Planning a wedding at Sunnyside Estate on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula?
Shanai and Joshua’s celebration is a beautiful example of how this venue comes to life when couples lean into its gardens, architectural spaces, and effortless coastal elegance. Their day was modern, editorial, and deeply personal. They focused on being present, celebrating with loved ones, and we worked together to create heirloom-worthy photographs that feel timeless and elevated.
If you’re dreaming of a Sunnyside wedding that balances Vogue-inspired style with candid, in-the-moment storytelling, this one is for you. Read on!
Getting Ready at a Luxury Mount Martha Airbnb
Shanai and Joshua began their wedding day separately, each getting ready at luxury Airbnbs in Mount Martha, a choice that instantly set the tone for the day.
Calm, elevated, and considered, these spaces gave them room to breathe and created the kind of editorial backdrop that feels timeless without trying too hard. Yet to mention, the views over Port Philip Bay and the modern coastal chic vibe.
From the very beginning, Shanai knew exactly how she wanted the day to feel and, importantly, how she wanted it to look.
“I love the aesthetic of our wedding photos!!! They came out so so well and I feel like I’m looking at a celebrity’s wedding when I go through them haha! They are so elegant and candid but giving Vogue at the same time!”
That vision came to life during the getting ready moments. Styling Shanai’s Christian Dior pearl‑embellished heels, capturing fun moments by the pool with her bridesmaids, popping champagne & doting on Shanai like the princess she was for the day.
Garden Ceremony at Sunnyside Estate
Sunnyside Estate was always the one for Shanai & Joshua.
“Sunnyside was incredibly beautiful from the start,” Shanai shares. “The garden and aisle captured our attention as soon as we saw it and after that I could never see myself walking down another aisle.”
As Shanai walked down the aisle, everything aligned. The gardens were in full bloom, the setting felt expansive yet intimate, and the moment was captured from multiple perspectives.
“They way the flowers had all bloomed by our date made us so happy! Was just a dream.”
With a second photographer capturing the back‑of‑dress moment and Daniel filming from above with the drone, the ceremony was documented in a way that felt immersive and complete, allowing every angle of that walk down the aisle to be remembered.
Bridal Party Photos Under the Rose-Covered Arbours
After the ceremony, we moved behind the ceremony space to photograph the bridal party beneath the rose‑covered arbours. This area created a beautifully structured backdrop that suited both classic group portraits and candid moments full of post-ceremony-just-married excitement!
The focus here was balance: capturing the timeless, formal shots every couple wants, while also leaving space for laughter, movement, and natural interaction between the group.
The sandstone steps and fountain worked perfectly for layering the group and adding interest and dimension to the shot.
Canapés Hour & a Champagne Tower in the Sunnyside Piazza
Rather than disappearing for portraits straight away, Shanai and Joshua made a conscious decision to stay present.
They joined their guests for canapé hour, kicking things off by pouring a champagne tower in Sunnyside’s Mediterranean‑inspired Piazza. It set the tone for the rest of the celebration: social, joyful, and shared.
Golden Hour Wedding Photos at Sunnyside Estate
As the light shifted, Shanai and Joshua finally stepped away together.
“Most memorable was our sunset photoshoot,” Shanai says. “Josh and I went for a walk towards the sunset and decided to practice our first dance on the circular concrete pads there.”
“It was a nice intimate moment that was captured so well by our team. It’s now my favourite part of our snippet video and sneak peek photos.”
Most importantly, it gave them something rare.
“It was the first time we felt alone together all day.”
Those portraits feel honest and unforced; a pause in the middle of the celebration, captured exactly as it happened.
Reception, Outfit Changes & a Full Dancefloor at Sunnyside
As the evening unfolded, Sunnyside transformed once again.
Burgundy and soft pink styling by The Small Things Co paired with grand floral installations by Leilani by GG — literal Pinterest‑worthy moments at every turn.
One of Shanai’s favourite parts of the night came with a wardrobe change.
“Changing into my second dress was the best time!!” she says. “All my bridesmaids got changed as well which is something I always wanted, and switched us into party mode, we felt like the IT girls!!”
The dancefloor stayed full as Like This Entertainment kept the energy high, before an unforgettable surprise: Joshua’s cousin joining the band to perform Valerie, a moment that had everyone cheering.
The night finished exactly how it should: champagne spraying in the Secret Garden, followed by a guard of honour as Shanai and Joshua were farewelled by their guests & a quick smooch in the back of the Rolls Royce before they were whisked away back to their accommodation.
The Team Behind the Day
A wedding like this comes together because of a team who truly understand the vision.
Photography: Emma Hawkins Photography
Second Photographer & Content: Kelsey Renae Photography for Emma Hawkins Photography
Videography: Daniel Turner Weddings
Venue & Catering: Sunnyside Estate
Florals: Leilani by GG
Styling: The Small Things Co
Wedding Dress: KYHA Bride
Makeup Artist: Lauren Del Tondo Artistry
MC: Sam Muscat MC
Band & DJ: Like This Entertainment
Gear and Details
- Digital Camera & Lenses: Sony A7RIV & Sony A7RIII, 35mm G Master, 24-70 mm G Master (Sony lenses), 85mm Art (Sigma) & 20mm Sigma (for wide dancefloor shots!)
- Film cameras & Lenses: Olympus OM2 & G. Zuiko 50mm f1.4, Olympus MJU II
- Flash: Godox V860III & Godox AD100Pro
- Coverage: 11 hours, two photographers, one videographer
Final Thoughts
Shanai and Joshua’s wedding was proof that when you prioritise presence, aesthetic, and genuine connection, the result is a celebration that feels effortless, elegant, candid, and completely their own.
If you are planning a wedding at Sunnyside Estate and want to learn more, view my full in-depth venue guide by clicking right here. I’d love to talk about how we can make your wedding vision come true at Sunnyside Estate, so if you have a date lined up or want to know my availability, click right here to send me an enquiry
Highlight Wedding Gallery at Sunnyside Estate
Planning a Sunnyside Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
I think I’ve said a hundred times already in this blog, but Sunnyside Estate is an absolute dream for portraits at golden hour!
Whether we’re using the sunken garden’s terraces or stealing a few minutes under the arbor, or striking some editorial poses in the Puglian-esque secret garden, the light here sculpts faces beautifully and creates that warm, dreamy, cinematic look.
As a destination wedding and elopement photographer who adores editorial frames and totally candid moments, I’d encourage you to consider a private first look, a late-afternoon ceremony, mingling with your guests during canapes and a second portrait window just before sunset to make images that feel truly warm and personal.
If you want photos that are a modern romantic-aesthetic, strikingly editorial but also quietly cinematic, then Sunnyside Events will certainly deliver.
Ready to explore dates or see sample timelines?
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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