We've been in the wedding industry for a while now (almost 10 years but who’s counting?) and have always been in complete awe of the kind, creative and hard-working humans that are its lifeblood. 

But there's not lot we've seen or experienced in the last decade that has made us feel quite as star-struck as this styled shoot and launch event at Caoura Cliffs - a stunning (and brand new) wedding venue managed by Wedshed in the Southern Highlands.

This collaboration involved some of the best NSW wedding vendors and after a full day and night spent in their company we can honestly say that nobody works (or plays) as hard as these folks. 

The only exception perhaps being Kathryn and Dave - the owners of Caoura Cliffs who have poured their hearts and souls into this new venture. And it shows - from the emerald green bathroom tiles, to the hand painted mural, to the remote-controlled lighting, every detail here has been carefully considered and perfectly executed. 

The shoot

The intention behind this shoot was to help couples imagine what a wedding or micro wedding at Caoura Cliffs could look like - which is no small feat given there are a multitude of options. Unafraid of a challenge, Sydney wedding planners and stylists Two Lovers rolled up their sleeves and created the most refined and dreamy looks we've seen in a long time.

Modern yet whimsical and with a touch of glamour, their carefully chosen styling items paired with Josephine Kelly's floral wizardry and South Coast Party Hire’s furniture created a sense of both quiet luxury and frivolity at every location. We can't explain exactly how they pulled it off but we certainly know how it felt - completely and utterly magical.

Also bringing plenty of passion and panache to the shoot were Sydney legends Alex Marks, Jason Corroto and Zac Mrak - three insanely talented photographers who alongside local icons Taz and Reid of Two Folk Films were prepared to lay down their lives to get "the shot" (both at the clifftop and as a raging storm rolled in). Luckily our models and real life couple Brooke and Cain were equally committed to the cause, and we did indeed get "the shot" (about 2,000 of them, actually).

Then there was Julia who created the most beautiful, edible work of art. It felt criminal to cut such a beautiful wedding cake (but gee it tasted good). And last but not least were our beauty queens with Karina Prebble on makeup and Ella Jean on hair. Both worked their own kind of magic to create timeless looks to compliment the overall vision of the shoot as well as Brooke and Cain’s incredible outfits which were courtesy of Prea James, Sarah Alouache and InStitchu. 

The entire day was a huge team effort but we think the final images speak for themselves. We hope you enjoy them as much as we loved creating them!

The Venue

You may not always remember the name but we can guarantee you'll never forget the feeling Caoura Cliffs evokes. This place really is something to behold. A 1,100 acre property in the Southern Highlands, it’s completely private and undeniably beautiful.

Access is via a quiet country road that winds all the way to the enormous glass-walled pavilion that looks out across wild bushland, as far as the eye can see. There’s not a neighbour in sight or in earshot, just wedge-tailed eagles that coast on the currents high above.

There’s on-site accommodation plus multiple locations to celebrate including the clifftops and the pavilion showcased in this shoot. If you want a wedding experience that is easy and utterly elevated, this is it.

The Clifftops

‘The Cliffs’ on the property rise majestically over the Shoalhaven River that snakes below, with views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s powerful yet serene - and it sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.⁠ Exchange vows here before heading back to the pavilion for cocktail hour. 

The Pavilion at Caoura Cliffs

The pavilion at Caoura Cliffs is a custom-designed, modern beauty. The space is adorned with double-height glass walls, providing absolutely show-dropping views for 4km out over a gorge into undisturbed Australian bushland and national park.

There’s ample room for up to 140 guests, with an indoor fireplace, full commercial kitchen and bar.

Sliding glass walls open to multiple al fresco areas, perfect for setting up cocktail hour before making your way indoors as the stars come out.

Accommodation at Caoura Cliffs

An additional offering at Caoura Cliffs is two nights’ accommodation in The Cottage, inclusive of linen and towels (sleeps 12 guests). The Cottage adjoins a fantastic covered area to dine alfresco with your onsite guests, as well as a pool and lush lawns.

The Vendors

We had high hopes for this shoot (we knew we had a great team lined up) but what transpired was beyond our wildest dreams. This group’s work ethic was second to none - we're pretty sure everyone tripled their regular step count and barely took a bathroom break. It was clear from the get go that everyone was committed to making this shoot exceptional.

It was a b-i-g day but the general banter and Alex Mark’s regular repertoire of dad jokes helped keep spirits alive, and the level of talent and creativity in one location created an energy that was almost palpable.

For anyone in the throes of planning a wedding (or hoping for some happy news over the festive season) we truly could not recommend a more wonderful team of wedding vendors.

For a full list of vendors, scroll to the bottom of this page.

The Launch Party 

During the shoot, we had all the seasons in one day - steaming hot sunshine, puffy clouds and a rolling storm front (RIP champagne tower) - but by the time the launch party kicked off, the skies had cleared and guests were able to mingle outside and enjoy the expansive views and grab a quick portrait shot with Offset Portraits (a more refined and personal alternative to photo booths).
 
The party was impressive from the start with Luxe Caviar delighting our palettes with the world’s finest caviar and Eschalot Restaurant putting on the most mouthwatering spread. Think a experiential outdoor cooking experience, gourmet canapés (the venison tartare, charred squid skewers and slow fire-cooked pork belly tacos being particularly memorable) and a grazing table and dessert station that we would happily eat for the rest of our days.

In the few rare moments we weren’t eating, we were drinking. Henry Clive Bar ensured everyone had a cocktail, champagne or wine in hand (honestly, their service was a bit too good) and before long the dance floor was kicking off with DJ Cadell and the band providing the best kind of beats (as in, songs you can actually boogie to).

It was the best way to wrap up our styled shoot and we can’t wait to help loved-up couples plan the ultimate wedding celebration at Coura Cliffs. If you want to know more about this incredible Southern Highlands weddings venue or would like to arrange a viewing, please reach out to us at caouracliffs@wedshed.com.au.

CREDITS: Photos Alex Marks, Jason Corroto, Zac Mrak // Video Two Folk Films // Venue Caoura Cliffs // Venue management Wedshed // Florist Josephine Kelly // Concept, planning and styling Two Lovers // Bridal gowns Sarah Alouache, Prea James // Suits InStitchu // Catering Eschalot // Bar services Henry Clive // Hair Ella Jean // Makeup Karina Prebble // Cake Cooked by Julia // DJ and band DJ Cadell // Portraits Offset Portraits