Linda and I set off from the Coast around lunchtime in perfect weather for the 'Wedding of the Year' at South West Rocks - about a five hour drive. After checking in at our hotel it was off to the pub for dinner and a drink with Lee Anne Hanley (the best makeup artist on the Coast) her husband John, Kel-Leigh Hillhouse (of Kel-Leigh Couture fame and Krystal's dress designer) and her husband and assistant Ian. It felt like we were on holidays and we shared plenty of laughs and stories, many of which centred around Krystal, the wedding, the weather and the amazing honeymoon they have planned - a 12 month road trip around Australia.

The hours flew by and after a few drinks and a great meal, it was back to the hotel for a good nights sleep. We all awoke to blue skies, a very slight breeze but forecasts of rain and wind for the afternoon. Not good! Sure bad weather is something that you have to consider and accept if you plan an outdoor wedding but it just wouldn't be fair to have bad weather on Krystal's day after working on so many other weddings. We were all hoping for the weather to stay fine, especially me as there weren't too many indoor options for photos at South West Rocks and I knew how excited Krystal was about her photos and the locations she had picked for photography.

Time flew and it wasn't long before I was heading round to see Will and the boys for the start of the day. As predicted the wind had come up and the dark clouds were closing in. The boys were relaxed as ever and getting ready with a beer in hand. The guys seemed very comfortable, including Will in the attire they had chosen for the day - no jackets and ties here.

It was great for Will to have his bestman Mark out from Denmark, his brother Matt that who made the trip from Scotland and good buddy Scott with him on his big day.

I started shooting the details which included the guys' cuff links but there were only three sets - where were Will's? Unfortunately he had forgotten to pack them and Richard (Will's dad) was in town and trying to hunt out a set at the local shops - no one liked his chances. Shortly after Richard returned triumphant and with a story to tell - after looking everywhere the last chance was the local Salvation Army store, alas they had none either. Once Richard explained the predicament he was in, the shop assistant says that she may be able to help. She closed the shop and requested a lift back to her house (she didn't drive) and after fossicking inside returned with a set of gold cuff links from her husband that had recently passed away. Only in a small town! She then went on to tell Richard they were a gift and to wish the happy couple well.

The guys finished dressing and were keen to get some shots so after a few snaps in the house and a couple across the road in the reserve, I was done and it was off to see Krystal and the girls that were getting ready in a little cabin not far from the ceremony. On the drive over the rain came down and it was blowing a gale. Not looking good.

Arriving at the cabin the girls all seemed relaxed and Krystal was almost resigned to the fact that the ceremony was going to be inside. She still appeared to be happy and excited and told me that it didn't matter, it's about marrying Will more than anything else.

The flowers had arrived and looked perfect, the girls were all happy with their hair which had been booked in at 8am that morning, Lee was busily applying makeup and weaving her magic while Kel-leigh was laughing up a storm as she always does. The vibe was great and I knew we were in for a great day no matter the weather. The bridesmaids included Courtney (who's wedding I photographed only a few weeks ago in Sydney), Jess (who was also in Courtney's bridal party) and Amanda, Krystal's sister who was simply beaming with excitement at the thought of her little sister getting married today.

The girls were dressed and the next thing Krystal appeared in the most beautiful gown and beaming smile I had ever seen - wow! There was screaming and laughter and tears - and that was just from me. She looked stunning. Kel-Leigh had outdone herself again, what a dress. Next came the shoes, another work of art and carrying all the 'bling' that Krystal didn't want on the dress followed by the chandelier like earrings also designed by Kel.

After some finishing touches, the veil, perfume and garter it was almost time to go. A glance out the window revealed that the rain had stopped, the wind was dying - the ceremony will be as planned at the Trial Bay Gaol. Excellent. A few more photos and it was time to go.

I arrived at the Gaol to find the weather still on the improve. Krystal and the girls arrived and the show was about to start after some last second adjustments by the girls. Krystal took her Mum's arm and was ready to head down the isle preceded by Jake (Krystal's nephew) and the girls. It wasn't until I walked into the Gaol to get set up that I realised what a location this was! The scene was perfect with the main room filled with family and friends, beautiful old sandstone, a very nervous Will (who later told me that he was worried that guests would be able to see his knees shaking), arches, corridors and unbelievably, a hint of blue sky.

The bridal party made their way into the Gaol and then it was Krystal's turn - as she stepped through the massive iron gates on her mum's arm without the a word of a lie, the shining sun appeared from behind the clouds which parted to reveal a stunning blue sky. As beautiful as the moment was I had to fight my camera to adjust for the changing light - nightmare.

As she entered the room, Will's eyes were beaming and never once left his bride - what a moment.

The ceremony was perfectly delivered by their good friend Bren with some beautiful words and some light hearted moments also. Bill was invited to say a few special words and Krystal's good friend Simone (who used to work at Impact) gave a reading. A happier couple I have never seen - their eyes were fixed on each other throughout and with smiles, smiles that would hurt your face.

After signing the paperwork the new Mr and Mrs Miles were introduced to us and it was congratulations all round. A big group photo and some family photos and it was time for the bridal party to take a breather as the guests headed off for a drink before the reception.

After some relaxing it was time for some more intimate photos and some fun shots with the bridal party. Relaxing was easy once we had the Gaol to ourselves - some smoked salmon sandwiches, chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne. With so many options for photos it was difficult to know where to start - so Will took Krystal's hand, headed off deeper into the Gaol and everything came together perfectly with some beautiful moments captured. We all had a ball exploring the photo opportunities offered up by the Gaol walls and soon it was off to the lighthouse at Smoky Cape.

The lighthouse stood dominant on the hill and its white walls in stark contrast to the now blue skies. No one was warned of the steeeeep walk up to the lighthouse and the girls managed well in their heels. Once there it was obvious why they had picked this spot for some photos. The lighthouse was a beautiful backdrop as were the surrounding beaches and little out house that had a very Greek Island feel. By the time we made it back to the cars it was time for the reception except that Will had his heart set on a beach photo with the sun setting in Trial Bay.

Being their day, Krystal and Will were happy to delay their arrival and were delighted with the scene that met us at the beach - a golden setting sun over the water to end the perfect photo shoot. Good choice guys.

Any ideas of a traditional wedding reception were thrown out the window as the night began with speeches so the guys could relax. All the speakers were great and a highlight of the night - with touching words from Mark that had everyone tearing up, a lovely poem from Richard (something that he's renown for), touching words from Will about his first date with Krystal and his belief that together they can do anything and a beautiful speech from a very proud Linda (Krystal's mum).

The meals were a delight as was the surf club setting with a fantastic outlook over Trial Bay. It was soon time for the dancing but before that a lovely game where Krystal and Will were both asked questions about each other and had to answer by holding his shoe for a Will answer and her shoe for a Krystal answer - great fun and plenty of laughs.

The bridal dance followed and after some fancy twirls and and dips it was time for everyone to get out on the floor. The rest of the night was filled with laughter, stories, drinking and more laughter - a great night.

To finish Linda and I just want to say thank you to Krystal for the all the work she has done at Impact Images over the years and we will miss her dearly as she sets off with Will on their big adventure. We feel very privileged to have been involved in their wedding and will truly miss her at the studio. Not only has Krystal been a fantastic employee and helped to shape the business with her talent and flair she has become a friend to both Linda and I.



Good luck to both you and Will, travel safe, have fun, laugh lots and I hope when you look back at your wedding photos you not only think about the perfect day you had but also all the great times we all shared at Impact.

Love and miss you,
Andrew and Linda