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Royal SA Yacht Squadron Wedding – Alex & Tom

Alex and Tom certainly knew how to have a good time as their Royal SA Yacht Squadron wedding can attest! Their day was full of fun loving people, who were keen on having a blast all day – particularly as the SA COVID restrictions had been recinded in regards to dancing only the night before!

Alex and Tom, both avid, successful sailors themselves had the run of the yacht club for their entire day, making things simple for themselves and their guests, who all had giant smiles on their faces all day!

 

Preparation

Tom and his groomsmen were being prepared in a nearby house. I was greeted by many of the guys wandering about in their underwear, stressing about not knowing where Alex’s gift to Tom – a watch – had vanished to! They had the wrist band, but not the watch itself. Crisis was averted after Tom had a proper look. 🙂

After finding the watch, Tom seemed to relax a bit and had a grand ol’ time laughing and making jokes with his mates while getting ready, culminating in a fashionshow-esque portrait shoot where each of the boys made it their mission to pose with the most awkward expressions possible.

Grooms jacket hanging on doorframe
Grooms watch
Smiling groomsman
best man helping
Groom and groomsmen putting on socks
Groom playing with cuffs
Groom spraying champaigne with groomsmen
Groomsmen standing on road
Groom looking off into distance against tree

Alex and her bridal party were being prepared in a larger house close by, with a grand entrance hall in which I made use of for shots of the bridal preparation and of course haning the dress in!

Alex made use of the grassy area out the back for what might have been the best champaign spraying I have ever seen, before heading back inside to put on dresses.

A big highlight of their preparation would have to be the father of the groom’s first look – not only for his reaction as he peeked around the door frame, but rather the emergance of Alex and Tom’s little boy first who waddled out like a little penguin to screams of delaight from the bridal party.

Engagement ring in between bridal shoes
Engagement ring in white roses
Wedding dress hanging in front passage
Bride having makeup done surrounded by entourage
Bridal party in gowns
Bridal party spraying champaigne
Bride getting ready in front of doorway
bride opening groom gift box
Mum helping put on bridal veil
Bride standing alone in doorway
Father of the bride first look
Bride placing flower on Dad
Bride and bridesmaids on porch

Royal SA Yacht Squadron Wedding Ceremony

Alex and Tom’s Royal SA Yacht Squadron wedding ceremony took palce under the umbrellas on the large open decking area overlooking the club’s marina. This allowed all their guests to excape the sunny weather, while also having quite a view to look at!

Again Alex and Tom’s little boy stole the show early in the proceedings with him making an entrance to the music of the wiggles, much to the delight of all onlookers, and made everyone laugh as they joined in with the song.

The ceremony also had a couple of heartfelt readings from important people and made sure to involve both laughter and tearjerking moments – all emotions were on display, even confusion when a couple of slight mishaps occured, including a stepping on the dress, and the slight oversight of the location of the wedding bands! This was all laughed off in good humour though.

Groom at front of congregation
Groom with groomsmen at front of ceremony
Page boy with gran
bridal approach at royal sa yacht squadron wedding
Wedding ceremony under umbrellas
Celebrant doing her thing with mic
roayl sa yacht squadron wedding ceremony
Ceremony reading
Bride tearing up
RSAYS wedding ceremony
Holding hands in front of celebrant
Bride and groom holing hands in front of celebrant
Page boy delivering rings
First kiss at royal SA yacht squadron wedding
Celebrations at wedding ceremony
Leaving the wedding ceremony
Royal South Australian yacht Squadron wedding

Glamour Photos

As Alex and Tom’s plan for glamour photos did not involve heading off site anywhere, we made the most of the laid back time by spending some time with family and friends, and also a bit of down time enjoying a drink together in the club’s spectacular boat house.

We made use of the beautiful coloured doors quite a bit, while I also enjoyed shooting Alex and Tom witht he light scoming through the open door to create a ruustic frame around the dancing couple.

We also made use of the marina’s piers and docks as we walked about, and even clamboured on a large yacht for a few photos there.

Bridal party in boat shed
Royal SA Yacht club boat shed wedding photo
Royal SA Yacht club boat shed wedding photography
bride and groom leaning on boat shed doors
bride and groom leaning on boat shed coloured doors
Bridesmaids re creating a picture
Groomsmen on jetty
Bridal party pulling bride and groom apart
Bridal squad
Bride and groom leaning on pier pole
Bridal party on royal SA yacht squadron piers
Royal sa yacht squadron wedding photo
Royal sa yacht squadron wedding photography
bride and groom kissing under veil
Bridal party together spraying champaigne
Bride and groom at sunset on pier
Bride and groom out at night

Royal SA Yacht Squadron Wedding Reception

Alex and Tom’s Royal SA Yacht Squadron wedding reception was spearheaded by an immediate dance floor incursion by the entire bridal party – they were that keen on getting up there!

The entire night was well planned, with over an hour’s worth of heartfelt speeches throughout, which everyone jokingly heckled about, but all really enjoyed with laughter, tears and other shenanigans. After which everyone was keen to jump on the dancefloor, causing the rest fo the night to be a blur!

Bridal party entrance
Bridal party entrance with fly gag
Entrance of bridal aprty
Bride and groom entrance to reception
mr and mrs wedding cake
Laughing groom during speech
Laughing bride during speech
Laughing geusts during a speech
Mums
Bride and groom cuttingt he cake together
Bouquet toss action
Caught bouquet toss
bride and groom dancing
bride and groom dancing on dance floor

I’d like to thank Alex, Tom and their family for having myself and my wife there to document your big daya dn I hope you enjoy your photos and video!

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13 Tips For a Successful Family Photoshoot

Family photoshoots are supposed to be a lot of fun. It’s an activity that you get to enjoy with the people you care about the most in the world, all while preserving shared memories that you may cherish for the rest of your life.

You may be wondering what to bring, how long the shoot will take if you can bring your dog, how hair and makeup are done, and if venues can be switched! 

There are so many details to work out before the scheduled day. So we compiled a list of thirteen tips for a successful family photoshoot to help you get ready for your big day.

13 Tips For a Successful Family Photoshoot

Prior to the shoot, you must:

  • Brainstorm Ideas

The great thing about family photoshoots is that they can be a huge collaborative effort amongst you and your relatives. You must first let them know what you are planning for everybody and get them excited to brainstorm ideas with you. Let them contribute poses, themes, and costume ideas. And remember, this is part of all the fun!

Know that whatever works for your family will be your own unique style. The shoot is something you all should look up to, so frame the experience in a brilliant and positive light.

family sitting on a log
  • Plan Everything Accordingly

We can’t stress this enough: you have to plan ahead and accordingly to have a successful family photoshoot. No matter the size of your family, it’s important to set everything up from scheduling, wardrobe changes, grooming, food or catering, and so on. 

Fix your clothing the day before your shoot, for example, and make sure all required things are dry cleaned/ironed. Set aside time the day before the shoot to have everyone conditioned and ready. Also, allow plenty of time if you’re getting your hair or cosmetics done. You don’t want to be rushed and flustered when you arrive.

Mt Compass Family photography
  • Get Some Beauty Rest

A big part of photoshoot preparations is setting the mood for the entire day. And to achieve a successful family photoshoot, everybody in your family must be well-rested, energetic, hydrated, and well-fed. Eight hours of sleep, lots of water, a big breakfast, and an uplifted mood sure can go a long way.

Family walking along the pond

Things to Pack

  • Healthy Snacks

No, we’re not just talking about chips and junk food. We’re talking about jelly beans, cheese cubes, light crackers, and dried food. Avoid foods that could stain or get stuck in your teeth like chocolate, candies, coloured beverages, and anything that consumes too much time to devour.

Food platter on display
  • Extra Clothes

It’s always a good idea to pack extra clothes and backup outfits for everybody, young and old. This tip is especially advantageous if, let’s say, you’re bringing a bunch of kids along. With almost any type of photoshoot, expect spills and stains to go wrong! It wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit overprepared.

I have a cake!
  • Fun Activities

Breakout sessions in between photoshoot layouts are a must. This is a way to inject fun as the day progresses. This is not really a requirement, but it can relax your whole team and loosen up your family members

In addition, fun activities like blowing bubbles, and playing with toys and balls can be added to your themed shoot.

Family photo in Pine Reserve
  • The Furry Friend

If you bring your dog, please consider bringing a dedicated walker to look after it throughout the shoot. This way, you can keep your dog secure and comfortable while not interfering with the shot. Also, before bringing your dog to the shoot, evaluate her disposition. How will it be able to pose for photos if it is typically wild and rowdy? Finally, provide dog treats and toys for the dog so that he would comply.

bride groom and dog
  •  Outdoor Items

Best place to hold a natural family photography session is to hold it outside – rather than in a studio. For example, heading to the beach? bring beach towels, sunscreen, coolers, umbrellas, and more! Treat it the way you would for any beach trip. How about a forest? maybe bring a picnic setup, some games? frisbee?

Family sitting together on rock
  • Grooming Tools for Hair and Makeup

Perhaps grooming for hair and makeup aren’t requirements either, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own tools. This way, you can touch up in between layouts and keep it all hygienic as well. But beyond hair and makeup, you may also want to bring a sewing kit for emergencies. And if you’re feeling quite extravagant, feel free to hire your family’s own glam team!

Running in front of the family

Reminders During the Shoot

  •  Make the Most Out of It

We’ll say it again: A family photoshoot is a perfect excuse to bond with your loved ones. So, use this time wisely. This is a time to learn new things through new experiences, together.

Family looking through the bushes
  •  Grab a Solo Portrait for Everyone

Show off everybody’s beauty. One by one, allow every member of your family to have their own time to shine. Let them show off their hobbies, their talents, and their unique styles.

Portrait
  •  Give Room for Goofy Shots

You can culminate the shoot by taking a goofy group family pic which you can blow up and hang on your wall! This is a way for you to truly cherish your close family ties, unbreakable bonds, and sense of humour! There are no wrong answers when it comes to taking goofy family portraits.

Family portrait under gum trees

Keep Your Photographer Team in the Loop

  •  The Editing Process

As with any photoshoot, the images are thoroughly retouched. For this process, you have to let your photographer and their assistant know what you’d like the outcome of the pictures to be. 

If you feel conscious about something, raise it. They can keep everything natural, with a bit of tweaking when it comes to reducing wrinkles, toning down puffiness around the face, lightening the eye bags, etc.

Let us know if you’re planning something special too – perhaps an engagement? We are good at keeping secrets, and if we know about it beforehand we can be sure to look out for the cues!

Santorini Couple Shoot

Thirteen tips may sound like a large amount of advice for a successful family photoshoot, but one can never be too sure about family activities and gatherings! Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you and your family members a lot of stress, arguments, and unnecessary pressure. That said, make sure you plan ahead, prepare, and enjoy every second. Take this chance to capture special shared moments while you still can!

Are you looking for a family photographer in Adelaide? Sven Studios offers professional photography services that are intricately crafted to capture your most special moments. Contact us now at sven@svenstudios.com and make your dream family photoshoot happen!

 

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Three reasons why you should consider Santorini for your next holiday

I was just sitting here thinking about some of the more spectacular weddings I have covered in the past, and how excited I am to get out and about again now that travel has opened up and it was about this time of year, several years ago now, I was setting out for Kerri and Tony’s Santorini Wedding.

As far as destination wedding venues go, Santorini and it’s sister islands like Mykonos and Rhodes offer some beautifully stero-typical sights and experiences that just scream oppulence and ‘travel’ in general. It’s not often you can see a picture of the blue-capped churches from any of these places and not think it looks like an awesome place to visit. So I figured I’d put together an article to reminice a bit and perhaps convince you to consider Santorini for your next holiday!

In recent years, Santorini has gained a burgeoning reputation amongst holidaymakers across the globe. Located in the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands, it’s never too far from the top of any list pertaining to the region’s must-see destinations. Whilst it’s gained a reputation primarily as one of the best honeymoon spots, Santorini is far more than just a couple’s retreat. There is something to enjoy for every type of traveller.

Three reasons why you should consider Santorini for your next holiday

It shouldn’t take much convincing to explore this Cycladian jewel. But if you need an extra little nudge in the right direction, here are three reasons why you should consider Santorini for your next holiday.

The sunset

As golden hour arrives, Santorini is transformed by the dying light of the sun as it dips below the Aegean horizon. To get one of the best sunset views in the world, head to the grounds of Oia Castle. You’ll be sure to leave with a breathtaking photo collection of the windmills and blue-domed churches that encapsulate the beauty of the Greek Islands.

On the other side of the camera, however, and what you won’t see on your pictures, are swathes of tourists who had a similar idea in heading to Oia Castle to soak up the last of the day’s rays. People will typically head there long before sunset to secure the best views, so allow plenty of time on your trip to avoid disappointment.

Bride looking out over Santorini’s Caldera

The food and drink

Any visit to Santorini isn’t complete without having sampled the local (and highly recommended) delicacies which headline restaurant menus across the island. Whilst seafood plays a central role in Santorini’s gastronomic scene, the main attractions are grown on land, where the weather conditions and volcanic soil help to produce some truly unique foods. Be sure to try some Santorini tomatoes, which are grown exclusively on the island and hold PDO status. For a true taste of Santorini, try a tomato fritter (tomatokeftedes).

Whilst it can’t claim to rival the global reputation earned by some of its European neighbours, Santorini’s viniculture has been thriving since ancient times, and produces some outstanding wines. Due to the unique makeup of the island’s soil, wines produced in this part of the world have a distinctive taste, and are sure to leave a long-lasting impression.

Santorini Food

The location

On top of its natural beauty and allure, Santorini has been blessed with a central location within the Greek Islands. If you can ever peel yourself away from Santorini’s shores, it’s the perfect set-off point for an island-hopping adventure.

Santorini is one of just a handful of Greek Islands to have its own international airport. This makes it a great place to start or end your adventure. Island hopping is the best way to combine the charm of the region’s more popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos with the more authentic, less commercialised places, like Serifos and Folegandros.

What’s more, this part of the world is blessed with sun-filled days and balmy temperatures throughout much of the year, making it perfect for an off-peak trip.

Santorini Couple Shoot
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Ayers House Wedding – Mona & Lester

Mona and Lester held their Ayers House wedding mid-week which meant that we had the run of their entire estate for their wedding photos!

Their Ayers House wedding ceremony and reception took place in the main grand ballroom, flanked by large TVs on which relatives who could not attend watched on via live stream – which Lester seemed to have a lot of fun setting up before the ceremony began!.

Ayers House Wedding Ceremony

Prior to their Ayers House wedding ceremony, amongst the running about that Lester was doing trying to get the live stream to work correctly, Mona was waiting in a small room down the hall, as their guests milled about thir wedding sign – so we took a few group shots while we were waiting.

Mona and Lester’s ceremony began with a precession of almost all of their guests who took their places at the front of their chairs in order to watch the ceremony.

The Ballroom is a grand old space to hold a wedding ceremony with a huge arched window space at the head of the room where Mona and Lester had an arbour set up to frame the head of the ceremony. To the right of their set up were some custom candles with their names which symbolised the coming together of the families.

The only unfortunate thing about holding an Ayres Hourse Wedding ceremony in this space is the bright sun shinging through one of the windows – in this case the left – just behind where Mona was standing. This caused her white dress to become quite bright int he dark room, but she certainly stood out!

After the ceremony had ended we had all their guests congregate on the lawns out the front of the house in order to get some shots of them walking under thrown flower petals!

Ayers House Ballroom
Wedding rings in black box
Wedding candles
Guests waiting patiently
Bride holding bouquet looking at them
Bride looking into illuminated mirror
Groom having flower put on
Standing in front of wedding sign
bride peeking around corner
Groom about to enter
Little page boy
Groom standing at front
Groom first look at bride
bridal entrance at Ayers House wedding ceremony
Ayers house wedding ceremony as bride enters
Holding hands together at ayres house
Under arbor at Ayres house wedding
Bride looking at guests during ceremony
Guests lighting wedding candles
Speech during cermeony at Ayres house
Celebrant talking to bride and groom
Groom holding hands with his bride
Giving of wedding rings
bride listening to vows
Newly married couple at Ayres House
First kiss at Ayres House wedding ceremony
Bridal couple exiting Ayres House wedding ceremony

Glamour Photos

Ayers House is one of those Adelaide wedding venues which have been around forever and have become quite an institution within the city. The manor was built all the way back in 1871 after the land having changed hands a few times right after South Australia was founded!

As Mona and Lester’s wedding took palce on a Wednesday – there were no other functions occuring at the venue, so we had the run of the grounds for glamour photos – which we took advantage of so that we diddn’t spend too long away from family and friends.

bridal couple in front of Ayers House doors
bridal couple on Ayers house wall
Ayers house wedding photo
Bridal couple looking at camera
Close up of engagement ring on groom shoulder
Kiss from below
bride and groom in between pencil pines
bride and groom on Ayers House porch
Ayers house wedding photo in garden
Ayers house wedding photo between foliage
Ayers house wedding photo amongst the garden
bride walking through doorway
Ayers House wedding photography
bride and groom classic portrait in low light

Ayers House Wedding Reception

Mona and Lester’s wedding reception took place in the same room their ceremony had been held, after being cleared of their seating and tables set up for their sit-down reception dinner.

During the evening many speeches were held by family, friends and well wishes – even from guests overseas both pre-recorded and live, which again were played on the large TVs placed at the front of the ballroom. The whole night was a lovely, simple affair and lovely to be a part of!

Bride entering her wedding reception
bride and groom watching the live stream
Tears during speeches
Cheers over heads of bride and groom
Green wedding cake
bride and groom in the photo booth
bride and groom cutting their green wedding cake
First dance at Ayers house wedding reception

My thanks go out to Mona and Lester for having me both photograph and put together a simle little highlight video for you, and I hope you enjoy your life together as husband and wife!

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Relive your wedding day, your way with Wedding re-LIVE

I’m sure you’ve all heard stories of bridal couples who have had some small hiccup, or story from their big day in which they wish they could do something differently. Well, that need not be you for your own wedding!

The product development team at Svenstudios have been hard at work building upon our already impressive array of technologies developed in order to better enjoy the memories from your big day. From the developers of Instant wedding photography, robotic wedding ceremonies, a fan favourite odorgraphy and many more – comes ‘Wedding re-LIVE’.

Wedding re-LIVE

With the incredible Wedding re-LIVE service exclusively from SvenStudios, you are able to utilise the very latest in virtual reality and deep fake technologies to not only relive your wedding day – but actually interact with what happens on your day as if it were a computer game.

Using a Virtual Reality headset you basically take control of your own self as recorded on your wedding day, and walk around your wedding venue as if you were a marionette puppeteer. In this way you’re able to talk to your guests – visit areas you never did, or perhaps watch uncle Jim drunkenly meander out the gate as you had heard it was hilarious from your geusts but you missed it as you were busy with your first dance!

How does it work?

Before your day, I will dillegently scan your wedding venue using the latest in 360 degree cameras and mapping hardware in order to produce an intricately detailed 3D map of the entire space. This involves running about with a camera on a pole. The more I scan, the father you can walk around in virtual reality with your self as your ‘game’ character!

I then import all the data I created into the Unreal Engine – which is software that underpins many modern games to a degree that reality and gaming becomes blurred due to the realistic textures I captured while scanning your venue.

Unreal Ed

Finally all I need is to have you, as the bride and/or groom wear a discreet 360 camera on a pole that sticks out of your back, all day. You wont even know it’s there! This camera records your movements, speech patterns and personality in such a way that SvenStudios can now use that data to program how your guests interact with your virtual avatar when using the Wedding re-LIVE service!

The result being a completely immersive, and highly customiseable way to relive your day, in the way you want!

Perhaps you said something stupid to the wait staff? We’ve all been there – Enjoy your meal sir! “YOU TOO!” – god what an idiot! Relive your wedding with Wedding re-LIVE and that sort of thing won’t happen again!

Bride and groom through the pine trees

This service of course extends on the already ground breaking 360 degree filming of your wedding ceremony that we offer for free with any wedding we cover as either your wedding photograoher or videographer and we feel as though this is the next logical step in better recording your wedding day and your memories in the most realistic way possible.

Be sure to get in contact to have us utilise this pioneering new service at your own wedding day. You certainly will not regret it – just as long as you don’t look at the date and are willing to have a bit of a laugh at your own expense!