Riverwood Downs Wedding

Bride and groom walking down the aisle at Riverwood Downs with rose petal confetti thrown in the air

Let me tell you about Kiara and Alex, the coolest couple ever! They were all about having a stress-free wedding where they could bring together their entire friends and family in one awesome location. And guess what? They found the perfect spot for their big day: Riverwood Downs in Monkerai. This place had it all—serene vibes, space for a massive celebration, and a breathtaking backdrop.

Riverwood Downs at Barrington Tops is a massive 750-acre property that's perfect for a chill weekend getaway or a laid-back wedding. The best part? They have tons of accommodation options, and camping was a big hit. That's why Kiara and Alex fell head over heels for Riverwood Downs. They could stay on-site with all their favourite people, turning their wedding into a mini-vacation.

Alex and his groomsmen got ready for the big day at the River Cottage, with a view of the popular swimming spot nearby. It was the perfect spot for groom prep photos—lots of natural light, plenty of outdoor space, and a backdrop of lush plants and foliage. They were as relaxed as can be, and pumped for the big day. As a gift to his groomsmen, Alex even gave them personalised cufflinks engraved with their initials and the wedding date. We captured some epic shots of the guys together, having a blast in the morning.

Bride and groom prep photos at Riverwood Downs Monkerai, Australia

Meanwhile, Kiara was getting ready in the gorgeous Rose Cottage at Riverwood Downs. Her bridesmaids were all there, hyped and ready to make her day unforgettable. They surprised her with the sweetest gift in the morning, and their energy was off the charts. Kiara couldn't wait to marry her man, Alex. The bridal party wore mismatched sage green bridesmaid dresses that looked absolutely stunning alongside the beautiful bouquets from Four Acre Farm Dungog. Once Kiara slipped into her gown, she had a special dress reveal with her mum. It was a tear-jerking, heartwarming moment, which I felt honoured to have been able to capture. After a quick fix of makeup, we were off to the ceremony.

Riverwood Downs has endless ceremony options, all of which are super flexible and customisable. Kiara and Alex chose a spot near the river, between two grand trees. It provided a shady spot for the guests and made for a picture-perfect ceremony location. They wanted to keep things simple but heartfelt, and boy, did they succeed!

When it was time for the bridal party photos, it was all about having a blast. We had a brilliant time spraying champagne, which always makes for killer photos. The backdrop of the flowing river and the sun peeking through the trees gave us some jaw-dropping photos. Then we hit the dirt road for more photo fun. The best part about Riverwood Downs weddings is the variety of locations available within minutes—from riverside beauty to stunning open fields at sunset.

Bridal party with bride and groom beside the river at Riverwood Downs Barrington Tops, Australia

Finally, we entered the reception in the Woolshed, decked out with dreamy white drapes and twinkling fairy lights. Kiara and Alex wasted no time and kicked off the evening with their first dance as a married couple. The energy in the room was electric. After enjoying some mouthwatering food and heartfelt speeches, everyone hit the dance floor. We wrapped up the night with a sparkler sendoff with the bridal party, who were total legends, running around with those fiery sticks, even in the cold. But hey, it was totally worth it for the epic photos!

Riverwood Downs Barrington Tops is the ultimate wedding venue for those who want convenience and a rustic vibe. I had an absolute blast capturing Kiara and Alex's special day, and I'm already counting down the days until I get to go back.

VENDORS

Photographer: Wild Wattle Photography

Venue: Riverwood Downs Barrington Tops

Hair & Makeup Stylist: Gloss Girl Bridal

Florist: Four Acre Farm Dungog

Celebrant: Memorable Moments by Vanessa