Last weekend I got to work with one of the nicest families at one of my favourite beaches, Greenfields in Jervis Bay. The Woods siblings decided to catch up with their partners and partners to update their family photos and we all had such a great time capturing some natural moments. Here are the highlights.
Sean and Sally's Engagement Session
Deciding to spend forever with your best friend, that’s the easy part. Picking a photo location for your engagement session, that’s where it gets a little more tricky. You want a stunning spot that’ll photograph nicely and will allow you to feel comfortable even if people are close by. On the south coast we are spoilt, there are so many beautiful beaches in Jervis Bay that are surrounded by national park which means we are able to shoot with different backdrops all within a few minutes walk.
Last weekend I met up with Sally and Sean at Blenheim to capture some engagement photos. It was great to get to know the couple ahead of their wedding and we had lots of fun focusing on natural photos. Congratulations on your engagement and see you at the wedding!
Welcome to the world Nate
Welcoming a newborn into your family is a beautiful, emotional time. As a newborn and family photographer, I love when I have the opportunity to document these early days as everyone in the family gets to know its newest member. That’s why it was such a real pleasure to meet up with friends and clients Amber and Andrew for an in home session with baby Nate. Congratulations guys, he is adorable!
Rhys and Kareen's Wedding at The Cove Jervis Bay
Beach weddings are so amazing, especially when they are held at a private resort. Imagine a wedding venue hidden in the middle of Jervis Bay with uninterrupted ocean views and surrounded by National Park. Now add stunning florals, beautiful fairy lights and some incredible modern styling. Rhys and Kareen’s wedding was packed with swoon worthy details and personal touches, making every detail one to remember.
While the weather wasn’t perfect, nothing could dampen the spirits of these gorgeous newlyweds. They said “I do” in an intimate ceremony, surrounded by their closest love ones. They strolled the surrounds for some bridal portraits before making their way to the wedding hall for an evening reception full of fun.
If your dream wedding is traditionally romantic then you can’t go past this one for inspiration!
Venue: The Cove Jervis Bay
Celebrant: Andrew Baldino
Florist: Tulipana
Hair and Makeup: House of Glamour
MC: Andrew Baldino
Music: All About Her (Andrew Baldino’s trio)
Catering: Bumpy Road
Bar Staff: Henry Clive
Cake Maker: Decadence Cake & Gifts
Newborn Session with Amelia Westley
I recently had the honour of taking family photos for new parents Brad and Kiara in their Sussex Inlet home. Earlier this month these two welcomed their daughter Amelia into the world, and already she has filled their lives with so much love and happiness. It’s funny how quickly you adapt to having kids and how your little ones feel like they were there all along. Congratulations guys, Amelia is perfect!
Angela and Donovan's Wedding at Shoal Bay
The sparkling turquoise waters and white sands of Shoal Bay made the perfect backdrop for Donovan and Angela to say I do. They had an intimate ceremony on the beach which was followed by an afternoon reception at Salt, a unique holiday property with unbeatable views overlooking the Bay. The couple couldn’t have asked for a better day to get married, it really was perfect in every way. I felt so honoured to be asked to travel to this special ceremony and I was made feel so welcome by the newlyweds.
Congratulations Donovan and Angela, enjoy your highlights.
Venue: Salt Shoal Bay
Pastor: Paul Geelan
Florist: A Beautiful Occasion
Makeup Artist: Amour Hair Artistry
Hair Stylist: Amour Hair Artistry
Emily and Shivam's Wedding at The Barn on The Ride
Shivam and Emily got to experience their wedding not once, but twice. Having already tied the knot the month prior in a traditional Indian wedding it was time to do it all over again this September. The pair decided to tie the knot overlooking Pigeon House Mountain and surrounded by the idyllic Milton countryside.
Their big day was filled with colorful florals and decor that perfectly complemented The Barn on The Ridge’s rustic interiors.
From the heartwarming first looks to the bride walking down the aisle with both parents, the whole day was filled with beautiful emotion. You could feel so much love in the air at their wedding and the happiness really was contagious. I am so happy for you guys and so honoured to be part of your day. Enjoy the highlights!
Venue: The Barn on the Ridge
Celebrant: Rosey Naylor-Clark (a friend of ours)
Florist: Frankie Fleur
Makeup Artist: Natasha Bowling
Hair Stylist: Chelsea Taylor
Styling, Hire or Coordination: Upon A Star Events
MC: Jess Norris
Music or Entertainment: Jason Norris
Catering: Wandering Woodfire Oven
Alcohol Supplier: Hello Huey
Dessert: Scoops Gelato
Robert and Courtney's Wedding at The Cove Jervis Bay
Soft blush floral arrangements, silk slip gowns, and modern styling pieces - Robert and Courtney’s wedding tied together chic and romance, making their celebration the definition of elevated coastal. And with the perfect blank canvas venue, two stunning gowns, and an all night dance floor, this wedding just kept on giving.
The two said “I do” in a private ceremony at The Cove, overlooking the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay. Todd Mayhew officiated the marriage in a heartfelt ceremony that featured beautiful floral pillars that framed the shore behind them.
After tying the knot, the celebration continued in the wedding hall. With beautiful table florals, moody candles and a ceiling installation, the venues interiors really stood out. I had such a good time laughing with these newlyweds as they kept me entertained all day. Thank you for hosting one hell of a wedding!
Venue: The Cove Jervis Bay
Coordination: Hoorah Events
Bar Staff: Henry Clive
Florist: Ivy Lane Collective
Celebrant: Todd Mayhew
Catering: Duck Duck Goose
Hire: South Coast Party Hire
Music: XYDJ
Nanny Hire: South Coast Nannies
Hair Stylist: Absolute Hair by Tia
Makeup Artist: Beauty Room by Britt
Blake and Annie's Vow Renewal
On the third of September 2022, Blake and Annie joined their friends and family to renew their vows at The Novotel North Wollongong. The pair had a specific vision for their day which was bought to life with the help of Hire A Bridesmaid. They wanted to celebrate their love along the coastline so Novotel was the perfect choice for the celebration. I had an amazing time celebrating with this fun loving couple and I wish them every happiness.
Venue: The Novotel North Wollongong
Celebrant: Lisa Roden - Love Lisa Celebrant
Makeup Artist: April Khamis - April K Makeup
Hair Stylist: Naomi Shalala - Exquisite Hair by Naomi
MC: Kerstyn Welsh, Hire a Bridesmaid
Music or Entertainment: Premiere DJs
Shay and Andrea's Woods Farm Wedding
Rain may be the ultimate fear for any couple on their big day, but not for Shay and Andrea. This couple embraced the unpredictable weather and made the rain on their Woods Farm wedding work in their favour. On a whimsical property with so much rustic charm - their rainy day actually made for the sweetest photos.
The highlight of the day was before the ceremony when the bride and groom met behind closed doors in one of the cottages for a first touch, a private moment they shared to settle the nerves while still waiting for the aisle to see one another. They had a beautiful heartfelt ceremony in the bush chapel which followed a reception in the barn where they finally got to sit down and celebrate with their friends and family.
From the cute transparent umbrellas to a bespoke barn, scroll through these highlights to find out how the pair celebrated their marriage and didn’t let the bad weather rain on their parade.
Celebrant: Shannon O'Heir
Hair Stylist: Jodie Day
Makeup Artist: Kayla K
Catering: Garnish Catering
Live Music: Kahuna Duo
Newborn Session with Josh and Jayde
This was such a beautiful session for me, visiting new parents Josh and Jayde in their family home. It’s an exciting time for mum and dad as they walked me through a morning with their little girl, she fed, she cried and she had a change. What’s amazing is how quickly two people become parents, and how they can already know her needs and calm her straight away. Congratulations Jayde, you were born to be a mother.
The Sturt Family Session
A beach family portrait session is one of my favourite options for a family photo session. Especially in Jervis Bay with all those amazing stunning beaches. There are so many options for a beach family portrait session; my favourite beaches to go to are White Sands, Blenheim and Greenfields.
I recently caught up with the Stuart family to capture some memories of them with their daughters exploring Moona Moons creek in Huskisson, which will soon become their backyard. You could tell how much love their is in this family of four who just loved exploring with each other. Here are some of the highlights.
Lauren's Jervis Bay Maternity Shoot
What better spot to photograph a maternity session than in Jervis Bay. It’s such a beautiful time being pregnant and nine months of carrying a little bundle of joy is the best anticipation to experience. I loved catching up with past wedding clients David and Lauren to capture some of their journey into parenthood and celebrate Laurens pregnancy. Here are a few highlights from our Vincentia session.
Robert and Amanda's Wedding
Pastel floral arrangements, blue bridesmaid dresses, and modern styling — Robert and Amanda’s Warilla wedding tied together romantic touches, making their celebration stunning while still maintaining a fun vibe. Their seaside ceremony made the perfect backdrop to say I do before heading off for some romantic portraits in the golden hour. After tying the knot and wrapping up the photos, the celebration continued back at Warilla Bowling Club where the couple laughed all night. Here are some of my favourite memories from the day.
Venue: Warilla Bowling Club
Hair and Makeup: South Coast Hair and Makeup
Car Hire: Sweet Rides
Florist: Taylor Made Bouquets
MC & DJ: Ignite Dance Parties
Celebrant: Merinda Richardson
Event Company: Diamond Reception Events
Second Photographer: Kyle Jacobs
Zac and Paige's Worrowing Wedding
Zac and Paige wanted to host a memorable wedding for their friends and family that was packed with lots of fun. They made sure their guests were entertained throughout the day and included afternoon lawn games and mini golf. They chose a beautiful Australian homestead to tie the knot, which they filled with dried floral arrangements and blush accents. They said “I do” over looking the water and surrounded by kangaroos. Following their heartfelt ceremony, they explored the stunning grounds of Worrowing with their bridal party for portraits as the sun set. They entered the Hereford Shed hand in hand, as husband and wife ready to celebrate with everyone who were eagerly waiting with their glasses charged. Congratulations Zac and Paige, you guys sure know how to host a wedding!
Venue: Worrowing
Hire, Styling, and Coordination: The Wedding and Event Creators
Hair Stylist: Absolute hair by Tia
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Megan
Catering: Bumpy Road
Cake Maker: Sweet Art Celebrations
Celebrant: David Newman
Music: The White Tree
Bar: Henry Clive
Eleven Eighty Winter Collaboration
Earlier this month we got together with some of our wedding friends to get creative at the hottest new venue on the south coast. Eleven Eighty played host to an edgy bridal shoot as the sun began to set. We are obsessed with the quirky elements of the property and how it felt so rich in historic charm. The School Hall has been lovingly restored for intimate dining or wet weather ceremonies. Having a venue with so much character meant there was little need to bring in furniture or hire items as the canvas was already exactly what we were after. Having had a taste of what Eleven Eighty has to offer we cannot wait to return to document some fun weddings in the future. Add this one to your shortlist guys!
Venue: Eleven Eighty
Florist: Ivy Lane Collective
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Brigette Alanna MUA
Gown: Storybook Bridal
Catering: The Hungry Monkey
Stationery: State of Elliott
Jayde's Maternity Session
The south coast has so many beautiful locations for photo shoots, like the session I am sharing today which was taken at Gerroa, NSW. Jayde reached out to have some maternity photos taken as she is nearing the end of her pregnancy, and Josh and her are so excited to soon become a family of three. I loved capturing Jayde’s journey into motherhood, as it is such a special time for her. Congratulations on your pregnancy and all the best for the birth.
Brooke and Ahmed’s Bombo Family Session
I met Ahmed and Brooke a few years ago when they were newly engaged and wanted to have some portraits taken to document the special time in their lives. Since then, I have had the pleasure of taking their wedding photos and more recently, a family session. I always feel so privileged to meet up with my clients and see how life after marriage is going. For this fun loving couple, life is a little busier chasing after their cheeky little boy.
Amber's Maternity Session
Down to earth, happy and just all round great people, I am so blessed to have photographed this exciting time in Amber and Andrew’s life. With news of another baby on the way, Amber reached out for some maternity photos of her family in their hometown Vincentia. These three will soon welcome their newest member and you could tell just how excited they were at the news.
As a lifestyle photographer, I really enjoy having the chance to tell stories through photography and the ability to freeze all the precious moments to look back on for years to come.
Congratulations Amber and Andrew, see you in a few months when your little one arrives!
Grant and Christina's Wedding Portraits
Like so many couples, Grant and Christine’s wedding plans were forced to change when the world went into lockdown during the global pandemic. Fortunately, these two found an alternative to their original plans and were able to be married in a friend's backyard, via a town hall in Utah.
Utah became the first state in America to recognise a virtual Zoom wedding between partners living not just in different states, but in different countries. And this legal Zoom wedding isn’t just the first in the country, it’s the first of its kind anywhere.
As a way to celebrate their marriage, Grant and Christine met up with me at Bombo to take some wedding portraits. Here are a few of my favourites.
