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How to Capture Memorable Beach Wedding Photos – 5 Tips

Joyful beach jump by a happy couple against a serene ocean backdrop.

Beach Wedding Photos That Capture Perfect Moments

Having a wedding by the beach is a dream for most couples, and as an Australian-based wedding photographer I’ve been to my fair share! Particularly at this time of year – it’s warming up and everyone wants to head to the beach!

When you think about a romantic setting, the beach is often on top of the list. Imagine the blue and calm ocean as your ceremony’s background, with the light beaming off the waves, and a cool, delightful sea breeze that embraces you and your guests. That is a special welcome ceremony for starting a new, happy life together.

Top 5 Beach Wedding Photos Tips for Unforgettable Memories

With this heavenly setting, you can take beautifully captured wedding photos. If you want breathtaking beach wedding photos to display at home, here are some beach wedding photos tips to enhance an already captivating ceremony and make the most of your stunning setting!

 

Bride and Groom on Maslin beach

 

#1 Find a beach you can own for the day

While tourist beaches probably come to mind first, you might want to find a place that is not too crowded. You will likely find a location that is as good but also peaceful and pristine. Aim for a beach with clear waters, fine sand, and surrounded by hundreds of trees. There are quite a surprising number of these types of beaches available here in Adelaide, Darwin, and Hobart!

While these points might seem like a given for most people, sometimes the beaches that some people want to goto can be quite dreadful. Take for example the Hallett Cove Conservation Park here locally, south of Adelaide – stunning surrounds but the entire beach is covered in pebbles – or try setting up a Darwin wedding ceremony on one of their beaches where the sand quickly turns into quicksand and swallows your feet!

Make sure it is also easy to reach for your guests but miles away from civilisation. A private resort or a remote island will be a perfect getaway for all to have a romantic barefoot ceremony and make for some stunning beach wedding photos.

Middleton beach Wedding

#2 Check the weather and tide forecast

A photo taken during high tide will look different from one taken during low tide. Some beaches will look dry during low tide, which is a crucial detail to know, especially for your photographer. With this information, your photographer should be able to come up with plans to make the setting even more magical than it looks. The team should be able to make informed decisions using tide charts and weather forecasts.

One of my favourite spots to shoot in Darwin is especially succeptible to this! Sometimes there is a beautiful rocky beach to frolick around, while other timese it’s covered in meters of water. Check the tides, a!nd the timing of the sunsets too

Semaphore Beach Sunset

#3 Make a beautiful ceremony arbour

A wedding by the beach is beautiful on its own, but add a gorgeous arbour, and you will have a centrepiece that can also serve as a nice backdrop for beach wedding photos. You should carefully choose where to position this arbour, as you want the lighting to be just right for your photos. It;s best for your photographer to position youselves so that the sun is shinging on you from behind, and not to any one side.

Ideally, the ocean should be the view behind the couple. However, if the scene is not camera-friendly, and if the sun is in the wrong direction, you can always create a stunning nature backdrop instead. You can either go big and create an extravagant centrepiece covered with flowers or opt for a minimalistic bamboo arbour.

Glenelg beach wedding

#4 Make sure you bring appropriate clothing

Wedding attire isn’t what most people would often wear to the beach, and generally can be a bit of a bother when trying to scramble over rocks, or wade through sand – but if you prepare correctly the beach wedding photos you capture can be well worth the effort!

First up are the shoes – bridal heels need to be swapped out for either flats or no shoes at all, while your groom’s hushpuppies are going to be fairly annoying getting filled with sand also. Either dress as though you were going to the beach, or be prepared to have a bunch of people helping you walk about.

A long dress train is bound to get sandy and dirty before your reception – be prepared for this! If you don’t mind a bit of dirt on your special dress, then go to the beach! If not, perhaps stay on the grass or jetties – or not head to the beach all.

You’d usually think about heading to the beach on a hot day too – so if your wedding day turns out this way, perhaps plan for a short shoot in places you’d like to go and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. A 3 piece suit and heavy dresses are not the best outfits in this kind of weather and can actually be dengerous to your health. Make sure you bring plenty of water.

Darwin’s Pride rock

#5 Guests attire can also be thematic

What you wear will affect how your photos will look, and the same goes for your bridesmaids and guests. Choose outfits that are stylish and weatherproof, and remind your guests to do the same as well. Avoid feautres like facinators that will easily be blown by the wind so you can be comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Since your wedding is not a traditional church wedding, you can be more creative with your approach. Instead of the traditional veil, try using a floral crown. You can also choose bohemian gowns that are perfect for beach celebrations. If you choose to do so, do not forget to pick a groom’s suit that matches your dress. More importantly, add accessories and statement pieces to make the wedding photos stand out.

Bride and groom on Maslins Beach

A beach wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you should not take for granted. Even if your chosen setting is already a beautiful sight, following the beach wedding photos tips mentioned in this article can help you elevate the experience and ensure that all your beach wedding photos will be as magical as you imagined.

 

Do you need Adelaide-based wedding photography services for your beach wedding? SvenStudios is a trusted wedding photography studio that will give you memorable photos to treasure and look back on. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

 

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Creating the Perfect Wedding Album with 4 Easy Tips

Creating the Perfect Wedding Album

Wedding bells may be near, and you are preparing your wedding photo album plans! That’s because it is a valuable keepsake to have when you and your partner want to reminisce about this important day. However, you and your significant other may not be as creative or crafty when it comes to album making. But don’t worry, we’ve got just the information you need!

This article will discuss four easy tips to take note of to create the perfect wedding album. Take this as an opportunity to preserve your memories and cherish them with others when you want to get nostalgic, especially when you think about your children and grandchildren! You can also look at your wedding album as a family milestone worth remembering!

Bride and groom sharing a moment in the vineyards

Creating the Perfect Wedding Album with 4 Easy Tips

Use different-sized pictures

You and your partner may have an idea of what photo albums look like, which are often those dusty books that you find hidden at your mum’s house. The reason why photo albums are often left in this sorry state is because they aren’t as memorable and have the same, dull design. That’s why you and your significant other should take note of printing different-sized wedding photos. That way, you can add some personalised arrangements that add intrigue and aesthetical value to your album!

Wendy and Steve’s Album

Embellish your album with personalised trinkets

The best way to make a well-thought-out, conceptual wedding album is to think outside the box, meaning you should not just add pictures and call it a day! You should think about adding personalised scrapbook trinkets, like little bowties and decorative paper.

Another way to have more meaningful ornaments for your wedding photo album is to gather materials for your wedding! For example, you can have a “send-off” wall where you can encourage guests to write their heartfelt message for you and your significant other, and perhaps leave a momento in the form of something they used on the night. You can tell them that you will put it in your photo album to make it more sentimental and valuable!

A photobooth is an amazing way to do this as your guests can really let their inhibitions go and just ast stupid for their photos as opposed to doing the same in front of an actual photographer.

Inside guestbook

Think about your significant other’s tastes and preferences

Your parents may relate to this tip because when it was their turn to create their wedding album, the task may have either gone to either your mother or father, depending on who was more vocal. That means the photo album only embodies just one of your parent’s creative prowess. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to consider your partner’s voice when it comes to your wedding album.

As such, take the time to plan and make your wedding album together as a new couple. You can do it during your honeymoon once all the gifts have been unwrapped or as a weekend project. That way, you can create the best album that reflects your collective tastes and preferences!

Premium Album

Hire professional photographers for the best wedding photos and albums

You cannot put together the perfect wedding album without the best photos. You want every valuable moment captured, and you and your partner also like to see what your guests feel and ensure you can remember everyone present during your special day. That’s why you need to hire professional wedding photographers who can offer you well-shot pictures with variety, class, and capture tender moments during your wedding!

If you decided to invest in an album made by a wedding photographer you’ll also be assured of premium quality with your book and printing. Most photographers may even design the layout with you in a fun album designing session! Ask your photographer now if they provide such a service.

Thick album

Having the perfect wedding album is an excellent way for you and your significant other to preserve a valuable life event. Fortunately, you now know what to do to ensure you create the perfect wedding album for reminiscing the good times. All you have to do is find the best wedding photography services to guarantee the best photo options for your album!

Are you looking for the best wedding photography packages that includes a perfect wedding album? We at SvenStudios can provide you with that. We are your dedicated team of wedding photographers, enabling you and your partner to have access to picture-perfect album options. Take advantage of our photo packages and say “I do” to preserve treasured memories!

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The Surprising Origins of the Wedding Bouquet Toss

Origins of the Wedding Bouquet Toss

One of the highlights of a wedding is the bouquet toss. Just like the cake cutting, the first dance, and the best man’s speech, it has become a staple in a wedding programme. The bouquet toss makes for some great wedding photos, but it has an interesting story behind it as well!

Is the Bouquet Toss Still Popular?

The bouquet toss tradition remains a cherished part of many weddings, though its popularity has evolved over time. Traditionally symbolising luck and love, the bouquet toss at weddings is now often seen as a playful moment that adds energy to the celebration and delivers some unforgettable photos.

That said, not every couple includes it. Some feel it may not suit their guest list or style, while others prefer to offer modern alternatives, such as gifting the bouquet to someone meaningful or creating smaller toss bouquets to share.

At SvenStudios, we’ve seen couples embrace the bouquet toss in creative ways that reflect their personalities. Whether you choose to keep the tradition or do something unique, it’s all about capturing those joyful, unscripted moments that make your day truly yours.

Meaning Behind the Bouquet Toss

The wedding bouquet toss is more than just a fun photo opportunity. It carries symbolic meaning rooted in centuries-old traditions. Historically, the bouquet toss was believed to bring good luck, with the single woman who caught it thought to be the next to marry. It also represented the bride sharing a piece of her happiness and fortune with others.

Today, while the superstition may not hold the same weight, many couples still include the bouquet toss as a playful nod to tradition. It creates a joyful moment filled with excitement and laughter, especially among close friends and guests.

At SvenStudios, we love capturing these spontaneous celebrations. They reveal genuine reactions and meaningful interactions, helping to tell the full story of your day with warmth and authenticity.

Why do weddings have a bouquet toss today?

The origins of the wedding bouquet toss dates back quite a way, and like many wedding traditions tends to hide some of the more ‘sultry’ parts of what a wedding represents.

In Medieval Europe, people considered bridal dresses lucky. Once a ceremony is over, the bride gets to keep the dress and never wears it again. Before this happens, some women who wanted to share in the good luck would chase the bride and try to tear pieces from the dress. By the time the bride manages to get away and join the groom, there would be barely anything left of her attire!

Naturally, weddings that took place in a church, (as most were) tended to view this tradition of deflocking a bride as she exited the church as a little repugnant, so eventually, brides started throwing other things, like her garter and bouquet.

Flowers became a popular bouquet toss item, symbolising fertility, love, and good fortune in weddings. The recipient of the bouquet is supposed to have romantic good luck from catching the item—they inherit the bride’s fortune in finding someone to wed.

It’s turned out well that the custom developed this way; wedding dresses tend to be expensive, and few women would want to see theirs destroyed. Also, many brides choose to keep their wedding dresses as keepsakes or heirlooms to their children.

Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress

Bouquet Toss in Weddings Today: How It’s Done

Today, the bouquet toss at weddings is a fun, photo-worthy tradition. It tends to be a distracting end to more tearjerking or sentimental formalities to lead into the party! It involves the bride gathering the single ladies in attendance, who will gather a few paces behind her and try to catch the bouquet she throws. It’s an opportunity for the wedding photographer to take dynamic shots. In some weddings, the single men get in on the fun as well with the garter toss.

Sometimes, the bride requests one of her bridesmaids’ bouquet for the toss so she can preserve the flowers in hers, or have a specially made ‘toss bouquet’ for the occasion. Occasionally, brides might throw one made of artificial flowers, or paper so that everyone can keep their bouquets as mementos. Some bouquets can be heavy too, so throwing one into a drunken mass of people can be a recipie for disaster.

Bouquet toss

Are you ready to throw your bouquet?

If you want to keep this tradition in your programme, make sure you tell your wedding planner or maid of honour. They should inform the MC when to announce bouquet toss, and time it for when people are no longer eating or milling about outside after the meal. Furthermore, it’s vital to keep your wedding photographer aware of the flow of activities so that they can prepare their equipment for each part.

After the bouquet toss, consider organising fun games or opening the dance floor to keep the energy flowing. it will look awkward to move abruptly from the bouquet toss into something else! Since the bridesmaids and single ladies are already front and centre, perhaps you could have them participate in a game, to extend the fun. You could also open the dance floor at this point so everyone can end the evening on a high note.

Bouquet toss

The bouquet toss tradition remains a cherished part of weddings, adding excitement and symbolic meaning to the celebration. Be sure to incorporate this activity into the ceremony by prepping the DJ, master of ceremonies, and the photographer properly. Finally, make sure you get a photographer who can capture the event and give you something to look back on fondly.

Everything at a wedding has a tradition steeped in history, and the origins of the wedding bouquet toss is no exception. It can be a bit of fun researching this kind of thing if you’ve ever wondered why we do certain things at times like a wedding!

bouquet

Weddings are among the most memorable events in a person’s life, and SvenStudios can help you immortalise yours. We work out of Adelaide, specialising in wedding photography all around Australia! Get on an obligation-free video or in-person meeting to discuss your wedding today!

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5 Typical Wedding Themes to Explore

  • Bride and grom holding one another in vineyards 5

 

Typical Wedding Themes

Your wedding is the most memorable day of your love story and there’s a way for you to make it even more unforgettable—by selecting a charming theme.

You should know that choosing a theme for your wedding day is not as straightforward as it seems. First, you need to find one that reflects both yours and your partner’s personalities. Aside from that, you must find one that suits your chosen venue and the time of the year you are holding the wedding. 

Long story short—it’s going to be quite challenging! 

Nevertheless, if you’re stuck in this stage of your wedding preparations, we’re here to help you out! Below you will find five of the many typical wedding themes you may want to explore, and perhaps improve apon that would better uniquely suit your own wedding!

5 Typical Wedding Themes

  1. Romantic 

This is perhaps the most commonly used theme in ceremonies. This does not mean that going with this motif will make your big day any less special! 

With this concept, your venue will be decorated with flowers in pastel colours. Usually, there will also be lighting fixtures hanging overhead that give off a soft glow to set the atmosphere. To top it off, the whole place is filled with candles emitting low light—just the right amount to create the perfect mood for romance!

Paxton Winery wedding ceremony
  1. Alternative 

If the first motif doesn’t appeal to you and your partner, taking the unconventional route with an alternative wedding is worth exploring. 

Weddings with this concept feature moody colours and distinctive decorations. They allow you to get creative with the scene you want to achieve and the elements you want to include. The best part is that it can let you show your family and friends how cool you are as a couple! 

Cutting the Harry Potter wedding cake
  1. Bohemian 

Boho style has been the talk of the town recently, thanks to its natural fabrics, retro patterns, warm shades and statement accessories. If you’re an avid fan of this style, you’ll never go wrong with a bohemian wedding.

In this theme, you’ll enjoy a distinct soft and romantic feel that is heavily inspired by the beautiful outdoors. It’s a great way to make your big day look like it came straight from a mythical woodland book! 

Sinclairs Gully Wedding
  1. Vintage 

If you and your partner are a big fan of all things retro, a vintage wedding is definitely worth looking into. 

In this concept, your venue will be furnished with antique decorations here and there. Your wedding entourage will be dressed in classic vintage attire, and you get to wear your favourite period wedding dress or suit as well. The best part? You may even hire a vintage car for your transportation or your wedding photoshoot! 

Homemade decorations
  1. Classic 

This is your best bet if you want to keep things formal and traditional for your special day. A classic wedding features grand floral arrangements in your venue and even a small orchestra playing classical music. 

On top of that, your guests will be dressed formally, too—ladies will be wearing evening dresses, while the men will be wearing ties. Ultimately, there will be posh seating and complete table settings. 

Inside St Laurence’s Church

These are just five of the many typical wedding themes you can consider for your big day. I hope that our list gave you some inspiration as to what feel and atmosphere you want to achieve for your wedding. As you decide, it helps to remember that there are no hard rules as to what theme you can use. As long as you come up with your own dream wedding theme, you’ll surely make the ceremony a truly memorable one! 

 

From wedding photography in Adelaide to destination weddings and around Australia, you can count on SvenStudios to capture your special moments! Since 2011, we have travelled all over Australia and the world to cover weddings in various themes. Let us do the same for you—get in touch with us today! 

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Planning an Unplugged Wedding? What You Need to Know

Steps to Plan a Beautiful Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

Weddings have rapidly changed in the last few decades. With the advent of powerful smartphones, guests are often snapping away at the festivities, and are sometimes caught spending more time scrolling through their feeds than participating in the celebration. Smartphone addiction has become such a pressing problem that many celebrities have been known to ban these devices entirely from parties and weddings!

With so many guests carrying tiny yet impressive phones that can take high-quality photos, you may be second-guessing your decision to hire a wedding photographer. However, there’s no better way to relive your special day than by working with professional photographers, who know the best ways to capture the memorable moments. When taking all of this into account, you may be wondering if you should plan an unplugged wedding instead.

wedding sign

What You Need to Know about an unplugged wedding

An unplugged wedding is a ceremony where guests are asked to switch off their phones and cameras. It encourages everyone to be fully present, letting the professionals capture the moment while guests simply enjoy it.

It encourages your guests to be present

While others welcome having their wedding plastered all over social media, some prefer keeping it more intimate. They feel uncomfortable at the prospect of total strangers seeing all the details about their special day, from the décor, catering, to your wedding dress. Most couples agree that they’d rather have a wedding in which all their guests were mentally present instead of staring down at their smartphone screens. It also ensures that guests thoroughly enjoy the special event and celebrate your love with your other friends and family.

It is almost instinctual for guests to pull out their phone and permanently capture the marvels of your wedding day. Still, they also forget everything else with it, like the fact that you’ve hired a professional wedding photographer. If your guests put down their phones, they can sit back and enjoy the occasion with the full assurance that someone is taking great photos of the scene.

Mobile phone

Banning Phones: Is It a Good Idea?

You may be considering a total smartphone ban on your wedding day with all of the issues above, but a ban isn’t necessary to enjoy your dream wedding. Most people nowadays rely heavily on their phones for communication, so if they don’t have these lifelines with them during your wedding, they may be worried about emergencies. Instead, you can discourage photo-taking with their smartphones and ask them to tuck these devices away—at least, while you make your way down the aisle.

Another option you can consider is to speak with your wedding photographer and ask if there are a few photos you can share with your guests soon after the wedding. That way, your guests can access some photos and videos that allow them to relive an unforgettable day.

Mobile phone photo 2

How to Ask Your Wedding Guests to Put their Phones Away

Even though you can’t completely control your guests’ behaviour, you can make a polite request for them to keep their phones away as much as possible during the wedding and reception. Many people worry about getting good enough photos to post on their social media. Still, couples want them to have fun and join the festivities instead, letting the wedding photographer do the worrying.

An unplugged wedding is possible by including a short note on the invitation that asks guests to switch off their devices, including phones and cameras, to make sure nothing interrupts the event. Waving phones around can also be distracting, so keeping them away will help make a more memorable day. You can remind them during the program, especially during your first dance, which you don’t want to be spoilt by random bright lights from camera flashes. Another option is to put some signs around the area to enforce the ‘no phones’ rule.

Bride and groom exiting wedding cermeony at Seppeltsfield winery

The rise of smartphones has also led to an increase of unplugged weddings. Modern couples want to celebrate their union with their nearest and dearest, and they seek an intimate setting away from the standard technologies. A mostly smartphone-free wedding will ensure that your guests can focus on the events unfolding before them while ensuring you get perfectly-lit wedding photos!

Photographer’s Perspective on Unplugged Weddings

From a photographer’s point of view, an unplugged wedding ceremony offers a clear, natural setting to capture genuine moments. With phones and cameras tucked away, there are fewer distractions in the background and no missed shots caused by guests stepping into the aisle.

Many couples ask, what is an unplugged wedding, and is it worth it? The answer often becomes clear when they see how much more relaxed and present their guests are. Without screens in the way, it’s easier to focus on the couple, the expressions, and the real reactions happening all around.

An unplugged wedding allows your photographer to do what they do best: capture the emotion and energy of your ceremony, just as it unfolds. It creates a space where the experience comes first, and the memories are preserved professionally, without interference.

How to Handle Guests Who Resist an Unplugged Wedding

Not everyone will immediately understand the idea of an unplugged wedding, and that’s okay. Here are a few simple ways to handle it with care and keep the focus on your celebration.

  • Explain the purpose early
    Let your guests know what an unplugged wedding is and why you’ve chosen it. Include a short, polite note on your invites or wedding website.
  • Keep the tone friendly
    Use warm, welcoming language like “We’d love for you to be fully present during our ceremony” instead of strict rules.
  • Make an announcement
    Ask your celebrant to gently remind everyone before the ceremony begins. A calm, respectful reminder helps set the mood.
  • Offer reassurance
    Let guests know that a professional photographer is capturing all the special moments, so no one misses out.
  • Stay flexible if needed
    If someone still takes a photo, try not to stress. Focus on the experience rather than perfection. Most guests will understand and support your choice once it’s explained clearly.

Sven Studios offers professional wedding photography in Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra providing couples with uniquely captured moments that create memories they can treasure forever. We also offer wedding videography, family photography, and photo booth hire. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you on your special day!