What makes wedding photography special?

Throughout our lives, there will be many moments that we’ll want to capture on camera. One of the most special of those is the day that we get married, the memories of which most of us hope to treasure forever. It goes without saying that this makes our wedding photography extra special – ahead, we delve into some of the reasons why.

Having been in the wedding photography business for 17-odd years, we have amassed a wealth of experience that enables us to capture these moments in the most special way possible. We know a thing or two about what makes wedding photography special!

Candid moments

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life, so of course, there’s going to be plenty of fun, candid moments to capture – from romantic glances exchanged across the aisle, to frivolous dancing at the reception.

Rarely in life do we find that someone constantly has their eyes on us in order to take these sorts of unplanned photos. This is different on your wedding day, with a professional there each step of the way ensuring that not a moment is missed. The best part about this is everybody looks and feels good at a wedding, so the photos are guaranteed to meet expectations – unlike many of the candid photos we’re used to capturing ourselves.

Laughing bridesmaids

Generational photography

It’s not often that you get every member of your family in one place – and it’s less often still that it happens in the presence of a professional photographer. Most couples find that with this opportunity to capture the eldest and youngest generations together, their wedding photos become extra meaningful – and make for the kind of stills that multiple generations will look back on with fondness for years to come.

Your wedding photographer will likely be able to capture sweet moments between your loved ones even when you’re not present – perhaps when you’re freshening up, or making your rounds at the reception. Because of this, you can relax as the day progresses knowing that your photographer will be around to capture any moments that you happen to miss.

Bridal approach with parents

Capturing the finer details

There’s a whole lot that goes into making your wedding day perfect, and that includes plenty of small details – from place settings, to aisle decorations, to invitations. None of these details are any less important than the other, and many of them will be ones that you want to remember through your wedding photos – particularly if they’ve taken a lot of time, money or creativity to get just right.

Professional photographers are used to documenting these sorts of small but important details. In fact, they know that such photos look stunning paired next to your wedding portraits, and always help to paint the overall picture of your day.

Engagement ring propped up in autumn colours

Photos treasured for a lifetime

Wedding photos are meaningful, and as such, we want them to last forever. Usually, they’ll make it into a special album, or take the front and centre spot on our mantlepiece – just one way that we tend to demonstrate our love for wedding photos over other kinds of photography. We want to be able to look at these photos when we’re old, as well as at other key moments throughout our lives – perhaps the birth of a child, or a special anniversary.

Groom leading bride on clifftop

When you recognise what makes wedding photography special, you make plenty of time to plan and prepare the perfect shots with your photographer – so that you can relieve such significant moments for years to come.

August 31, 2023

Wedding, Wedding preview

The House on Haines Wedding – Emily & Andrew

Emily and Andrew celebrated their love at The House on Haines, nestled at the base of the Adelaide Hills. Although the day was a bit wet and gloomy, it didn’t dampen the spirits of this lovely couple and their guests!

Emily and Andrew chose to embrace the weather and make it a part of their memorable day. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s dive into all the fantastic moments of this gorgeous Adelaide Hills wedding!

Andrew’s Preparation

The morning was filled with anticipation as Andrew and his groomsmen got ready at the couple’s home. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and even the two fur babies of the house were caught up in the enthusiasm. After all, it’s not every day that their parents get married!

While there were many memorable moments, one light-hearted one was when a groomsman brought out a dozen different watches, unsure of which one to wear. It was a funny moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the morning. After getting ready, the groomsmen went for a short walk in a nearby park for some group shots before heading to the girls.

Wedding rings perched on shoes

Groomsmen putting shoes on

Best man adjusting grooms tie

Best man adjusting grooms tie through hallway

Groom chatting

Closeup of groom’s flower

Groom loGroom looking smashingking smashing

Groom leaning on door frame

Groom with his groomsmen on path

Emily’s Preparation at the Yatahlia Manor

Emily prepared for her big day at the stunning Yatahlia Manor, a beautiful house set amongst breathtaking grounds, complete with separate wings for all kinds of different photo shoots. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t allow us to use the grounds much, but we certainly made the most of the modern manor in all its glory. This included a tear-jerking first look with Emily’s father under the eaves of the main courtyard.

The Yatahlia Manor was the perfect backdrop for Emily’s preparation. The excitement in the air was palpable as Emily got ready with the help of her bridesmaids and family. Every detail, from her dress to her shoes, was carefully chosen and looked absolutely perfect.

Emily’s bridal bouquet was adorned with special charms that we had the honor of making for her. They were made of silver and surrounded by sparkling rhinestones, adding a touch of elegance and personalization to her bouquet. It was one of the first sets of bouquet charms we had made, and seeing them in Emily’s bouquet was incredibly rewarding. It’s always special to contribute to a bride’s big day in such a meaningful way.

Bride and bridesmaid shoes

Wedding dress hanging in grand window

Yellow bridal bouquet

Bride having makeup done through window

Bride in mirror as bridesmaids watch

Yatahlia Manor

Bride and bridesmaids getting ready

Bridesmaides fussing over bride

Cuddles with Mum

Bride looking stunning in white bay window

Bride in white bay window

First look with Dad

Bride leaning against window

Bride with floating veil

Bride under eaves of Yatahlia Manor

Bride reading letter given by her groom

The House on Haines Wedding Ceremony

The House on Haines wedding ceremony took place under a sea of umbrellas as the weather threatened to rain heavily throughout the event. Fortunately, it didn’t too much! Emily and Andrew decided to hold their ceremony outside on the grassy area near the house, regardless of the weather. Their celebrants made the ceremony a lot of fun by drawing their guests into the festivities in an interactive way.

Their dogs made a special appearance as ring bearers, eagerly making their way towards their parents. It was a sweet and touching moment that added a personal touch to the ceremony.

Groom waiting under umbrella

Celebrants under umbrellas

Bride beaming from car

Bride being escorted by Dad

Grooms first look of bride

The House on Haines wedding

Bride and groom under umbrellas

Laughing bridesmaids

bride and groom peeking through umbrellas during ceremony

Groom looking at his bride during ceremony

Smiling bride during cermeony

The House on Haines wedding ceremony

Bridal couple during their ceremony

First Kiss at The House on Haines wedding

Bridal exit at House on haines

Anstey Hill Glamour Photos

For the glamour photos, we headed to Anstey Hill, just across the road. The space allowed for beautiful scenes shot through the foliage of gum trees, and the occasional spark of the sun making an appearance through the clouds. The bridal party was quite cold, so it wasn’t uncommon for the groomsmen to share their suit jackets with the bridesmaids.

The rain started to get quite heavy just as we left for the reception, but we managed to capture some beautiful moments amidst the natural beauty of Anstey Hill.

bridal party talking in front of green

Groom dipping bride in front of cars

Bride and groom kiss under gum tree

Bridal couple walking on path

Closeup on engagement ring on finger

Bride holding grooms head

Bride and groom in long grass

Bridal kiss through foliage

Sunlight between bride and grooms head

Groom lifting bride

Bride and groom in between tufts of grass

Smiling bride and groom

Bridal party celebrating kiss of bride and groom

bridal party chatting away

Blurred bridal aprty around bride and groom

Bridal party with cars under umbrellas

Bride and groom under deck of the House on Haines

The House on Haines Wedding Reception

Emily and Andrew’s reception at The House on Haines was a blast! Guests were super keen on having a good time, and there were short but sweet speeches and a game of ‘shoe game‘ that made everyone laugh. Emily and Andrew had a large lit sign out on the decking as a backdrop to the night.

The only distraction was the Matildas game against France in the Women’s World Cup. The penalty shootout was tense, but it added an extra layer of excitement to the reception! At least one table was super excited bout it!

House on Haines interior

Fallout Themed wedding cake

Bride and groom listening to speech

Bridal kiss behind the wedding cake

Guests watching the Matildas Penalty shootout

Bridal couple excited about cutting the cake

Wedding shoe game

The House on Haines wedding first dance

The House on Haines wedding first dance wide

Singing guests

Dancing guests

Bride and groom in front of name sign

Dancing Dad

Dancing Bride

The House on Haines wedding of Emily and Andrew was an absolute delight to be a part of as a wedding photographer as the people and the venues involved were just perfect! Bit of a shame about the weather, but was an awesome day regardless! Thanks a bunch Emily and Andrew for having me!We are

August 30, 2023

Wedding, ideas, New Features

The Audio Guest Book: Adelaide’s New Wedding Must-Have!

Hey there, lovely brides and grooms-to-be of Adelaide! Ever thought about how you can make your wedding day even more special? Well, let me spill the beans on the latest trend that’s taking Adelaide’s wedding scene by storm: the audio guest book! And trust me, it’s absolutely fabulous!

BOOK AN AUDIO GUEST BOOK NOW!

What’s an Audio Guest Book, Anyway?

An audio guest book is like your traditional guest book, but with a twist. Instead of written messages, your guests can leave voice recordings, sharing their love, blessings, and fun anecdotes. Imagine listening to your bestie’s giggly message or your grandpa’s heartfelt wishes. It’s like receiving a bouquet of emotions, wrapped in voices!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I love the classic guest books!” And I get it. There’s something special about handwritten notes. But with an audio guest book, you get to capture the tone, the laughter, the pauses – all those little nuances that make a message truly special.

leave a message

Combine with a Photo Booth!

If you thought the audio guest book was the ultimate game-changer, wait till you pair it with our photo booth!

Imagine this: guests leaving you a heartfelt voice message and then heading straight to the photo booth to snap some fun, candid moments. It’s like capturing their entire essence – from their words to their playful poses.

And for those who adore a touch of rustic charm, we also offer optional hand-made wooden guest books. These artisanal beauties are perfect for jotting down notes or sticking those photo booth pictures. It’s the perfect blend of modern innovation and timeless elegance. Your wedding will be the talk of Adelaide!

Photobooth fun

photobooth guestbooks

Why It’s Perfect for Weddings

Think about those guests who might be a tad shy to hit the dance floor. You know the ones I’m talking about – maybe it’s your introverted cousin, your childhood friend who’s always been a bit reserved, or that colleague who’s more comfortable behind the scenes. While they might hesitate to showcase their dance moves, they have a world of love, stories, and well-wishes to share.

The audio guest book becomes their safe space, a platform where they can express freely without the spotlight directly on them. It’s a beautiful way to make them feel included, valued, and special, ensuring that their voice, filled with genuine emotions, becomes a part of your cherished memories.

And then, of course, we have our stars – the life of the party, the ones who never shy away from the limelight. Those charismatic friends and family members who are always up for a toast, a story, or a hearty laugh. For them, the audio guest book is yet another stage, another opportunity to shine, to share, and to leave an imprint of their vibrant personalities on your big day. It’s a win-win for everyone, making your wedding an inclusive celebration of love and voices from all walks of life!

Guests looking at phone together

Making Memories Last Forever

Weddings are a whirlwind of emotions. And amidst all the fun and frolic, many moments get lost in the hustle. But with an audio guest book, you’re creating a timeless keepsake. Every anniversary, you can relive the joy of your big day, hearing the voices of the people who made it special.

And here’s the cherry on top: combine it with a photo booth! First, guests can leave a message, and then head over to the photo booth for some fun snaps. It’s like creating a multi-sensory album of love and laughter.

Bright sunlight illuminating bride and groom

FAQs on the Audio Guest Book

How does the audio guestbook work? Super easy! Guests pick up the vintage styled phone and pour their hearts out after hearing the bride and groom greet them as though they missed them on a call. Later, the bride and groom will receive a compilation of all these lovely messages.
Do people still use guest books at weddings? Absolutely! Traditional guest books are still a hit. But the audio version? It’s like the stylish new kid on the block!
How much would the audio guest book cost? Prices are currently at a very resonable $330 for the audio guest book hire! You can even combine with our photo booth for a discounted $990! If you’re also having us cover your wedding photography or videography, we may even be able to work something out even sweeter 😉

August 25, 2023

Interesting, ideas, Wedding

The Science Behind “Happy Wife, Happy Life” Is it true?

As an experienced wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless moments of joy, love, and celebration. I’ve also heard more best man speeches and parental advice than I can count. One phrase that seems to pop up time and again is “happy wife, happy life”. It’s often delivered with a knowing nod and a chuckle, as if it’s the secret key to a successful marriage.

But it got me thinking – is there any truth to this saying? Is a happy wife really the magic ingredient to a happy life? Intrigued, I decided to delve a little deeper and find out what science has to say about it.

Bride and groom in autumn leaves

Unraveling the Saying “Happy Wife, Happy Life”

“Happy wife, happy life” – a phrase we’ve all heard, and some of us may have even used. But what does it really mean? Is there any truth to it? And what does science have to say about it? Let’s dive in and explore these questions.

The saying “happy wife, happy life” is often used to express the idea that if the wife in a family is happy, it leads to an overall happier life for everyone involved, including the husband. It’s a phrase that’s been around for a while, with its origins somewhat unclear. Some believe it first appeared in a rhyme by the United States Political group “The Work and Wages Party” in 1903, while others suggest it was used in a real estate ad in Abilene, Texas in 1958.

The idea behind it being the somewhat outdated gender norm of when it comes to gender roles in a family, the woman rules the home, and the husband brings money to be used. The woman’s moods need to be good to enable the family’s happiness.

Regardless of its origins, it has become a widely accepted idiom in our society.

Laughing bridal couple under veil

The Science of Happiness in Marriage

A study from the University of Alberta, which analyzed over 50,000 relationship satisfaction reports, challenges the stereotype of “happy wife, happy life”. The research found that both men’s and women’s satisfaction levels were strong predictors of short- and long-term happiness for themselves and their partners. This suggests that the happiness of both partners is equally important in predicting their future happiness together.

The study drew on data from 10 Canadian, American, and German studies involving 901 mixed-gender couples daily for up to 21 days and 3,405 mixed-gender couples assessed annually for five years. It is the first comprehensive study to rigorously test a general theory from the 1970s about gender differences in relationship communication.

The results dispel the notion that women have unique diagnostic abilities in relationships and highlight the equal ability and shared responsibility of both partners in directing the course of their relationship.

Happy groom

The Dangers of the Saying

While the saying may seem harmless, it can have negative implications. It can lead to a dynamic where the wife’s happiness becomes the sole responsibility of the husband, which can put undue pressure on both parties. It can also perpetuate gender stereotypes, suggesting that the woman’s mood dictates the family’s happiness and that the man’s role is primarily to keep his wife happy.

Moreover, the saying can be detrimental to a marriage if it’s used as an excuse for selfish behavior or if it leads to resentment or unhappiness. It’s important for individuals to take responsibility for their own happiness instead of relying solely on their spouse. A successful partnership is built on respect, communication, equality, and shared responsibility.

bride and groom in middle of Grenfell St

Building a Strong Marriage

So, what does it take to build a strong marriage? Healthy communication, gratitude, trust-building, acceptance of disagreements, and forgiveness are all crucial elements. When things are going well in a relationship, it’s important to capitalize on it; when things aren’t good, taking action is crucial. Being reflective and intentional about directing the relationship can lead to more success and less heartache.

Bride lifting groom under full moon

“Happy spouse, Happy house”

While the saying may be catchy, and can evoke a bit of a cheap cackle from the crowd at a wedding, it’s not entirely accurate. A happy life is not solely dependent on a happy wife. Both partners play an equal role in creating a happy and fulfilling life together. So perhaps it’s time we updated the saying to “happy spouse, happy house”.

August 15, 2023

ideas, Interesting, Wedding

From Savings to ‘I Do’: A Guide on Growing and Investing for Your Dream Wedding

For nearly two decades, we’ve captured countless weddings as wedding photographers, and it’s evident that today’s economic challenges have made luxury events like weddings a tough decision for many couples.

However, your dream wedding doesn’t need to drain your finances. With the right financial planning and astute investments, you can bring your dream wedding to life without skimping on its grandeur. In this guide, we’ll outline some crucial steps to help nurture your wedding fund and make savvy investment decisions.

Hopefully these tips help you understand what’s needed to afford a large wedding, but keep in mind that saving a large amount of money is a task that’s not easy and can be done in many different ways. This isn’t financial advice, so don’t take it to heart – it’s just something we’ve noticed over the years that have helped our couples in the past.

bride and groom in front of Bonython hall

Start Savings

Getting married is an exciting time, but it is also a big financial commitment. To ensure you are ready to handle the expenses, start saving early and systematically.

Start by making a list of all the costs associated with your wedding. Determine which items are non-negotiable and which can be cut. This exercise will help you prioritize what is most important and show you how much you need to save to achieve your dream wedding.

Set aside a portion of each paycheck into a dedicated savings account specifically for wedding-related expenses or how to save for a house. This separate account simplifies expense tracking and helps you stick to your budget for your home savings. Consider opening a high-yield savings account to earn interest, which can accelerate your progress toward your financial goals.

Darwin Surf Life Saving Club Wedding Ceremony

Make a Budget

A dream wedding can seem like a pipe dream if you don’t have the funds to pay for it. However, planning and financing your dream wedding is possible if you work together as a couple and are disciplined with your savings strategies.

Start with a realistic budget for your wedding and allocate funds to different categories such as venue, attire, catering, and photography. If your savings goals are not feasible with just two incomes, consider getting a part-time job to speed up your goal or delaying the wedding date to give yourself more time to save.

Keep track of all expenses by creating a spreadsheet or using a budgeting app to see where you’re spending your money and how much you have left for your wedding. Even small purchases like a daily candy bar or cappuccino can add up to a significant amount at the end of the month!

spiral engagement ring in red rose

Set a Goal

Creating a vision board is one of the most important first steps when planning your dream wedding. This visual tool can help you narrow your vision while ensuring that you only focus on elements that fit your budget.

Start by listing your top three priorities for your big day. These can be anything from your dress to your honeymoon plans. Once you have your priority list, research how much each item may cost. Once you know how much each item will cost, divide the total by the number of items on your priority list to determine a per-item budget.

Consider opening a separate savings account to help reach your wedding savings goal. A high-yield money market or certificate account can be an effective way to grow your wedding savings. You can also open a personal loan to increase your wedding savings.

Early morning sunrise engagement photo

Consult Financial Advisors

Seek advice from experienced professionals who can provide expert insights and help you create a comprehensive investment strategy tailored to your wedding goals and unique financial situation. These advisors possess the knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of investment options, risk assessment, and market trends, ensuring that your investments align with your short-term wedding plans and long-term financial aspirations. Their expertise can be instrumental in maximizing the growth potential of your funds, so you can confidently march towards a memorable wedding and a secure financial future.

Bride with her engagement ring

Start Investing

Weddings are enchanting moments that create memories but also come at a high cost. However, if you have a clear vision of how much your dream wedding will cost and start saving early, you can have that special day without going into debt.

One way to save for your wedding is to open an online savings account earmarked specifically for your special day. It could be a regular savings account, a money market, or a certificate of deposit that earns a higher interest rate. Consider setting up a second job to bring in extra income for your wedding that can be invested or spent as needed.

Alternatively, consider looking at tax-saving instruments like ELSS that reduce your liability and help increase your savings. Consider these options with the help of a financial planner.