You meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you get down on one knee, you propose, they say yes and you live happily ever after. Sounds simple, right?
The truth is, your engagement process can be lengthy and complex. Maintaining a level of excitement throughout the intervening period between proposal and wedding isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to consider to plan the perfect engagement.
Engagement ring in banksia
How to Plan the Perfect Engagement
The proposal
First things first: the ring. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring. You can browse an array of engagement rings from Larsen Jewellery to give yourself the best chance to find something they’ll love. Once you’ve secured the perfect piece of jewellery, it’s time to plan your proposal. Some things to consider before proposing include:
The likelihood of a positive response.
The perfect location – it could be somewhere with sentimental value for your relationship, or simply a picturesque venue.
The weather forecast – if there’s a high chance of rain, ensure you have an indoor backup plan.
Discuss with the family – if your partner’s family is more old-school, or you think this is a touch your partner would appreciate, having a conversation with your partner’s family is a good idea.
Optional extras include professional photography or an immediate surprise engagement party.
Engagement ring perched between heels
Engagement party
You can choose to hold your engagement party as a surprise event to cap off the day of your proposal. More traditionally, you can hold the event in the weeks following the proposal.
Orthodoxy suggests engagement parties should be held by the parents of the bride, but these days there’s really no need to follow such a tradition. Whoever’s willing to put their hands up and has access to an appropriate property is the perfect choice.
Remember that anyone you invite to the engagement party should also be a wedding guest. Beyond that, the rules for your engagement party are pretty much up to you! Choose a form of a food service that works for you, be it finger foods or a sit-down meal. Fill up the fridge with your favourite beverages, and don’t forget to include fun engagement party games like the newlywed game, “how well do you know the bride and groom?” and a plastic ring hunt.
Guests looking at phone together
Wedding planning
Once your proposal and engagement party are in the books, it’s time to get down to the serious business of wedding planning. Splitting this burden of wedding planning very much depends on the nature of your relationship.
Many couples include one person who has been obsessively dreaming of their wedding day since they were a child. Often, this individual will be happy to take the lead on the wedding planning. Other couples may require a more collaborative approach.
Either way, it’s important you outline at the beginning of the wedding planning process how involved each member of the relationship is going to be. When in doubt, aim for as close to a 50-50 split as possible to keep things fair.
Here are some additional tips to keep your wedding planning process smooth:
Make the guest list a top priority. Your guest list is crucial to deciding other factors of your wedding like your venue. If you feel your expenses ballooning too much, cut down on the list.
Avoid problematic dates where there are major concerts or conferences in town.
Consider enlisting the services of a professional wedding planner.
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
Read the reviews – ensure your wedding vendors come well-recommended.
It’s no secret that wedding planning can be a stressful experience, and it can put some strain on your relationship. But your engagement should be a magical time in your relationship. Here are some tips to keep your relationship going strong during your engagement and not let your worries get the better of you.
Don’t skimp on date nights.
Make a conscious effort to constantly check in with one another and constantly communicate.
Ensure you are fairly splitting the engagement duties.
Allow each other to have some alone time – absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.
Stay adventurous and always try new things together.
Bride and groom splashing one another in Lake Louise
The wedding
You’ve made it! The day you’ve been dreaming of is finally here. When it comes to the wedding day itself, the key is to stay in the moment. Truly enjoy every single moment, make your rounds, and above all really feel the love you have for your partner. Next stop: honeymoon!
There’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect engagement. The same tip for your wedding day applies throughout your engagement. From proposal to planning to saying your vows, try your best to enjoy every one of these critical milestones in your relationship and in your life.
As a professional wedding photographer with over 16 years of experience, I firmly believe that hiring a wedding photographer is worth the investment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want to make sure that you capture all the precious moments and memories to cherish for years to come. In this blog post, I’ll share my insights on finding the right wedding photographer for your big day, the importance of investing in a professional, and why the wedding photography cost is worth every cent.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Photographer
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and capturing it in all its beauty is crucial. That’s why hiring a professional photographer is essential. They have the skills and expertise necessary to capture every detail and emotion of your special day, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Bride and groom dancing in open field
Investing in a wedding photographer is worth it because choosing the right photographer is crucial to capturing your special day. It’s essential to find someone whose style aligns with your vision, and taking the time to review their portfolio and read past client reviews is key. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from recently married friends and family members to find a talented, professional, and reliable photographer.
Once you’ve found the perfect photographer, clear communication is vital to achieving your desired outcome. Schedule a consultation with them to discuss your ideas, expectations, and any concerns you may have. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you and your photographer are on the same page, resulting in a final product that you’ll be thrilled with. Ultimately, hiring a wedding photographer is worth the investment when you consider the importance of capturing lifelong memories of your special day.
Sunset photo of bridal couple in trees
The Value of a Professional Photographer
Investing in a professional photographer is worth it. While it may seem expensive, a professional photographer offers a level of skill and experience that you won’t find with amateur, possibly ‘cheaper’ photographers. They have the ability to work in different lighting situations, capture candid moments, and create beautiful portraits that you’ll treasure forever.
Darwin East Point Pride Rock wedding photo
In addition to their technical skills, professional photographers also usually have top-of-the-line equipment and software. This allows them to capture high-quality images and make any necessary edits or enhancements. They also have backup equipment on hand, in case of any unforeseen issues.
A professional photographer can put you at ease on your wedding day. They have experience working with couples and can help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. They can give you direction on how to pose and create natural, beautiful images. This is especially important for couples who may feel nervous or self-conscious on their wedding day.
Burbrook Kuitpo forest wedding photo
Why a Professional Photographer is a Must-Have at Your Wedding
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and having a professional photographer is a must-have. They can capture every moment and emotion of your special day, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A professional photographer makes sure that everything runs smoothly. They can work with your wedding planner to create a timeline and make sure that everything stays on schedule. They can also coordinate with other vendors, such as videographers, to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
bride and groom landscape wedding photo
In addition, a professional photographer can provide a variety of services, such as engagement photos or a photo booth for your guests. These extra services can make your wedding day even more special and memorable.
The Cost of a Professional Photographer
While a professional photographer may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. A professional photographer offers a level of skill and experience that you won’t find with amateur photographers. They have the ability to work in different lighting situations, capture candid moments, and create beautiful portraits that you’ll treasure forever.
Bride and groom looking at camera between trees landscape
When budgeting for your wedding, it’s important to prioritize the things that are most important to you. For many couples, photography is at the top of that list. Don’t be afraid to invest in a professional photographer, as the memories they create will last a lifetime.
Tips for Finding the Best Wedding Photographer
Finding the best wedding photographer takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Start by doing your research and looking at online portfolios and reviews. Ask friends and family members for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers directly.
Bride filming groom on super 8 camera
When meeting with potential photographers, ask to see a full wedding album, not just a few select images. This will give you a better idea of their style and the quality of their work.
Ask the photographer about their experience in the industry. A professional wedding photographer should have ample experience shooting weddings and be able to anticipate and capture important moments. They should also be able to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during the day.
Guage their personality and how well they can work with you and your guests. Your photographer will be interacting with you and your guests throughout the day, so it’s important that they have a friendly and approachable demeanor. They should also be able to take charge when needed and provide guidance to ensure that everyone is captured in the best light possible.
Bridal party cheers
Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring the photographer, make sure that you ask them everything you’re curious about. Take a moment and think about everything you want to know; you can even make a list so you won’t forget anything. Asking them questions will help prevent any misunderstanding and surprises. Don’t be afraid of getting technical!
Here are some questions that you might want to ask your photographer:
How many weddings have you participated in or photographed?
What is the estimated total of your travel expenses, if any?
Do you work alone, or do you have your own team?
Is there a contingency plan in case you get ill?
Do you have insurance?
Will you retouch the photos?
When will the wedding photos be delivered?
This is of course not an exhaustive list of questions you may like to ask your wedding photographer, but it’ a good start.
Bride and groom in the foliage of orchard
When it comes to the cost of a professional wedding photographer, it’s important to keep in mind that you are not just paying for their time on the day of the wedding. A professional photographer will spend hours before and after the wedding editing and processing the images to ensure that they are of the highest quality. They will also have invested in high-quality equipment and software to ensure that they can capture and edit your images to perfection.
While it can be tempting to try and save money by hiring a cheaper photographer or having a friend or family member take the photos, it’s important to remember that your wedding photos are a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Your photos will be the lasting memories of your special day and will be cherished for years to come. A wedding photographer is worth the investment to ensure that you have beautiful, high-quality photos to look back on and share with future generations.
Al-Ru farm wedding photo
Why a Professional Photographer at Your Wedding is a Must
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, filled with love, joy, and happiness that you’ll cherish forever. It’s a day you’ll want to remember for the rest of your life, which is why a good wedding photographer is worth the investment.
Hiring a professional wedding photographer is a must, as they have the experience and expertise to capture every moment of your special day. They possess the right equipment, lighting, and knowledge to create stunning images that will tell the story of your wedding day. Their skills in capturing emotions, laughter, and tears will provide you with a collection of images that will take your breath away. Ultimately, choosing a wedding photographer is worth the investment when you consider the importance of capturing lifelong memories of your special day.
Guestss having fun singing
Hiring a professional photographer for your wedding is not just about taking pictures. It’s about capturing the essence of your wedding day, the love between you and your partner, and the emotions that you and your guests experience. A professional photographer will be able to document all the little details that make your wedding unique, from the decor to the flowers to the table settings. They will be able to create a beautiful and timeless record of your special day that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Picking the Right Photographer
When it comes to picking the right photographer for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, you should look for a photographer who has experience shooting weddings. Wedding photography is a specialized field, and you want someone who knows how to capture the unique moments that happen on a wedding day.
Under the jetty
You should also look for a photographer who has a style that matches your vision for your wedding day. Some photographers specialize in a more traditional style of wedding photography, while others may have a more contemporary or artistic style. It’s important to choose a photographer whose style you love, and who you feel will be able to capture the vision you have for your wedding day.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a wedding photographer is their personality. You want to work with someone who you feel comfortable with, who listens to your ideas, and who is willing to work with you to create the images that you want. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to choose someone who you enjoy being around.
Bride and groom dance at sunset
Finding the Best Wedding Photographer is worth the investment of time and money
When you start looking for a wedding photographer, there are several ways to find the best one for you. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, or you can search online for local photographers. Look at their portfolios and read reviews from other couples to get an idea of their experience.
Photography Awards
In addition to looking at their portfolios and reading reviews, you should also consider their personality and professionalism. It’s important to choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust to capture all of the special moments of your wedding day. A professional photographer should also have the necessary equipment, backup equipment, and a solid backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Crozier st wedding photo
It’s also worth noting that while price is an important factor to consider, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Remember that you are investing in memories that will last a lifetime, and a good wedding photographer is worth the investment by paying a little extra to ensure that those memories are captured beautifully. Cheaper options may be tempting, but they often come with compromises in quality, experience, and professionalism.
Once you’ve found a photographer who meets all of your criteria, make sure to book them as soon as possible to secure their services for your wedding day. Popular wedding photographers tend to book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season, so it’s important to act fast to avoid disappointment.
Sinclairs Gully winery wedding photo
So Why is a Wedding Photographer is Worth the Investment?
Hiring a professional wedding photographer is an investment in your memories. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure that you have beautiful, high-quality images to remember it by. Your wedding photos will be treasured for years to come, and they will be passed down to future generations.
A professional wedding photographer is worth the investment as they have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to create images that are truly special. They know how to work with different lighting conditions, how to pose subjects, and how to create images that are both beautiful and meaningful. They also have access to professional-grade equipment, which allows them to create images that are of a much higher quality than what you could get from a consumer-grade camera.
Think about it this way – would you hire someone to pour concrete for your driveway if they’ve never laid concrete before?
Bride and groom running across wall
When you hire a professional wedding photographer, you are not just paying for their time on your wedding day. You are also paying for their time and expertise in post-processing your images. A professional photographer will spend hours editing and retouching your images to make sure that they are perfect. They will also provide you with high-quality prints and albums that will stand the test of time.
Basically, a professional wedding photographer is worth the investment for several reasons. They have the skills and experience to capture the special moments of your wedding day in a way that reflects your unique style and personality. By taking the time to find the right photographer for your needs, you can ensure that you have memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Which type of lighting—natural or artificial—to utilize for an image is one of the most crucial choices a photographer must make. Studio light is created artificially by flashes, strobes, or other sources, whereas natural light is the light that comes from the sun, moon, or stars. Depending on the topic, the atmosphere, the style, and the intended use of the shot, both forms of light offer benefits and drawbacks. The beauty of natural light and the accuracy of studio light in photography will be compared in this article, along with how they might impact the content and quality of the photos.
Bride and groom dancing in open field
The Beauty of Natural Light
Natural light is not only the most fundamental and organic light source that can be used in photography, but it also has other advantages like being cost-free, flattering for all skin tones, suitable for adjusting the colour scheme of the photo, usable indoors, quick, and straightforward to set up, allowing flexibility with viewpoints and angles, and being less overwhelming for infants and young children.
In addition to providing illumination, natural light may also serve as a source of inspiration. Natural light offers a distinctive and authentic ambience to a photograph by adjusting the shot’s tone, message, and mood by changing the colour scheme, which can change the emotion and message of the picture.
Additionally, changing the shadows and highlights produced by natural light can change the scene of the shot, altering its depth and dimension and significantly improving its beauty and originality. Therefore, photographers may take spectacular photographs representing their vision and message by knowing how natural light functions and how it can be used creatively. Here is natural light photography guide.
Couple dancing together at sunset
The Precision of Studio Light
In photography, “studio light” refers to artificial light sources employed to illuminate a person or a scene in a regulated setting. These sources can be flash or continuous and have a variety of characteristics, including being soft or hard, warm, or chilly, and direct or diffuse. By offering you more control over the light’s intensity, colour, direction, and form, these light sources can help your photography. Additionally, studio lighting may help you develop your creative talents and achieve reliable, predictable outcomes. Additionally, studio lighting may help you emphasize your subject’s features and facial emotions.
By adjusting several components of light, such as its quality, direction, form, and colour, studio lighting also aids in establishing a precise and regulated environment in your photograph. Studio lighting aids in producing a precise and controlled mood in your image that matches your vision and message by fusing these elements of studio light in various ways.
Bride and groom in Chateau Yaldara Bottle Cellar with light
Choosing the Proper Lighting for Your Model
In your shot, lighting may provide a variety of effects and moods, such as soft or harsh, direct, or diffuse, etc. Therefore, choosing the appropriate lighting for your photo based on intended results and moods is a crucial choice since it significantly impacts your photos’ effectiveness and impact.
The topic and the message you want to communicate in the shot will frequently determine the best lighting. For a product or food item, you will need to use bright and sharp lighting that brings out the details and colour of the object, yet you may want to use soft and pleasing light for a picture of a person to accentuate their features and expressions.
Newly engaged couple walking in sunset
The location and surroundings of the shot, the equipment, and the available funds are additional considerations when choosing the appropriate lighting. When shooting inside, for instance, studio lighting will provide you more control over your illumination. However, while taking photographs outside, the mixed lighting or colour cast from the ambient light or the walls may allow for a more accurate depiction of mood and intended ambience.
You can get the optimal lighting for your project by experimenting with various lighting settings. Additionally, remember that lighting is an aesthetic component of photography and a technical one that aids in expressing your vision and sense of style. For any lighting project, choosing the correct lighting choice may take time. Here are some tips to help you make that decision:
Define your audience and goal: Whom are you attempting to communicate with through your project’s graphics, and what is its purpose?
Learn more and get inspiration: What comparable or related initiatives have successfully utilized lighting? How did they create the moods and lighting effects? What can you use for your project or learn from them?
Plan and experiment: What lighting setup and equipment will you require for your project, and how will you carry it out? How will you address any possible issues or obstacles with lighting?
Assessment and improvement: What type of feedback from yourself or others did you receive on how your lighting worked for your project? How can you advance your lighting knowledge and abilities for future projects?
Working With Natural and Studio Light
When taking pictures, studio and natural light may both be employed to produce stunning and powerful results. However, they also have unique traits and difficulties that require technical know-how to navigate. Here are some pointers on making the most of studio and natural light to produce outstanding photographs with various moods and effects:
For natural lighting
Be aware of the golden hours (when the sun is lowest in the sky).
Employ a reflector
Spread the light
Test out the backlighting
Bride and groom dance at sunset
For studio light
Understand the many types of studio lighting
Understand the nature of studio light
Understanding the studio light’s direction
Understand the hue of the studio light
Smokey wedding photo at National Wine Center Wedding
You may occasionally balance and blend natural and studio light to achieve the ideal impact in your photographs. But while mixing and combining natural and studio light can be difficult, it can also be satisfying and inspiring. Here are some pointers to assist you in doing this.
Know the source of your leading light: This one gives your subject and scene the most excellent illumination and direction.
Understand your backup lighting source: This gives your topic or scene more radiance and contrast.
Measure the exposure and match it
Measure and colour match
bride and groom under blue lights and smoke
Natural and artificial lighting are valuable and adaptable photographic tools. Although it may appear stunning and realistic, natural light can also be erratic and unpredictable. Their unique traits and difficulties call for working with unique talents and methods. Alternatively, studio lighting may produce a precise and expert appearance but can also be expensive and difficult to use – especially as a wedding photographer!
You may also blend and balance both kinds of light to produce a distinctive and imaginative impression.
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both forms of light can help you decide which is ideal for your project and objective. The most crucial element is to use light to express your vision and style, whether natural or studio light, or both.
Every year, I hold a contest for all the married couples whose weddings I covered in the previous year (2022). I request each couple to choose their favorite photo from the wedding photos I took on their big day and nominate it for the ‘SvenStudios 2022 wedding photo of the year’ title. The winning couple receives a $500 voucher to use in their personal cloud-based store to produce and print whatever products they want.
I maintain a hands-off approach with the selection of the images, leaving it entirely to the couples to choose their favorite pictures, even if they differ from my personal selection. I have created a slideshow video of my favorite images from each wedding I covered in 2022, in case anyone is interested.
To encourage more participation, I offer a cash prize of AU$100 to a randomly chosen voter after the voting period ends. To maintain fairness, I have an anti-duplicate detection system in place to deter any cheating or duplicate voting. This year, I am also adding an extra entry to the draw for anyone who shares their vote on social media.
Please note that sharing on social media is not mandatory to submit a vote, as not everyone has social media accounts. However, in past contests, the winning image has been the most voted and shared on social media. Therefore, every individual vote and share counts and goes into the draw to win the cash prize.
So, vote for your favorite photo and share it on Facebook to show your support. Remember, each vote and share is a chance to win the AU$100 cash prize.
The wedding sparkler exit is a popular and exciting way for the newlyweds to leave their reception.
As a photographer, adding light from sparklers to the dark is a sure-fire way to spice up your end of the night photos, so we really look forward to it whever a couple says they are planning on hosting a wedding sparkler exit!
However, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some tips to make sure your exit is picture-perfect and unforgettable.
Wedding Sparkler Exit Tips
Check with Your Venue
It’s important to note that sparkler exits can (or should) only be done outdoors. This is due to fire regulations and smoke alarms. Before planning your exit, check with your venue to ensure it’s possible. Some wedding venues have banned sparkler exits because of safety concerns, so make sure you get the go-ahead before making any plans.
Beresford estate wedding exit
Display the Sparklers
Make sure to have the sparklers on display during the reception so guests can see what’s going to happen. Also, make sure to have a time written down somewhere so everyone knows when the exit is happening. This will prevent guests from leaving early and minimize the need for reassembling everyone.
What I’ve found to be best is to actually stage your exit earlier in the night so that everyone can be involved – not all of your guests are going to stay until you leave at 11:30pm (or later!) This allows for the elderly in your guestlist to join in, and everyone shouldnt be (too) drunk too!
First dance with sparklers
Have Enough Efficient Lighters
Sparklers burn quickly, so make sure to have plenty of lighters available. The more lighters, the faster everyone can be lit and the smoother the exit will be.
The best lighters aren’t just a smoker’s lighter, but rather butane torches that are readily available from Bunnings or any hardware store. These torches last forever, and emit a short, powerful flame that will light sparklers quickly and easily.
Use Long Sparklers
To ensure a successful exit, use long sparklers, not short ones. Long sparklers are sold specifically and marketed for a wedding sparkler exit,. and gives you enough time to get through the guests and make a statement. Short, regular sparklers you would buy from a supermarket burn too quickly and will be out before you’ve even made it past the first few guests.
Have Enough Sparklers for Each Guest
Even if some guests don’t participate, it’s still important to have enough sparklers for everyone – and I’m sure some of the more boisterous amongst your guets would be keen on having more than one! Younger guests may take a couple of sparklers and light them early, so having a full number of sparklers will ensure that everyone has one.
Sparkler exit at Chateau yaladara wedding
Make an Announcement and be ready!
Your MC should take charge of organizing the exit and instructing guests. They should make an announcement reminding everyone to form two lines and wait until everyone is outside to light the sparklers. This will prevent half the guests from lighting the sparklers immediately and having them burn out before the exit line is formed.
Make sure the couple is ready to leave before lighting the sparklers. Say your goodbyes to your family first and then light the sparklers. Avoid getting stuck talking to relatives or friends as this will result in a tunnel of smoke. This is another reason why you might opt to mock exit earlier in the night.
MC doing his thing on dancefloor
Create a Wide Tunnel
Instruct guests to hold the sparklers up high and have a wide enough tunnel for the couple to walk down. Walking down a path of fire and sparks is dangerous, especially if the bride is wearing a flammable dress and has a lot of hair spray. A wide gap will ensure everyone’s safety.
Be Safe and don’t run!
Don’t light a bunch of sparklers together. Doing so can cause a mini explosion and embers can fly everywhere, potentially burning someone. Also, your time walking through the tunnel. It’s better to walk, stop for a kiss, say goodbye to friends, and look at each other. Running will make the moment feel over too quickly, and running around flames isn’t smart!
It’s also smart to organise multiple buckets of water, and have the venue spread them out where you’re plannig on doing your exit – that way no random sparks from otherise dead sparklers won’t get anyone into any trouble.
First dance with fireworks at Adelaide Hilton Hotel
Think about who’s at the end of the wedding sparkler exit
Some might have your parents at the end of the tunnel so they can be the last people you say goodbye to, or whomever really – could be your dog? That’d be cute! Give them a farewell hug and kiss, it’s just a nice way to end your night.
Have Fun
Enjoy the exit! Dance, jump, sing, and kiss. Be in the moment with your family and friends and do whatever you want. Don’t worry about the camera or posing, just have fun and soak it in!
Bride and groom kissing at end of sparkler run
These tips will help you plan an awesome wedding sparkler exit. With a little planning and preparation, you can make this moment unforgettable.
