Tag Archive for: ideas

Boss the Bull Mastiff Photoshoot

  • BOSS THE BULL MASTIFF

    On top of the hill

Boss the Bull Mastiff Photoshoot

Recently I ran a little contest on instagram in order to celebrate reaching 10,000 followers on the platform. The idea being that people who would like to enter were to select their favourite image I had put up on my feed. Well Boss the Bull Mastiff (@bossthebullmastiff) was the winner and as a result we went out to the Grange beach for a bit of a run about and photoshoot! Was a fairly simple little shoot, we started by walking along the dunes, and then had Boss run up and down the beach for a bit before striking a pose under the famed Grange Jetty. Boss was fairly easy to work with, very well trained and was kept on a leachsh for the whole time – just had to photoshop it out for the photos!

Running about
On top of the hill
Smiles
Kisses
On the beach
Boss the Bull Mastiff
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Pepper Tree Cafe Wedding – Amanda & Daniel

  • Amanda & Daniel

    Pepper Tree Cafe Wedding

    Under the gate

I was super excited to be a part of Amanda and Daniel’s wedding at the Pepper Tree CafĂ© due in no small part to Daniel’s enthusiasm and endearing eagerness to hold the most perfect wedding possible for his bride to be. He was in constant contact, making sure I knew all the details including how well the dancing lessons I had got them at Dance Amor were doing, and how the Pepper Tree was going to be set up on the day.

Everything he had planned came to fruition on the day, with the slight unfortunate hiccup of a bit of rain directly after the ceremony. Fortunately it let up a bit for us to get out and about in the garden for a few photos J

Preparation

I started the day as I usually do at Daniel’s place of preparation. He and his boys were all getting ready and were in various stages of undress when I arrived. Daniel was keen on having everything set up and running smoothly – he was obviously excited!

Groomsmen Gifts
Looking out window
Putting on cufflinks
Putting on shirt
Smiling groom
Wedding Rings
Cheers!
Putting on shirt
Dad helping out
In front of car
Groomsmen getting ready
Shoes

I then head over to where Amanda and her bridal party were being prepared – the atmosphere was noticeably more laid back and fun filled with the ladies, with laughter and fun times being had. Emotions were high when gifts were handed out which made for some marvellously genuine photos!

Bridesmaids gift
Engagement ring
Cork popping
Flower crown
Smiling
Smiles
Love the new bub
Helping with the dress
Smiles
Smiles
Smiles
makeup
Helping with the dress
Wedding Dress
Mum looking on

Pepper Tree Cafe Wedding Ceremony

The Pepper Tree Café was a wedding venue I had not yet had the privilege of visiting, but it turned out to be a lovely little intimate space in Aldinga, featuring a large Pepper Tree (naturally) alongside a rustic live music and dining area surrounded by a nice mix of curated garden and wilder natural scenes. Quite a nice spot for photography.

Their wedding ceremony took place on the grassy area in the centre of the gardens, with all the guests standing either side of an aisle lined by small lanterns. The rain was threatening by this time, but thankfully held off until after I had my drone in the air and took a couple of group photos.

Holding Hands
Together
Together
Family Hug
Wiping
Groom’s first look
Hugs
Bride arriving
Cars arriving
Smiling Groom
Smiling Bride
nervous groom
Holding Hands
Putting on ring
First Kiss
Bridal Exit

Glamour Photos

Directly after the ceremony ended we had to rush into the CafĂ© area to avoid the rather heavy rain that was now falling. We made use of the time to take family photos on the stage and have a bit of a mingle with guests. Once it was evident that the rain had set in a bit, Amanda and Daniel decided we’d need to head out in the rain for a few photos, so that’s what we did. Thankfully soon after this decision, the rain stopped for long enough for some proper shots around the garden.

Under the Gazebo
Kissing amongst the Pepper Tree
Under the trees
Under the Gazebo
Groomsmen
Under the gate
Under the Gazebo
Under the trees
Amongst the trees
Under the gate
Wedding Rings
Bridal Party
Walking together
Holding one another
Standing in the Pepper Tree
Under the trees

Pepper Tree Wedding Reception

The reception area at the pepper Tree Café is an intimate, rustic little area, decorated with steel and wooden styling, akin to an old wool shed. The area boasts a nice live music stage and room enough for a modest congregation.

Amanda and Daniel’s reception was a lovely display of heartfelt speeches, impromptu bagpipe recitals and high running emotions, it was a ball to be a part of, and I thank Amanda and Daniel for having me be a part of it! 😀

Smiling Bride
Speech
Best Man speech
Cutting the cake
Thumbs up
Catching the bouquet
First Dance
Smiles all round
Guests having fun
Dancing
Guests having fun
First Dance
First Dance
Catching the garter
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Common wedding planning mistakes and how to avoid them!

Wedding planning mistakes and how to avoid them

Having attended quite a few weddings as a wedding photographer, and also having had gone through the process of being my own wedding planner for my own wedding within 5 months last year, I’ve put together a little list of common wedding planning mistakes that I see happen all the time.  It’s not an easy task planning a wedding, and it certainly isn’t a cheap one either. Combining these two aspects causes a lot of stress and quite a few of these common mistakes!

Planning a wedding is made up of dozens of little jobs that range from super important things like choosing and booking a venue on a wedding date you like, down to the simple things such as choosing the groom’s socks. All put together makes a monumental task. Just remember however that with so many things happening, something is bound to not go to plan so try not to make it impact your day too much.

Common Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and even small oversights can lead to major stress. To help you have a smooth celebration, here is a list of wedding planning mistakes to avoid.

Budgeting mistakes

Perhaps the most common mistake that people stress over on their wedding party is how much everything adds up to. I myself was guilty of this, spending around 30% more than our budget allowed. But planning a wedding is expensive. Try to factor in what you can afford along with what your family are willing to pitch in, then prioritise what is the most important for you. For me personally the most important parts of our day was the wedding photographer, and the reception venue. For other wedding vendors it may be the bridal dress, perhaps a videographer?

The point is, dont go cheap with the most important parts of your day, then you can go a bit cheaper with the parts that don’t matter as much. There’s always going to be some hidden costs too, so when working out your budget in your planning process – add a little to it so there are no surprises. The goal is to save money, not jeopardise your weding style!

Mum with the money

Letting others organise your guest list

Your parents probably have a bit of a dream in their heads about what their perfect wedding for you looks like. Hell, they’ve probably been planning it in their head and their own wedding guest list since you were born! So cut them some slack when they insist of inviting family members like second cousin three times removed just because they shared a carrot when they were growing up. But on the other hand make sure they are clear on your budget restraints and that the day is your day, not theirs.

A wedding day is supposed to celebrate your own personal love for one another with your closest friends and family. Just make sure everyone knows your intent in regards to your guest list upfront and you’ll avoid one of the most stress-inducing common wedding planning mistakes.

Group photo

No plan ‘B’ for weather

Now living in Adelaide, we tend to be very lucky when it comes to the weather during our wedding season. Adelaide is the driest city in the driest state on the driest continent in the world. It doesnt rain much here, and when it does it doesnt stay long. But it does happen, and if you have no backup plan for your wedding ceremony or your reception, it can be devastating. The best venues I’ve found actually have a plan B set up for just an occasion, but other locations it just may not be possible. Marquee hire is a common backup plan for locations where there isn’t a convenient building to use.

The only good thing about having a wedding in the rain is that it’s supposed to be good luck, and you get some great unique photos out of it! 😀

Wedding lighting

Look after your guests

The common timeline for a wedding day usually calls for a 1-2 hours photoshoot in between the end of your wedding ceremony and the start of your reception. This means that your guests are left to entertain themselves for that period of time. If your venue is out of the way, this may cause some distress with your guests. Try to entertain them with something, give them something to do! Be it lawn games at your venue, or makes a game of it like a scavenger hunt, with a prize given out at your reception?

At the very least suggest a local attraction or a nice pub for them to visit while they wait for you. Some wedding websites can provide insights on hotel rooms and ways to help guests to arrive, or perhaps deal with too many guests. Just remember you have the final say on everything, and your guests may either like or not like your desicions, so act wisely 🙂

Spray tanning, or changing your look too much

Please, please don’t suddenly decide to go get a fake tan for the first time a week out for your wedding! If you’ve had a spray tan before, and you were happy with the result, then go for it, but only if you go back to the same place. Nothing worse than being an oompaloompa in a wedding dress! Same goes for dying your hair, or drastically changing your makeup. Always trial it all several months before your wedding to make sure you’d be ok looking like that on your wedding day.

Eating

Crash dieting in the weeks leading up to your wedding day can cause sickness and just isn’t a great idea in general. The idea is to be as happy and healthy you can be on your big day, so try not to do anything to jeopardise this. Same goes for eating on the day. Often nerves get to brides and grooms on their wedding day, which causes a loss of appetite, but eating and keeping your fluids up (not alcohol) is very important!

Many brides fall into this trap – hopefully your bridal party can help out – as that’s what ther job is!

Food

Seating arrangements

Perhaps one of the hardest part of planning a wedding is sorting out where everyone is sitting at your reception. It’s one of those common wedding planning mistakes that can really cause people to get upset if they are sitting next to someone they despise, or something. One big problem people overlook is placing all the single guests on a ‘singles table’. Having everyone single at a table together is rather uncomfortable for them, so try to mix them about on other tables, hopefully with guests who share a common interest.

Guests having fun

Sort out your clothes in the days prior

Another one I’m guilty of. To all the men and grooms to be out there, get out your shirts and wear/iron them at least once in the days leading up to your wedding! Shirts come with an ugly crease through them brad new and need to be ironed! Brides out there, pick out some comfy undies, preferably white so that they can’t be seen through your dress! I can’t count how many times I’ve had to awkwardly point out that your black panties can be seen in your photos. It’s one of those small common wedding planning mistakes you don’t often think about.

If you’ve sorted out what you’re wearing you hang it up and not think about it until the day right? Ladies put on your dress as often as possible too, make sure it’s comfortable. If you’re wearing high heels and planning on having photos done at the beach or in a forest, perhaps pack a change of shoes too.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Perhaps the most important thing of all, don’t let small issues dominate your thoughts. Remember what the point of the day is – to get legally married. Things are bound to go wrong, that’s life, but don’t let it phase you. Just be thankful you don’t have to contend with a cyclone, or fires on your wedding day. Enjoy yourself!

Same goes for wedding traditions. If they don’t mean anything to you, dont think they will magically ruin your life just because you don’t follow something! Then again if it is important to you to have the perfect wedding – by all means plan for it – don’t expect everything to just ‘happen’. Worrying too much about stuff like this is how so many couples can lose sight of the end result and caught up in the small stuff.

Willunga Peacock Farm Wedding photography

Wedding Attire Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the perfect wedding attire is an exciting milestone, but it’s also where many couples encounter avoidable pitfalls. To ensure your special day flows smoothly and your photos are flawless, be mindful of these common attire mistakes.

  • Last-Minute Fittings and Alterations: Rushing your dress fittings or suit alterations can lead to ill-fitting garments and unnecessary stress. Start early to allow ample time for multiple adjustments and a perfect fit.
  • Ignoring Venue and Season: Your wedding dress style and groom’s suit should complement your chosen venue and the climate. A heavy gown might be uncomfortable for a summer outdoor ceremony, while light attire may look out of place at a formal winter event.
  • Prioritising Style Over Comfort: While looking stunning is key, you’ll be wearing your wedding outfit for many hours. Opt for breathable fabrics and ensure your bridal gown or groom’s wear allows for easy movement and dancing.
  • Overlooking Undergarments and Shoes: Always bring the correct undergarments and shoes to your fittings. These elements significantly impact the final look and fit of your wedding attire.
  • Forgetting to Budget for Extras: Remember to factor in costs for alterations, accessories (like veils, jewellery, or ties), and even professional cleaning for your wedding outfits.

By avoiding these common wedding attire mistakes, you can ensure both comfort and confidence on your big day. SvenStudios is dedicated to capturing every detail of your beautifully chosen wedding fashion, preserving these cherished memories in timeless wedding photography in Adelaide and videography.

How to Avoid Wedding Communication Errors

Effective communication is paramount when planning a wedding. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to your special day, here’s how to avoid wedding communication errors:

  • Don’t assume: Never assume everyone is on the same page. Always confirm details in writing with your partner, family, and wedding vendors.
  • Use Shared Tools: Create a shared document or use a planning app to keep everyone updated on decisions, timelines, and responsibilities. This helps prevent miscommunication.
  • Address Issues Promptly: Don’t delay difficult conversations. If there’s a disagreement about a wedding detail or budget, address it respectfully and openly to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Establish Clear Points of Contact: Assign a primary point of contact for different aspects of your wedding (e.g., for your wedding photographer or videographer). This ensures efficient information flow and prevents confusion.
  • By implementing these communication strategies, you can significantly reduce wedding communication errors and enjoy a more harmonious planning process. SvenStudios prides itself on clear and professional communication, ensuring we understand your vision and capture every precious moment.

Contact us today to discuss your photography and videography needs and experience our seamless service.

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Why rain is good luck on your wedding day

What is the old saying about rain on your wedding day? Often the first thing you hear on your wedding day if it starts raining is that it’s ‘good luck’. Followers of my blog will know that I’m an avid fan of researching the origins of such quirks behind wedding traditions, so I did a bit of digging and found out why rain is good luck on your wedding day.


The origin of the superstition about why rain is good luck on your wedding day may stem from the reasons I’ve discovered, or the general fact that saying something like that will somewhat ease the mind of the bride who had their heart set on a beautiful sunny day. I mean most people would plan their wedding expecting great weather, only to be disappointed with rain – kind of like what Alanis Morissette was talking about in her song ‘Ironic’.

Bride and groom under umbrella through vines

Why rain is good luck on your wedding day

So where did the origin of the superstition come from? What does rain on your wedding day mean? The truth is that rain represents a multitude of different things depending on your culture of origin.

Rain represents fertility

One of the obvious merits of rain is the brings of new life into the world. Without rains new grass and plants cannot grow and hence represents fertility. Always a nice thing to be reminded of on your wedding day if you’re planning on starting a family with your newly wed.

Rain represents Unity

It’s not all that common at weddings in Adelaide but, a handfasting ceremony was common at all weddings in years part symbolising the combining of two souls into the union of marriage This also happens to be the origin of the saying ‘to tie the knot’. Rain would cause this ‘knot’ to become wet and hence become difficult to untie, signifying unity.

The handfasting tradtion originated from Europe and celtic roots, as as the Celts hailed from areas in Europe where it was often raining, this stands to reason.

Tying the knot

Rain is Cleansing and Pure

Rain causes the world to become clean and represents purity. using water to cleanse one’s hands if paramount in many of the world’s religions, so rain on your wedding day is supposed to represent a clean and pure start to your lives together. It’s also supposed to represent renewal, in that you will be born again as a couple forever. It’s supposed to wash away all prior bad experiences and memories, leaving only the good for the future.

It’s very similar in the reasoning why brides traditionally wear a white dress.

Before brides wore white dresses to their weddings, the traditional colour was actually pale blue – symbolising the virgin Mary. As pale blue is also the colour often associated with water, one can make the link with rain.

Protecting one another from the rain

Rain on wedding day represents tears

Now this could be interpreted as a good or a bad thing, but rain can represent the last tears the bride is to shed for the rest of her life – hence a good thing. But it would also represent tears that the couple is getting married! Which is a bad thing.. Depends on how you look at it this way 😛 Another origin story of this representation can be allocated to the virgin Mary in christian tradition where she would cry for all the sins in the world, thereby washing them all away.

Lightning

Adaptability and Resilience

Another reason why rain might be considered good luck on your wedding day revolves around the attributes of adaptability and resilience. Just as couples face unexpected challenges and twists throughout their journey together, rain on your wedding day serves as an immediate test of adaptability. Couples who face the sudden change with grace and poise demonstrate resilience and a willingness to work together to face challenges head-on.

Overcoming such unexpected obstacles on one’s wedding day sets a precedent for the marriage ahead. It suggests that the couple can weather any storm together, facing trials and tribulations with love, understanding, and cooperation. In many ways, this adaptability in the face of rain symbolizes the flexibility required in a successful, enduring marriage.

So, instead of viewing rain as a damper on your big day, consider it a blessing in disguise, symbolizing the strength and unity of your bond that will carry you through all of life’s unpredictable moments.

Ten 22 Wedding Photography

Rain on your wedding day meaning?

These superstitions have a range of different origins so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where and when people started saying why rain is good luck at weddings. But most of the resources I’ve looked at having originated from Hindu custom. But honestly, rain doesn’t originate from India, or Hindu-dominated countries so the sentiment of why rain is good luck at weddings can be as wide and varied as the world itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is rain on your wedding day considered good luck?

Yes! Many cultures see rain as a sign of fertility, unity, and a fresh start. It’s also thought to symbolise adaptability and resilience in your marriage.

2. Is rain considered a blessing on your wedding day?

Definitely. Rain is believed to represent blessings like cleansing, renewal, and even a strong, unbreakable union as it “ties the knot” tighter.

3. How can I prepare for rain on my wedding day?

Be ready with umbrellas, a backup indoor venue, and a positive attitude—it’s all part of the adventure.

4. How can I make the most of the rain on my wedding day?

Embrace it! Rain can create beautiful, unique photo opportunities and bring a romantic, fresh atmosphere to your celebration.

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Essential Wedding preparation tips for the Groom

Grinning groom in window

Wedding preparation tips for the Groom and Groomsmen

While most blogs generally relate to the wedding preparation of the bride and her bridal party, there’s not much out there about Wedding preparation tips for Men. So when bespoke diamonds – a wedding ring designer from Dublin, Ireland – sent me this infographic to share on my site, I figured it was a fairly good idea!

As a wedding photographer based in Adelaide, I’ve been to hundreds of weddings, and at every single one, the men tend to need as much help as possible. I mean sure, some are better than others, but even at my own wedding I mistakenly forgot a few of these tips despite being a wedding professional! – pro tip men, iron your shirt BEFORE your big day 😉

groom and groomsmen on road

This list of Wedding preparation tips for the groom and the men of the wedding would be perfect reading for those of you planning a wedding together, but sometimes the groom doesn’t have much of an idea of what, or how to contribute. So if you brides out there looking for some help, send him this way to have a little read. It’s his big day too, so it can’t hurt of brush up on the basics.

I love infographics like this, that outline quite complicated concepts such as organising a wedding in such a simple way you’d think that it’s the easiest thing in the world. It really isnt though, and having as much help as you can get should be a welcome sight to anyone going through the process. Organising the men can often be even more complicated so having this list of Wedding preparation tips should help out quite a bit. Enjoy!

Wedding preparation tips for Men

Here are some helpful wedding preparation tips for the groom to ensure you feel confident and relaxed on your big day:

  • Plan your outfit early: Finalise your attire, including shoes and accessories, well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Get a haircut a week before: This gives your hairstyle time to settle and look natural in photos.
  • Practice grooming habits: Follow a simple skincare routine for a fresh, photo-ready look.
  • Prepare a checklist: From cufflinks to vows, list everything you need so nothing gets forgotten.
  • Stay well-rested: A good night’s sleep helps you look and feel your best.
  • Trust your photographer: When wondering how to prepare for the wedding, grooms, remember that capturing genuine moments is easier when you’re at ease—something SvenStudios ensures for every couple.

Common Wedding Day Mistakes Grooms Should Avoid

Here are a few key mistakes to steer clear of during wedding preparation for groom:

  • Forgetting the rings or important documents
  • Skipping meals or staying dehydrated
  • Running late for the photography session
  • Not coordinating with vendors or the wedding planner
  • Overlooking outfit checks or last-minute grooming needs

Avoiding these can ensure your special day goes smoothly and stress-free.

Morning-of Wedding Preparation Checklist for Grooms

Here’s a simple and effective wedding preparation for groom checklist to ensure a smooth start to the big day:

  • Have a hearty breakfast to fuel up and stay energised.
  • Hydrate well—it’s easy to forget water in the excitement.
  • Lay out your outfit: suit, shoes, cufflinks, tie, and watch.
  • Grooming check: shave, trim facial hair, and apply your fragrance.
  • Charge your phone and keep emergency contacts handy.
  • Confirm timings with your photographer and groomsmen.
  • Take a moment to breathe and stay calm before the celebration begins.

These steps will help you stay relaxed, focused, and photo-ready.

Men

Tag Archive for: ideas