When Jess and Jack first shared their love story with me during our meeting at White Hill Estate, I knew their wedding was going to be one to remember. Their connection was vibrant, and their adventurous spirits were magnetic. As avid free divers, they spoke about their shared love for the ocean, and it wasn’t long before the idea of an underwater wreck the dress shoot came to life. With my own passion for having a fun time behind a camera like this, The day after their wedding, we brought this unique concept to the crystal-clear waters off Pt Noarlunga.

Jess and Jack were game for anything, and their playful energy made this experience unforgettable. Before diving into the ocean, we started with some fun shots along the shoreline. There’s nothing quite like the image of a bride’s gown catching the waves, creating a dramatic, flowing effect that feels almost otherworldly. From splashing through the surf to Jack cheekily scooping Jess up before tossing her into the shallows, it was pure joy captured through the lens.

Beachside Photoshoot

Pt Noarlunga is a treasure for beach photography. Its golden sands and rugged jetty offer a perfect backdrop for candid moments and romantic portraits. As the sun rose, Jess and Jack’s newlywed glow shone even brighter. Their laughter filled the salty air as they played like kids along the water’s edge, their love evident in every glance and touch.

We started with some light-hearted shots to ease into the shoot. Jess’s gown – technically NOT the one she had worn the day earlier, contrasted beautifully against the soft blues and whites of the coastline. Jack was dressed in his full suit however, adding to the romantic vibe of the shoot. The highlight? Capturing the waves fanning out her dress like a mermaid’s tail, a moment that combined elegance with the raw power of nature.

It was actually this shot which I had taken at a previous wreck the dress shoot that prompted Jess and Jack to get in contact and have me shoot their wedding! So any other adventurous souls out there wanting to do something outrageous for your wedding shoot, hit me up!

Pt Noarlunga’s beach setting provided dynamic opportunities for creativity. The interplay of sunlight and water created dazzling reflections, and we used every angle to capture the couple’s chemistry. Whether framed against the expansive sky or the foaming surf, their photos were a celebration of love and freedom.

Bride and groom share a joyful embrace beneath a weathered pier, surrounded by serene ocean views and the charm of rustic beams.

Bride and groom embrace joyfully under a rustic pier, surrounded by waves and sunlight on their special day.

Newlyweds stroll hand-in-hand along a tranquil beach, their elegant attire brushing against the gentle surf under a clear sky.

A joyous wedding couple runs hand in hand along a sunlit beach, with gentle waves splashing around their feet, capturing love and spontaneity.

A joyful couple celebrates love at the oceans edge, with waves gently lapping at their feet under a sunny, clear sky.

A solitary figure in white lies serenely on a sunlit sandy beach, surrounded by the lapping waves of a turquoise ocean, evoking tranquility and reflection.

Newlyweds lie on sandy beach in wedding attire, their fingertips touching, set against emerald waves and a tranquil shoreline.

Bride and groom in formal attire laughing and embracing ocean waves on a sunny beach.

Joyful couple in wedding attire embraces in ocean, celebrating love with laughter against a stunning coastal backdrop.

Underwater Wreck The Dress Shoot

Diving into the waters of Pt Noarlunga was the next-level adventure we’d all been waiting for. The sun, which had hidden behind clouds on their wedding day, now shone brightly, illuminating the ocean with clarity and warmth. Still, the water was brisk, so we kept the session short but sweet, ensuring every moment counted. For safety and guidance, I brought along a skilled dive team, including the incredible Diana Fernie, who brought expertise and calm to the shoot.

Underwater shoots are a mix of art and science. Timing, positioning, and lighting are crucial, and Jess and Jack were naturals. They dove effortlessly, their movements slow and dreamlike, giving the camera a chance to capture their underwater waltz. Jess’s wedding gown—altered slightly for practicality—moved like liquid poetry, enhanced subtly in post-production to recreate the sweeping elegance of her wedding day dress.

Wreck-the-dress shoots are about more than just photos—they’re about capturing the essence of a couple’s journey. For Jess and Jack, the ocean is their shared sanctuary, a place where they’ve built countless memories together. To bring their wedding celebration into this environment was deeply meaningful, and it showed in every shot. Their love was playful yet profound, adventurous yet anchored, and this shoot reflected it all.

Silhouetted diver rises through vibrant turquoise waters towards dazzling sunlit surface, surrounded by dramatic beams of light.

A graceful underwater dance unfolds as a couple in formal attire moves elegantly amid the oceans enchanting play of light and serene environment.

A diver gracefully glides underwater with flowing fabric, highlighted by sunlight in a serene, ethereal black and white ocean scene.

Divers in elegant attire float gracefully in a sunlit underwater world, capturing a moment of serene beauty and harmony.

Silhouette of a person in a flowing gown underwater, highlighted by luminous rays creating a serene and mysterious black and white scene.

Two divers explore underwater, one in snorkeling gear and the other in a suit, beneath a beam-lit pier, surrounded by fish in a tranquil marine setting.

A couple dances underwater in formal attire, surrounded by fish and sunlit pillars, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.

Bride and groom share a romantic underwater embrace, blending bridal elegance and diving attire in a stunning aquatic setting.

A couple in formal attire shares a tender moment underwater, surrounded by marine life and wooden structures, creating a dreamy and adventurous scene.

The session wrapped up with both exhilaration and relief as we climbed back onto the shore. Jess and Jack were shivering but smiling, thrilled by the experience. While the water had been chilly, the warmth of their connection radiated through every image. They thanked the dive team and myself for helping bring their dream to life, but truthfully, it was my honor to work with such a bold and inspiring couple.

From the lively beachside moments to the surreal underwater portraits, the underwater wreck the dress shoot images were as dynamic and unique as Jess and Jack themselves. They weren’t just photos—they were a testament to a love that’s willing to dive deep, both figuratively and literally.