“Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep.”
Swiping Right on Forever
In our thoroughly modern world, this love story began in the summer of 2016 with two people swiping right on Tinder. A tentative romance blossomed as they texted and talked, and then kapow! Chris saw a photo of Samantha dressed as Harley Quinn for Halloween and admitted he fancied the pants off her.
By November they had their first in-person date. As Chris met Samantha off the train, he told her she had lipstick on her teeth — a gesture she appreciated almost as much as catching him checking out her bum when she went to the loo!
From there, things moved quickly: a flat, a baby daughter, and then a house. Four years ago, on Samantha’s 30th birthday, she came home from work to find all her family gathered. As her sister brought out a cake, Samantha turned around to see Chris on one knee. After the shock wore off, she said yes. Hurrah!
A Perfect Day at The Japanese Gardens
I’ve captured quite a few weddings at The Japanese Gardens in Cowden, but never this late in the year. I was a little nervous about the weather — Samantha still needed to make it from the car to the Tea House, and of course, I wanted to capture the iconic bridge shot that’s become a signature for me at the Gardens.
I needn’t have worried. The weather gods delivered a dry day, and the Gardens were simply splendid, just about to slip into their autumn wardrobe.
Chris arrived looking very dapper in his kilt, mingling with family and friends.
He was a bundle of nerves and excitement, and when a recorded message from their daughter Harper-Rose began to play just before she and Samantha’s sister walked down the aisle, the emotions spilled over. Luckily, I had an emergency handkerchief at the ready for Chris’s happy tears.
And then Samantha appeared on her father’s arm. Chris’s eyes never left her as they shared a heartfelt and personal ceremony.
A Ceremony Full of Surprises
Just when we thought the emotions had peaked, Chris treated us all to a hidden surprise. Beneath his kilt? Boxer shorts printed with the words “I love my wife” — and Samantha’s face all over them! Originally meant as a private gift from Samantha that morning, Chris couldn’t resist sharing the joke. Thank goodness for the Canon R5’s stabilisation because I was laughing so hard as I captured it!
The ceremony ended with a touching handfasting that included three knots — one for each of them — symbolising their perfect little family unit.
Magical Gardens & Veil Adventures
After the full group photos and a joyful confetti walk,
we wandered around the Gardens for portraits. Truly, there isn’t a bad spot for images there; every path leads to another picture-perfect backdrop.
As we made our way back towards the Tea House, the sound of a live saxophonist floated through the Gardens — utterly magical.
And then it was time for me to get up close and personal under Samantha’s veil. It’s one of my favourite things to do when a bride has a long veil. Do my couples feel awkward while I do this? Yes. Do they love the final image? Absolutely yes!
Reflections on a Beautiful Day
After cake cutting and heartfelt speeches, it was time for me to pack up. Driving home over the Glendevon hills, I reflected on what a beautiful day it had been — full of laughter, surprises, and love. And I couldn’t help but wonder… does Samantha still have that Harley Quinn costume?
Congratulations again Mr & Mrs Ross xXx
