Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding – Kirsty & Andrew

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  • Kirsty & Andrew

    Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding

    Bride and groom amongst gum trees

It was a stunningly sunny day for Kirsty and Andrew’s Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding. The small town of Sedan, near Renmark in the South Australian Riverland was the setting for this fun wedding where everyone just seemed to want to have a good time! I was asked to be their wedding photographer for their preparation through to the beginning of their reception, so lets jump straight into it shall we?

Preparation

I began the day at Kirsty and Andrew’s new house nearby the town of Sedan. I was quite excited to see some awesome gum trees on the horizon and rolling golden hills that I was hoping to use later in the day for their wedding photos.

Kirsty and her bridal party were being prepared here, and the atmosphere was quite laid back, with Kirsty more worried about where her boots were than any nerves she might have been feeling due to her being married a bit later.

As they had just moved into their new home, it was quite a neat thing to have the entire front room quite free in order to use while putting on the wedding dress – made taking photos that much easier! 🙂

Bride hanging her dress
Engagement ring in bouquet
Hanging wedding dress
Putting on makeup
Girls together in kimonos
Laughing bridesmaids on couch
Wedding boots
OMG it’s an engagement ring
bridal hanger
Helping put on the wedding dress
bride holding her hands
bridalparty lacing up wedding dress
Smiling bride while she gets ready
Bride looking pretty in black and white
bride playing with bouquet
Bride holding bouquet
bride on her own under a tree
Bride standing with bridal party

Andrew and his groomsmen were getting ready in another farm house nearby, but this spot had some very nifty old ruins, which of course I made use of in the short amount of time I had with the boys. One thing I found very co-incidental is that Andrew and his boys were enjoying some clay shooting prior to me arriving for their photos, which I had only ever seen for the first time at the wedding I covered just the week prior! Is this a new trend? 😀

Wedding rings on top of one another
Grooms wedding shoes
Helping put on tie
groomsman putting on tie
groomsman standing in front of car
Groomsmen messing about together
Groom and family in ruin
Groom standing with gun

Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding

You simply cannot miss the Sedan Lutheran Church as it towers over the rest of the small town with it’s huge steeple and traditional small town church styling. It’s also located right on the intersection of 4 roads that lead into the center of town. The church itself is a bit on the small side, with only a single aisle leading through the middle of the church. As it was a reasonably hot day, it was a struggle for some guests to stay cool – but it wasnt overly stifling. One neat feature of the inside of the church is the ability for some guests to venture to the upper level – I got some neat shots from up there.

Kirsty and Andrew’s Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding was presided over a priest who was friend of the couple and began with the tolling of the church’s bells, which I dont see very often! It was a reasonably simple ceremony with a number of readings from guests and blessings from their priest.

One great thing about church weddings like this is when the bride and groom exits out the front, and if the guests are keen to help – I can tee up a fun shot of everyone throwing the rose petals over the couple – which of course I did!

Sedan Lutheran Church 2
Bride arriving in front of church
Smiling priest
Grooms first glimpse of bride
Standing together at the altar
Sedan Lutheran Church wedding from above
Bridal party at the front of church
Inside the Sedan Lutheran Church
Exchanging wedding bands
First kiss at the Sedan Lutheran Church
Preist blessing
After the ceremony
Bride and groom leaving the Sedan Lutheran Church
Bride and groom celebrating in front of the Sedan Lutheran Church

Glamour Photos

After the required group photos out the front of the church, we head back inside of the church in order to take a few glamour photos using the pews and interior a little before heading out to the Renmark foreshore to make use of the greenery there. My favourite glamour photos from Kirsty and Andrew’s Sedan Lutheran Church Wedding though were taken on a portion of Kirsty and Andrew’s family land.

We drove to a spot where there was a ruin of an old cottage and barn which we made use of for some great shots, before moving to the nearby hills which I had a lot of fun flying over with my drone! We finished off in amongst the lovely gum trees growing out of a dry creek bed nearby.

Bride walking towards groom in church
Standing together in front of altar
Holding hands on pews
Hugs under the rotunda
Dipping under the Renmark rotunda
Walking along the Renmark foreshore
Groom looking at bride in ruin
Bride and groom hugging in ruin
Hugging bride and groom
Groom picking up bride through window
Groom picking up bride
Bride and groom walking along hilltop
Bridal party on hilltop
Bride and groom amongst gum trees
Bride and groom under the sun
Walking together along the creek bed
Bride and groom under tree in the sun
Close up of bridal bouquets
Walking together
Holding hands Walking together
Fun together in front of bridal party
Bride and groom out the front of the Sedan Lutheran Church

I was with Kirsty and Andrew for the very beginning of their reception at a hall in Sedan before heading off! I’d like to thank Kirsty and Andrew for having me take their riverland wedding photography and I hope they enjoy their photos! 😀

15 Essential Wedding Photos to Take During Your Celebration

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  • Bride and groom walking through long grass at Inglewood Inn

 

Essential Wedding Photos to Take During Your Celebration

Every spouse-to-be knows that wedding photos are one of the most crucial parts of the ceremony, as it captures the magic of the event and memorialises it forever.

To make sure you have a wedding album full of stunning shots and beautifully captured candid moments, it might help to have a list of must-have essential wedding photos in your mind to talk about with your wedding photographer.

To do this, look for a wedding photographer that is excited to discuss your ideas. You can then consult with them on the wedding shots that other couples ask them to do, giving you more concepts to consider. Together, you can put a list of your must-have wedding photos, ensuring they record each memorable minute and allow you to relive your special day several years later.

15 Essential Wedding Photos

Here are fifteen essential wedding photos to take during your celebration:

  • The Invitations

The first few wedding photos that many don’t think of are shots of your invitation suite. Most photographers will shoot them on the day of the wedding, think of this shot as something that won’t necessarily be hung on the wall, but more to remember something you agonised over for hours prior to your day.

It’s best to talk to your photographer about what you want out of this moment and if you want extra details, like flowers and other decorations, to be included in the photo.

Wedding invites based on uno
Wedding invite
Invite

  • The Getting Ready Montage

One of the most memorable wedding photos involves the getting ready moments, such as when the bride (and even groom) have their hair and makeup done. If you have an elaborate hairpiece, you’ll want to have a few photos of it. Include a shot of your maid of honour zipping you up in your dress, a picture of your wedding shoes, and other aspects you want to be immortalised in your wedding album.

Concentrating on makeup
Putting on makeup in front of window
Putting on Makeup in car at SC Pannell Winery
Putting makeup on

  • The Accessories

Traditional weddings involve the bride wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue. It’s a great idea to take photos of these, given the careful consideration you put into choosing the perfect items for your special day.

Bridal affects laid out on tabletop
Bridal Affects
Bridal affects
Bridal affects

  • The Veil

Many brides place significant importance on the veil, especially if they’ve chosen one with a complex, intricate design. Don’t be afraid of showing off your veil and have your wedding photographer take pictures from multiple angles to capture its beauty in full!

Bride with veil
Bridal veil in front of camera
Helping with the veil
Bride and bridesmaids having fun under veil on bed

  • The Individual Portraits

Who can forget the individual portraits? Weddings are usually when brides shine the brightest, so it’s crucial to take a few styled pictures. Grooms can also pose for some stunning photos to show off their sleek suit. These are the essential wedding photos everyone expects from their wedding photographer.

Groom waiting for bride
Excited groom
Bride looking pretty in front of big window
Bride holding bouquet

  • The Bridal Bouquet

Wedding bouquets are often made of stunning arrangements of flowers that deserve to have their own photoshoot. Be sure to take some photos of yourself holding your beautiful bouquet and allow your photographer to stage the shoot by having it in different locations that highlight the breathtaking colours of your blooms.

Closeup of bouquets in hands
Engagement ring in red bouquet
Bridal bouquet
Close up of bouquet on ground

  • The Bridal Party

Your bridal party plays a vital role in the success of your wedding, so they deserve gorgeous photos, too! These photos are also some of the most natural, candid, and joyous since there are many laughs involved. You’ll hold these photos close to your heart since it commemorates a special moment between you and your best mates.

Bridal party talking to one another
Bridal party on Grange Jetty
Jumping bridal party

  • The First Look

Some couples prefer waiting until the actual ceremony for the first look, while others don’t mind having it before walking down the aisle. Whatever you choose, be sure to communicate this to your wedding photographer, so they know where and when to position themselves. Capturing your spouse’s reaction on film when they first see you in your wedding garb will be something to cherish forever. 

Grooms first look at bride at Ingle wood inn wedding
grooms first look at beginning of ceremony
grooms first look at the National Wine Center
nervous groom waiting for first look

  • The Candid Moments

Nothing can beat the candid moments that are abundant in a wedding. Your photographer will always be on the lookout for these precious instances of unabashed laughter and broad smiles, but it will help to talk to them about it, as it’s easy to get lost in the beauty and magic of your wedding right at the moment.

Close up of bride and groom laughing 2
Laughing groom
Laughing bride as she’s carried
laughing groom during ceremony 2

  • The Dress

Don’t forget to take a photo of the dress before it gets put on! The dress is a symbol of the entire day and is bound to get a bit messy by the end of thit. It’s nice to get a shot of it in pristine condition.

Wedding dress hanging above bridal party
Bride walking towards her wedding dress
Hanging wedding dress in shed
Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress

  • The Wedding Ceremony Site

Talk to your photographer about getting a few choice shots of the venue of your wedding. That way, you can capture the magic of the day and easily relive the moment you walked down the aisle to marry the most special person in the world to you. 

The Watershed Wedding Setup
Wedding setup
Wedding Ceremony setup

  • The Walk Down the Aisle

Another essential wedding photo to take is your actual walk down the aisle on the arm of your mother, father, both, or another person who played a massive role in raising you. This moment is another memory you’ll want to keep close to you forever.

Bride and parents approaching ceremony
Bride and father approaching ceremony
bride and father approaching the ceremony
bride approaches in front of Seagrass long Point

  • The First Kiss

What moment is more magical in your wedding than the first kiss? The vow exchange is when you officially become spouses, but nothing is as electric as when you first kiss each other. Be sure to talk to the officiant beforehand, so they know to step out of the shot for this unforgettable moment.

First kiss at ingle wood inn wedding
First kiss at Partridge House wedding ceremony
First kiss on Pennington Bay
First kiss

  • The First Dance

Your first dance with your newly minted life partner is easily one of the most common essential wedding photos you’d expect from your wedding, so it’s easy to feel nervous about your dance moves and how you look on camera. With your favourite song on, you’ll have an easier time relaxing, allowing the photographer to take pictures of all the fun you’re having with your spouse!

First dance at Ingle wood Inn wedding
First dance at JDF reception cernter
first dance in blue smoke
National Wine Center Wedding Photography

  • Exit

There’s no better opportunity to go out with a bang than by exiting the venue, especially when you have a creative setup, like confetti or sparklers. Make sure to talk to your photographer about capturing this to ensure they get amazing shots. You can also stage the moment if your reception will last well into the evening, making sure the photographer takes stunning photos before everyone starts retiring for the night.

National wine center wedding Exit under sparklers
Bride and groom exiting Sunnybrea wedding
Exit

 

Your wedding will be full of unforgettable moments that you’ll want to capture forever. However, in the flurry of activity, it can be easy to forget this when you’re overcome with the joy, support, and magic of your special day. By discussing these essential wedding photos with your wedding photographer, you can focus on enjoying your wedding without worrying about recording it!

SvenStudios is an award-winning wedding photographer in Adelaide who has captured the most beautiful wedding days since 2011. Whether you need cute engagement photos, a couple photoshoot, or an innovative cinematic wedding photographer, we can do it all for you. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

6 Tips on Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

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  • Putting makeup on

 

Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

Let’s face it: not everybody is comfortable posing in front of the camera. Often, we feel too much pressure to look good, especially when we have to take photographs for big events like weddings! It really isn’t the most natural thing in the world – and yet you want to get the most ‘natural’ wedding photos anyway!

To prepare yourself for your wedding photographs on one of the the most emotional days of your life, we’ve compiled a few things to remember before your wedding! Keep reading for a couple of tips on how to pose for your wedding pictures.

6 Tips on Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

Tip #1: Build Trust with Your Photographer

Partnerships with your wedding suppliers are a must. You have to work with a team that understands how much this big day means to you! Given that, you must build trust with your wedding photographer. Allow them into your own outlook and give them time to understand how you really want to capture moments. 

On top of that, make sure that your taste matches their style. Work with them in preparing an engagement shoot or a prenuptial shoot. Explore and run by locations with your photographer to get their opinion. Once you build a unique rapport with your photographer, there’s no doubt that you will achieve your dream photos!

When preparing for your wedding photographs – it obviously stands to reason that you should get along with the person actually taking your photographs!

Grange Beach Engagement shoot

Tip #2: Pick the Perfect Glam Team

In hiring a hairstylist and a makeup artist for your wedding day, it’s important you assess their skills. These artists should have to not only make you look fabulous as you walk down the aisle, but also make you look fabulous in your wedding photos! 

There could be a trial-and-error stage, but the preparations are worth it. Be vocal; say what you want and say what you’re not comfortable with. Let them know their full schedule ahead of time. Remember, the couple to be wed always gets the final say!

One tip in finding the right makeup artists for you is to have a trial run where you may make the most of having makeup done before an engagement shoot – that you will have a much better idea on how your makeup will turn out with your photography from your big day.

Makeup artist doing her thing

Tip #3: Eat Right

What you eat shows up on your skin and face. Make sure you don’t eat too much junk or sodium that will cause you to bloat! Allow yourself a diet that hits all the right food groups, and don’t focus too much on your weight! You are your own worst critic when it comes to this – remind yourself that you are always going to be the most stunning person on your big day!

When you eat right, make sure it’s all about feeling good and getting that healthy glow. This way, you’ll effortlessly look beautiful in all of your shots!

Food on plate

Tip #4: Follow a Night time Routine

Following a night time routine will do wonders for your mind, body, and even skin! In the weeks and nights prior to your wedding, make sure to get lots of rest by sticking to a bedtime. 

Stretch before or practice some yoga before hitting the sack. Incorporate beauty tools in your skincare routine. Allow yourself to wind down before sleeping soundly, and then wake up feeling refreshed. You never know, this could even help you after your wedding day!

Gollops bridge shot at night

Tip #5: Be Punctual

If there’s one thing a bride shouldn’t stress on, it would be time. When everyone and everything is on time, things will go smoothly, and there would be no need to rush. So, stick to the itinerary! Get a friend or your Maid-of-Honour to remind everyone of their schedules and know that you’re the boss on the day, and being late yourself is pretty much expected!

Grooms watch on ties

Tip #6: Relax and Keep It Natural

Do what feels right with you and your partner. Feel free to explore poses and options and get some inspiration. But then again, don’t feel pressured to replicate the photos and poses from wedding magazines, especially if they’re not something you’d do! Be realistic and make the moment feel as genuine as possible.

If you feel comfortable, your photos will look comfortable. I always try to take my photographs of people actually doing things for this reason – as opposed to turning people into mannequins.

Smiles all round with the bride and groom

It’s completely normal to sense a little panic the closer the big day arrives. Milestones, after all, need to be captured because these are the memories worth holding onto forever. But at the same time, remember that you are not alone! Once you’ve built a wedding team consisting of your new friends, trusted circle, and family, it all makes preparing for your wedding photographs that much easier.

Are you still looking for a wedding photographer in Adelaide? SvenStudios has a team that specialises in the craft of creating the most precious memories of your wedding day, with a wide variety of artistic services at your disposal. We would love to help you in preparing for your wedding photographs! We are just an email or phone call away!

Our Tips For Taking Keepsake Family Photos

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  • Our Tips For Taking Keepsake Family Photos 1

Taking Keepsake Family Photos

Nowadays, almost everyone’s phone is equipped with a decent camera. People take photos of one another and of themselves at any old time of the day. Candid photos are nice to browse through every now and then. However, having proper family portraits taken by a professional are excellent keepsakes that you can look back on and pass on to your children and grandchildren.

Tips For Taking Keepsake Family Photos

If you want to capture milestones, take advantage of loved ones being in the same location, or you simply want to immortalize the present moment for future generations, here are few tips you can use to create beautiful family photos:

Hadley and her family

Dress using a similar theme

One way to elevate your family photos from the ordinary candid shots to encourage everyone to dress up a little more than usual. Decide on a color palette that you can all agree on. Be careful to choose muted, non-distracting colors that will flatter everyone’s skin tones. You don’t need to dress up in costumes or wacky attire, but rather give everyone some loose guidelines like wearing denim, or outfits in predominantly cream or light blue colors.

Family photographer Adelaide

 

Go natural

You and your family’s future generations will look back on your photos and will want to know all about you. Make it a point to look like yourselves, wearing your usual style of clothing and only a light layer of makeup. Avoid trying a new hairstyle in the week or a few days prior to your portrait session. You might end up with something you regret, and the way you look in that moment will be immortalized forever.

Little Family 🙂

Choose a photographer you are comfortable with

Professionals experienced in taking family photos will put you and your group at ease during your photography session. You may want to choose someone who has experience working with very small children, so they know how to get a good shot even with a fidgety baby in the group. The right kind of photographer will also be able to calm your nerves and elicit laughs and smiles from everyone in the group during the shoot. Be sure to have a chat with your photographer before you agree on services so you can see if they are the right fit for you.

Fussing family

Use levels

Make the photo visually interesting by providing a set-up that has two to three “levels’ all the participants can take turns shifting around on. Put a lower layer, with young children sitting on the floor or grass. Seated in the middle, you can have the head of the family, parents, or any grandparents holding infants. Finally, your top layer can consist of older children and adults standing around the rest of the family.

Duncan Family

Include those who can’t be there

If you have loved ones who can’t be physically present for the photo, there are still ways you can include them in the portrait.

For family members who have passed away, some people like to hold on to a framed photo of them, or even photoshop them in. Others wear a special dress, hat, or accessory that represents their family member. Even if they aren’t present to pose for the photo with you, there are still ways you can pay tribute to them and make them feel they are part of the memory.

Family together

If you are wondering when the best time for family photography is, the answer is: right now. Your children will grow up in a flash, your parents are advancing in age, and commitments may take you or your loved ones far and away from each other. Don’t worry about picking out fancy outfits or posing in front of a fanciful set. Find the right photographer and take your portraits now, so you can keep your memories for a lifetime.

Are you looking for family photography services in Adelaide? We’d be happy to help you capture your family’s special moments. Contact us to learn more and have a chat!

 

 

4 Tips to Get The Best Engagement Photos

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  • OMG it's an engagement ring

 

Get The Best Engagement Photos

As a soon-to-be bride or husband, you may be wondering whether it’s essential to have an engagement photoshoot before your wedding. You may tend to overlook it, especially with how overwhelming the wedding planning and preparation can be, but your engagement photos can be just as important as your wedding photos. 

Getting your engagement photos taken is a great way to meet your wedding photographer and establish a connection with them. Remember that they will be with you for much of the day on your wedding day, which is one of the most intimate days of your life, so it’s important that you feel comfortable around them as soon as possible. 

4 Tips to Get The Best Engagement Photos

Your engagement photoshoot can also serve as your test run for your big day. This is especially important if you get anxious in front of the camera and start wondering if your photos will turn out great. To ease all your worries and get the best engagement photos possible, here are some tips you can follow:

  • Have your pets join in

Your pet may be a part of your life to the point that they are now considered one of your family members. To make your engagement photos more exciting and add more personality to your photos, you can ask for your cat, dog, or other pets to join your photoshoot. Just make sure the spot where you’re planning on having your photos done allow for pets!

Dog running in the Ekhidna WInes vineyards

  • Use unique and fun props

The conventional bouquets and balloons may now be out of style as props for engagement photos, but other unique and fun items are welcome additions to your photoshoot. For instance, you can use props that signify your passions. If you are a music buff, show off your guitar as you pose to serenade your significant other. You may also use books as props if you love reading. 

To have romantic, creative engagement photos, you can share one ice cream, use Scrabble letter pieces as titles, or ride cars or motorcycles. Just make sure to use those that help you create your desired theme and photography style.

Balloon man

  • Choose a memorable destination

While you can capture stunning engagement photos anywhere, you can make your pictures look more appealing and heart-warming by choosing a place that holds a special place in your hearts. Pick a spot that represents a big part of your history or relationship story. For example, the destination could be a restaurant where you first met together or a tourist attraction where you proposed.

You can even shoot inside the home you grew up in, or your future home. This way, you are assured there will be fewer distractions. You can simply focus on posing and getting your best photos taken without worrying about the weather or the people outside.

Consider your personalities or wedding theme too; for example – it would be a bit odd to have a fairy themed wedding, only to have a photo shoot in a modern hotel.

Tiwi Islands Sunrise

  • Shoot during the best time of the day

The best time of the day for photoshoots is the golden hour. It usually takes place just an hour before sunset, and it is when the natural lighting is at its best. It lets you have effortlessly breath-taking and romantic-looking photos. However, you can still choose any time slot according to your preference and convenience.

Sunset proposal

An engagement photo session is a fun and memorable way to be better prepared for being photographed on your wedding day. To ensure you get the best engagement photos taken and bring home unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever, follow the tips listed above.

Don’t forget to hire professional photographers who are skilled and have the necessary equipment to take high-quality photos and have a chat with them as they are sure to have further ideas to get the best engagement photos beyond what’s in this short list.

Capture your love story in the best way possible by hiring SvenStudios. Our team specialises in wedding photography and offers wedding videography, engagement photography, and photo booths for hire in Adelaide. Contact us to book your session!