Some places slow you down. The Byron Bay hinterland in Australia has that effect: all warm light, soft air, and a quiet kind of beauty. This shoot followed that feeling, letting simplicity lead. At the heart of it were three models: two brides and one groom. Together, they represented what modern weddings really look like: diverse, personal, and full of intention. The creative team leaned into texture and contrast, keeping everything stripped back but rich in detail. Think breezy layers, sculptural florals, and a mood that felt grounded but open.
Concept Behind The Shoot
Led by photographer and creative director Kerstin Auer, this editorial was a quiet rebellion against prescriptive wedding norms. Shot at a minimalist architectural villa, the concept was born from Kerstin’s desire to merge the duality of her European roots and Australian minimalism — to create something poetic, modern, and intentional. The trio of models was cast not just for visual harmony, but for meaning, allowing the story to speak to a wider, freer expression of love.
Together with the styling of Ruffles and Bells, the concept was brought to life layered in textural elements and tactile details. Under the soft interplay of light and shadow, florals by Poppy Culture added sculptural movement, echoing the contours of the villa’s facade and blurring the line between form and feeling. This shoot played with contrast: land and sea, old and new, soft and strong. Pearls made a subtle appearance, tying together ocean and tradition without stealing focus.
“We set out to create a shoot where every detail carried meaning, but because it reflected something deeper,” shared the planner from Ruffles and Bells. “Much like the direction we’re seeing in weddings today, where couples are choosing details that speak to them. Their story, their values, their cultures.”
Location
The venue is Olea Villa Estate, a private property nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland. Recently restored, it reflects a clear love for Mediterranean architecture. Soft stucco walls, curved arches, and hand-done ironwork gave it a quiet elegance. It looks like something from Tuscany, but the breeze and the light are distinctly Australian. The location didn’t just host the shoot. It helped inspire it.
"It offered space to breathe, and its character gave us a timeless canvas to explore contrast, softness, and intention."
Fashion
The bridal looks, curated by The Bride Side Boutique, were designed to complement one another without feeling identical. One bride wore a structured gown by Lana Marinenko, with clean architectural lines and sheer sleeves. The second wore a softer silhouette by Labay Victoria Atelier, with flowing pleats and an off-shoulder neckline that caught the breeze.
"What I loved most was the cohesiveness. Each look felt refined yet effortless, completely in tune with the styling and setting."
Hair and makeup, styled by Moon Light Beauty, stayed luminous and personal. One bride wore her hair slicked back in a high sculptural bun, while the other kept hers loose and textured. The groom wore a classic black suit by Oscar Hunt, grounding the softness with clean tailoring.
Each detail felt purposeful, right down to the florals. There were two bouquets, each with its own mood. One bride held a bunch of creamy white tulips with soft yellow centers, paired with chunky ivory bangles for a playful edge. The other carried a more delicate design — cascading strands of hyacinths mixed with pearls, almost like floral jewelry.
“It embodied the beauty of old-world charm meeting contemporary elegance,” the planner shared.
Decor & Flowers
The reception scene was set beneath a vine-covered pergola just off the villa, with the breeze lifting layers of sheer white draping throughout the day. It all felt light and easy, but behind that calm was the professionalism of the team, who knew exactly how to balance the space and the palette.
The table was simple in shape but rich in texture. Draped in soft linen, it held ripple-edged plates, delicate silver cutlery, and translucent napkins that echoed the softness of the setting.
Florals by Poppy Culture followed the same rhythm. Rounded white blooms, mostly chrysanthemums, were arranged in low, cloud-like clusters. Strings of pearls ran loosely along the table, catching the light and adding a quiet layer of luxury.
One of the floral highlights, aside from the bouquets, was how everything moved with the space. Nothing was fixed or rigid. It breathed, floated, and responded to the wind and light like part of the landscape.
When Plans Shift
The reception table was originally planned for the garden, nestled under layers of floating fabric. But the wind had other plans. After half an hour of chasing drapes and reworking placements, the team made a quick call to shift the entire setup closer to the house. They reimagined the scene, and it turned out even better than expected.
And then came the missing suitcase. It held key styling pieces and didn’t arrive until the following morning. “We lost valuable time and had to rethink a few things on the fly,” said the planner. “But honestly, those curveballs pushed us to adapt in ways that made the final result better.”
No shoot goes off without a hitch. However, what makes all the difference is how the team moves through it. This one stayed flexible, stayed positive, and found beauty in the unexpected. That mindset, that mix of creativity and calm, is what brought everything together in the end.
STYLIST & PLANNER Ruffles and Bells | PHOTOGRAPHER Kerstin Auer | VIDEOGRAPHER Mos and Co | FLORAL DESIGN Poppy Culture | VENUE Olea Villa Estate | GOWNS The Bride Side Boutique | DRESS DESIGNERS Lana Marinenko, Labay Victoria Atelier | SUIT Oscar Hunt | HAIR & MAKEUP Moon Light Beauty | STATIONERY Esthetic Bride | JEWELRY Dinosaur Designs | SILKS Songbird Silk | TABLEWARE & DETAILS Eto Studio | DRAPERY Pro Light Styling | SHOES Kurt Geiger | MODELS Astro Ajok, Coby H, Karla Sellies
