Jye + Ella — A Magical Wedding at Minnie Waters
Some wedding days simply sparkle with a touch of magic — and Jye and Ella’s celebration at Minnie Waters on May the 4th was exactly that. From start to finish, their day was packed with love, laughter, wildlife wonders, and one incredible surprise. I’m beyond grateful they trusted me to capture every unforgettable moment.
The day couldn’t have been more stunning — clear skies, a salty breeze, and the coastal beauty of Minnie Waters as our backdrop. But what made this wedding truly extraordinary were the people and the heartfelt moments that unfolded.
Ella’s fabulous father, Robert Simmons, from Robert Simmons Marriage Celebrant, officiated the ceremony. He filled it with just the right balance of belly laughs and happy tears, making it deeply personal and full of warmth. His words wrapped around everyone there like a big family hug. Not only that, Robert also created all of the beautiful wedding florals himself — what a skill! His handiwork added a personal, thoughtful touch to every corner of the day.
Earlier in the day, I had the privilege of capturing one of my all-time favourite father–daughter first looks. Robert, the proud father, stood with tears in his eyes as he saw Ella in her wedding dress for the first time. And not just any dress — Ella was wearing her mother’s very own wedding dress. She looked absolutely incredible. Seeing her step into such a meaningful, elegant gown was a beautiful nod to family and history, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight as Robert took in the moment. Witnessing and photographing it was truly an honour.
And let’s talk about Ella’s sensational, glamorous mother — not only the radiant mother of the bride but also the makeup artist for her own 97-year-old mother (Ella’s grandmother). What a woman! With grace and love, she made sure her mum looked and felt amazing for the day, and the results spoke for themselves. Three generations of beauty, strength, and elegance were shining brightly. One guest who stole the show (and many hearts) was Ella’s 97-year-old grandmother. Full of life and radiating elegance, she was an absolute vision — a reminder of the generations of love surrounding this couple. Of course, Jye’s mum and dad were definitely not upstaged. Jye’s mother turned up the heat in a stunning Sheike dress paired with glamorous gold shoes — absolute showstoppers in their own right. The pride and joy on their faces as they watched Jye marry his love was simply beautiful to witness.
After the ceremony, guests were in for the biggest surprise of the day. Ella and Jye handed out envelopes, each containing a photo of a baby scan — they’re expecting! The collective gasp, followed by cheers and happy tears, made for one of the most emotional and joyful reveals I’ve witnessed.
Like any great wedding, there were a few unexpected twists. When the music failed, Jye’s sister-in-law stepped up and broke into song — her voice like that of a songbird, filling the space so effortlessly you’d think it was all part of the plan.
Family truly was at the heart of this celebration. Ella’s brother flew in from Melbourne to be by her side. Jye’s little boy was not only the cutest ring bearer, but also proved himself a chess wizard at just six years old! As the festivities rolled into the afternoon, Ella wowed everyone again by slipping into her second dress — a sensational fuchsia pink Aje gown that perfectly complimented her insanely blue eyes. She looked absolutely radiant, vibrant, and ready to dance the night away in style.
Nature played its part in the magic too. Wild emus crossed my path on the way down, a pod of dolphins danced off the cliffs, and kangaroos hopped through the surrounding fields — as if Mother Nature herself was celebrating alongside us.
Jye and Ella, your day was pure magic in every sense of the word. Thank you for letting me document such an incredible chapter in your story. I can’t wait to see all the adventures that await you — with a little one on the way too!
With love,
Nat | Mrs Smiths Photography
