A sucker for a black wedding dress and an elegant, yet low key, outdoor affair we have long been looking forward to sharing Anthea and Rusty’s wedding, photographed by Ashley Oostdyck, with you!
Ashley tells us “when I looked at these two through my viewfinder Rusty, a Pitjantjatjara man, Anthea, a Tamborine Mountain girl I saw two special souls perfectly matched and surrounded by the amazing love of their friends and family. That love was so tangible and reflected in every little detail. It has stayed with me as a precious memory ever since and I still can’t wipe the grin off my face when I think about their wedding day. And when Rusty’s dear Simon, played Didjeridoo as Anthea walked down the aisle? The echo and throb of his music spilled over my skin in the best kind of goosebumps. I’m a very lucky photographer and even luckier now that I get to call them dear friends.”
I ‘can do’ kinda couple, Rusty owns Building Bridges, where he runs philanthropic workshops in Aboriginal communities, and is a member of the awesome Manta Trio band, and Anthea works for Social Ventures Australia, these guys set out, with their nearest and dearest, to create the perfect garden party. Anthea tells us “Eagle’s Nest is my nan’s place, and it is a beautiful location. Rusty’s totem is the eagle, so it was important to us to have it there.” The decorations, catering and cake were all looked after by family and friends, and Anthea’s mum, a classically trained opera singer, busted one out during the ceremony, creating the warm, love filled vibe Ashley speaks of above.
But what we dig most about this wedding is Rusty’s response when we asked him about the highlight of his day. He says “that our daughter was technically there , Anthea was 4 months pregnant at wedding!” The beautiful Wyntah-Lily Mulkutja was born in January this year and we wish Anthea and Rusty all the best as they set about making the world a better place, one creative endeavour at a time.
CREDITS Photos Ashley Oostdyck // Bridal gown Aurelio Costarella // Flowers Nola Woodward // Ceremony and reception Eagle’s Nest, Tamborine Mountain.