Helen and Shawn's Riversdale Golf Club Wedding

When Helen and Shawn first met online, they had no idea that their lives were about to change so dramatically. Helen was simply attracted to his great natural smile:

“He had the trifecta of ute, army uniform and being a tradie. Straight to my heart!”

Whereas for Shawn, it was Helen’s beautiful looks, confidence and Scottish accent that drew him in. Online chats led to phone calls, which led to a first date at a Richmond restaurant and it wasn’t long before Shawn realised that he couldn’t imagine a future without Helen and her two gorgeous kids Gemma and Brodie.

“She brings so much joy to my life. She is the air that I breathe and the life force in my veins … I decided that these are the people I want to be with for the rest of my life.”

When it came to choosing a wedding date, May 4th was the obvious choice for Shawn. The obsessed Star Wars fan also wore special cuff links to mark the auspicious date. The pair got ready in neighbouring houses before we all met up at Riversdale Golf Club for an emotional First Look.

Blessed with a gorgeous, crisp Autumn afternoon we took some photos around the course before the weather proved too chilly (especially for poor Gemma!) and we headed indoors to wait for sunset. Our patience paid off and we were rewarded with a golden red sky but only minutes to capture it before the sun dipped below the horizon.

For someone who self-confesses she “doesn’t say mushy stuff”, Helen sure knows how to show her affection for Shawn, and vice versa. It’s an absolute joy (and easy day in the office for us!) to photography a couple so in love and not afraid to show it.

After a short break, everyone reconvened at Riversdale, where Helen walked down the aisle with her brother Gavin to join Shawn for their evening wedding ceremony. And from there it was straight through the Clubhouse doors to start their cocktail reception. With an incredible live band, free-flowing plates of food, some touching speeches and impressive dance moves, the night was capped off perfectly with delicious desserts from Burch and Purchase.

Helen, Shawn, Gemma and Brodie – you guys make such a loving, caring, wonderful family team. It’s been a real pleasure to get to know you all and capture the love you have for each other. Here’s to a fantastic future filled with many more camping trips. May the force be with you!