Shelly Beach Manly Sydney Wedding Photographer - Annie & Steve

I’ve probably procrastinated longer than I should have done about blogging Steve & Annie’s incredible beach wedding in Manly Sydney. I think on reflection it’s something to do with a slight fear that my words would not something this awesome the justice it deserves.

I started the day on Manly seafront – squinting out to sea in the already scorching sunshine and trying to work out which of the surfers in the ocean were Steve and his groomsmen. I have to confess were it not for a lack of swim shorts and the bag full of cameras on my back I would have jumped out there and join them. Meanwhile Annie & her bridesmaids were just a stones throw away getting ready on the top floor of the Sebel Hotel, looking out to sea and across to the Surf Life Saving Club where they would be hosting their reception later.

The entire day played out on a super compact site around Manly which meant that I could join the guys for some of their post-surf breakfast and rejoin them back at their flat as they put on their suits. The ceremony was held on Shelley Beach, with chairs laid out on the sand and a small floral arch. With the sun high in the sky and with sand beneath our feat Annie walked down the makeshift aisle to marry Steve in front of their closest family and friends, and a few curious beachgoers.

From Shelley Beach to the reception at Manly Surf Lifesaving Club was an incredible coastal walk and an opportunity for Steve and Annie to get some time out and get some images of the two of them together. They are a pretty open minded and adventurous couple, and were more than happy to step over the odd sunbather and head out onto the tidal swimming pool wall for some great photographs.

As they walked around the final headland they were faced with huge cheers from the entire wedding party stood out on the balcony of the Manly Surf Live Saving Club, as well as congratulations from swimmers wearing improbably small swim shorts.

The club had been transformed into a beautiful venue and had glass on two sides facing along the beach and out to sea. Every guest was provided with a pair of now infamous ‘Stannie’ sunglasses with their name on.

We listened to hilarious speeches as the sun went down. I laughed, and laughed some more, then embraced the insane party that followed.

There was so much love. I started knowing just a couple of people and walked away with what seemed like a million friends and a huge smile on me face.

Plus I earned myself the moniker TMAWPA “the most awesome wedding photographer around” – a compliment I’m not letting go of easily…

ABOUT RICHARD MURGATROYD

Richard Murgatroyd is a Wimbledon-based London, UK and destination wedding photographer bringing a natural, documentary approach to telling the story of your special day. You can see a wider selection of Richard’s wedding portfolio here.

Shelly Beach Manly Sydney Wedding Photography by London Destination Wedding Photographer Richard Murgatroyd