Jessica and Toly’s wedding at Bendooley Estate was one of those rainy days that somehow made everything even better. The drizzle brought a soft, cosy atmosphere and gave everyone a reason to huddle in a little closer. The ceremony was moved to the Lakeside Pavilion, where Jess and Toly said their vows under a canopy of Boston ivy, surrounded by friends, family and the sound of rain on the roof.

These two aren’t just stylish – they’re talented graphic designers who created all the stunning letterpress details themselves, from the invitations to the menus and those beautiful banners behind the bridal table. And if that wasn’t enough creative genius for one wedding, Toly’s mum also did all the florals!

The reception kicked off in the candlelit Book Barn — think vintage books, share-plates, and good wine all around. Jess surprised everyone with a quick outfit change before the first dance, and from there the night rolled on with cake, desert station and dancing.

Vendors

Groom’s Prep… Wembley Estate
Bride’s Prep… Kerrisdale
Ceremony venue… Bendooley Estate
Reception venue… The Book Barn
Makeup… Liv Lundelius
Celebrant… Married By Jake
Bridal Boutique… Mia Boutique Bridal & Occasions
Groom’s Suit… Black Tie by Xavier
Live Music & DJ… Oberon Lane

A vintage wedding car arrives at Wembley Estate’s guesthouse driveway, surrounded by manicured gardens and vibrant autumn foliage. A styled flatlay of rich green and gold wedding stationery, wax-sealed envelopes, and floral accents arranged at Wembley Estate on a dark textured background. Toly stands confidently in a tailored emerald suit, framed by indoor foliage and antique decor during his wedding morning preparations at Wembley Estate. An elegant collage of invitation flatlays and stationery details, featuring velvet textures, ribbon-wrapped boxes, floral accents and gold-embossed designs at Wembley Estate. Toly sits beneath a chandelier adjusting his cufflinks in a stately room at Wembley Estate; beside him, a close-up captures two gold wedding rings resting on an engraved keepsake tray. Square deer-engraved cufflinks rest on a rugged stone slab alongside a portrait of Toly fastening his waistcoat beneath a crystal chandelier inside Wembley Estate. A detailed flatlay of Toly’s wedding day accessories – leather shoes, cufflinks, boutonnière, wristwatch, fragrance and a Tolkien novel – arranged on a rustic timber surface at Wembley Estate. Toly shares a light-hearted moment with his groomsmen beneath a gilded mirror in the formal suite of Wembley Estate on the morning of the wedding. A moody black and white portrait of Toly adjusting his tie, reflected in an ornate mirror at Wembley Estate, with blurred chandelier lights framing the scene. A sweeping aerial view of Bendooley Estate’s Book Barn and its tree-lined driveway, with Toly and his groomsmen walking through the lush Southern Highlands grounds. Toly walks alongside his groomsmen down the driveway of Wembley Estate, sharing a relaxed moment before the ceremony at Bendooley Estate. A bridal flatlay at Kerrisdale featuring Jessica’s elegant accessories — heels, vow book, jewellery, and modern stationery — styled with fresh blooms and vintage touches. Jessica’s engagement ring rests on a textured stone beside her bouquet of richly coloured flowers, which spills across a rustic window ledge at Kerrisdale. Jessica stands gracefully beneath a chandelier at Kerrisdale, surrounded by eclectic artwork and antiques, her gown flowing as she prepares for her wedding day. Low key lit photo of the bride seated in soft light. Her tulle gown spilling around her in an elegant portrait at Wembley Estate. Captured in black and white, Jessica is framed through a doorway at Kerrisdale as she prepares to step into her wedding gown, a quiet moment before the celebrations begin. Jessica shares a joyful moment with her bridesmaids in front of a vintage mirror at Kerrisdale, bouquet in hand and laughter all around as they make final preparations. Bathed in window light at Kerrisdale, Jessica smiles over her shoulder in a lace-sleeved gown, bouquet resting at her hip and veil catching the glow. Jessica’s veil billows in motion around her as she spins in her wedding gown at Kerrisdale, captured in soft black and white for a timeless bridal portrait. Framed by antique books and artwork at Kerrisdale, Jessica poses serenely with her bouquet, her gown elegantly gathered beside her in this refined bridal portrait. Jessica greets her grandmother with a warm smile and bouquet in hand before the ceremony, holding hands in a tender moment at Kerrisdale. Jessica and her bridesmaids arrive at Bendooley Estate beneath umbrellas on a rainy day, escorted from the wedding car by her father. A classic wedding car travels the Southern Highlands roads en route to Bendooley Estate, framed by autumn trees and wet bitumen. A black-and-white frame of Jessica seated in the vintage car, as it speeds down the road. The wedding car makes its final approach down the red gravel drive at Bendooley Estate, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. Jessica pauses beneath ivy-wrapped sandstone walls at Bendooley Estate, bouquet in hand and veil gently trailing behind her. Jessica twirls slightly, catching the light through the ivy at Bendooley Estate, her smile calm and ready as the ceremony approaches. Jessica twirls slightly, catching the light through the ivy at Bendooley Estate, her smile calm and ready as the ceremony approaches. Toly and his groomsmen cross the paved path at Bendooley Estate, Abbey Road–style, walking toward the ceremony in matching suits. The groom’s crew walks the red gravel path to the ceremony at Bendooley Estate's Lakeside Pavillion. Rain falls gently across the lake at Bendooley Estate, with ceremony guests gathering near the water’s edge under dramatic grey skies. The Lakeside Pavilion at Bendooley Estate reflected in the still waters of the lake, framed by golden autumn foliage. Guests gather beneath The Lakeside Pavilion’s canopy, seated in anticipation as rain clouds linger in the Southern Highlands sky. The wedding car arrives down the winding drive of Bendooley Estate, passing lush greenery and tall shade trees. Jessica steps out of the classic car, flanked by bridesmaids in emerald dresses, as she arrives for the rainy-day ceremony. Jessica smiles through the window of the wedding car, bouquet in hand, as her father prepares to open the door beside her. Toly waits patiently beneath the Lakeside Pavilion’s vine-covered canopy, as guests begin to rise and music gently swells. Jessica walks arm in arm with her father down the aisle, framed by soft rain, floral arrangements, and the rustic charm of the pavilion setting. Jessica approaches the ceremony with her bouquet in hand, guests rising to their feet beneath the leafy cover of the Lakeside Pavilion. Jessica beams at Toly as she reaches the end of the aisle, her father by her side and the crowd gathered warmly under the canopy. Jessica and Toly exchange vows beneath the vine-covered canopy, surrounded by florals and their closest friends. Jessica smiles at Toly mid-ceremony, holding hands as they share a lighthearted moment under the greenery. A wide view of the Lakeside Pavilion captures the wedding party and guests beneath its lush, leafy shelter. Jessica walks toward the aisle, guests turning in their chairs as the ceremony begins with music and emotion. From the edge of the pavilion, Jessica and Toly say their vows beside the lake as rich autumn tones set the scene. The view from the seated guests frames Jessica and Toly standing together beneath the vines, bathed in soft light. Ivy and red creepers drape down behind the couple as they exchange vows, adding a moody romantic backdrop. The celebrant reads heartfelt words as Jessica and Toly stand together, guests listening attentively under the canopy. Toly reads his vows to Jessica beneath a canopy of grapevines, her bridesmaids watching nearby. A collage of emotional ceremony moments: Jessica beaming, exchanging rings with Toly, and sharing laughter with guests. With a sea of floral colour at their feet, Jessica and Toly say heartfelt vows in front of their guests. Wide view of the couple framed beneath the vine-draped Lakeside Pavilion, as the ceremony unfolds in natural beauty. Jessica and Toly share their first kiss beside the lake, framed by a blush-toned floral installation and willow trees. Newlyweds share a romantic first kiss beneath cascading vines, surrounded by cheering loved ones. Group shot of the wedding party and guests beneath the Pavilion canopy, the florals and vines in perfect balance. Jessica and Toly steal a quiet moment, clinking champagne glasses as they revel in the joy of just being married. Jessica and Toly share a quiet moment seated among vibrant florals in the Pavilion after the ceremony. Toly gently brushes Jessica’s hair aside as they embrace beneath autumn foliage near the lake at Bendooley Estate. Newlyweds nestled beneath a golden canopy of leaves, their reflection shimmering on the lake beside them. Jessica and Toly stand close under a white parasol, framed by rain-dappled leaves and soft forest tones. Jessica holds up her gown as she and Toly stroll the lake’s edge, the umbrella shielding them from soft drizzle. A wide shot of the ivy-covered Homestead facade with their bridal party. Standing against the hanging lush boston ivy blacony of The Bendooley Homestead, the bride and groom pose side by side. Jessica and Toly pause for a portrait beside the ivy walls of the Homestead, their vintage wedding car in view. Jessica reaches out to hold Toly’s hand around the ivy, a quiet moment before their reception. Toly and Jessica stand beneath ivy-covered eaves, framed by lush greenery and soft autumn light. The couple shares a relaxed pose against a dramatic wall of foliage, Jessica’s bouquet cascading at her side. Backlit in the doorway, Toly and Jessica pause in silhouette before exiting into the Bendooley Estate grounds. A joyful kiss in the backseat of their vintage car, captured in a rain-slicked window as newlyweds depart. Jessica and Toly climb into their classic getaway car as golden light bounces off the wet driveway. A pair of vintage vehicles parked beside The Book Barn and its iconic café entrance in the Southern Highlands. A sweeping aerial of Bendooley Estate’s vineyard, restaurant, and Book Barn, nestled in rolling countryside. Reception tables are set beneath the soaring timber beams of The Book Barn, ready for guests to arrive. A richly styled tablescape with patterned textiles and vintage books adds warmth and charm to the reception setting. Toly and Jessica share a quiet dance among rows of books and candlelit tables inside the Book Barn. Elegant wedding table setting with blush florals, taper candles, and gold table numbers reflecting warm firelight. A crackling open fireplace adds cosiness to the evening atmosphere inside Bendooley Estate’s Book Barn. Close-up of a literary-themed table setting, featuring vintage typewriter place cards and a sprig-tied menu. Bookshelves built into rustic stone walls showcase antique volumes, nestled beside reception tables. Jessica and Toly pose by the wedding cake, a floral masterpiece surrounded by bokeh and bookshelves. Jessica and Toly are welcomed to their wedding reception at The Book Barn with cheers and applause from their guests. Guests stand and clap as the newlyweds make their entrance into the warmly lit reception space. The couple shares a first dance surrounded by books and candlelight inside Bendooley Estate’s Book Barn. Reception speeches and laughter echo as loved ones gather around the long banquet table lined with florals and books. Jessica and Toly take part in a Ukrainian wedding tradition, stepping onto embroidered fabric and breaking bread together during their reception entrance. Jessica and Toly enjoy candid laughs together under the timber rafters during reception festivities. The newlyweds are toasted by their guests during dinner, surrounded by candlelight and book-lined walls. Delicious shared platters of seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes served during the reception feast. The newlyweds' fathers deliver heartfelt speechs at the Book Barn, with warm fairy lights glowing softly in the background. The newlyweds seated at the head table, smiling during the reception speeches, surrounded by vintage books and moody candlelight. Jessica and Toly share their speech at Bendooley's Book Barn. Guests laugh and listen as reception speeches continue during dinner inside the Book Barn in Berrima. The couple takes the microphone to thank their guests inside the warmly lit barn. Jessica and Toly hold each other on the dancefloor, surrounded by family and friends during their Book Barn reception at Bendooley Estate. Wide-angle view of the first dance captured from above, showing guests watching from the tables. A nighttime view from outside, shot through the Book Barn enterance, as the bride and groom share their first dance. Jessica and Toly share a romantic moment on the dancefloor, framed by the open doors of the Book Barn at night. The couple takes centre stage during their first dance, watched on by cheering guests in the timber-lined barn. A wide view of the dinner tables set beneath timber beams, glowing with candlelight and vibrant florals. The Book Barn exterior allows guests to enjoy the remainder of their night outside in the courtyard, under the stars of the southern highlands countryside.

{iptc:description}

We honestly couldn’t have asked for better photographers than Hilary and Nicola. What started as a well-planned day quickly turned chaotic with a downpour of rain and even a power outage – but they didn’t miss a beat. They adapted on the fly, kept calm under pressure, and somehow made the most of every single twist the day threw at us.

Despite the challenging weather and limited conditions, they went above and beyond to find creative, unique compositions that truly told the story of our day. You could tell they weren’t just taking photos—they were capturing moments, emotion, and atmosphere.

What really stood out was how kind, approachable, and easy to be around they both were. Nothing ever felt forced or staged. Their presence was warm and natural, and they blended into the day seamlessly. Hilary even had the boys cracking up a few times—it made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.

They paid close attention to the people who meant the most to us, making sure those connections were reflected in the photos. Their familiarity with the venue and the staff was another huge plus—it felt like they were already part of the team, which made everything run even smoother.

Hilary and Nicola were relentless in their dedication from start to finish. They didn’t hesitate to step out into the pouring rain, getting completely soaked, all while staying focused and upbeat. Not once did they let the weather dampen the spirit of our day. We honestly couldn’t imagine having anyone else there.

Without a doubt, we’d hire them again in a heartbeat.