—fun-loving, laid-back, and stylish.

Bendooley Estate Wedding Photography

Tarryn and Ben had chosen Bendooley Estate near Bowral in the Southern Highlands for their wedding. This venue is epic – it’s hard to pick what I like most about it. From the romantic gardens, lakeside location or unique architectural design of the actual Stables (where they had their reception) – it’s a photographer’s playground and a venue I’d love to return to time and time again.

I don’t always get the opportunity to meet couples face-to-face before their wedding day, but happily, Tarryn and Ben invited me to The Clock Pub in Surry Hills for a couple of cold beers to discuss the day’s logistics. Both were from Sydney, and they would be travelling to the Southern Highlands with their family and friends for the wedding weekend.

Wedding Prep Time and Photos

Both Tarryn and Ben had accommodation nearby the venue, which meant I could easily pop between the two places to capture those all-important getting-ready shots. If I can, I always like to get over to the Bride first, visit the boys, and get back to the girls. The getting-ready part is one of the best parts of the day—the vibes are high, and there’s lots of laughter and happy tears. It’s a special time for everyone getting married to spend time with their family and closest friends.

Generally, it’s best to be close to the venue (if not at the venue) so that you’re ready to go once the time comes to leave for the ceremony (trust me, it will come around quickly!). You will have enough to think about in the morning that you won’t want to add any unnecessary travel or transportation to your day.

I like to remind my couples that while it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of it all, make sure you eat a decent breakfast and stay hydrated! Eating a big breakfast or brunch is important to ensure you don’t crash too soon.

Some of my favourite photos from the day include when Tarryn did a First Look with her Dad. I love a First Look; this is a perfect example of how it doesn’t always have to be with your partner. Including someone special in your wedding day celebrations is a unique and meaningful way.

Jewish Wedding Traditions

Tarryn’s family is Jewish, and it was important to both Tarryn and Ben that they have a Jewish ceremony. Simon Lipschitz from Simon Says I Do led a heartfelt and entertaining ceremony that paid respect to Tarryn’s family, including smashing the glass under the groom’s feet at the end. Once the official side of things was done, their friends and family celebrated the married couple over a glass of bubbles (or two), and I stole Tarryn and Ben to catch golden hour with their Wedding Party.

Bendooley Estate has magnificent Pampas Grass plants that paired perfectly with Tarryn’s bouquet, and I couldn’t help but snap a few shots in front of them – these turned out to be a highlight for me. Tarryn and Ben popped a bottle of champagne (you bet we got that shot) and went for a wander around the grounds as the sun went down.

Jewish Wedding Party

I should have known, being a Jewish wedding – the party hadn’t even begun at this point! Once the Horah dance started, the guests all moved in overlapping circles around and around, and it was on! And let me tell you, this made for one epic dancefloor.

The best part was when Tarryn and Ben’s guests lifted them on chairs and spun them around. There was even a conga line at one stage, and someone did the worm – these people knew how to party, and they definitely put my dance moves to shame. This was a testament to how happy their family and friends were to celebrate their love and wedding day – which is what it’s all about, right?

An Epic Night Wedding Photo

As the party kicked on, I asked Ben & Tarryn if they would be up for trying a couple of night photos. This is something I like to try to do to give the couple something completely different, and usually with a bit more drama than the rest of the wedding photos, so they have something epic to put on their wall at home.

In this case, you can’t go past the frontage of The Stables. It makes for such an iconic backdrop. I backlit them with flash, and it made for an image that really pops!!

Underatreehouse is a Southern Highlands Wedding Photographer specialising in Storytelling and Documentary Style Wedding Photography. Let more about my approach here.

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Southern Highlands Wedding Vendors

Venue: Bendooley Estate Stables

Photographer: Underatreehouse

Girls Prep: Amber Cottage

Boys Prep: Milton Park

Hair: Chelsea Taylor

MUA: Ash Quinn Makeup

Celebrant: Simon Says I Do

Florist: Petal and Fern

Band & Video: Baker Boys Band

Dress: Karen Willis Holmes

Rings: Axel Quill