Sydney, Australia - Anna Wu Photography

After a whole lot of anticipation, we finally made our way to Sydney, Australia. There was quite a bit of hype for the city, considering our friend did fall in love with it, quit his job, and move across the world to live there. And then he met a girl, fell in love with her, and was getting married! Hence the whole trip for the twelve of us, plus 9-month old Ellie. We not only got to attend Howard and Cheryl’s beautiful wedding, but we also got to explore a bit of this wonderful city.

We kick it off with the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Saying hi to baby Ellie! Props to Kevin and Jenny for traveling around the world with a 9-month old. And props to Ellie for being the happiest baby ever.

An incredible first dinner at Porteño. They arranged a set meal for our group, but Jon also ordered their steak upon Howard’s recommendation. Best steak ever. Photo by Jon.

The next morning, we walked over to Single Origin Roasters. After a week and a half in New Zealand, we were definitely back in hipster-coffee-central. I am not a coffee drinker, but I had a delicious chai latte.

Roaming the boutiques of Surry Hills.

Our meal at Chiswick was also incredible. Delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.

After lunch, more boutiques and shopping through the Darlinghurst neighborhood and back over to Surry Hills.

Brunch at Four ate Five.

And then it was wedding time! The ceremony was in full sun at Bradley’s Head Amphitheater. Gorgeous view of Sydney from across the bay.

After the ceremony, we took a ferry across to the receptions at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Young made these hilarious pins from Howard’s “shower scene” glamour shots. We put them to good use.

Ellie with the sentiment of the day: sweaty, but very happy.

Jon with the best man speech!

And a nice grainy photo at the end of the night. Congratulations, Howard & Cheryl! So glad to see that you’ve found each other, and incredibly happy to have been a part of the celebrations.

Visit Sydney

Some of these recommendations will be pictured in my second Sydney post… stay tuned for more!

Eat & Drink
- Steak at Porteño. Delicious.
- Lunch at Chiswick. Love the garden ambiance.
- Casual brunch at Four ate Five.
- Tea cocktails (or tea) and delicious little eats at Haven Tailoring Coffee Joyously. So nice, I went twice.
- Expansive market/bakery/farm/coffee shop at The Grounds of Alexandria. Such a cool space!
- Coffee at Single Origin Roasters.
- Drinks at the Sydney Opera House. Great al fresco ambiance with an iconic view.
Shopping & Sights
- Surry Hills. Charming and historic. We stayed here in two neighboring airbnbs. Lots of boutiques & restaurants.
- Circular Quay (pronounced kee) to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and take a ferry across the water.
- Bondi Beach for a beautiful coastal walk and/or a dip in the ocean.

Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco but often traveling and working around the world. She creates beautiful, soft, and timeless imagery while capturing the most fleeting of moments. View her work at annawu.com, follow her daily adventures on instagram, or contact her to book your own session today.