17 October 2026 | Miss Midgley's, New Farm, Brisbane | Angela Brushe Photography
Some weddings are big, loud and full of hundreds of people. Others are a little more intimate, where everyone knows everyone, there's not a single unfamiliar face in the crowd, and the entire day feels like one big family get-together.
Zoe and Ben's wedding at Miss Midgley's in New Farm was absolutely the latter, and honestly? I LOVED every second of it.
Set in the heart of Brisbane, surrounded by their closest family and friends, these two planned the most beautiful intimate wedding that was equal parts relaxed, sentimental and ridiculously stylish.
And before we get too far into this blog, we NEED to talk about Zoe's dress.
Because when I tell you it was one of the most incredible wedding dresses I've ever photographed, I genuinely mean it. But more on that in a second.
Getting Ready at Miss Midgley's, New Farm
One of the things I absolutely loved about Zoe and Ben's wedding was how much of their day could happen in one location.
If you've never heard of Miss Midgley's, it's a gorgeous heritage property tucked away in New Farm, Brisbane, and it's honestly a bit of a photographer's playground.
With its beautiful architecture, little hidden nooks, gorgeous light and character-filled rooms, there's something interesting around practically every corner.
The building has quite the history, having previously served as a school and an orphanage, and today it's been beautifully renovated into boutique accommodation and an event space.
It's one of those Brisbane wedding venues that somehow manages to feel grand and intimate at the same time.
We started the morning with Ben, who was getting ready alongside his brother.
Nothing overly complicated, just the boys getting themselves organised, a few portraits and making the most of some of the beautiful spaces around the property.
And that's something I really love about photographing smaller weddings. There's room to slow down, take everything in and capture the little moments without feeling like we're racing against the clock.
Zoe's Wedding Dress Deserves Its Own Entire Blog Post
Okay. THE DRESS.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I was absolutely obsessed.
Zoe wore the incredible Willow Embellished Lace Kaftan Maxi by LEO LIN, and honestly, it was a whole moment.
The detailing, the texture, the silhouette. EVERYTHING.
It was elegant, a little unconventional and so perfectly suited to Zoe and the entire aesthetic of their Brisbane wedding.
Paired with beautiful jewellery from Sarah & Sebastian, florals by Stalks and Stems, and the incredible hair and makeup team at Blushed Brides, the whole look came together beautifully.
Zoe got ready upstairs at Miss Midgley's, and I think it's safe to say everyone was looking pretty bloody spectacular.
Actually, scratch that. SPECTACULAR doesn't even cover it.
And then came one of my favourite moments of the morning.
A First Look With Dad That Had Everyone in Tears
Before heading downstairs to marry Ben, Zoe shared a first look with her dad.
And goodness me.
There are certain moments during wedding days where I genuinely have to remind myself that I'm there to take photographs and not just stand there getting emotional with everyone else.
This was one of them.
There's something incredibly special about watching a parent see their child all dressed up on their wedding day.
All those years, all those memories, and suddenly here they are, standing in front of you, about to start another beautiful chapter of their life.
It was one of those quiet, heartfelt moments that didn't need anything fancy.
Just two people, a whole lot of love, and a few happy tears.
Exactly the kind of memories I love capturing.
An Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Miss Midgley's
Zoe and Ben held their wedding ceremony downstairs at Miss Midgley's, surrounded by the people who mean the absolute most to them.
And this is where intimate weddings really shine.
With parents and grandparents sitting proudly in the front row, the entire ceremony felt incredibly personal.
There wasn't a huge crowd or a thousand distractions. Just two people promising to spend their lives together, with their favourite humans there to witness it.
Their celebrant, Marry Me by Somer, did such a beautiful job of telling their love story.
The ceremony was warm, meaningful and completely reflective of who Zoe and Ben are as a couple.
And I think that's one of the most important things about a wedding ceremony.
It shouldn't feel like something you've heard a hundred times before. It should feel like YOU.
Somer absolutely nailed that.
There's a quote I think fits this day perfectly:
"What a beautiful thing it is to love someone, and to be so deeply loved in return. But perhaps the greatest gift of all is having a room full of people who love you both."
And honestly, looking around that ceremony, that's exactly what Zoe and Ben had.
A room filled with generations of love, all there for them.
You really can't ask for much more than that.
The Most Unexpected Wedding Group Photo (And It Absolutely Worked)
Now, can we talk about the group photo for a second?
Because this was definitely not my usual approach, and I'll happily admit I wasn't entirely sure how it was going to turn out.
The idea was to have all their wedding guests standing up on the upper level of Miss Midgley's, with Zoe, Ben and their grandparents positioned down below.
Add in a confetti toss, a little bit of creative thinking and some very enthusiastic guests...
And OH MY GOD.
It absolutely slapped.
The different levels of the property created such an interesting composition, and having everyone involved made the whole thing even better.
It's not your traditional wedding group photo, but that's exactly why I love it.
Sometimes the best photographs come from trying something a little different, trusting the process and just seeing what happens.
And this one? Absolutely worth it.
So if you've got a slightly unusual wedding photo idea, please tell me.
I'm probably going to be just as excited about it as you are.
Jacaranda Wedding Photos at New Farm Park & Brisbane Powerhouse
Now THIS was the part of the day I'd been particularly excited about.
Zoe had one very clear request when it came to their couple portraits.
JACARANDAS.
And honestly, who can blame her?
If you've ever been to Brisbane during jacaranda season, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
Those beautiful purple blooms are absolutely everywhere, and they make the most incredible backdrop for wedding photographs.
October is such a gorgeous time of year for a Brisbane wedding, especially if you're hoping to incorporate the iconic jacaranda trees into your photos.
So naturally, we headed to New Farm Park.
And it did not disappoint.
Between the beautiful purple flowers, the greenery and Zoe's absolutely unreal wedding dress, the whole thing felt like something straight out of a magazine.
But what I loved most was how naturally Zoe and Ben were together.
No need for anything overly staged or awkward.
Just the two of them, newly married, wandering through one of Brisbane's most beautiful parks and soaking up those first moments as husband and wife.
The kind of photographs that will still make you smile in 30 years.
Iconic Brisbane Wedding Photography at the Powerhouse
Of course, if you're getting married in Brisbane, why not make the most of the city itself?
After exploring New Farm Park, we also headed around the Brisbane Powerhouse for some more portraits.
I absolutely love the contrast between the beautiful natural surroundings of New Farm Park and the more urban, architectural feel around the Powerhouse.
It gave Zoe and Ben's gallery so much variety.
And because apparently we weren't quite finished being creative, we also made a last-minute decision to use some of the Brisbane streets surrounding Miss Midgley's for a few extra photographs.
And I'm SO glad we did.
There's something about incorporating city streets into wedding photography that just gives the images a completely different feeling.
A little editorial. A little effortless. A little we just got married and we're having the absolute best day of our lives.
When you look through Zoe and Ben's wedding gallery, there's no mistaking where they got married.
It absolutely screams Brisbane.
From the jacarandas and beautiful parklands to the Powerhouse and city streets, their photographs tell the story of the place just as much as the people.
And that was exactly what Zoe wanted.
Mission accomplished, I'd say.
Pizza, Live Music & a Relaxed Wedding Reception
After our little adventure around Brisbane, it was time to head back to Miss Midgley's for the reception.
And this is another reason I think this venue works so beautifully for intimate weddings and elopements.
Everything can happen in the one place.
Getting ready, the ceremony, reception and even accommodation.
With guests travelling internationally to celebrate with Zoe and Ben, having everyone together in one location made the day feel even more special.
Less time worrying about logistics and more time actually enjoying the people who travelled to be there.
Which, when you think about it, is kind of the whole point.
And the reception itself?
Exactly the kind of celebration I love.
They had Pizza Antica serving up delicious pizza from their food truck, a bartender keeping the drinks flowing, and the most beautiful atmosphere as everyone settled into the evening.
Honestly, a wedding with pizza is already off to an excellent start in my books.
Live Wedding Music by Brad & Brodie
And can we take a second to appreciate the music?
Because Brad & Brodie absolutely deserve a shout-out.
Brad provided the acoustic music for the celebration, and it was such a beautiful addition to the atmosphere.
There's something about live acoustic music at an intimate wedding that just works.
It fills the space without overpowering everything, creates such a relaxed feeling and makes the whole celebration feel that little bit more personal.
If you're planning a Brisbane wedding and looking for a musician who can provide beautiful acoustic entertainment, or even transition into DJ entertainment later in the evening, definitely check out Brad & Brodie.
Such a fantastic option depending on the vibe you're going for.
As the afternoon rolled on, there were speeches, champagne, plenty of conversations and all those little in-between moments that make weddings so special.
And before I knew it, it was time for me to pack up my cameras and leave Zoe and Ben to enjoy the rest of their celebrations.
Short, sweet and absolutely full of heart.
A Little Bit of Nostalgia: Zoe & Ben's Wedding on 35mm Film
Something else I absolutely loved about this wedding was that Zoe and Ben decided to add a roll of 35mm film photography to their package.
Alongside their digital wedding photography, we captured some of those beautiful little in-between moments on film.
And honestly, I think it suited their day perfectly.
There's something so nostalgic about film.
The grain, the colours, the softness, the little imperfections that make every photograph feel so wonderfully real.
It's not about replacing digital photography or creating perfectly polished images.
It's about capturing the feeling of a moment.
The kind of photographs that look like they could have been pulled straight out of an old family photo album.
And for a wedding like Zoe and Ben's, where family, connection and genuine moments were such a huge part of the day, it just made sense.
I've recently started offering 35mm film photography add-ons from $250 for one roll, available alongside my wedding and portrait photography packages.
It's such a fun way to add something a little different to your gallery, especially if you love that timeless, nostalgic look.
And yes, you still get all your beautiful digital wedding photographs too.
Think of film as the little cherry on top.
Why I Love Photographing Intimate Brisbane Weddings & Elopements
Weddings like Zoe and Ben's are such a beautiful reminder of why I genuinely love photographing smaller celebrations.
Don't get me wrong.
Give me a big wedding with 150 guests, a packed dance floor and absolute chaos, and I'll be having the time of my life.
But there's something about intimate weddings that just hits differently.
You get to spend more time with the people who matter most.
You have the freedom to create a day that feels completely like you.
And sometimes, without a huge timeline or a million things happening at once, there's more room for those little moments that end up meaning absolutely everything.
A first look with Dad.
Grandparents sitting proudly in the front row.
A slightly unconventional group photo that turns out to be one of the best ideas ever.
Walking through New Farm Park beneath the jacarandas, wearing the most incredible dress you've ever seen.
Pizza, champagne and acoustic music with your favourite people.
It's all those things together that make a wedding day unforgettable.
And Zoe and Ben absolutely nailed it.
Thank you both for trusting me to capture such a beautiful little chapter of your lives.
Your day was full of personality, love and so many moments worth remembering.
And Zoe, I'm still not over that dress.
Planning Your Own Miss Midgley's Wedding or Brisbane Elopement?
If you're currently planning an intimate wedding at Miss Midgley's, a Brisbane city elopement or a beautiful celebration somewhere around New Farm, I'd absolutely love to hear about it.
I'm Angela, the photographer behind Angela Brushe Photography, a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer who regularly photographs weddings across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
My approach is pretty simple.
I want you to actually enjoy your wedding day.
Not spend hours feeling awkward in front of a camera, not worry about whether you're doing something right, and definitely not feel like your wedding has turned into one giant photoshoot.
I'll give you guidance when you need it, step back when you don't, and capture all the genuine, funny, emotional and beautifully chaotic moments in between.
I offer wedding photography packages for everything from intimate elopements through to full-day celebrations, with options to add 35mm film, content creation and videography.
And because I know being photographed isn't everyone's favourite thing, most of my wedding packages also include a complimentary engagement session so we can get to know each other before the big day.
Whether you're getting married at a beautiful Brisbane wedding venue like Miss Midgley's, planning a Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding or keeping things small with just your closest people, I'd love to be part of it.
Planning a wedding for 2027 or 2028?
Come have a chat, tell me what you're dreaming up, and let's create some photographs you'll still be obsessed with decades from now.
Explore Wedding Photography Packages & Enquire with Angela Brushe Photography
Zoe & Ben's Brisbane Wedding Vendors
A huge shout-out to the incredible vendors who helped bring this beautiful Miss Midgley's wedding together.
Wedding Photographer: Angela Brushe Photography
Wedding Venue & Accommodation: Miss Midgley's, New Farm
Wedding Celebrant: Marry Me by Somer
Wedding Florals: Stalks and Stems
Wedding Dress: LEO LIN — Willow Embellished Lace Kaftan Maxi
Bridal Jewellery: Sarah & Sebastian
Wedding Catering & Cake: Pizza Antica
Bridal Hair & Makeup: Blushed Brides
Wedding Music & Entertainment: Brad & Brodie
Wedding Portrait Locations: New Farm Park, Brisbane Powerhouse & New Farm, Brisbane
Wedding Date: 17 October 2026
Photography: Digital Wedding Photography + 35mm Film Photography