The beautiful Saint Dimitrios Orthodox Church was the backdrop to baby Iliana’s baptism in mid September. This incredible church is lined wall to wall with ornate decorations detailing the stories of the bible and makes for an incredible backdrop for anything as a wedding venue to baptisms.
Being a part of little Iliana’s Saint Dimitrios Orthodox Church Baptism was an absolute honour to be a part of and was delightful to see such a large congragation come together for such a special ceremony.
Iliana’s Saint Dimitrios Orthodox Church Baptism
Iliana’s whole family turned up to witness her christening and her transition into holy life, which was wonderful to see. Carried by her god mother and assisted thoughout the ceremony, little Iliana was quite brave throughout, with only a little cry as the priests immersed her into the holy water. Once she was out however, she was quite happy again!
I got to have a bit of a chat with the church hand who was setting up for baby Ilania’s Saint Dimitiros Orthodox Church Baptism, and I was astounded to find out that the church was purpose built for things like baptisms, with a plumbed chalice for the holy immersion right at the center of the stage – meaning that the transport of that much water need not be a hassle! I just thought that was interesting.
Iliana before the ceremony
Iliana and Dad
Iliana greeting guests
Iliana’s Christening dress
Entering Saint Dimitrios Church
Approaching the front of the church
The priest
Iliana looking around
Saint Dimitrios Orthodox church baptism
Iliana getting changed
Guests looking on
Iliana being baptised
Iliana being placed into holy water
Saint Dimitios Orthodox Church Baptism
Upset bub
Upset baby during christening
Putting on crucifix
Surrounding baby Iliana
Church details
Baby iliana getting her dress put on
bressings from the priest
Greek Orthodox church
Baby iliana during her christening
Godmother and baptised little one
Saint Dimitrios Orthodox Church Baptism photo
Godmother with little one
Family together at front of church
Kisses from guests
Family together in front of church
Baby Iliana on church floor
After the ceremony, the whole family congregated at Svago on Unley road for a shared lunch and speeches thanking everyone involved. It was a wonderful day to be a part of and capture with my photography!
5 Tips To Achieve Perfect Wedding Photos Without A Photographer
Planning a wedding is perhaps one of the most exciting journeys in one’s life. The joy of sharing such a milestone with the person you want to spend the rest of your days with is quite an experience you wish to intimately remember in more ways than one. However, a wedding is also a bed of roses that consists of challenges you need to overcome as a couple.
Among these challenges would be the financial burden that a wedding can painstakingly take its toll on you. Even if you want the best for your special day, the budget can restrict you from having the best and the most expensive things. But of course, there’s no way you’re letting the burden get the best of you. Instead, you have to think of ways to achieve the wedding of your dreams on a budget.
Wedding Photography 101: Sans The Photographer
Naturally, your instinct would be to make a list of wedding preps and effects that you can downgrade or possibly get rid of so you can save more money. For sure, not hiring a professional photographer has crossed your mind, especially after knowing the typical rates of such services nowadays. Capturing wedding photos without a photographer is sure to save a chunk of money!
Personally as a professional photographer myself, I’d always advise against foregoing such an expense, as the photography you receive as a result of your wedding often represents the only memories you will retain going forward with your life. However I am also realistic with the notion that photographs are not always the most important items on people’s checklists. Hence this blog post! This may also help you realise how valuable having someone who has the experience is!
Wedding Photos
If you’re wondering if you could make it work, here are some tips you can try to achieve the perfect wedding photos without a photographer:
Invest In A Good Camera
You may think that this isn’t a practical tip since you still have to shell out money to purchase your first camera. However, if you think about it, investing in a good one won’t only mean having the ability to take beautiful and high-quality photos for your big day. Even when the day is over, the camera stays with you, and you can use it for other special memories you want to capture as you embark on your married life.
Moreover, there are several digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras in the market that you can consider based on your budget. They’re fairly easy to use and won’t even require professional skills to operate them. Alternatively, you can consider buying a second-hand camera that can serve the same purpose.
Know What Accessories You Need
To make sure your camera will work as expected, you might want to consider purchasing additional gear and accessories for an ultimate setup. A tripod, for one, can greatly help in stabilizing the camera. Hence, you won’t need to worry about blurry or out-of-focus shots.
Having a tripod also makes it possible to get photos of you and your spouse together, mainly if no one else knows how to use the gear. Group shots are also achievable because of this incredible accessory.
Just make sure you learn how to assemble and attach the timer so you won’t have a hard time navigating it when the day of the wedding comes. Also, find out how to set the camera’s timer, which will be greatly useful when you’re taking group and couple shots.
Make Use Of Beautiful And Natural Backdrops
If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you won’t run out of beautiful and creative ideas for a backdrop. Trees and flowering plants will suffice if you want to capture candid and romantic photos of yourself and your partner. If you can’t find such options, you can also take pictures in the venue with a stunning view or setting.
If you know you won’t have enough natural backdrops to utilize, you can prepare a dedicated corner in the venue where you can set up a photo booth of some sort. You can then adorn it with artificial or fresh flowers, depending on your budget.
Ask Your Guests And Friends
Although you can try, it’s nearly impossible to do all the picture taking yourself. There’ll be times when you need to entertain your wedding guests, so it’s also a good idea to ask your friends if they can hold the camera for a few minutes and start snapping away when you’re too occupied to do it.
If you have friends who are good with cameras, try to ask for their help. Just be sure not to burden them entirely because, of course, they also want to enjoy the day as much as everyone else does.
Seize The Lighting
If you don’t know it yet, certain times of the day are considered the best times to take amazing photos. The golden hour, for example, is when the sunlight is less squinting and can look naturally beautiful when taken at a good angle. To achieve perfect wedding photos, it’s recommended you start your pictorial at least an hour before sunset.
You can use the camera’s flash to avoid getting annoying shadows on faces, especially if you’re doing the shoot outdoors. Additionally, pay extra attention to everything around your image. Eyesores can easily get captured in your photos, such as garbage cans or a tree branch obscuring your face.
Wedding photos in album
Final Thoughts
Wedding photos don’t have to be expensively taken for them to be beautiful. Sometimes, all it takes is a good eye and enough preparation on your end. If you want to save chunks of money on your wedding day, consider taking your own photos. Just be sure to consider some of the tips above so you can have perfect photos.
I’m not going to lie, being your own photographer and shooting wedding photos without a photographer is going to be tricky, but it probably can be done!
Amanda and Brian’s wedding was held right on the foreshore of Darwin under the verandah of the Wharf One restaurant with the picturesque backdrop of Darwin’s Kitchener Bay. The day’s weather was absolutely magnificent, as can be expected from Darwin at this time of year! I love heading up to the Northern Territory for this exact reason! Amanda and Brian had quite a few of their family and friends travel up to Darwin for their wedding day which included two separate tea ceremonies and a lovely laid back ceremony and reception at Wharf One.
Morning Tea Ceremonies
Amanda and Brian hosted two separate traditional tea ceremonies for their two travelling families. The first in a rather nice, large bed and breakfast propertry overlooking the Darwin shoreline. It’s also where Amanda and her bridal party had their makeup and hair done before greeting Brian who arrived brandishing flowers.
I rather like the idea of giving thanks to family members and seeking approval of the wedding through the exchanging of tea in the morning before wedding ceremonies as it brings together and includes family members who would otherwise not have as much to do on a wedding day. It formalises the idea of the coming together of two separate families in a lovely traditional way.
Makeup
Makeup
Family on couch
Engagement ring
Tea set
Wedding rings
Wedding dress
Wedding dress
Grooms arrival
Smiling bride
Hugs
Tea ceramony
Tea ceramony
Jewellery gift
Little girl
Smiling guests
Entrance
Mobile photos
Drinking tea
Drinking tea
Offering tea
Tea cup
Tea ceremony
Tea ceremony
Preparation Photos
As is often the case after hosting a tea ceremony on a wedding day, it’s not uncommon for the bridal party to change clothing into their wedding ceremony attire. After heading back from the Darwin city center and back to the bed and breakfast for lunch, Amanda changed out of her red dress into her white bridal gown, while Brian suited up. They managed to hide the dress entirely from Brian despite being prepared at the same location by hiding it in an upstairs bedroom which Brian was forbidden to enter. That way the tradition of seeing the bride for the first time on the day was saved for when she walked down the aisle in her white dress, which Brian hadnt seen yet! 🙂
Shoes
Cufflinks
Crossing fingers
Putting on shirt
Sorting out ties
Pose
Putting on jacket
Helping out
Helping out
Closeup of flower
Walking out door
Bridesmaid helping out
Putting on dress
Walking down the stairs
Bridesmaid putting in veil
Looking pretty
Bridesmaids
Wharf One Wedding Ceremony
The decking just outside the Wharf One restaurant was the setting for their wedding ceremony, with the entire congregation shaded from the hot sun, and yet still enjoying the beautiful weather while surrounded by the calm waters found in the Darwin artificial beach precinct. The ceremony itself was a lovely simple affair with a couple of friends and family sharing readings and laughter as their celebrant highlighted some of the funnier parts of their relationship.
Wedding sign
Groom waiting patiently
Bride getting ready to go
Bridal approach
Out the front together
Smiles
Smiles
Wedding ceremony
Smiling bride
Wharf One Wedding ceremony
Exchanging wedding rings
Holding hands
First kiss
Bridal exit
Bridal exit
Glamour Photos
After the family photos, the rest of the congregation enjoyed the precinct surrounding the Wharf One restaurant while Amanda, Brian, their bridal party and I went for a little drive to make use of some of the more picturesque spots scattered around Darwin. Our first stop was of course the decking surrounding Wharf One where we took a few bridal party shots. We then head over to the wonderful trees out the front of the Darwin Botanic Gardens. The trees here are wonderful to have photos done at that time of day as the sun peeks through the foliage in such a delightful manner! We then head around to the parklands surrounding Lake Alexander before heading up to Dudley point to make use of the delightful hanging cliffs for the sunset.
Bride and Groom walking together near Wharf One
Pushing the groom into the drink
Bridal Party
Bridal Party under a tree
Bridal Party under the trees
Bride and groom walking together
Bride and groom walking together
Under a tree
Amongst the scrub
Amongst the scrub
Romantic
Hugs
Walking together
Holding one another
Holding one another
Out on pride rock
Out on pride rock
Out on pride rock
Beautiful light on the rocks
Beautiful light on the rocks
Sunset
Sunset
Wharf One Wedding Reception
Amanda and Brian’s wedding reception was held back at the Wharf One restaurant a little late as we stayed out at Dudley Point for the sunset, but noone seemed to mind much. The atmosphere was jovial and everyone had a delightful meal backdropped by live music and the odd foray into the photobooth – who’s attendant happened to be the very same attendant at my first wedding in Darwin over 2 years ago! Very small world.
Bridal entrance
Speech
Schedule
Best Man speech
Bride
Maids of honour speech
Laughing bride
Hugs
Wedding cake
Speech
Cutting the cake
Inside Wharf One Restaurant
Boys hanging out
Thanks so much for Amand and Brian for having me as your wedding photographer! If anyone is looking for a photographer in Darwin, I’d be super keen to travel back up for your wedding! Check out my darwin website at https://darwinweddingphotography.com for more details!
The Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn was the chosen backdrop to Belinda and Andrew’s wonderful wedding on a sunny day in late May. The Autumnal colours were fading on the surrounding elm trees which made for some stunning, subtle highlights to some of their wedding photos.
The setting was lovely, the weather was great and the people involved wanted to have a good time – was the setting for a memorable day!
Preparation
As I arrived at Andrew’s place of preparation, I was surprised to see that he and his groomsmen were already mostly dressed! I had to ask for some of the button fitting and jacket pulling to be saved for some photos, such was Andrew’s anticipation for his big day!
Andrew was being prepared in a relatives house not too far was from the Inglewood Inn, and the main cause of excitement throughout the house was not just the fact that Andrew was being married today, but also the arrival of the red Ford Mustang Belinda and Andrew had as their motorcade! It was a source of playful jibes all morning as Andrew’s best man was apparently a Holden guy. 🙂
Wedding rings in white box
Groom trying to tie up tie
Best man Helping tie up the grooms tie
Helping tie up the grooms tie
Groom tieing tie alone in room
Groom standing in hallway
Help putting on flower
Groom walking along walkway
groomsmen receiving help with tie
Groom walking out the door
Groom in red car
Belinda was being prepared at another relative’s house along with many of her family. The front room of the house provided for plenty of wonderful light for the preparation so we stayed primarily in this room.
The highlight of the morning was the delightful way that Belinda’s Mother and Father were obviously overjoyed at the occasion and the touching ‘first look’ of Belinda in her dress.
Engagement ring poised in bouquet
makeup time with bride
bridesmaid getting ready through door
Bridal affects laid out on tabletop
Wedding dress hanging on front door
brides parents
Bridesmaid helping out with wedding gown
Smiling bride as she gets ready
bride playing with bouquert in front of window
Dads first look at his daughter
Bride and proud parents
Bride in mirror
Bride looking back at camera in hallway
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Ceremony
When holding a wedding ceremony at the historic Inglewood Inn, you make use of the large green, grassy area lined by 100 year old elm trees at the foot of the estate. The area is surrounded by a lovely creek bed and makes for a super intimate space for any sized wedding, complete with a scenic driveway for the bridal motorcade to enter by.
Belinda and Andrew’s wedding was no different, making use of the sunny day to provide some beautiful dappled light streaming through the foliage while allowing for the Inglewood Inn itself to shine like a beacon atop of the hill.
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Sign
Laughing groom waiting patiently
Bridal car driving down Inglewood Inn driveway
Bride and father in back of car together
Bride being escorted by Dad towards wedding ceremony
grooms first look of bride at Inglewood inn
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony
bride listening to celebrant at Inglewood Inn
Bare trees at Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony
Looking at Inglewood Inn
Holding hands during their Inglewood Inn Wedding ceremony
Smiling bride during her ceremony
Smiling groom during his cermeony
Sun shining through the trees at Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony
Laughing bride during her ceremony
Exchanging wedding bands at wedding
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Ceremony in May
First kiss at Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn
Signing the wedding register
After the wedding ceremony
Glamour Photos
I always think of the historic Gollop Bridge as the ‘must have’ money shot when holding a wedding at the Adelaide Hills’ Inglewood Inn. Gollop’s Bridge is the oldest bridge still in use in SA which is an interesting tidbit of information I’d just like to throw out there! So often after all the family photos and whatnot, I like to first use the dying light that filters through the trees in the background of the cermeony location, then head straight to the bridge.
It’s always interesting to see what we get from the bridge, as over the years the ivy surrounding the bridge gets pruned, the water under the bridge is low or high, and the next door neighbours like to place their boundry fence right where the photographer would like to stand for the best angle. In belinda and Andrew’s case, the ivy surrounding the bridge had been pruned quite heavily allowing the historic brick work to be on full display.
We also head up over the driveway to the old ruined cottage for some photos, although it seems as thought he owners of the land are looking to discourage the use of the space for photos anymore having cut down all the beautiful trees surrounding it.
On the Inglewood Inn driveway
Bride and groom leaning against a tree
Bride and groom in the Inglewood Inn creek
Under the autumnal colours at Inglewood Inn
Gallop bridge Wedding photo
bride and groom under Gallops bridge
bridal party on the wooden bridge
Sharing a kiss on the wooden bridge
bridal party at the nearby ruin at inglewood Inn
Bride and groom at the ruin
Bride and groom paying around
Bride and groom under the gum trees
Draw me like your french girls
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Reception
Belinda and Andrew’s wedding reception was a boisterous one, with the drinks being knocked back at quite a rate – even before Belinda and Andrew had been announced! This meant that the entire night was full of jovial people, keen to make sure that everyone had a good time and doubly sure that everyone joined in on events like the bouquet and garter tosses!
Wedding Cake with red roses
bride and groom cutting their cake
Happy guests
Guests table group shot
Group of guests
Inglewood Inn wedding food
Speech giver at inglewood Inn
Groom speech
First dance at Inglewood Inn wedding
First dance with light
Happy married couple
Bride dancing with guest
Bouquet toss at Inglewood Inn
Bouquet toss at Inglewood Inn 2
Night wedding photo at inglewood Inn
Thanks so much to Belinda and Andrew for having me as their wedding photographer at their Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn wedding!
Katrina and Lucas timed their destination Mount Lofty House wedding incredibly well – considering the unfortunate events due to COVID that started to kick off only days after their big day, and the fact that the majority of their guests, and themselves had travelled from Victoria to make use of this amazing wedding venue.
Despite the weather not being perfect, and some guests not being able to make it, the day was certainly not short of fun filled love, family moments and beautiful people celebrating the coming together of this lovely couple!
Preparation
I arrived early in the morning to set up the photobooth so it was ready for their reception, and also to fly around the grounds a bit with the drone for some speccy footage for their highlight video from the air. As I arrived I met Lucas and his groomsmen enjoying their breakfast and they all seemd to be in very good spirits – despite having to make the call of holding the ceremony indoors rather than on the tiered lawns as originally planned.
Lucas and his entourage were prepared together in a room overlooking the pool, while Lucas was putting the finishing touches on his speech, which the boys were giving him greif about as it was supposed to have been done days, or weeks prior!
groomsman shoes
groomsman looking in mirror
Suit hanging on door frame
groom shoes with booze
Belt laying on shoes
Helping put on shirt
best man helping
Groom looking out window at Mount Lofty House
Groom helping with tie
Little dudes
Groom and entourage
Katrina and her bridal party were being prepared in the Pinot Cottage. One of the many small, cute cottage residences you can take advantage of when being prepared for a Mount Lofty House wedding.
It was super lucky to have had Katrina’s parents in attendance on the day due to the SA border being closed soon after they had corssed, so it was delightful to see them with Katrina as she was prepared!
The atmosphere was very laid back until the last 15 minues or so before we all had to leave for the cermeony – then it got a little chaotic!
bridal shoes on the ground
Engagement ring in white flowers
Wedding dress hanging through doorway
Bridal ear rings
bridal bouquets
Helping put on bridal gown
Bride having her gown put on
Flower girl looking on
Dad’s first look of dress
Close up of bride hands
Bride putting on ear rings
Smiling father
bridal party fussing over bride
Smiling bride as she prepares
pretty bride standing in windowed area
Mount Lofty House Wedding Ceremony
As mentioned before, Katrina and Lucas’ Mount Lofty House wedding ceremony took place using the back up indoor option, within what usually is used as the restaurant of the hotel, or the dancing area during wedding receptions. It’s a beautifully lit area, with wall to wall windows and a delightful live fireplace at it’s centre. The only issue with the space is that it makes it tricky to get shots of the groom looking at his bride during the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was a lovely, simple affair with readings from members of Katrina and Lucas’ family, and the odd interruption by the little ones getting comfortable at the front of the congregation. 🙂
Page boy and flowergirl
Flower girls
page boys
bride and father approaching the ceremony
Groom smiling at his bride at Mount Lofty House wedding
Indoor Mount Lofty House wedding ceremony
Mum watching
Bride looking at her groom
Celebrant talking during ceremony
Bride looking at her groom during the ceremony
Speech giver during ceremony
Exchanging wedding bands
Mount Lofty House wedding ceremony
Rings on hands
Bride and groom walks back down the aisle
Glamour Photos
The weather cleared long enough for us to take the group shots out on the lawns withe drone, then broke off for smaller group shots in the garden. The weather was quite chilly so most were very keen not to have to stay outside for longer than absolutely needed! This included the bridal party.
My plan was not to stay outside for too long, with Katrina keen to not make a mess of her bridal gown and to avoid any rain as much as possible. So directly after the group shots we made a quick lap around the gardens, making use of the grenery on site, before heading inside to make use of the grand architecture on display within the historic Mount Lofty House.
Bride and groom under the trees of Mount Lofty House
Bride and groom in the gardens of Mount Lofty House
Sharing a giggle
Flowing veil in the gardens
Bride with her veil
Bridal party with the bride and groom in the background
Smiling bride and groom next to wall
Embrace on the walkway through the gardens
Groom helping bride
Bridal party in front of Mount Lofty House
bride and groom on the steps of Mount Lofty House
On the steps of Mount Lofty House
Groom smiling at bride in Mount Lofty House
Wedding photo in the Mount Lofty House cellars
groom and groomsmen
Wedding party photo in the Mount Lofty House Library
Groom
Mount Lofty House Wedding Photo
Mount Lofty House Wedding Reception
Katrina and Lucas’ Mount Lofty House wedding reception was a fun affair, with my photobooth set up, and plenty of activities planned throughout the evening – from speeches to the shoe game, the fact that we could not use the dancefloor outside of the bridal party was barely missed!
