18 October 2026 | The Old Dairy Maleny | Sunshine Coast Wedding Photography & Videography
Some wedding days are beautiful. Some wedding days are emotional. And then there are wedding days that make you question whether you're actually allowed to have this much fun while technically being at work.
Ellena and Lachlan's wedding at The Old Dairy Maleny was absolutely one of those days.
And look, apologies in advance to every other couple I've photographed in 2026, but now that we're approaching the end of the wedding season, I think I can confidently say this wedding has made my top three. Possibly even taken out the number one spot.
And that's saying something because I've photographed some pretty incredible weddings this year.
But here's the thing. It wasn't just the stunning Maleny wedding venue, the incredible outfits, the beautiful styling or even the photographs (although, OH MY GOD, THE PHOTOGRAPHS).
It was Ellena and Lachlan.
Two people who were so utterly, ridiculously and beautifully in love that you could feel it in every single moment of their wedding day.
You know those couples who don't have to say a word to each other because you can already tell exactly what they're thinking? The ones who look at each other like they're the only two people in the room?
Yeah. That was these two.
“Finding your soulmate isn't about finding someone who makes life perfect. It's about finding the person who makes every imperfect moment worth sharing.”
And if there was ever a wedding day that proved that, this was it.
So grab yourself a cuppa, get comfortable and prepare for me to absolutely rave about one of my favourite weddings of 2026.
Because I have A LOT to say.
Why The Old Dairy Maleny Is One of My Favourite Sunshine Coast Wedding Venues
Before we get into the wedding itself, can we just appreciate how incredible The Old Dairy Maleny is?
Seriously.
If you're currently searching for a Maleny wedding venue, this is one you absolutely need to have on your list.
Perched in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland, The Old Dairy Maleny is one of those venues that somehow manages to be both breathtakingly grand and incredibly intimate.
The rolling green hills, gorgeous countryside views, beautiful accommodation, iconic architectural features and stunning ceremony locations make it an absolute dream for wedding photography.
But one of my favourite things about this venue?
You can have your entire wedding day in one location.
And I mean EVERYTHING.
Getting ready with your bridal party? Yep.
Your ceremony? Absolutely.
Couple portraits surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the Sunshine Coast? Obviously.
Your reception and celebrations? You bet.
No rushing between locations, no coordinating a convoy of cars and no spending half your wedding day wondering whether everyone has made it to the next destination.
You can simply enjoy the day.
And that's exactly what Ellena and Lachlan did.
As a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, I cannot tell you how much I love venues that allow couples to experience their whole wedding without constantly watching the clock.
More time together, more time with your favourite people and more opportunities for those beautiful, candid moments.
Plus, The Old Dairy has some fantastic wet-weather options.
Which, as you're about to discover, turned out to be VERY relevant to this particular wedding.
The Boys, Black Tuxedos and a Very Enthusiastic Cellar Session
We kicked off the morning with Lachlan and the boys, who were getting ready in the accommodation right beside the girls' homestead.
Convenient? Absolutely.
Especially considering the weather had apparently decided it wanted to make an entrance of its own.
Just as we arrived, the heavens opened.
And when I say it started raining, I mean we were practically sprinting inside to avoid getting absolutely drenched.
Nothing quite like a little unexpected cardio to start a wedding day.
Thankfully, once we were safely inside, the atmosphere couldn't have been better.
The boys were getting themselves organised in their classic black tuxedos, looking incredibly sharp and very much ready for the day ahead.
And can I just say, these boys were an absolute HOOT.
As a wedding photographer, there's nothing better than a bridal party who is willing to get involved, have a laugh and completely trust whatever ridiculous idea you throw their way.
And these boys? They understood the assignment.
One of my favourite parts of the morning was taking everyone down into the cellar for some fun, relaxed groomsmen photographs.
And apparently all it took to get the boys excited was pouring a drink.
Every. Single. Time.
The cheering, the yelling, the absolute enthusiasm.
You would have thought they'd just won the lottery.
Honestly, I was obsessed.
And that's exactly why I love capturing the getting-ready portion of a wedding day. It's not just about putting on a suit or adjusting a tie.
It's about the friendships, the anticipation, the laughter and all those little moments that happen before the ceremony even begins.
Ellena's Bridal Preparations — An Absolute Vision
After spending the morning with the boys, it was time to head next door to see Ellena and her beautiful bridal party.
And OH. MY. GOODNESS.
I genuinely don't think I was prepared for how stunning this girl was going to look.
The girls were finishing up their preparations with the wonderful team from Makeup by Marlies, and everything was coming together beautifully.
The hair. The makeup. The dress.
Every single detail was just perfection.
Ellena's incredible wedding gown from Moon & Pearl Bridal Boutique was one of those dresses that makes you stop what you're doing and just stare.
And when she was finally dressed and ready?
An absolute vision.
Elly, if you're reading this, I don't think I'll ever get over your bridal portraits.
Seriously. EVER.
There was something so effortlessly elegant about the whole look, and paired with the beautiful surroundings of The Old Dairy Maleny, it was a wedding photographer's dream.
Of course, it wasn't all about the beautiful details.
One of the sweetest moments of the morning was Ellena's first look with her dad.
There's something about a dad seeing his daughter in her wedding dress that gets me every single time.
The anticipation before he turns around, that first look of recognition and the emotion that follows.
It's one of those moments where everyone seems to forget there's a camera in the room.
And those are always my favourites.
A Little Greek Wedding Tradition (And Some Money for the Bride!)
One of the things I absolutely loved about Ellena and Lachlan's wedding was the incorporation of Greek wedding traditions throughout the day.
Before the ceremony, the best man arrived with Ellena's wedding shoes for a very special tradition.
Now, if you're unfamiliar with this one, let me explain.
The best man places money into the bride's shoes, and the bride gets to decide whether she's happy with the amount.
Not enough?
Well, looks like someone needs to dig a little deeper into their pockets.
And this continues until the bride is satisfied.
Honestly, I think we should introduce this tradition into more weddings because I am absolutely here for it.
A little laughter, a little bargaining and a beautiful nod to family heritage.
These are the moments that make every wedding so wonderfully unique.
A Heartfelt Ceremony at The Old Dairy Maleny (With a Surprise From the Weather)
Now, let's talk about the ceremony.
Because this is where things got REALLY emotional.
Ellena and Lachlan chose the stunning ceremony space at The Old Dairy Maleny, surrounded by those incredible hinterland views.
If you're considering an outdoor wedding ceremony on the Sunshine Coast, it's honestly difficult to imagine a more beautiful setting.
Their celebrant was the wonderful Stacey Morris, who did an absolutely fantastic job.
And I have to give Stacey a special mention because a great celebrant makes such an enormous difference to your wedding day.
It's not just about legally getting you married.
It's about creating a ceremony that feels like YOU.
One that's personal, engaging, emotional and filled with all those little moments that make your relationship special.
Stacey absolutely nailed it.
If you're looking for a Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, or someone who travels beyond the region, I would definitely recommend getting in touch with her.
But back to the ceremony.
When Ellena started making her way down the aisle, Lachlan absolutely lost it.
And by lost it, I mean the tears started flowing.
And honestly?
I was about two seconds away from joining him.
There's something incredibly special about watching someone see the person they're about to marry walking towards them.
That split second where everything becomes real.
All the planning, the anticipation, the excitement.
Suddenly, it's happening.
And the look on Lachlan's face said absolutely everything.
Their vows were equally beautiful.
So personal, heartfelt and filled with genuine love that you couldn't help but get caught up in the emotion of it all.
You'll actually find snippets of their vows in the wedding sneak peek video included in this blog, and I highly recommend watching it.
Because sometimes photographs tell the story beautifully, but hearing those words adds a whole other layer.
When the Rain Decided to Join the Ceremony
Now, remember how I mentioned the weather earlier?
Well, apparently it wasn't finished with us.
Partway through the ceremony, the rain decided to make another appearance.
And look, was that part of the original wedding plan?
Probably not.
But did it make for some of the sweetest photographs?
ABSOLUTELY.
There was something so beautiful about watching Ellena and Lachlan cuddle together beneath an umbrella, completely unbothered by the fact that the sky had decided to interrupt their ceremony.
Because at the end of the day, they were marrying each other.
And that was all that mattered.
Plus, in true Sunshine Coast fashion, the rain disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
A little bit of chaos, a little bit of romance and some photographs that I genuinely adore.
And if there's one thing I've learnt from photographing hundreds of weddings, it's that sometimes the moments that don't go to plan end up being the ones you remember most.
My Favourite Group Photo Idea at The Old Dairy Maleny
Here's a little wedding photography tip for anyone planning their ceremony at The Old Dairy.
After your ceremony, before you make your way back up the stairs, get all your wedding guests to gather around you in the ceremony space.
Have everyone circle around the newlyweds while your photographer heads to the top of the stairs.
From there, we can capture the most beautiful photograph looking down at everyone.
All those happy faces, all your favourite people and the two of you right in the middle.
It's such a fun alternative to the traditional group photograph and works so beautifully with the layout of this Maleny wedding venue.
Plus, it's one of those photographs you'll look back on in twenty years and realise just how special it was having everyone together in one place.
Wuthering Heights-Inspired Wedding Photography in Maleny
Now THIS is where things got seriously epic.
Before the wedding, Ellena had mentioned that she'd been inspired by the romantic, dramatic aesthetic of Wuthering Heights.
And she wanted some of that feeling incorporated into her wedding portraits.
Moody.
Romantic.
A little dramatic.
The kind of photographs that look like they belong in a period romance.
And let me tell you, the moment she mentioned that inspiration, I was ALL IN.
Because if there's one thing I love, it's when a couple gives me a creative direction and then trusts me to run with it.
And with The Old Dairy Maleny as our backdrop?
We were absolutely spoiled for choice.
Romantic Wedding Portraits Beneath the Oak Trees
One of our first stops was beneath one of the property's magnificent old oak trees.
And I don't think I can properly explain just how beautiful this location is.
The enormous branches, the soft light, the gorgeous countryside setting.
It all felt like something straight out of a romantic film.
And then you add Ellena in that incredible wedding dress and Lachlan looking ridiculously handsome in his tuxedo?
I MEAN.
COME ON.
We created some of the most romantic, cinematic wedding portraits I've photographed all year.
The kind of photographs that make you want to print them enormous and hang them on every available wall in your house.
And the best part?
Even though we were creating these dramatic, editorial-style portraits, Ellena and Lachlan were still completely themselves.
Laughing together, holding each other close and having the absolute best time.
That's always my goal as a wedding photographer.
To create photographs that feel beautiful and intentional without ever losing the genuine connection between the two people in front of my camera.
The Iconic Bell Tower at The Old Dairy Maleny
Of course, we couldn't photograph a wedding at The Old Dairy without making the most of its iconic bell tower.
It's one of those instantly recognisable features that gives this Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue so much character.
And paired with Ellena's beautiful gown and the dramatic atmosphere we were creating?
PERFECTION.
I genuinely don't think I'll ever get sick of photographing couples here.
Every wedding is different, every couple brings their own personality and every time I visit, I find something new to love about this place.
But these particular photographs?
They're going to live rent-free in my head for a very long time.
An Epic Reception, Greek Dancing and All the Celebrations
After we'd finished creating our romantic wedding portraits around the property, it was time for Ellena and Lachlan to make their way into their reception.
And let me tell you, the energy was HIGH.
The bridal party kicked things off with an absolutely epic entrance, setting the tone for what was going to be a fantastic evening.
And from there, the celebrations just kept getting better.
Beautiful speeches, a heartfelt first dance, plenty of laughter and so many moments that reminded me why I love photographing weddings.
The reception was also where more of those wonderful Greek wedding traditions came into play.
And if you've ever attended a Greek wedding, you'll know that the dancing is something else entirely.
The music, the energy, everyone getting involved.
And yes, there were some fantastic moments of money being thrown during the celebrations.
From a photography perspective?
An absolute DREAM.
There's just so much movement, emotion and excitement happening all at once.
And these are the photographs that I think really bring a wedding gallery to life.
Not just the beautifully posed portraits, but the moments where everyone is completely caught up in celebrating.
The ones where you can almost hear the music and laughter just by looking at the photograph.
With delicious catering from Good2Eat Catering, drinks from The Vintage Bar Co and beautiful florals by Bella Flora, the entire celebration came together wonderfully.
Nighttime Wedding Photography — Cigars, Smoke and a Little Drama
Now, if you've followed my work for a while, you'll know that I absolutely LOVE a good nighttime wedding photograph.
And Ellena and Lachlan's wedding was no exception.
One of the things the boys wanted was a cigar photograph.
And whenever someone asks me about doing cigar shots during their wedding day, I almost always suggest waiting until after dark.
Why?
Because nighttime is when we can really make those photographs POP.
By using flash to illuminate the smoke against the dark background, we can create something so much more dramatic than we'd usually achieve during the day.
And let me tell you, these boys absolutely delivered.
The smoke, the suits, the atmosphere.
It was giving sophisticated gentlemen's club meets wedding editorial, and I was OBSESSED.
So, future grooms, if you're planning on having a celebratory cigar with your groomsmen, definitely chat to your photographer about doing some photographs after sunset.
Trust me on this one.
Of course, I couldn't leave without taking Ellena and Lachlan outside for a few final nighttime portraits together.
Because after everything we'd created throughout the day, it only felt right to finish with something equally beautiful.
A few quiet moments away from the reception, a little creative lighting and two newlyweds who were still looking at each other like nobody else existed.
And with that, our time photographing their incredible wedding day came to an end.
Although, if I'm being completely serious, I probably could have kept photographing these two for another five hours.
Wedding Photography, Videography, Content Creation and 35mm Film
One of the reasons I was so excited about Ellena and Lachlan's wedding was that they had booked both photography and videography through Angela Brushe Photography.
And I absolutely LOVE when couples choose to have both.
Because while photographs allow you to freeze those beautiful moments forever, videography gives you something a little different.
You get to hear the voices.
The laughter.
The vows.
The speeches.
And all those little moments that become even more precious as the years go by.
For a wedding like this, with so much emotion and so many beautiful traditions, having both photography and videography was such a wonderful combination.
A Little Extra Wedding Content Creation
Now, here's where I decided to get a little carried away.
Because I had a feeling this wedding was going to be something pretty special, I actually decided to include some extra wedding content creation coverage on the day.
And OH MY GOODNESS, am I glad I did.
Content creation is such a fun addition to wedding photography and videography because it captures those spontaneous, behind-the-scenes moments in a completely different way.
Think hilarious bridal party antics, little candid interactions, ceremony moments and all the things that make your wedding day uniquely yours.
And the best part?
Your content is delivered within 24–48 hours, so you have memories to relive and share almost immediately.
No waiting weeks to see what an incredible day you've just had.
If you're considering adding wedding content creation to your Sunshine Coast wedding package, I cannot recommend it enough.
Especially if you want a mix of beautiful professional photographs and those funny, chaotic, completely unfiltered moments.
Adding 35mm Film Photography to Your Wedding
And because apparently I hadn't already fallen completely in love with this wedding, I also brought along some 35mm film.
There's something so special about film photography.
The beautiful grain, the nostalgic colours, the imperfect little details.
It gives photographs a timeless, almost cinematic quality that feels completely different from digital.
And for a wedding with such a romantic atmosphere, it was the perfect addition.
I especially love using 35mm film to capture those little in-between moments.
The ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.
A quiet glance, a little laugh, the movement of a dress or a moment shared between friends.
35mm film photography add-ons start from $250 and can be added to your wedding photography package with Angela Brushe Photography.
So if you love the nostalgic, old-school feeling of film but still want the reliability and variety of digital photography, you can absolutely have both.
And personally?
I think it's a pretty epic combination.
Planning Your Own Wedding at The Old Dairy Maleny?
If you've made it this far, firstly, thank you for listening to me rave about this wedding.
Secondly, if you're planning your own wedding at The Old Dairy Maleny, I hope this has given you a little inspiration for what's possible.
Because this venue really does have so much to offer.
From getting ready on the property to exchanging vows surrounded by the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland, creating romantic portraits beneath the oak trees and celebrating into the evening, it's a venue that allows your entire wedding day to flow beautifully.
And if you're currently searching for a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer who knows how to capture the beautiful, emotional moments while also making sure you have an absolute blast?
Well, hello. I'm Angela!
I'm the photographer behind Angela Brushe Photography, and I specialise in candid, effortless and emotive wedding photography across Maleny, Montville, Noosa, Brisbane and beyond.
My approach is pretty simple.
I want you to enjoy your wedding day.
Not spend the entire time worrying about what to do with your hands, whether you're standing awkwardly or if you're doing the whole wedding photography thing correctly.
I'll guide you when you need it, hype you up when you deserve it and capture all those beautiful, genuine moments in between.
I offer wedding photography packages, photography and videography combinations, content creation and 35mm film add-ons, so you can choose the coverage that feels right for your day.
And most of my wedding photography packages also include a complimentary engagement session, which is the perfect chance for us to get to know each other before the big day.
You can explore my packages and get in touch through Angela Brushe Photography.
I'm currently taking bookings for 2027 and 2028 weddings, and I'd absolutely love to hear what you're planning.
Ellena & Lachlan, Thank You for One of My Favourite Weddings of 2026
I genuinely don't think I'm ever going to shut up about this wedding.
And honestly, I don't think anyone can blame me.
From the moment we arrived and had to make a mad dash through the rain, to the boys celebrating every drink like they'd just won the grand final, Ellena looking like an actual goddess, Lachlan crying as she walked down the aisle and those ridiculously beautiful Wuthering Heights-inspired portraits.
It was everything.
But more than anything, it was the love between these two that made the day so special.
Because years from now, the weather won't matter.
The little things that didn't go exactly to plan won't matter.
What will matter is that on 18 October 2026, two people who absolutely adored each other promised to spend the rest of their lives together.
Surrounded by their favourite people, in one of the most beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast.
And I was lucky enough to be there to capture it.
Ellena and Lachlan, thank you for trusting me, for being so wonderfully yourselves and for allowing me to be part of such an incredible celebration.
I hope these photographs bring you right back to every laugh, every happy tear and every beautiful moment of your wedding day.
Now, enough from me.
Enjoy the photographs.
And yes, I will probably still be talking about this wedding in 2027.
Lots of love,
Angela x
Angela Brushe Photography | Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer
The Incredible Wedding Vendors
A wedding like this doesn't come together without a wonderful team of wedding suppliers, and Ellena and Lachlan had some fantastic people helping bring their day to life.
Venue: The Old Dairy Maleny
Celebrant: Stacey Morris Celebrant
Photography & Videography: Angela Brushe Photography
Florist: Bella Flora
Catering: Good2Eat Catering
Bar: The Vintage Bar Co
Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Marlies
Wedding Dress: Moon & Pearl Bridal Boutique
Suits: Weyridges
Musician: Ryan Tracey Music
Jewellery: Simon Curwood Jewellers