High School Sweethearts
I first met Angus when he was six weeks old, track side at a Race Meeting in Richmond, lying peacefully in his pram despite the shenanigans of his surroundings and his three older siblings causing the standard ruckus that kids do. The scene was a predicator to his young life and years to come with his remarkable Mum Leigh calmly managing her throng and indeed, her very busy life in general, with steadfast class. I was lucky enough to be a neighbour to the Propsting crew for 20 years, Angus becoming my George’s best mate and constant companion, with many, many sleepovers as little kids and then attending boarding school together in their high school years. With a quick-to-grin demeanour and adventurous spirit, Angus is a delightful young man and has proved to be highly capable at all that he puts his hand to. He is very important to me and to have the privilege of being his wedding photographer is pretty neat.
Angus and Anna first met when she was 13, he 14, at Angus’ sister Rowena’s 21st. Angus recalls ‘I was not interested in girls as I was too young and I’m a nice boy. Instead – I lit fire crackers with the bad influence of my life – George Stacey. A couple of years later when I was in year 9, I finally got to meet Anna properly at a school dance and she was very fun and very very talkative.’
Anna also born and bred in the bush, is a woman to be reckoned with. Vivacious, vibrant and herself an adventurer, Anna was literally my ‘ideal client’, it was an absolute pleasure to ‘work’ with her in the months leading up to the wedding and well, on the wedding day, you can clearly see for yourself that she is every photographer’s dream!
’When I went to boarding school, Mum gave me Angus’s email address – because his brother Wyatt & my brother Sam were good mates so she thought it’d be nice for me to have another friend in Brisbane… That email address led to Angus getting my mobile number and me getting his – and I’ve kept that number ever since. We dated on and off and on and off all throughout high school but then seriously gave our relationship a crack once we left school.’
Once Again The Outback Delivers
The night before the wedding, my tent almost blew away with me in it the winds were that hectic though the day dawned perfectly. Of course. It happens every time! The 200 strong crowd gazed out over the Ceremony site that had been cleared of grass & shrubs beside a lake on Anna’s family property ‘Railview’, David & Michelle having put in months of work to ensure the day was as perfect as they imagined. The wedding party was preceded by Annas & Angus’ nieces and nephews who did a stellar job of setting the scene for what was Anna’s favourite part of her day ‘Oh my gosh if I could repeat that moment again and again and again I would. I wouldn’t change a thing. Hearing Angus’s incredible vows and being able to squeeze his hands throughout the whole thing was just amazing.’
The Reception was in David & Michelle’s garden, the beautiful star-filled sky adding glitter and romance, as though it knew to turn it on! The speeches delivered, as they always do, expertly steered by the joint MC’s (astutely hilarious) Blair Ogg and Anna’s brother Sam. A highlight was Rowena’s heartfelt acknowledgement of her 3 brothers and emotional reference to how proud their Dad would be, John having passed away when Angus was 8. Very special indeed. It’s tricky taking photos when my vision is blurred by tears!
Once the dancing began there was no deterring the party goers, culminating at one point with the bride crowd surfing (I was very disappointed to have already gone to bed so missed that moment! Damn.) There was still a few of the committed going strong when I emerged for breakfast at 8:00am on Sunday, there’s no doubt about it, bush weddings go on a bit!
I do have a special shout out to bridesmaid Evie who fell and broke her arm while we were on the bridal shoot which resulted in her having to spend the night in hospital and miss the ceremony. You were missed Evie!
More from the Bride & Groom (well, mostly the bride lol)
What do you love most about each other?
Anna: What I love most is how much Angus understands who I am as a person and completely respects and supports me as that person. I love having him there for any moment high or low because he is best person to have fun and be cheeky with but he also is such a generous, kindhearted and thoughtful person. There is something about his presence for me, I can’t put it into words but I wouldn’t want to do my life without him.
Angus: Anna, she just makes me smile. I love the all effort and support she gives our relationship to make our home a place of comfort . Sometimes she is a pain and we butt heads because she is very good at challenging me, that’s why I love her.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage is the opportunity to commit to a very special someone for life. Working though all situations in life together; challenges or celebrations. It’s being honest, playful, caring but most of all – loving to each other for the rest of life. A wedding to us, was an important event to celebrate our commitment and future with a casual 200 of our nearest and dearest!
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
Keeping things fun. We really didn’t want to be stressed or overwhelmed on our weddding day, so all our organisation and preparation was focused on reducing that. We didn’t really fuss too much over the minor details, we just wanted excellent music (which we had) and hot dancefloor (which never stopped!) and to be surrounded by all our family and friends. Of course, I, Anna, have always wanted to get married at home. I’m so very proud of my family and the beautiful home they have created. So I couldn’t think of a more special space to spend the day/weekend.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
The morning was so much fun and a very casual atmosphere. And as soon as the dress was on – holy moly I was so excited. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so excited in my life when I was walking down the aisle- pretty sure I was almost skipping!!! The night, as expected was nothing short of eventful. Even after one of my beautiful bridesmaids injuring her arm and being out-of-action for the rest of the night, the rest of our incredible bridal party was able to lift ourselves back up and party on through the night… and boy, did we make up for lost time! Perhaps it was the excitement, love, or the wine, or rum, but I got a little carried away with my speech… but I hope all of our family and friends really understood how much we do love and appreciate them. The band was incredible, the dancefloor never stopped! I even managed to find myself on the stage – then crowd surfing.. a pretty unexpected move for your typical bride.
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
Honourable mentions to my family & the Propsting’s, for all the time effort and energy put into the preparations and day of the wedding. We also have lots of other incredible family and friends who helped with the setup & packup – and many hands make light work!!! Thank you! Surprises: aside from Evie’s broken arm, and going TOTALLY OFF SCRIPT with my speech, I also never expected to crowd surf… and Sunday – wow wasn’t that the best bloody recovery I’ve ever been to.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
Although I am definitely having post-wedding blues, I want to do it all again In slow motion, It feels as though our life is only just beginning. We cannot wait to head off to our honeymoon in Palm Cove tomorrow!!! But it also feels much calmer and easier now, perhaps it’s because the stress of wedding planning is now faded.
