Despite its name, golden hour only lasts for around 20 to 30 minutes per day – making it one of the most challenging times to lockdown for a wedding. But if you succeed and capture the gilded sunset streaks in your photos, it’s a moment you won’t forget.

And there is no better time of day to see the amazing rural Central West of New South Wales than when those golden tones hit the peaks of the rolling hills. That was what Rebecca from The Collective Planner dreamed up when she organised this incredible collaboration shoot. The Collective Planner specialises in designing, managing and implementing weddings and events on boutique properties across regional NSW.

Their goal with this inspiration shoot was to showcase how flexible rural and regional weddings can be. This particular property is The Red Hill Nest, located in Glanmire, NSW. They aimed to demonstrate the uniqueness of this property by utilising the wedding and event businesses local to the region. Pregnant cows (who were due any day) littered the property and were so interested in the shoot that you’ll find them hanging out in the background throughout.

We begin inside the dressing space, where Nicole Howard is styling model and Makeup Artist Lilly Hamilton’s hair in big, soft curls that cascade down her back. The first gown she wore was the more bohemian-inspired gown from couture dress designer Leanne Hamilton before she later changed into a more country-inspired princess gown.

With rolling hills, wide open spaces and friendly, fluffy stud cattle who love to have their photo taken, it’s an ideal venue for couples wanting that rustic space with a modern twist. Taking all of these elements into consideration, it was important that the shoot complimented the natural beauty of The Red Hill Nest as well. This is why they chose to bring in Tipi Tents from South Coast Tipis and rustic furniture from Heart & Timber.

Stylist Lulu and Lotti and florist Foster & Co Botanicals worked together to bring the vision to life, bringing pops of blue into the colour palette to enhance the natural skyline. Scroll through this shoot for more golden hour wedding inspiration!