Audley Dance Hall Wedding, Amy & Josh
I just love working with laid back yet elegant couples who know how to make the best of any situation! Even though the rain disrupted some of their plans, Amy and Josh’s rustic wedding was nothing but laughter and heartfelt emotions. They tied the knot at the Audley Dance Hall wedding venue, one of the most stunning places in the Sydney area and definitely one of my favourites!
Modern rustic galore surrounded by lush nature
As a Sydney wedding photographer, I can safely say that this amazing place is one of the most awe-inspiring locations in the area. Even though it is close to the city, it is far enough to enjoy an intimate ambience and feel like you are in another world. The lush nature surrounding the Audley Dance Hall wedding venue gives that one-of-a-kind feeling. Located in the Royal National Park, it boasts epic views of the Audley Valley and the beautiful Hacking River. That scenery alone provides perfect options for romantic celebrations that feature majestic backdrops. The Dance Hall has a wonderful rustic vibe featuring wooden beams entwined with a modern aesthetic. It is a fantastic choice for weddings that host up to 200 guests, not to mention the dancefloor and its incredible views upon the Park from the verandah – sublime!
Amy and Josh fell in love with the rustic vibe of the Audley Dance Hall wedding venue
All of these features made Amy and Josh pick Audley Dance Hall as their ideal NSW wedding venue. The Hall was especially a turning point for them, as it felt warm and inviting for this fantastic couple. The venue provided the rustic feel and backdrops they were looking for, along with the dark timbers! Because they live further from the location (the northern beaches), their Audley Dance Hall wedding felt like a vacation and a fresh experience.
Unfortunately, it rained that day, so they moved their ceremony to the verandah of the Dance Hall instead of the original location – Wattle Forest. It turned out to be squishier than expected, but it proved to be very cozy and heartwarming! Based on all the emotions I captured as their NSW wedding photographer, they wouldn’t have changed anything.
Aesthetic and Styling featuring warm Earthy and Rusty Colours
Amy and Josh were utterly inspired by the rustic wedding venue and its nature. They chose a rust colour palette with hints of black, which looked divine complemented with the natural green backdrops. Amy decided to go for mismatched elegance for the bridesmaids’ dresses, embodying different rust tones. It conveyed a quirky and relaxed vibe – a reflection of the couple’s personality. The groom and groomsmen’s Styling was half black, which was their point, to add black throughout the aesthetic. They also had rust floral boutonnieres to complement the theme. The bridal shoes and nails also had the quintessential hints of black, and even the florals had some of that dark charm with burnt leaves!
Along with earthy tones, the table styling was clad in this colour palette with beautiful accents like black bottle openers and table numbers. As for the divine and lavish floral designs, they were an ode to the rustic wedding ambience. With dried and fresh flowers, Amy and Josh wowed their guests! Also, a real treat for a Sydney wedding photographer like me that enjoys capturing all the details.
Indoor Ceremony and Iconic Portraiture in the Park!
Even though the couple lacked more space for their Audley Dance Hall wedding ceremony, they moved inside due to the rainy weather; it was nothing short of spectacular. The floral aisle installation was the ideal backdrop for their I DOs. What truly stood out were all the emotions gracing their union. Since Amy and Josh have been together for ten years, everyone was moved because they finally took their love to the next chapter. From next-door neighbours to husband and wife, their sweet story was genuinely touching. Amy was overwhelmed when Josh recited his heartfelt vows, melting her heart. So many happy tears and joyful emotions!
After the modern rustic wedding ceremony, we headed to the Wattle Forest to capture their intimate portraits and group photos. The rain atmosphere brought a certain mysticism in the air, which looked perfect in the images. Walking around made Amy and Josh savour their alone time and surrender to their emotions. As they are a fun-loving couple, the extra laughs wonder for their imagery! And when it was time for the group photos, the bridesmaids’ dresses wonderfully contrasted the green forestry background.
A rustic laidback reception at the Audley Dance Hall wedding venue
The Dance Hall proved their ideal wedding venue in Sydney to host their reception. Apart from the warm colour palette and theme, the ceiling had festoon lights which elevated the whole vibe. Even though the lights made my camera flicker, it was no problem for the portrayal. However, have in mind that it wouldn’t be suitable for a wedding videographer – they may request the lights be turned off.
Their rustic wedding reception had so many personalised elements, such as photos of the couple featuring all the incredible experiences they have done together – skydiving, travelling, riding roller coasters, swimming with sharks, etc. It was a beautiful way to share a part of their unique story. Also, their guest book was an old vinyl record, and their guests signed it. Amy and Josh framed it, which is, I think, one of the most creative ideas for a wedding keepsake! Furthermore, their wishing well was a post box which was both sweet and funny!
From a rainy day to dancing the night away!
One of the highlights was when the couple and their guests danced to country music. Not to mention, the festoon lights created a whimsical vibe. As their NSW wedding photographer, I loved capturing that fantastic festive atmosphere! I also brought my dad’s antique wedding camera to provide a unique perspective throughout the day, which Amy and Josh admittedly didn’t expect but loved so much!
Your faithful and fun Sydney Wedding Photographer
A huge thanks to Amy and Josh for letting me be a part of their rustic wedding; I will never forget the unique experience! If you love my photography style based on the shots you see at the magnificent Audley Dance Hall wedding venue, please reach out via my contact page! I cannot wait to hear all about your love story!
Audley Dance Hall wedding vendors
Celebrant: Nina Blundell
Floral Design: BlossomLove
Dress: Perfect Day Bridal
Heels: Novo Shoes
Hair & Makeup: Christina Cleary
Suit & Shoes: Rembrandt
Wedding Cake: Eligant Cakes
Venue: Audley Dance Hall Wedding
DJ: Northern Beaches DJs
