Josh and Mikayla's Jervis Bay Engagement Session

Getting to blend my passion for the beach and capturing couples in love is such a great combination, and that’s exactly how I spent my Saturday. Sydney-siders, Josh and Mikayla were eager to have their engagement photos taken while visiting Jervis Bay for a few days and I was more than happy to accomodate the session. This couple braved the freezing cold and climbed the rocks in the horrible wind just so we could get some incredible coastal shots. After spending my afternoon with Josh and Mikayla and seeing just how easy going they are I cannot wait to be a part of their wedding later in the year.

Congratulations on your engagement and see you both at the wedding!

Monday at Worrowing Estate

Monday’s aren’t so bad when you spend them with other creatives in your industry working on exciting projects. This week I spent mine with stylist Hoorah Events and florist Gypsy Carmen at Worrowing Estate in Jervis Bay. This talented team wanted to showcase some different options for framing your wedding ceremony and for hosting a beautiful outdoor reception. Watching this talented duo from concept to execution is such a privilege to witness, now let’s take a look at some of the sunset magic created!

The South Coast Wedding Fair with Piccolo and Poppi

Last weekend I went behind the scenes with Piccolo and Poppi who were showcasing their incredible florals and styling across multiple venues as part of the South Coast Wedding Fair trail. The day began at Terara Riverside Gardens where Ash showed me some of the the most picturesque locations around the property for couples to host their ceremony and how together with Heart and Timber an outdoor space could be transformed into something truly beautiful.

Also on display at Terara Riverside Gardens was a blank canvas table setting allowing brides to see how the marquee would be set up and tables styled for the booking. From there brides could also look at the various looks created by Piccolo and Poppi in the marquee and meet some of the local suppliers who frequent the venue over the season.

Below are some of the looks created by the Piccolo and Poppi team.

Natural Elements Table
Table and Chairs: Heart and Timber
Decor and Flowers: Piccolo and Poppi
Menus and Table Number: Bridge and Co
Cookies: Dough Rei Me
Napkins: Terara Riverside Gardens

Romantic Blush Table
Table and Linen: Terara Riverside Gardens
Chairs: Heart and Timber
Styling, Flowers and Decor: Piccolo and Poppi
Glassware and Napkins: Piccolo and Poppi
Place cards: Burfitt Avenue

Moody Brown Table
Table and Chairs: Heart and Timber
Styling, Flowers and Decor: Piccolo and Poppi
Grazing Boards: Scrumptious Grazing Events
Menus and Place cards: Ivory and Ink
Cookies: Dough Rei Me

The next stop on the trail for me was just around the corner, Terrara House Estate. Here the Piccolo and Poppi team styled a beautiful barn, which is new addition to the property. On show were two styled banquet tables appealing to the couples who want an intimate sit down formal meal.

Table and Chairs: White Top Events
Styling, Flowers and Decor: Piccolo and Poppi

My day ended close to home, at Worrowing Estate in Jervis Bay. Here the Piccolo and Poppi team really put on a show. Inspired by a really eclectic colour scheme and perfect for the bohemian bride this table caught the eyes of every couple checking out the property.

Table and Chairs: Worrowing
Decor, Styling, Crockery, Cutlery, Linen and Flowers: Piccolo and Poppi
Menus: Bridge and Co
Cookies: Dough Rei Me

Gerringong Granny Flat

Last week I photographed one of Wilson Building and Design’s recent projects, a granny flat in Gerringong, NSW. I met with the owner of the building company Jobe Wilson who showed me the modern two bedroom dwelling with private entrance. He explained to me the building process from design and council application to building and landscaping. It was great to see this quality build finished!

Ben and Penny's Engagement Shoot

Ben, Penny and their two boys were so much fun to hang out with and photograph! We had a gorgeous sunset shoot at Jerrawangla on the weekend which got me so excited to shoot their wedding later in the year.

I often get asked by my clients if it is okay to bring kids along to their engagement session and my view has always been the same. If you have children before you tie the knot and they are a part of your life then by all means bring them to the booking. Every love story is unique and my aim is to tell yours right, so if that includes a family then let’s include them in the photos! Besides, who doesn’t love seeing the excitement and animation that is only found in children.

Jack and Abbey's Jervis Bay Engagement Session

It’s no secret; engagement shoots are one of my favourite things to photograph! I love getting to know two people who have fallen in love and made the biggest commitment to each other. Living on the South Coast I am so fortunate to have so many great locations to choose from. Over the last couple of years I have taken a liking to shooting my couples at the beach, especially in the cooler months when there is no one around and my couples can relax and have a good time.

Below are some of the highlights from my recent booking with Jack and Abbey. This session was organised by the bride to be’s family who wanted to give a meaningful present that the couple could keep for years to come.

Congratulations Jack and Abbey on your engagement, I cannot wait to photograph your wedding.

Nathan and Rachel's Austinmer Wedding

A few weeks back I was the Wedding Photographer for Nathan and Rachel. I met the couple a year and a half ago when Rachel was bridesmaid for her friend Jacqui at another wedding I was shooting. Rachel and Nathan tied the knot at Austinmer Headland and thankfully for them the rain cleared just in time so they could have the outdoor ceremony they had planned. There were so many special moments throughout the day but a standout for me was seeing Nathan’s face at the reception when his dad told him how proud he is during his wedding speech. Thank you to Nathan and Rachel for allowing me to document such an important time, it was such a pleasure celebrating your marriage with your friends and family.

Venue: Austinmer Headlands Hotel
Celebrant: Linda Walker
Hair Stylist: Hair I am Mobile Stylist
Makeup Artist: Jessie Gray
Flowers and Styling: Nunu Design
Cake: Lous and Henry Cakes

Jayde and Rachel's Wedding in Maui

Jayde and Rachel’s Hawaiian destination wedding had so many sentimental details that made the day all the more special! From wearing her mothers veil, to walking down the aisle with her brother Chris and mother Megan, it was an extra special day planned by A Maui Wedding Day. Rachel wore all vegan, cruelty free makeup by Arbonne Australia and a stunning gown by Emmy Mae Bridal. These two celebrated their marriage by the water at Sugar Beach with some of their closest friends and family who travelled halfway around the world to be there for the couple. It wasn’t just friends and family who went the distance to be there for the couple, my wife Natalie and I were joined by the Whyld team as well as The Dreams Collective.

One of our favourite moments from the day was a first look for Rachel’s bridesmaids who were seeing her gown for the first time.

We were so grateful to be a part of such a special wedding and we can’t think of a better way to avoid the winter than with this Hawaiian beach and garden wedding!

Wedding Venue: Sugar Beach Events
Wedding Planning: A Maui Wedding Day
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Whyld Hair and Beauty
Makeup: Arbonne Australia
Flowers: Dellables Floral Design
Videographer: The Dreams Collective
Wedding Dress: Emmy Mae Bridal

The Allgood Family

My Sunday afternoon was spent taking photos of Mitch and Madeline’s family, with the newest edition Jude, joining the shoot. This will be the third opportunity I’ve had to photograph the Allgood family. It’s been great getting to know them over the last couple of years and I’m looking forward to capturing more memories for them in the future.

Adam and Alanna's Wedding at Coolangatta Estate

Earlier this month I photographed the wedding of Adam and Alanna. This couple tied the knot at Coolangatta Estate, a historic winery situated on the foothills of Mount Coolangatta. The couple were able to get ready in the convict built cottages and have their portraits taken on the landscaped grounds and in the beautiful vineyard.

Adam and Alanna opted for a traditional sit-down wedding because they wanted to make sure their guests were well fed throughout the evening which included heartfelt speeches, dancing and of course cake.

Congratulations newlyweds, I hope you enjoy your highlights!

The Cove Jervis Bay

The photos below are from one of the recent collaborations we were lucky enough to be a part of. The shoot was held at The Cove in Jervis Bay and featured soft romantic florals and luxurious Bo and Luca gowns from Your Art Bridal. Tia and Alyce worked together to create looks that were unique to each of the girls, they wanted to showcase fresh, luminous makeup looks teamed with modern hairstyles.

Despite the heavy rain, our team was not willing to give up on the shoot. Just like your wedding day, a little bit of rain doesn’t have to spoil your portraits. We were able to find a few spots to shoot, which was just an enough to create some awesome content. Here are some of the highlights.

Venue: The Cove Jervis Bay
Gowns: Your Art Bridal
Flowers: Ivy Lane Collective
Hair Stylist: Absolute Hair by Tia
Makeup: Alyce Apps
Models: Isabella and Jordan

Sam and Demi's Wedding at Eagles Rest

Sam and Demi got married earlier this month at Eagles Rest on Woodhill Mountain. A lot of love, time and hard work was put into transforming this boutique accomodation into a winter wedding venue fit for their closest friends and family. The property is set on seven acres and is surrounded by beautiful bushland which made for the perfect backdrop for the couples wedding portraits.

Although the day didn’t go to plan with the bride forgetting her bouquet for the ceremony it couldn’t have been more perfect. A big highlight for me was the round circle speeches at the start of the evening, a really heartfelt moment.

Sam and Demi’s wedding was the perfect reminder of why I love what I do, and why documenting your wedding day is so important. A big thank you to this couple for having me as part of your big day and congratulations on your marriage.

Venue: Eagles Rest on Woodhill Mountain
Chair Hire: South Coast Party Hire
Arbour: Arrows and Lace
Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Hair Stylist: Whyld Hair
Makeup Artist: Sally Ann Beauty
Cake: Kinghorne Bakery

A First Look on the Riverbank

This gorgeous styled shoot brings inspiration to the bride to be who is on the fence about having a first look. What we love most about the idea is allowing the couple to spend a moment together before the ceremony and calm the nerves. These photographs were taken on a rainy day in winter at Terara Riverside Gardens and should give couples confidence that you can still achieve beautiful portraits when its dark skies and wet outside. Here are some of the highlights from what was a lovely afternoon with some of our industry favourites.

Venue: Terara Riverside Gardens
Gown: Your Art Bridal
Hair: Kristy Patrice Hair
Makeup: Sally Ann Beauty 
Flowers: Ivy Lane Collective

Four Generations

I recently caught up with Jessica and the important women in her life to photograph the four generations. This was my first opportunity to take part in photographing one of these sessions which I had heard about online. We met up next to Berry Creek which was quite enjoyable for the little girls as they could crawl around and enjoy themselves while we took some photos.

Tim and Olivia's Wedding at Pyree

For me, winter started with the wedding of Tim and Olivia. This couple celebrated their wedding at The Butter Factory in Pyree and there were so many unique details I just loved.

Before the wedding itself, the bride decided to add a little equine fun to her wedding photos and posed at their family home with her horse. If that wasn’t the sweetest thing, she rode her horse in her mothers wedding gown. When it was time for Olivia to make her way to the ceremony she was escorted by her father in his 1931 Cadillac, such a special father daughter moment. The ceremony was so special not only for the bride and groom but also to the people who have been witness to their love.

Being there to document their day was such an honour, congratulations guys!

Venue: The Butter Factory
Flowers: Lily Ever After
Hair Stylist: Holliewood Hair and Beauty
Makeup Artist: Natalie Gauci
Celebrant: Narelle Murray
Entertainment: Moovin Music
Cake: Serena Patterson
Car: 1931 Cadillac

The Woods Farm Wedding Collaboration

Below are some of our favourite photos from a beautifully executed wedding collaboration with some very talented local suppliers. The purpose of this shoot was to show couples different ways they can style their tables at the reception and to give some fresh wedding inspiration for those planning their big day.

Venue: The Woods Farm
Hire Items: Shoalhaven Event and Party Hire
Styling: Jasmin Events
Flowers: Blooming Occasions
Gelato Bike: The Gelato Bike
Hair and Makeup: St Georges Basin Hair and Beauty
Gown: Karen Willis Holmes from Story Book Bridal

Niall and Imke's Kangaroo Valley Wedding

Niall and Imke asked me to be their Kangaroo Valley Wedding Photographer and it was a pleasure to do so. The German-Irish couple planned a destination wedding in Australia before making their move to New Zealand. The intimate wedding ceremony was held at the The Heavens which is a beautiful property with incredible views of the Valley.

It was a beautiful day, and the light streaming into the house during the morning made for beautiful bridal prep photos. Imke was escorted down the aisle by her mother where she was handed over to the man of her dreams. The whole day was perfect and the couple made my job so enjoyable.

Congratulations and all the best for your next chapter in Christchurch.

Venue: The Heavens
Celebrant: Rosemary Johnson
Music: Victoria Meehan
Flowers: Valley Moss
Catering: Bistro One46

Josh and Fiona's Engagement Session

Winter engagement sessions are nice cosy! Josh and Fiona had the perfect afternoon for their engagement session which was lucky as we had to postpone their booking twice due to rain. We met up at Ben’s Walk which which made such a nice backdrop for their intimate portraits. Congratulations to you both on your engagement, such an exciting time!

Gary and Claire's Mystery Bay Wedding

Corunna Farm Retreat was completely transformed into the perfect wedding venue for Gary and Claire’s big day last month. The property played host to the ceremony and reception for the beautiful couple. They both got ready onsite and made their way to meet family and friends to say ‘I do’.

Claire’s beautiful Wilderly Bride gown looked so feminine as she walked down the aisle to meet her handsome groom who had the biggest smile on his face. Their guests enjoyed an afternoon of grazing while the couple made their way to the beach for their bridal portraits. Upon return the drinks were free flowing from Sweetie Petitie, the cutest caravan bar.

Congratulations to Claire and Gaz, thank you for allowing me to document your day. It was a pleasure!

Wedding Venue: Corunna Farm Retreat
Celebrant: Debra Summers
Flowers: Claire Aliendi, Madeline Niemeier and Vibrant Flowers
Hair Stylist: Gypsy Rose Hair
Makeup Artist: Isabel Robles
Caravan Bar: Sweetie Petitie Caravan Bar
Solo Artist: Jacii Pavitt 
Grazing Tables: Creatively Wedding and Events
Bridal Party Grazing Boards and Cake Maker: The Foraged Table

Purple Bridal Shower Shoot

I am so excited to share this pretty purple bridal shower organised by the team at Scrumptious Grazing Events. The shower was inspired by all things floral and feminine, Tabitha and the creatives behind this shoot wanted to show how you can create the perfect celebration for a bride to be.

This lovely editorial shoot was held at Terara Riverside Retreat which boasts views of the Shoalhaven River. The event incorporated bright purple in varying shades into everything from the flowers to the cocktails, and even on top of the cake!

If you’re hosting a bridal shower soon, get inspired by this pretty purple event!

The incredible vendors and models are listed below, thank you to everyone that put their hand up to make this possible, it was so much fun.

Venue: Terara Riverside Retreat
Gourmet Grazing: Scrumptious Grazing Events
Furniture, Tricyce and Lawn Games: A Game of Love
Florist: Jessica Lea Foral Design
Arbour and Signage: The Prop Sisters
Caravan Bar and Drinks: Little Gracey
Photography: Samuel White Photography
Videography: GCC Visuals
Models: Megan Vaughan, Michelle Gray, Jael Barrios, Nina De Borde, Michelle Cato, Emma McGill and Jamie Borg