Strong Southerlies & Unreal People
There is one thing you can count on in the North West and that’s the persistent winds which blow in (pun intended) from the South, advancing anything that is not securely fastened, before them. Redland Park’s wedding day dawned heralding a good ole gale causing the stylists (AKA fam & friends) to come up with some cunning strategies for anchoring objects e.g. red rocks for table weights. I do always admire the planning, work and ingenious ideas that are unveiled at every unique and wonderful outback wedding. I also never fail to appreciate the privilege of capturing these events, few wedding photographers get to have adventures as cool as mine.
I hadn’t met Jo & Angus until wedding day and first impressions of an unpretentious, joyful couple was confirmed time and again for the remainder of our time together. It’s a real pleasure to be around this calibre of humans and particularly on a wedding day when there is so much going on, plenty of potential for time crunch enforced stress and concerns that not everything is going to plan. Not these two. It was just a fun-filled day.
Wendy’s Knob & Hilarious Best Man
The chopper ride was an added bonus. After the First Look and watching the chopper draw closer, there was a moment of ‘wow, this really is cool’. Jo was beside herself with excitement, the pilot was a wind-managing Legend, and how incredible does the country look?? We flew to the adjoining property ‘Wooleslie’ where Jo & Angus will create their forever home in the coming months, they had to have a photo atop Wendy’s Knob (named in honour of Angus’ Mum!) the highest spot on the place. A tail wind had us back at Redland Park quick smart with Jo & Angus already on cloud nine and eager to say ‘I do’!
The speeches were all fantastic, funny and poignant all rolled together, the best possible mix. A special mention must go to Blair, Angus’ cousin and Best Man who had everyone clambering to catch their breath between involuntary guffaws. Smack-dab speech writing, it was up there as one of the best I’ve heard from a Grooms Man.
How did you two meet and what were your first impressions?
We met at the Julia Creek dirt and dust festival. Angus walked me home to my camp. My first impression was that he was very tall and easy to talk to. Angus first impression of Jo was that we chatted for ages and I loved talking to her. fast forward a few months to Quamby Rodeo when I spent half the night trying to set Angus up with my friends. Then fast forward another 8 months to Cloncurry Races- Angus kissed me on the dance floor at the PO disco and the rest is history.
How did he/she propose?
Angus took me away glamping for a few nights. As soon as we arrived Angus dropped a knee and asked me to marry him. I spent the next 20 minutes dancing and drinking champagne- so so excited. It was such a lovely time.
What do you love most about each other?
J: I love how Angus treats others. He makes people feel at ease and is interested and interesting. I love his sense of fun and adventure but mostly I love how he is with Louie.
A: I love that Jo has a laugh out loud personality and that she doesn’t get hung up on the little things. She focuses all of her energy into the important things like friends and family.
I'd love to hear one special memory of your courtship...what moment/day/event stands out for you?
I remember driving out to Redland Park, Angus’ home, when we had been dating for about a month. I was itching to get out there after a shift at the mount Isa hospital, but pulled over on the side of the road and took a photo of the sunset because I wanted to remember the moment when I knew I loved Angus. It sounds very cheesy but I remember thinking wow this man is my person.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
A fun filled day with our nearest and dearest in a magical spot!
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
Fun, relaxed, filled with love and laughter and some crazy dancing.
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
Taking a chopper ride over our property. It was magical! And such a nice time to spend alone, reflect and enjoy some quiet before the chaos.
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
Honourable mention to Jo’s UK family that made the trip to be with us on our wedding day.
Surprises – how perfectly behaved our daughter Louie was!!! She gets MVP.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
Honestly, just the same as always! With a little extra love.
Jo’s outfit: Pants – Zimmerman Top – Aje
Suits: Peter Jackson
Rings: Sarah Gardner Jewellrey
Makeup: The Skin Coaches
Hair: HBL Hair
Flowers: Flinders Mitchell
Cake: Angus’ Mum, Wendy
Chopper: Elite Aviation Services, Winton
Celebrant: Paulina Raitilava
Caterer: Hartley & Co Catering
Master of Ceremonies: Luke McNeven
Venue: Redland Park, McKinlay
