Clara’s energy is magnetic. She is deeply connected and soulful one moment and a firecracker of character and laughter the next. The night we met her and maid of honour Naomi felt much more like a gathering of friends discussing one of the girl’s upcoming wedding over drinks and giggles than a photography consultation. We instantly adored her (and Naomi!).

Matt is a Titan. A towering stature, stoic with an obvious soft side and after some serious health concerns he proclaimed to us that Clara has been his rock. He is warm and funny, LOVES to dance and when it comes to Clara – wears his heart on his sleeve.

On the last Saturday in May we made our way down  to the Southern Highlands and into Sutton Forest the home of the truly magical Montrose Berry Farm for flower girl Isabella’s First Birthday (oh and Clara and Matt’s wedding day). We went to work capturing all of the hard work and incredible heritage details in the crisp morning air and it became quite overwhelming just how much thought and special this day, these details were. A spanish guitarist practiced his chords,  while giant paella trays were being set up by the reception barn. Inside finishing touches to extraordinary table florals made by Matt’s cousin Richard were being laid, a Mexican Tres Leches (3 milk) cake took pride of place. Mulled wine aka “vino caliente” was being prepared in a soup pot.

A neighbour had made and engraved the date in Matt’s belt, a Mantila veil made by Clara’s  mother , a shawl knitted by her grandma years ago to wear on her wedding day, a simple embroidered handkerchief with the word Friday in spanish – a gift from her great grandmother when she was born – and used  in memory of the day Clara had met Matt. A flower crown,  reminiscent of the peasant girl celebrations of Guatemala, where Clara’s great-grandfather is from. And mind-blowingly a tiny chest of 13 gold coins – Clara’s “something old” – a a Hispanic tradition in El Salvador it was a gift from Clara’s Dad to her mother on their wedding day many years before.

“Everyone is special” Clara said to us. And you felt it. Clara and Matt are the most incredible hosts. Each and everyone family by blood or by heart and we felt so included in their generosity.  It was truly thrilling to be there. Their story is a usual one of boy meets girl but their connection is anything but common-place. No image can take the place of what these two amazing people felt for each other, what we all felt that day – they cannot tell you the whole story but we hope these may give you an idea.

Clara and Matt. We don’t know what to say. Thank you for inviting us into your story – for entrusting us with the magnitude of this day.  We are so grateful to live in a world that has love like yours. The world is better for it. We are better for it. Hope to have a tequila toast with you again soon!

E & Ez. x