Choose coverage around the moments that matter

Think about your day from start to finish. When getting ready begins, when the reception ends, and when the important moments are happening, such as the ceremony, family photos, speeches and first dance. Every wedding is different, so start with the moments you’d like photographed, then work out how many hours of coverage will comfortably include them.

Understand what’s included

Inclusions can vary quite a bit between photographers, so it’s worth clarifying them before you book. This includes how your images are delivered, roughly how long editing takes, how you can print and share your photos, and whether there are any extras, such as a second photographer or a pre-wedding session.

Compare coverage and inclusions, not just the price

When you’re looking at packages side by side, look at what each one covers and includes. A package that suits the moments you want photographed, and gives you a clear understanding of exactly what to expect, will help you plan your budget with confidence. Once you know which moments you’d like covered and what you need from your package, working out your photography budget becomes a whole lot easier.

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Here are some of the things I’d look for when choosing a wedding photographer, if I were in your shoes.

Spend time on their full website, not just their social media

Social media usually shows a selection of a photographer’s favourite images. A photographer’s website, and especially their full blog posts or wedding galleries, will give you a much more complete picture of what they deliver. Look for a mix of getting-ready coverage, ceremony moments, candid shots during the reception, and portraits. That’s the whole day. That’s what you’re booking.

Look for consistency, not just individual amazing shots

Look at whether the editing and quality feel consistent across portraits, ceremony photographs and reception images.

Pay attention to the light

Perth has beautiful natural light, but it’s also harsh and unforgiving at certain times of day. Look at how a photographer handles tricky conditions: bright midday sun, low light at receptions, backlit ceremony settings. That’s where the skill shows.

Notice the small moments

The grand shots are easy to love, but look beyond those and notice the smaller moments too. The quiet moment between a parent and child. The look between the couple when they think no one is watching. The laughter. Those are the images you’ll come back to again and again.

Find the style that suits you

Some photographers lean towards candid, documentary-style coverage, others include more directed portraits, and many offer a mix of both. There’s no right or wrong style. As you browse, notice which images you’re drawn to, whether that’s natural, unposed moments, more polished portraits, or a combination, so you can find a photographer whose approach suits you.

Think about how their work makes you feel

Not just whether it’s technically impressive, but whether it moves you. Do the photographs feel like real moments? You want to look at someone’s work and think “I want our day to feel like that.” These are your photographs and your day, so choose images you connect with personally.

If you’re at the early stages of looking and want to see a range of different weddings, the gallery section of most photographers’ websites is a good place to start.

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So here’s a little rundown of what to expect on your wedding day, along with a few tips to help you enjoy it.

It goes so much faster than you think!

The day really does fly by. So my biggest tip? Give yourself permission to slow down and soak it in. Put your phone down, let me do the photographing, and be present.

The getting-ready part is more fun than you expect

There’s something special about those morning hours. The excitement, the laughter, the little moments between you and your people. This part of the day can create some lovely images, so don’t underestimate it, and make sure you allow enough time so it doesn’t feel rushed!

Make time to eat

Between the excitement, the conversations, and the general buzz of the day, it’s easy to forget about food. Let your venue or coordinator know you’d like time to sit down and enjoy your meal, pack a snack for your getting-ready bag, and make sure someone from your bridal party is looking out for you.

Emotions hit at the unexpected moments

It’s not always the walk down the aisle (although yes, that too). Emotions can come up during the speeches, during a first dance, or just standing quietly watching your guests arrive. It’s beautiful and it’s real, and those are some of the most meaningful moments to capture.

Some of your favourite photos might be the unexpected ones

The candid laugh with your mum. The look you exchange during a speech. Your partner doing something goofy when they think no one’s watching. These are the moments that tell the real story of your day. Don’t stress about performing for the camera, just enjoy being you.

People will want to chat with you all day

Your guests love you and they want a moment with you! Allow a little time to catch up with guests after the ceremony so you don’t feel rushed straight into photos. If you’re worried about timing, your celebrant and bridal party are great allies in keeping things moving.

Some things won’t go to plan, and that’s okay

The weather shifts, the timeline stretches, something small goes sideways. A little flexibility goes a long way. Build some buffer time into your schedule, have a wet-weather backup, and let your suppliers help you work around any changes. I’ll be with you throughout the day to help guide things along, so if something changes, we can adapt together.

Your wedding day is going to be wonderful. Take a breath, enjoy the people around you, and soak up every moment!

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How to Prepare for Stunning Getting-Ready Photos on Your Wedding Day

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It’s an exciting time, and you want every moment captured beautifully, especially those precious getting-ready moments before you say “I do.” To ensure your wedding photographer captures all the magic, here are some friendly tips to help you prepare for stunning getting-ready photos on your big day.

Timing is Key

Deciding when your photographer should arrive for getting ready largely depends on your unique schedule and preferences. As a general guideline, most photographers arrive around 2-3 hours before the ceremony. This allows them to capture all the important moments, such as you and your partner getting dressed, hair and makeup, and pre-wedding excitement.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Selecting the right getting-ready location is essential for fantastic photos. Here are some factors to consider:

Space:

Make sure the location has ample space for everyone to comfortably get ready without feeling cramped.

Lighting:

Opt for a location with good natural light or provide additional lighting to ensure your photos turn out stunning.

Privacy:

Find a place where you and your wedding party can get ready without interruptions for more intimate and candid shots.

Convenience:

Ideally, choose a location close to your ceremony or reception venue to save time and make transportation easy.

Style:

Consider the overall theme and vibe of your wedding when choosing a location that complements your aesthetics. Ultimately, the perfect location is one where you feel comfortable and can relax on your big day.

Essential Details and Items for Getting Ready Photos

When your photographer arrives for the getting-ready session, there are some key details and items you can set aside to make sure they capture all the special moments: – Your wedding attire and accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, and cufflinks. – Your wedding invitation suite to showcase your wedding theme and style. – Bouquets and boutonnieres for lovely floral shots. – The wedding rings for detailed and meaningful photographs. – Any decorations and special details you want to remember and cherish. By having these items ready, your photographer can create a beautiful visual story of your wedding preparations. I will send out a checklist before the wedding which helps keep track of all these bits and pieces =)

Hair and Makeup Timing

While it’s generally advisable to have your hair and makeup finished or nearly finished when your photographer arrives, it’s not set in stone. If you prefer to have some candid shots of the hair and makeup process, communicate this with your photographer beforehand so they can plan accordingly. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and happiness. Be open with your photographer, and they will work with you to capture the moments that matter most to you. Your wedding day is going to be incredible, and with these tips, you’ll have stunning getting-ready photos to treasure forever. Trust your photographer, have fun, and enjoy every moment of this special day!

Wedding vendors feel free to share the whole blog. Please do not take images from the blog to share. Happy to provide these wedding photographs for social media just ask! xx

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It’s an exciting time, and you want every moment captured beautifully, especially those precious getting-ready moments before you say “I do.” To ensure your wedding photographer captures all the magic, here are some friendly tips to help you prepare for stunning getting-ready photos on your big day.

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📸 Twice the Charm: Two photographers means double the chances of snagging those drop-dead gorgeous shots from every possible angle. While one is focused on you and your better half, the other can sneakily snap those candid reactions from your buddies and fam. The end result? A treasure trove of photos that’ll make your wedding album pop and sizzle!

🌟 No Missing Out: Let’s be real, weddings are a whirlwind of emotions and surprises. Trying to catch every single magical moment with just one camera whiz? But with a dynamic duo in action, you’ve got a better shot (pun totally intended) at grabbing those fleeting, heartwarming instances. From those teary-eyed vows to the wild dance-off at the reception—yeah, we’re talking all of that!

🤝 Tag Team Play: Two heads are better than one, right? Well, two photographers are like a power couple, each playing to their strengths. While your main snapper is busy clicking those must-have shots, the second shooter can roam around, snapping pics of the stunning decor, your buddies having a blast, and all those charming little deets that scream “you.” It’s like a dynamic photography duo doing their thing!

💪 Backup Brigade: Think of your second shooter as the ultimate superhero backup. If anything goes wonky— the second shooter swoops in to save the day. They keep the photo magic flowing smoothly, so you don’t miss out on a single memory. Crisis averted!

🎨 Double the Flair: Picture this: two photographers, each with their own creative twist. That means you’re getting a double dose of awesomeness! From timeless classics to artsy frames that’ll make your heart skip a beat, your wedding album will be bursting with personality and variety.

Now, hold up a sec. Having a second shooter isn’t written in stone for every wedding. It’s all about what vibes with you, your budget, and the size of your shindig. But if you’re all about capturing the epicness, seeing things from different angles, and having that extra sprinkle of reassurance, then mark our words: a second shooter is where the real magic happens! 📷🌟

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🎉 Genuine Laughter Beats Forced Smiles Any Day: When you’re relaxed and having a good time, those belly laughs and ear-to-ear grins come naturally. There’s just something magical about capturing the sparkle in your eyes when you’re genuinely enjoying the moment.

🌟 Prompts Over Poses – Let’s Keep It Real: Fear not, because I’ve got your back! Instead of rigid poses, I’m all about guiding you through prompts that bring out your personalities and quirks. Whether it’s a playful dance-off or a whispered secret, these prompts create authentic interactions that lead to the most heartwarming shots.

❤️ The “You” Factor: Your Love, Your Way: Your love story is unique, and your photos should reflect that. By having fun and staying true to yourselves, we’re crafting a visual narrative that captures your personalities and connection. Think of it as freeze-framing the essence of what makes your relationship special.

📷 The Beauty of Candid Moments: Some of the most treasured shots are those unplanned candid moments – a stolen kiss, a whispered joke, or a bear hug from your bestie. These genuine, unposed moments often tell the most heartwarming stories.

🏞️ Gorgeous Locations + Genuine Emotions = Magic: Perth has its fair share of jaw-dropping locations, and I’m all about blending those stunning backdrops with the magic of your emotions. A beautiful park, a vibrant urban street, or a charming café corner – let’s create art in the places you love.

👌 Don’t Worry, I’ve Got Your Must-Have Shots Covered: Of course, I know the importance of those classic shots where everyone’s looking camera-ready. I’ll make sure to sprinkle in those must-have pictures while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable.

So, what’s the bottom line? When you’re relaxed and having a blast, your photos will reflect the most authentic, beautiful version of yourselves. From giggles to goofy moments, it’s all part of the magic that we’ll capture together. Let’s make memories that radiate joy, love, and a whole lot of fun! Let’s get the ball rolling on capturing your wedding day in all its relaxed, fun, and fabulous glory! 📷🎉

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Planning your wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, so I reached out to some of my amazing couples to ask what advice they’d like to pass on or wish they had known before the big day. Here are their top tips to help make your special day smooth and memorable!

Getting Ready

Let’s kick off the day on the right foot! Here are some tips to help you start your wedding day calm and collected.

• Be Prepared and Stay Calm: Always aim to be ready at least an hour before you need to leave and have all your bags packed and by the door to avoid last-minute rushing.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but stop two hours before heading out.
• Break in Your Shoes: Make sure to break in your shoes before the big day to avoid discomfort.
• Read Through Your Vows: Practice reading your vows to let out the raw emotions, helping you stay composed when you read them for real.

Ceremony

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Here are some tips to make it even more special and stress-free.

• Wishing Well Placement: Position your wishing well at the ceremony location rather than at the reception. This helps guests avoid the awkwardness of holding onto their cards or struggling to fit them into tiny clutch bags.
• First Look: Consider having a ‘first look’ before the ceremony. It’s a private moment to see each other and calm any nerves, making the walk down the aisle even more special.
• First Touch: Having a ‘first touch’ before the ceremony, where you hold hands around a corner without seeing each other, can be a comforting and emotional moment.

Photo Time

Capture those beautiful memories! Here’s how to make the most of your photo time with some heartfelt moments and meaningful details.

• Personal Moments: We made sure to take a moment for ourselves right after the ceremony. Just a few minutes alone to soak in the fact that we were finally married made all the difference in the world.
• Meaningful Details: Include little details that are significant to your relationship, like using my grandmother’s vintage lace in my bouquet. It made the day feel even more personal and connected to our history.
• Stay Together: Try to stay together during the reception. We went to the bathroom together, had conversations with guests, and didn’t leave each other’s side, so we weren’t torn apart. We had a great time and know that most pics taken of the night will have us close.

Reception

Time to party! Make the most of your reception with these handy tips to keep the celebration fun and stress-free.

• Private Moments: Make sure to have some time alone during the reception, just the two of you, to take it all in.
• End the Night with a Private Last Dance: It’s a sweet way to wrap up the celebrations and savour the final moments of your wedding day.
• Plan a Surprise: Whether it’s a flash mob dance or a surprise guest, a little unexpected fun keeps the energy high.
• Enjoy the Moment: Don’t sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, it’s about the love you share, not the colour of the napkins.

Before the Wedding / Planning

Planning your big day can be a rollercoaster, but here are some tips to keep it personal and stress-free.

• Stay True to Yourselves: Our biggest advice is to stay true to yourselves. We chose to have a small, intimate ceremony with just close family and friends, and it felt so much more personal and special.
• Personal Touches: Incorporate your love story into the decor. Use photos, mementos, or even a timeline of your relationship to add a personal touch.
• Create a Vow Booklet: Create a personalised vow booklet. It’s a cute keepsake and adds an extra touch of intimacy to your ceremony.
• Set Up a Cozy Lounge Area: With comfy seating and soft lighting, it’s perfect for guests to relax and chat.
• Have a Plan, but Be Flexible: Things might not go exactly as planned, but sometimes those spontaneous moments are the best.

After the Wedding Day

The big day is over, but the memories last forever. Here’s how to keep the magic alive even after the wedding.

• Enjoy Every Moment: Be present and soak in every moment. It goes quickly, so make the most of your time.
• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Any of the little things you thought might have been a problem won’t be. It’s just about the two of you celebrating with all of your favourite people.
• Stay Together: Stay together during the festivities to ensure you’re both experiencing the day fully together.
• Take Time to Relax: After the big day, take some time to relax and reflect on the wonderful memories you made.

Additional Tips from Couples

Our couples have been there, done that, and have some fantastic tips to share! Here are a few more nuggets of wisdom from their special days.

• Kimberley + Tim: Remember it’s about the two of you, not the day. If everything falls apart the day before the big day, take a breath, crack a bottle of wine, and call in some favours.
• Alex + Danni: Take every single moment in. Don’t rush one second. It’s over before you know it and you literally want to just live the day over and over again. Bring lots of tissues because the emotion you will feel is literally uncontrollable.
• Hazel + David: Remember it’s your day! Enjoy every second of it!

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• Let’s Break the Ice: Imagine this – the bridal party gathers around, ready to spray that bottle! It instantly creates a shared experience and gives everyone something exciting to focus on. It’s like a team-building activity, but way more fun! So, if the bridal party members are still getting to know each other, this spraying moment breaks the ice and helps them bond. Trust me, it’ll put smiles on their faces and make them feel more comfortable around each other.
• Time for Laughter and Good Vibes: When that bottle gets sprayed, magic happens – laughter fills the air! It’s infectious, and everyone gets caught up in the joyous atmosphere. Forget about camera nerves and feeling self-conscious! The spraying activity brings out the childlike playfulness in everyone, making the whole photo session a barrel of laughs. And guess what? Those genuine, happy expressions make for the most beautiful and natural photos.
• Say Goodbye to Stiff Poses: Weddings can sometimes feel a bit formal, and that’s when the spraying comes to the rescue! It’s like a signal to let go of all the stiffness and just have a blast. The bridal party can relax, be themselves, and forget about the camera for a moment. No more awkward poses or forced smiles! Instead, everyone can interact, joke around, and capture those authentic, carefree moments that truly reflect their personalities.
• Unleash the Fun: Spraying that bottle adds an element of spontaneity and excitement to the photo session. It’s like a burst of energy that invigorates everyone. Plus, who doesn’t love a good surprise? The spraying activity creates those unexpected, hilarious moments that become cherished memories. It’s all about enjoying the experience and creating lasting bonds among the bridal party.

So, go ahead and bring out the bottles! Let the spraying begin! It’s the perfect recipe for an unforgettable and relaxed photo session. Trust me, you’ll end up with fantastic pictures that not only capture the love but also the genuine joy and camaraderie of the bridal party. Cheers to that!

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