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The Ballimore Church Wedding | Alicia & Jacob’s Relaxed Marquee Celebration near Dubbo 😭🤌
Look, I say I love every wedding I shoot, but Alicia and Jacob’s day at The Ballimore Church? 100000000/10. An absolute masterclass in throwing out stiff traditions, ditching the "shoulds", and just having the best damn time of your life.
I’m a firm believer that your wedding day should be filled with things you actually want to do, not stuff you feel forced to do just because "that’s how weddings are done." Alicia and Jacob understood the assignment completely.
The forecast leading up to Saturday was looking so sketchy, but the sky completely put on a show for us. From the second I rocked up to this cute as hell church in Ballimore, the vibe was just unmatched. No awkward traditions, no stress, no high-pressure timelines—just good humans, unreal energy, and a bridal party that was straight-up elite.
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Here is how the whole day went down.
The Cutest Church Ceremony & A Very Brave Little Boy
The Ballimore Church is stunning, but the second everyone crammed inside, it felt less like a formal church service and more like a room full of your favourite people cheering you on.
Ollie and his cousin kicked things off on ring security duties. Poor Ollie was feeling pretty under the weather on the day with a bug, but he was such a brave little trooper sticking it out. The extra cuddles just made the whole ceremony hit twice as hard in the chest.
This is why I love real life, unposed wedding photography. Life isn't a picture-perfect staged catalog shoot—it’s messy,emotional, and real. Seeing Jacob’s face when Alicia walked down the aisle toward him—with their little boy right there in the mix needing a cuddle—was pure, unscripted emotion that you simply can't manufacture.
Fast Formals & "Sit Your Asses Down" Sunset Portraits 😅
If you’re hiring me as your wedding photographer, know this right now: we don’t do boring, stiff lineups that drag on for hours. Photos should never feel like a chore or a hostage situation taking you away from your own party.
We knocked out the family shot list super fast, made sure our gorgeous pregnant bridesmaid had plenty of shade and drink breaks, and let the bridal party get straight back to having a laugh and having a drink.
Then 5:45 PM rolled around, and the Central West sky completely turned it on.
And YES, I absolutely made them sit their asses down together just to watch the sunset. If you book me, taking five minutes away from the chaos to actually soak in the fact that you just got married is a total non-negotiable! The light out past the church grounds went full liquid gold right before the 6:08 PM sunset. No cheesy, fake posing ("now look at the flowers and tilt your head"). Just the two of them taking a breath, laughing together, and watching the sun go down.
Marquee Party, Pizza Fugitives & Doing Things Your Own Way
Once the sun dipped, everyone headed across the grounds into the marquee setup by Adors Party Hire, and the vibe went from 10 to 100.
Instead of an over-rehearsed grand entrance routine, Grace gave them a quick, fun announcement and everyone got straight down to business: dinner.
They brought in Pizza Fugitives to serve fresh woodfired pizza straight out of the van, alongside a gorgeous spread from Keiyana's Katering. Zero stuffy sit-down courses—just amazing food, cold drinks, and people moving around chatting. Speeches had the whole marquee alternating between crying and losing their minds laughing, and right after speeches, they cut straight into dessert pizzas. Absolute top-tier idea.
Direct Flash Party Candids & Pure Unhinged Dance Floor Energy
Alicia and Jacob shared about thirty seconds alone on the dance floor before Ollie joined in for the sweetest little trio moment. Then the Spotify playlist kicked off, and the rest of the night was pure, unhinged energy in the best way possible.
Once the lights go down, the flash comes out. Forget sterile, dark reception photos—direct flash party photography captures the sweat, the chaos, and the real atmosphere of a dance floor that's completely lost its mind.
I’m talking drinks flying, everyone belting out lyrics, epic late-night flash shots out in the dark, and me literally hanging back late because I seriously just didn’t want to pack up my gear and leave.
Alicia and Jacob, thank you for letting me run around capturing your day. You two did it 100% your way, and that’s always where the best memories live. 🤍
The Central West Wedding Vendor Dream Team
If you’re planning a wedding and want a team of legends who make the whole day feel effortless and fun, hire them immediately:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Ballimore Church
Photography & Film: Maddi Lee’s Photography
Celebrant: Rebeccah Marriage Celebrant
Dinner Catering: Pizza Fugitives
Grazing Table: Keiyana's Katering
Marquee & Furniture Hire: Adors Party Hire
Bouquets & Boutonnieres: Flowerama Sydney
Bridal Makeup: Pretty as a Peacock
Bridal Hair: Kaitlyn Galway Hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you host a marquee reception at The Ballimore Church?
Yes! There is ample space on the grounds surrounding the historic church to pitch a marquee with plenty of room for mobile food trucks, outdoor lawn games, and open-air mingling under the stars.
How does catering work with a mobile food truck like Pizza Fugitives?
Food trucks create a relaxed, interactive atmosphere where guests grab food as they please rather than waiting through formal, rigid table services. It keeps everyone mingling, casual, and energized for the dance floor.
Do you travel across Dubbo and the Central West for weddings?
Yes! While based in the region, I regularly travel throughout Dubbo, Mudgee, Orange, Parkes, Bathurst, and all surrounding areas for weddings and elopements.
Want a Wedding That Actually Feels Like You?
If your wedding day is going to look anything like this—candid moments, direct flash party energy, good food, unposed portraits, and doing things your way without the stiff rules—reach out to check my 2026/2027 wedding dates. Let's make it fun!
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