Young lovers Shanah and Shaun did the sneaky on their nearest and dearest, organising a surprise wedding at their engagement party – but not before playing in this hauntingly beautiful pine forest with photographer Mitch Pohl.

Mitch tells us the ‘top secret’ location is Penrose State Forest (just an hour out from Sydney), an absolute stunner of a spot he suggested to the pair on the morning of their party. “Shaun and Shanah rocked up at my place at 5.30am super pumped, heater blasting and coffee flowing,” says Mitch, admitting that winter portraits at this hour may not have been the best idea. “But having these two so willing to jump out of the car in max 4 degrees really inspired me. I totally take my hat off to these two.”

While he shivered in three jumpers and a beanie, the crazy-courageous couple braved the chill, radiating a cosy warmth amidst the rows of slender pine. “The amount of love that I saw that morning between them both was mind blowing, and being able to document that is just amazing.”