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

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