Patrick and Nikita's Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat Wedding

The gale force winds did not deter Patrick and Nikita from soaking up every moment of their Kangaroo Valley wedding earlier this month. The two decided to break tradition and kickstart their big day with a “first look”. They both decided that this would allow them to have pre ceremony portraits freeing up more time in the afternoon to celebrate with their friends and family. Seeing Patricks face light up when he turned to look at his bride was truly an emotional moment. Another special addition to their wedding was a very special furry guest, their pet dog. I had such a nice time photographing this wedding, it was a true reminder of how special marriage is and how nice it is to share the occasion with your nearest and dearest.

Congratulations to you both, enjoy the highlights!

Accomodation: Banksia Park Cottages
Venue: Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat
Catering: Caterina in Kangaroo Valley
Styling: Kangaroo Valley Style
Florist: Valley Moss
Makeup Artist: Making Faces
Celebrant: Rosemary Johnson
Videography: Phoenix Photo and Video
Live Music: The Baker Boys

Brett and Hannah's Wedding at Austinmer

On Friday the 6th of September, I captured the wedding celebrations of Brett and Hannah which started with an outdoor ceremony at Austinmer, NSW. Following their romantic afternoon portraits on the beach the couple joined their family and friends back at the Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach. Their reception had an incredible view overlooking the cliff face and headland and it was truly spectacular.

Congratulations Brett and Hannah, I wish you every happiness!

Venue: Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach
Florist: Pink Domino Florist
Hair and Makeup: Niche Hair and Beauty
Celebrant: Marianne O’Connor

Jessica and Yadira's Wedding at Austinmer

Sydney-siders Jessica and Yadira chose a gorgeous beach front location in Austinmer, NSW to exchange vows earlier this month. The couple’s intimate wedding ceremony was followed by a beautiful sunset overlooking the headland. As a wedding photographer you get such a unique perspective on the whole day by joining both brides for the morning and witnessing all the little moments that make up each of their days.

Congratulations Jessica and Yadira, it was beautiful to witness the start of your marriage! Here are some of the highlights.

Venue: Headlands Hotel Austinmer
Celebrant: Julie Myers
Makeup Artist: Jaimee May Makeup
Hair Stylist: Bulli Hair Studio

Bradley and Jemma's Engagement Session

I met Bradley and Jemma in Cambewarra, NSW for a beautiful golden morning engagement session earlier this week. I had so much fun capturing these two as they laughed and cuddled in an open field; and now I can’t wait to capture their wedding at The Yallah Woolshed next year!

The Lidbetter Family

I had so much fun capturing this lovely family last week in Berry, NSW. We picked Apex Park as it’s nice and shady, very pretty and wheel chair accessible. You may recognise some of the faces from this session as they are repeat clients of mine, I recently photographed Nathan and Rachel’s Austinmer wedding. It was great to catch up and hear how they are settling into married life. Here are some of my favourites from our morning together.

Alex and Chloe's Wedding at Coolangatta Estate Winery

Alex and Chloe’s winter wedding was a true celebration of love, commitment and family. The couple chose to have their big day at Coolangatta Estate Winery, a venue alive with history with the original convict-built village now surrounded by sprawling vineyards and landscaped grounds. The couple chose to really embrace Alex’s Scottish heritage by wearing kilts and by pinning the tartan. After the ceremony the couple went to Gerroa Headland for some golden hour portraits. They made sure to include their son Orson and their dog Hugo in the celebrations. The night was spent listening to heartfelt speeches and a whole lot of dancing.

Congratulations Alex and Chloe on your marriage, what a great wedding!

Wedding Venue: Coolangatta Estate Winery
Hair Stylist: Hair by Holly Gould
Makeup Artist: Megan Lee - Invoke Thy MOH
Celebrant: Karolyn Goldsbro
Cake Maker - Coadi Cammileri
Wedding Gown: Accapella Bridal
Harpist: Yasmine Russell
DJ / Music: Kate Young

Ben and Louise's Pyree Wedding

In the lead up to Ben and Louise’s wedding they expressed that it was more than just a marriage between the couple, but rather a celebration of their families joining too. I wanted to make sure that I documented the day including all the beautiful moments between two very caring parents and their children.

Ben and Louise celebrated with a ceremony and reception at The Buttery Factory, the perfect venue for a rustic, country-styled wedding. We were blessed with the most beautiful sunset to take golden hour photos overlooking the country paddocks and surrounding grazing land. The Butter Factory was the perfect place for a winter wedding as their friends and family could stay nice and cosy by the fire while enjoying the reception.

Later in the evening Ben and Louise stepped outside for some portraits underneath the festoon lights, it was a serene moment, for just the two of them as they celebrated becoming husband and wife.

Thanks to Ben and Louise for making my job so enjoyable, it was so nice to spend the day celebrating your marriage.

Wedding Venue: The Butter Factory Pyree
Chair Hire: Shoalhaven Party Hire
Celebrant: Merrilyn Newman
Musician: Cairyn Jay
Dressmaker: Daniel Learmont Couture

Romance Was Born in The Woods

The Woods Farm played host to our editorial shoot Romance Was Born over the weekend with Corey and Claudia. This 40 acre Jervis Bay property offers couples a rustic chapel with regal chandeliers and floor to ceiling mirrors surrounded by native bushland. Our beautiful bride Claudia is wearing a long sleeve L’eto gown from Your Art Bridal, a contemporary piece that made her feel confident and comfortable while exploring The Woods. Jessica Lea Floral Design was the creative behind the flowers used in the shoot. The first bouquet photographed was a modern mix of white roses and orchids, while the second was a nod to the surrounding landscape a bold mix of natives. Brigette Alana created a soft, naturally beautiful and timeless bridal look to go with the theme of the shoot. Local hair stylist Brittney Saunders created two different looks; the first was soft waves and the second a low up style both featuring luxury pieces exclusive to And You Bridal. I was lucky enough to shoot alongside local videographer Thomas James Media who is passionate about preserving love stories. Here are some of the highlights from another perfect afternoon behind the lens.

Venue: The Woods Farm
Gown: L’eto Bridal from Your Art Bridal
Flowers: Jessica Lea Floral Design
Videographer: Thomas James Media
Hair Stylist: Hair by Brittney Saunders
Makeup Artist: Brigette Alana Makeup Artistry
Hair Piece: And You Bridal

Andrew and Nina's Jervis Bay Engagement Session

Ahead of Andrew and Nina’s big day I met up with the lovely couple to photograph some engagement photos at Greenfield’s Beach in Jervis Bay. It was a great afternoon to show Andrew and Nina what they can expect with their bridal portraits and the perfect opportunity to alleviate any fears they had about having professional photos taken. It didn’t take long for them to relax and for me to capture some authentic moments for the couple to cherish forever.

I am so excited to be capturing their wedding next month after seeing how great their engagement session went. Here are a few of my favourites.

Sunset Romance at Worrowing

Earlier this week I returned to Worrowing Estate, a beautiful 250 acre coastal property with a very country feel. I was so excited to shoot husband and wife, Dale and Shelby in the wide open spaces of the property and in the magnificent gardens surrounding the Georgian style Homestead. I was joined by local florist Gypsy Carmen who crafted a beautiful bouquet that had so much texture and contrast with the burnt orange and browns. The bride wore Parisienne, an elegant long sleeved gown by Bo and Luca stocked locally at Your Art Bridal. This embellished gown was paired with a luxury statement hair comb from And You Bridal. Freelance makeup artist and hair stylist Brigette wanted to create a natural luminous makeup look and free flowing hairstyle to tie in with the effortless romantic vibe of the shoot. We were lucky enough to have Thomas James Media there to film the portrait session, which adds a whole other dimension to the stills I was shooting.

Our team wanted to create a romantic shoot that showed real love and connection, we hope you enjoy the highlights.

Venue: Worrowing Estate
Gown: Bo and Luca from Your Art Bridal
Flowers: Gypsy Carmen
Videographer: Thomas James Media
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Brigette Alana Makeup Artistry
Hair Piece: And You Bridal

Carik and Lisa's Wedding

When you hear that it was the best day of their lives you know you’ve done something right! I was so honoured to join Carik and Lisa in celebrating their marriage last week at Pyree. The two tied the knot just in time before the arrival of their second child and the day couldn’t have been any more special. A standout moment for me was right before the ceremony when the father of the bride reassured his daughter, cuddled her and helped calm her nerves. It was so nice to see how they included their daughter throughout the day and you could tell she was so proud. Here are some of the highlights, enjoy!

Venue: Greendales Pyree
Gown: Karen Willis Holmes from Storybook Bridal
Flowers: Blooming Occasions
Hair Stylist: Whyld Hair
Makeup Artist: Ondrea Kirk
Celebrant: Natasha Edwick

Billy's First Birthday Fiesta

On Saturday I caught up with James and Tash as they celebrated their son Billy’s first birthday. He is such an adorable little guy, so smiley and happy to be surrounded by his loving family and friends. Parents, Tash and James themed the party as a birthday fiesta which meant lots of bright colours and fun decorations. Thank you guys for allowing me to capture such a fun party for your son and a big Happy Birthday Billy.

James and Emma at Terara Riverside Gardens

If this romantic styled shoot at Terara Riverside Gardens doesn’t make you want to have a garden wedding by the water we don’t know what will! This styled shoot was specifically designed to show couples that by booking a property suitable for portraits you won’t have to leave your guests for long to achieve some beautiful photographs, especially if you want to duck away at sunset.

We are always so grateful to be given the opportunity to get behind the lens for a fun photoshoot with other creatives in our South Coast wedding community.

Venue: Terara Riverside Gardens
Gown: Leto Bridal from Your Art Bridal
Hair Stylist: Absolute Hair by Tia
Makeup Artist: Emma’s Makeup Artistry
Flowers: Scrumptious Grazing Events
Videographer: Thomas James Media
Couple: James and Emma

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