Ryan & Zoe’s Stunning Wedding at Jack Rabbit Vineyard & Wharf Shed
From the very first moment Ryan and Zoe reached out to ask about my availability for their Geelong wedding, I knew they were an incredibly warm and friendly couple. I quickly checked my diary, and after double-checking the date, it was a big YES!
As they shared more details, I learned their day would span two beautiful locations. The ceremony was set for Jack Rabbit Vineyard, a venue I know exceptionally well. Having shot numerous weddings there, I’m intimately familiar with its sweeping vineyard views, seasonal backdrops, and dramatic ocean vistas.
Their reception, however, was at the Wharf Shed—a venue I hadn’t shot at yet. With experience photographing over 300 wedding venues across Melbourne and Victoria, I had a feeling the Wharf Shed would be a hidden gem. Ryan showed me the location on Google Maps, and I realized it was just two minutes down the road from The Pier Geelong (a renowned venue every Geelong local knows). Having shot at The Pier before, I knew the surrounding coastal backdrops perfectly and was excited to bring that experience to their day. Ryan and Zoe trusted me completely. We meticulously planned the timeline to balance our time between both venues. At the end of our initial meeting, they smiled and said, "We’re relying on you!" I felt immensely respected—and while it brought a little healthy pressure, that’s exactly the feeling I thrive on as a photographer.
The Big Day: Morning Prep & A Flawless Ceremony
Time flew by, and suddenly it was wedding day! Ryan and Zoe got ready in separate accommodations located just minutes apart. I started with the groom’s prep before heading over to see Zoe. Both houses were filled with laughter and high energy, allowing me to capture some fantastic, candid morning photos.
The ceremony at Jack Rabbit Vineyard went exactly as planned. We were blessed with a spectacular sunny day, allowing the ceremony to take place on the front lawn overlooking the sparkling ocean. As the music began, Zoe walked down the aisle with her mother. Using my Canon telephoto lens, I captured this epic moment. I was incredibly grateful that the guests kept their smartphones and iPads away, creating a clean, unobstructed view down the middle of the aisle.
As the ceremony concluded, guests lined up with confetti to welcome the newlyweds. Ryan and Zoe held hands tightly, beaming as husband and wife. The guests timed the confetti toss perfectly, creating a beautiful floating frame of color that emphasized their pure happiness. It was the perfect conclusion to a romantic ceremony.
Location Portraits: From Vineyards to the Eastern Beach Marina
After the ceremony, I used a structured approach to evenly split our portrait time between Jack Rabbit Vineyard and the area surrounding the Wharf Shed. For a Melbourne wedding photographer, a balanced philosophy ensures everything remains relaxed, practical, and stress-free.
We started at Jack Rabbit Vineyard, utilizing the lush lawns, ocean views, and rows of vines to create a variety of backdrops for the bridal party and couple portraits—all in a wonderfully chilled atmosphere.
Next, we headed to the Wharf Shed. Drawing on my experience with the Geelong waterfront, I suggested we take photos along the Eastern Beach Reserve. The area features beautiful deep blue marina backdrops, a historic carousel, and the iconic Ferris wheel. Checking the clock, I reassured them, "We still have plenty of time before sunset. Take it easy, no need to rush."
Ryan and Zoe laughed and replied, "We rely on you!"
"Haha, I think you said that when we first met!" I joked.
"You have a great memory, my talented photographer!" Zoe smiled.
"No more small talk, mate," Ryan laughed, "Let's rock and roll!"
The couple walked along the lawns and the rocky edge of the marina, strolling side-by-side and laughing. Their chemistry was effortless, leading to plenty of spontaneous kisses. I never force couples into stiff, overly staged poses; it just isn't my style. I believe that when a couple stands face-to-face holding hands, they will naturally lean in. Those are the kisses that hold warm, raw, and real emotion.
Before heading inside the Wharf Shed (located at 15 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong), I asked if they wanted to capture a few more frames. Zoe replied, "I think we have so many great photos already, and we’ve been so blessed with the weather!" I suggested we sneak out again for a few minutes at sunset, and they happily agreed.
A Wharf Shed Reception & Golden Hour Magic
The reception was spectacular. I captured the classic moments, including the cutting of their beautiful three-tier cake and a breathtaking first dance complete with indoor fireworks.
During a brief gap in the formalities, the sun began to dip, and we caught a stroke of luck. We sneaked out to a long, wooden pier nearby. It was relatively wide and quiet, allowing me to find the perfect angle to position the sun right behind them. During the golden hour, the light becomes incredibly warm, soft, and even—absolute perfection for wedding portraits. Zoe even brought out a pair of stylish sunglasses featuring "Just Married" lettering on the frames, looking incredibly cute. We wrapped up the session with some fun, lifestyle-inspired wedding photography.
It was an absolute honor to shoot for such a wonderful couple, and I walked away knowing we hadn't left a single regret on the table!
