Tag Archive for: engagement rings

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Belair Train Station Engagement shoot – Melody & Chris

Melody and Chris had an unforgettable engagement shoot at the picturesque Belair Train Station, nestled in the heart of the mesmerizing Adelaide Hills. With the sun just starting to rise, casting a golden glow on everything it touched, the couple was ready to capture their love story in the most dreamy and picturesque way possible.

Belair Train Station Engagement shoot

Picture this: a crisp, golden sunrise casting its magic over the serene Adelaide Hills, and a couple so in love, they couldn’t stop beaming! Melody and Chris were all set to capture their love story in the most dreamy and picturesque way possible. I had suggested either the soft, romantic light just before sunset or the breathtaking glow of sunrise, and to my delight, Melody chose the latter! And let me tell you, it was the perfect decision!

As the first rays of the sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, we found ourselves at the Belair Train Station, and the scene was straight out of a fairytale! There was a group of passionate volunteers gathering to restore a piece of history, and their presence added a touch of rustic charm to the backdrop. We couldn’t resist taking a few shots in front of the station, with the old-world architecture adding a vintage vibe to the photos.

Couple smiling at camera
Couple walking together on rail platform
Couple walking hand in hand on rail platform
Couple walknig in front of Belair Train Station
Belair Train Station Engagement shoot
Couple standing in front of Belair Train Station

Belair National Park

But wait, the adventure didn’t stop there! Just a stone’s throw away from the station lies the enchanting Belair National Park, and it’s a little-known hidden gem entrance to the national park that I love heading into. The misty morning in the park created an almost ethereal atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through the majestic gum trees. It felt like stepping into a magical wonderland!

Amongst the gum trees, Melody and Chris shared heartfelt moments, their love shining brighter than the sun itself. The beauty of nature seemed to mirror their connection, and every snapshot we took was filled with pure joy and affection. With each click of the camera, their love story unfolded beautifully, leaving us all in awe.

Couple together in early morning gum trees
Leaning on gum trees together
Leading through the gums
Couple deep in forest with sunlight
Lifting her in amongst the gum trees
Couple hugs on a log
Couple deep in Belair National Park
Couple walking together in gum teres
Couple in the sunlight and gum trees
Laughing couple with sun in background
Couple sharing a head butt
Engagement ring in wood
Sunrise during Belair Train Station Engagement shoot
Early morning sunrise engagement photo
Couple walking through gum trees in the Belair National Park
Hugs in the Belair National Park
Closeup of engagement ring on shoulder
Swirling around together
Hugging in the sunlight
Hugging next to gum tree
playful couple
Couple walking through belair national park

Unexpected Adventures

As we were wrapping up our shoot and bidding farewell to the restoration volunteers, one of them extended a warm invitation to explore the old train station’s control room. And that was quite exciting! The control room was like a time machine, filled with fascinating knobs and levers, preserving the heritage of the railways.

Sunlight streaming throguh window as couple share a moment
Couple near window int he control room
Couple inside the railway control room
Out the front og Belair Train Station’s control room

As the shoot came to a close, Melody and Chris were radiant with happiness. Their engagement shoot at the Belair Train Station and Belair National Park had been an adventure of love, laughter, and unexpected surprises. The couple’s decision to embrace the sunrise light had paid off big time, as the photos radiated with a golden glow that matched their love-filled spirits.

Love is a beautiful journey, and this engagement shoot was a perfect reminder of that. It’s about finding joy in the little things, the unexpected moments, and the unbreakable bond that two souls share. Melody and Chris had embarked on a wonderful journey together, and we were lucky enough to capture a glimpse of their everlasting love.

Good luck to Melody and Chris for their marriage in Hong Kong! and thankyou for having me shoot your Belair Train Station Engagement shoot! I’d me more than willing to put my hand up and come along as your destination wedding photographer! Just let me know and I’ll be there!

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One of my favourite shots to get during wedding preparation

Over the years of covering weddings as a wedding photographer, I’ve discovered a certain number of photo compositions I tend to take at pretty much every wedding I cover. one of my favourite shots to get during preparation is a top-down perspective of the bride’s engagement ring floating amongst the flowers of her bouquet. I’ve put together a collection of quite a few such photos in this post just for the fun of seeing the style and colours of each bride’s ring and flower arrangement to hopefully provide a bit of inspiration for your own ring (if you have a choice :P) and flower arrangement.

One of my favourite shots to get during wedding preparation

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Engagement ring – One of my favourite shots to get during wedding preparation
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Engagement ring – One of my favourite shots to get during wedding preparation
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Engagement ring
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Engagement ring in flowers
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Engagement ring in flowers
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Engagement ring

Grange Beach & Crozier st Engagement shoot – Georgia & Nick

I was excited to hear that Georgia and Nick wanted an engagement shoot done before I cover their wedding in October, 2020. So after considering a few different locations for their shoot, Georgia settled on heading down to the Grange Beach and Jetty for some beach shots, then heading over to Port Adelaide’s Crozier St for some industrial shots to add variety. I suggested to begin rather early in the day so as to avoid people enjoying the beach on what was a rather hot week, so we met each other at just after sun up at 7:30 am!

Grange Beach

Once meeting I got into having Georgia and Nick walk together amongst the Grange beach sand dunes while I was a fair distance away in order to get Georgia and Nick a bit more relaxed before heading down to the shoreline for shots along the waterline and under the jetty.

Under the jetty
Under the jetty
Under the jetty
Under the jetty
Walking along the beach
Standing on the sand hills
Grange Beach Engagement shoot
Under the jetty
On the jetty together
Under the jetty
On the jetty together

Crozier Street

Everything went rather swimmingly at the beach so we head over to Crozier st a little earlier than expected, but that was good as we got to spend a little more time in my favourite street in Adelaide! We however were not the only group with the same idea with another photographer and model using the street as a backdrop while we were there! This isn’t overly unusual as Crozier st is very popular amongst photographers. 🙂 The great thing about this street is the wonderfully aged concrete and wooden doors lining the road which make for wonderful backdrops.

Engagement ring
Together in Crozier Street
Walking together
in the trees
In an old doorway
Walking in the trees
Money shot of Crozier st
Walking along Crozier st
Money shot of Crozier st
In an old doorway
Together against the wall

Looking forward to covering Georgia and Nick’s wedding in a few year’s time!

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Engagement ring etiquette – How do you wear your rings?

As with many things at a wedding, there are details people don’t think about until a decision is suddenly due. In this case, it’s engagement ring etiquette. When should you take it off? Which hand should you wear it on for the ceremony? Do you switch hands once you’re married? Whether your ring features a lab created or natural diamond, there are a few simple etiquette guidelines worth knowing.

There are long-standing traditions about where to place your engagement ring and wedding band before the wedding, on the day itself, and after you’ve said “I do.” As a wedding photographer I’m asked about this all the time, so here’s a clear, modern guide you can follow—or tweak to fit your style.

A couples hands lovingly intertwined, showcasing her sparkling engagement ring against a romantic beach sunset.

Engagement ring etiquette

During your wedding ceremony

On your wedding day, tradition says to wear your engagement ring on the third finger of your right hand (your right-hand ring finger). This keeps your left-hand ring finger free so your partner can place your wedding band there during the vows. By the end of the ceremony, you’ll usually have a ring on each hand—your engagement ring on the right and your brand-new wedding band on the left. Many people then slide the engagement ring back so both rings sit neatly together on the left hand.

The practice of using the left-hand ring finger is often attributed to ancient beliefs about a vein that ran from that finger straight to the heart—a romantic idea that helped cement the symbolism of the wedding band. If you like adding meaning to your day, you might enjoy a special moment like a ring-warming before the vows—here are some ring warming ceremony ideas—so your bands carry blessings the second they’re exchanged. At the end of your ceremony you should have a ring on both hands, ready to stack.

Womans hand adorned with engagement ring resting on mans shoulder, symbolizing their joyful bond.

After your wedding ceremony

Once you’re married, the classic order is simple: wear both rings on the left-hand ring finger, with the wedding band closest to your heart (at the base of the finger) and the engagement ring stacked above it. This arrangement is comfortable, secure and instantly signals your status at a glance.

If you prefer a particular style or setting—say a low-profile band for everyday wear—you can still mix things up. Many couples choose practical options for daily life and keep heirloom or statement pieces for special occasions. If you’re currently shopping, browsing engagement ring designs can help you imagine how the two rings will stack.

An elegant engagement ring nestled between beige block-heeled sandals on a wooden surface.

You could also ignore tradition

Etiquette is a guide, not a rule book. Plenty of people keep wearing their engagement ring on the right hand permanently, skip it day-to-day for comfort, or fuse the engagement ring and wedding band into one piece by soldering. Do what feels authentic and practical for you.

Trends change, too. For instance, the “traditional” white wedding gown only became popular in the 1800s—before that, the common hue was actually blue. So if you prefer a different stacking order, a minimalist single band, or an evolving stack with anniversary rings, you’re in great company.

A diamond ring nestled in a blooming pink rose, surrounded by a lush bouquet of vibrant flowers.

Quick tips to make it easy

  • Before the ceremony: Move your engagement ring to your right-hand ring finger.
  • During the ceremony: Wedding band goes on the left-hand ring finger.
  • After the ceremony: Stack both on the left, band first, engagement ring above.
  • Personal preference wins: Comfort and meaning matter more than strict rules.

Final thoughts

Following engagement ring etiquette can add a touch of tradition to your day, but your love story is yours to style. Whether you keep it classic, modernise the stack, or design something entirely unique, the best choice is the one you’ll enjoy wearing every day.