Rachael and Micaiah’s Currarong Wedding

After one hell of a stressful year, Rachael and Micaiah’s plans to get married in Fiji were put on hold, but not even a global pandemic could stop these two lovers from becoming husband and wife. Destination weddings may be canceled but love is not. They decided while they wait for the borders to open they would celebrate their marriage with their nearest and dearest in their hometown Currarong. They started the day with a first look in the rain to calm the nerves. I loved spending the day celebrating with Rachael and Micaiah and wish them all the best. Here are some of the highlights!

Celebrant: Lucy Manley 
Makeup Artist: Danh Doah 
Hair Stylist: Hair by Shiralee

Craig and Rhianon's Wedding at The Woods Farm

On the 20th of March 2021 Craig and Rhianon tied the knot at The Woods Farm Jervis Bay on what was one of the wettest days of the season. Having supported one another through some of the toughest times, their wedding meant so much more than starting a new chapter, it meant celebrating the life behind them too. When you photograph a wedding you get to spend a lot of time with the couple, which means getting to know them well. Throughout the day we learnt that Craig and Rhianon are two of the kindest people who light up in each others company. They surround themselves with people who share the same spirit, so documenting their wedding was a pleasure. Thank you for allowing us to capture such a special occasion, congratulations!

Venue: The Woods Farm
Florist: Flamingo Florist
Coordination and Styling: The Wedding and Event Creators
Catering: Garnish Catering
Band: Stella Girls
Gown: Maggie Sottero

Leigh's Newborn Session

There is nothing quite like the joy that a newborn baby brings. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting new mum Leigh and her family of three (four if we include her fur baby). Our session took place in the family home, which I believe is the perfect setting for lifestyle photography. I like to document those first weeks in their rawest form - I like to take photos of their feeds, their changes and really show what that bonding period is like. I don’t like to use props or stage photos - just capture the memories as they are. Here are some of the highlights.

Josh and Rebecca's Pyree Wedding

On the 12th of March, Josh and Bec tied the knot at one of the South Coasts’ most awe-inspiring historic wedding venues, the Butter Factory Restaurant. This unique, restored factory made the perfect backdrop for their country, rustic style wedding.

Having spent the day hearing from their friends and families it’s not hard to see how these two are so perfect for each other and how their marriage was just another chapter in their already loved-filled life together.

Congratulations guys, enjoy the highlights of how your day unfolded from my perspective.

Venue: The Butter Factory 
Florist: Lilly Ever After
Celebrant: Narrelle Harding
Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Makeup Artist: Symone Denham
Hair Stylist: Brittany Saunders
DJ / Entertainment: David Entertainment

Jodie and Nicole's Terara Wedding

Nicole and Jodie held their wedding ceremony and reception at Terara Park. They spent their morning getting ready with their family before making their way to an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water fountain.

For the photos between the wedding ceremony and reception we used the beautiful south coast property that was the perfect mix of manicured gardens and rural charm.

Thanks Nicole and Jodie for a wonderful wedding day, and thanks for letting me be such a special part of it.

Venue: Terara Park
Florist: April Phillips
Celebrant: David Newman
Makeup Artist: Jervis Bay Makeup and lashes
Hair Stylist: Shannon from Tease
DJ: TJ productions
Videographer: GCC Visuals
Alcohol: Bomaderry Cellars
Catering: Rabbit and Co

Abbey's Maternity Session

It is always so lovely to welcome old clients back to celebrate and document the special milestones in their lives. I first met Jack and Abbey right after Jack proposed. I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement session and their wedding. Last week I met up with them again to take some photos of Abbey who is pregnant with their first child. We decided to have their maternity session somewhere special, the home Abbey grew up in and the place she will be bringing her baby home to.

I never take for granted how meaningful photography can be and I honestly feel so blessed to be there for all the important times in life. Congratulations on your pregnancy Abbey and all the best with the birth. I will see you when your little one arrives.

On The Ball Constructions

Today on the blog I am sharing some branded content that I photographed for local builder On The Ball Constructions. We have personally been working with John on our own home renovation and have been so grateful to have an industry expert who has helped us save time and money. On The Ball Constructions are located on the South Coast and offer a service that is both honest and reliable.

To follow our renovation click here.

Jordan and Sarah's Wedding at Bendooley Estate

On the 27th of February Jordan and Sarah got married in a beautiful ceremony at Bendooley Estate. When I received the call from Sarah to photograph her wedding I jumped at the opportunity. I was instantly drawn to the fun vibe she painted of her big day and I was eager to photograph her surprise gender reveal. With the stunning backdrop of the Stables, the two said their I do’s surrounded by their best mates and family who were rallying them on!

Their smiles say it all, as they tied the knot in a beautiful southern highlands wedding! Thank you for allowing me to capture such an unforgettable day! Enjoy your highlights.

Venue: Bendooley Estate
Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Hair Stylist: Sarah Barden
Makeup Artist: Gemma Jamison
Florist: Ivy Lane Collective and Fleured Up

Steven's Surprise Proposal

Today on the blog I am sharing one of my most exciting shoots, a surprise proposal on the Mollymook coastline. With the help of his friends, Steven surprised his girlfriend by getting down on one knee to pop the question, and of course, she said yes! A lot of planning went into this special afternoon and I loved being part of it! Congratulations Charmagne and Steven on your engagement!

Excelsa Rose Valley by Wandering Escapes

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Excelsa, a boutique holiday property available through Wandering Escapes. This executive residence sits on 6.27 ha, with a northerly aspect, quietly nestled in one of South Coast's most tightly held addresses in Rose Valley. Just minutes from the township of Gerringong and Werri Beach, 'Excelsa' makes the perfect holiday destination. To find out more or to book email info@wanderingescapes.com.au

Oakleigh Rose Newborn Session

A couple of weeks ago I visited baby Oakleigh Rose for an in home newborn session. Little Oakleigh is baby number five and is oh so loved by her big sisters. When it comes to mum Haidee, it’s true what they say - hands full hearts fuller.

Family Session in Apex Park

I had so much fun capturing this extended family and their two little ones! Living on the coast means most of my sessions take place at the beach but with Lisa on crutches we decided to shake things up and meet at Apex Park in Berry. We had planned to take these family photos for Mothers Day last year but 2020 had other plans. Here are some of the highlights from our afternoon together.

Gerringong Engagement Session

When Sam and Paul had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic we decided to catch up anyway for a loved up session at their wedding location. Our session ended up incredibly windy but I think the weather made for an even cuddlier session. Congratulations on your engagement guys, I’m sure the wedding will be worth the wait!

Ella's Portfolio Shoot

Today on the blog I am sharing a portfolio session with Ella Mullins. We met up in the Nowra CBD as we wanted to use a space with clean lines so we could take some headshots with minimal backdrops. This was a fun booking where I had the chance to be creative.

If you would like to update your portfolio send me an email to info@samuelwhitephoto.com to find out more.

Sacari Hair Stylers Branding Session

Earlier this month I spent some time with Katrina, the owner of Sacari for a branding session in her salon. Sacari cordless hair stylers are a new innovative product that fit neatly into your handbag, with patented technology that allows users to create salon-quality hairstyles anytime and anywhere. To find out more or to purchase your own click this link.

Jeremy and Cayla's Terara Wedding

Jeremy and Cayla celebrated their wedding in a beautiful, relaxed country setting. The intimate ceremony took place overlooking a waterfall surrounded by gardens. Their day was full of rustic charm and bright pops of colour. The pair were married at Terara Park, a farm style venue on the south coast. They spent the morning apart preparing for the day before heading to say their I do’s. Following their portraits with the bridal party they had a fun filled reception in a fairy lit barn adding to the character of the day.

Congratulations Jeremy and Cayla, I’m so happy for you both!

Celebrant: Kristie Wilkinson
Florist: Taylor Made Bouquets
Hair Stylist: Zavaali
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Kye
MC: Josh Dean
Cake Maker: Sweetart Creations
Venue: Terara Park

Hamish and Sammi’s Worrowing Wedding

As if their wedding venue burning down wasn’t bad enough, why not throw a global pandemic into the mix. For Hamish and Sammi, no obstacle could keep these two apart. The two tied the knot on the 13th of February at Worrowing Estate in Jervis Bay surrounded by friends and family. They spent the morning preparing for the ceremony with their bridal party and then met up in the homestead gardens for a first look to calm the nerves. They spent the morning having their portraits taken so they could enjoy the celebrations rather than leaving their guests. In a lot of ways Hamish and Sammi are very different, but they are living proof that opposites attract and compliment each other perfectly. We loved spending our day getting to know these lovely newlyweds and wish them every happiness in their future life together.

Venue: Worrowing Jervis Bay
Styling and Coordination:The Wedding and Event Creators
Celebrant: Todd Mayhew
Florist: Ivy Lane Coordination
Hair Stylist: Hair by Holly Gould
Makeup Artist: Sally Ann Beauty
Caravan Bar: The Rambling Rose
Catering: Rabbit and Co Catering
Live Music: Tillee Music and The White Tree
Photo Booth: The Selfie Stand

Janelle's Maternity Session at Hyams Beach

Today we bring you a stunning pregnancy photography session captured at Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. Janelle was eager to capture this special time in her life at this beautiful south coast location. We met right as the sun was setting, and the session went perfectly. All the best for the birth Janelle!

Andrew and Nina's Newborn Shoot

Today on the blog I am sharing the highlights from my in home session with parents Andrew and Nina. Having photographed their engagement and wedding, it was nice to catch up on their next special milestone - parenthood. Congratulations on the arrival of little Freya, she is adorable.

Newborn Session with baby Eden

Congratulations to Corey and Alicia on the arrival of their daughter Eden who entered the world on Sunday the 3rd of January 2021 at 7:56 pm weighing 3460g and 51cm. Having spent some time with this family of three, it was clear to see that the sleepless nights are well worth it for the precious smiles and little yawns. Unlike studio photography sessions, I don’t like to use props and I like to capture authentic moments of your family during the newborn stage. Here are some of the highlights from our session together.