Winery Wedding - Clyde Park Winery, Geelong Feature Wedding

castle wedding venues melbourne - Overnewton Castle, photographed by Mel Panteli — Winery Wedding - Clyde Park Winery

It was music to my ears when this venue contacted me to say they had lovely clients residing in Canada who were planning their wedding at Clyde Park Winery, and they had recommended me as a local photographer. I had shot there once before, and the views, the elegance, the overall class of the venue, but mostly the epic light that drenched the property during golden hour was something else. So I jumped at the opportunity to photograph for this lovely couple. Geelong has so many incredible wedding venues, and if you are looking in this region, you absolutely must check out Clyde Park.

On the day, Laura and Christ got ready at separate accommodations close to the venue. We spent time getting their beautiful portraits of the preparations and getting ready with their closest tribe. Laura's gown perfectly fitted by Canadian designer Whyte Couture was classic elegance and gorgeous to photograph. The veil was the icing on the cake of her beautiful details choices, and I always have so much fun capturing the motion and playfulness of veils. Her classic roses for her bouquet are always a personal favourite of mine.

Chris and his boys wore elegant suits, it was down to the last minute with tie selection, with a few options on the table for the day he opted for a pale blue.

I was working alongside Yaya Films that day, we work together often and I really enjoy working with video teams who know and understand light and storytelling, between the two of us I knew we would create some real magic for this couple.

This venue really has it all going on - it has various options of ceremony spaces, from the hidden garden in the valley of the property with rivers and trees surrounding the space, to the huge lawn area overlooking the vast views over the valley, the balcony area, and also the indoor capabilities of the cellar reception space which can hold hundreds of people with ease, with gorgeous ambient lighting, huge high ceilings and cellar vibes.

As far as photography goes, at Clyde Park you are truly spoilt for choice. With extensive pristine vineyards, the country paddocks, rustic gates, old bluestone ruin buildings, the long treelined driveway, the views that go on for ever, and most importantly for photographers the incredible light that floods the property in the late evenings is a dream to work with.

This wedding was one of many from this season that I will look back on for a long time with joy and gratitude, and I feel so lucky to have documented their story with these beautiful images.

If you are thinking of a vineyard wedding, you won't regret it.

Clyde Park Winery Wedding by Mel Panteli - www.clydepark.com.au