A Fresh Take on Yallingup: Carla & Johnny at Venue One
If you spend enough time in the South West, you start to recognise the usual spots. But every now and then, you find something that feels fresh.
Carla and Johnny chose Venue One for their wedding. It’s a venue that feels like a rebrand or a polish-up of a classic Yallingup farm spot, and honestly, they’ve nailed it. It’s got that rustic, barn-style vibe but feels clean, looked after, and ready for a good party.
It’s chill, it’s scenic, and for this wedding, the logistics were just as good as the views. The ceremony spot is one of the best ones I photographed.
The Prep
Carla got ready just across the valley at For The Birds Yallingup.
I actually turned up to prep a fair bit earlier than the schedule said. I was staying nearby and got there with time to spare. I sat in the car for a second and thought: I could sit here scrolling Instagram, or I could just go in and start shooting.
I chose the latter. I figured I may as well go the extra mile and provide a bit more value while I was there. If there are moments happening, I want to capture them, not watch the clock.
Tip: If you’re getting married in Yallingup, write this accommodation down. It’s a stunning house with massive open views. Because it was so close to the venue, we decided to do a First Look right there on the property.
It was just Carla, Johnny, and a hell of a view. No audience, no rush. We spent a bit of time doing a mini couple session there before the madness of the day started.
The Ceremony & A Legend of a Celebrant
After the first look, we headed across the road to Venue One. The ceremony spot is perched on a hill, looking straight down into the valley. It’s a killer backdrop - green, open, and completely private.
I have to make a special mention of the celebrant, Grace (Wedded with Grace).
I work with a lot of celebrants, and honestly, Grace is one of the nicest I’ve ever come across. She didn't just stand there and read a script; she was genuinely part of the moment. She was funny, personal, and super engaging.
I managed to catch some great shots of her interacting with the guests and the kids - she just has this warmth that puts everyone at ease. If you want a ceremony that feels like it’s being led by a friend rather than a slightly stiff official, look her up.
The One Roll Challenge
For this wedding, I decided to give myself a bit of a creative challenge.
I brought my 35mm film camera and loaded it with a single roll of film. That’s 36 frames. The goal? To tell the story of the entire day - from prep to party - using only those 36 shots.
In a digital world where we can shoot thousands of photos without thinking, shooting film forces you to slow down. You have to be intentional. You have to wait for the exact split second when the moment is right because once you click that shutter, you can’t undo it.
The result is raw, imperfect, and has a nostalgia that digital just can't replicate.
(Note: Don't worry, I still shot the full digital gallery too! But these film scans are some of my favourites)
Love the look of film? I actually offer 35mm film photography as an optional add-on to my packages. If you want that vintage, analog vibe mixed in with your digital photos, check out my Wedding Page for more info on how it works.
Final Thoughts
Venue One is a solid addition/rebrand to the Yallingup wedding scene. It’s scenic, the barn is cool, and having accommodation like For The Birds literally across the valley makes the logistics a breeze.
Huge congrats to Carla and Johnny. Thanks for trusting me with the vision.
Vendors:
Venue: Venue One Weddings
Accommodation: For The Birds Yallingup
Celebrant: Wedded With Grace
Photography: Piotrek Ziolkowski
Planning a wedding down south? I love finding these hidden gems. If you want a photographer who keeps it real and knows the area, let’s have a chat.