The Venue: The Chapel Montville’s Earthy Elegance
The Chapel Montville is a spectacular wedding venue on the Sunshine Coast, known for its stunning views and energetic connection to earth and animals. The chapel was the vision of its creator, Rounvenne Geijl, who dedicated it to animals in harmony with Saint Francis of the Franciscan orders. Saint Francis, the patron saint of ecology and animals, inspired the chapel’s design, ensuring it fit seamlessly with the environment, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The stone structure of the chapel, assembled over nine months using age-old methods of hammer and chisel by skilled stonemasons, adds to its rustic charm and timeless elegance. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship makes The Chapel Montville a unique and enchanting setting for wedding photography.
A Day of Dramatic Weather and Stunning Scenes
The weather on Natasha & Luke’s wedding day was initially perfect, with clear blue skies that provided a beautiful backdrop for their ceremony. However, as the afternoon progressed, rain and storms rolled in, creating dramatic skies and an unforgettable scene. Amidst the rolling storm clouds, a vivid and striking rainbow appeared, albeit briefly, providing a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
Capturing this “Rainbow Shot” was a comedic and chaotic affair. The couple, my assistant, and I sprinted towards the rear balcony area of the chapel, equipped with cameras, flashes, and umbrellas. Despite the rush, we managed to capture the rainbow in all its glory. This shot went on to become one of my most Nationally and Internationally awarded wedding photos, becoming a standout moment in Natasha & Luke’s wedding album and my career.
Embracing Creativity Indoors
Although the rain persisted throughout much of the photo shoot time, Natasha & Luke’s enthusiasm and willingness to get creative made the indoor photography sessions just as memorable. Using flash and other creative lighting methods, we captured a series of intimate and artistic photos that highlighted their love and the chapel’s unique ambiance.
One of the most memorable shots was the special chapel night photo we captured as the grand finale for their wedding album. This night chapel photo, with its ethereal lighting and serene composition, also won several National and International photography awards. Despite the wet weather, the wedding proved to be a resounding success for both the couple and my photography portfolio.