Yandina Station Wedding

There really is nothing sweeter as a wedding photographer than going deep undercover. Having your clients so relaxed that they let themselves go, be in the moment and forget you are there. Some people might think that is strange. Why would you want people to forget you are there? Wouldn’t it mean that you don’t get great photographs? On the contrary (and a trap for young players) the photographs that are THE BEST, are the ones where real stuff is happening! Not posed, not staged, not fake. THE REAL DEAL. If we were surfers we would probably call that state, The Stoke. (The Stoke – for anyone who doesn’t surf – is that first time elation you get when you ride your first wave. Apparently it is better than , well everything, and surfers spend their life chasing that high.) So I guess you could say us photographers are chasing The Stoke on each and every wedding. You know what I am talking about and it is reason why most people hate having their photograph taken, and hate the photographs of themselves as well. You know the drill, family gathering, dad brings out the camera and tells everyone to smile, while he adjusts the settings for what seems like half an hour, and then gets you to smile again, SMILE!!! and then – click – the world’s worst photograph. What you have is that fake smile with a little bit of boredom and a tinge of please-get-this-over-with frustration and annoyance. Now that’s a face you want in a photograph – NOT! This is the reason why candid photographs are better, you are wearing your real face, your real smile, your real laughter, your real love. And this love, the love between Ryana and Simon, oh-my-word-yes, this love is the realest of real loves.

Spicers Peak Lodge Wedding

Well hello there. I’m super excited about this first blog post for 2016 because this wedding is GORGEOUS!!!! Also it will also bring some cool (as in icy cool, but come to think of it the other cool too) thoughts into your mind (um HELLO heatwave!!!!) which can only be a good, no great, thing. Emma and Phil’s wedding was such a special event. Held at the most exclusive Spicers Peak Lodge on the Scenic Rim, you just know that it is going to be G-O-O-D, you know like ridiculously, pinch yourself, need-to-go-and-have-a-lie-down-because-of-all-the-gorgeousness, good. Us here in the wedding industry call this a perfect trifecta – beautiful location – check – amazing food – check – stunning styling – check. With the prefect trifecta you really can’t go wrong. And Emma and Phil’s wedding had this in spades, I tell you. It really is too much to reveal it all here (plus lacking in fun) so let’s start with the photographs, and I’ll spill all the details.

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Long time readers of this blog will know my ongoing love (stalking perhaps?) for the work of Roberta Moberg at Green and Bloom. Her floral creations are amazing and have the ability to transform a space miraculously! If you are thinking about styling for your wedding, consider focussing your spending on a massive display of flowers, it really does the trick in adding wow and drama to your venue. Roberta made every photograph of the venue breathtaking and it would have been such a treat for guests to drink in the perfume of all those roses too. She now offers a prop hire and styling additions (which she did for Emma and Phil’s wedding) to her repertoire making her more on a one-stop-dream-maker shop!

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Phil wore Emma’s late father’s bow tie and totally rocked the purple hue. All the way down to his socks! His super sharp suit was by the fabulous Wil Valor, and perfectly matched. I love it when grooms show off their fashion flair. It doesn’t have to be all about the bride!

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Stunning rhinestone encrusted Christian Louboutin shoes! I die!

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Her stunning dress was by designer Inbal Dror supplied through Helen Rodrigues in Sydney. Look for the sleeve detail in future shots – so gorgeous!

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Just a little note from me here. So many brides opt for the french manicure on their wedding day. I understand why – it is classic and timeless and, if you ask me, a little boring. Why not choose a bold colour for your nails on the day? I just love Emma’s red polish – totally classic yet totally fresh!

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Emma’s glamorous makeup was by Amber Moratti at Brush and Blush and her beautiful, 30s style, finger wave hair was by her bridesmaid and hairdresser (not that’s friend to have!) Kellie McCord from Smyths Inc.

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Emma’s amazing bespoke headpiece was made by local milliner extraordinaire, Christie Millinery. Her work is to die for and offers a more demure option to a veil. Coupled with those startling emerald-green earrings by Lambert Designs – swoon!

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This gorgeous celebrant is the lovely, vivacious Erin Woodhall. She offers such a wonderful presence on the day, and in the lead up, I can highly recommend her services. Doesn’t she look like she’s having as much fun as Emma and Phil?

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Just a little bit about the amazing venue Spicers Peak Lodge. It really is like nothing else. Set high on the edge of the Scenic Rim it offer dramatic landscapes, swung worthy skies and luscious food. If you are looking for something spectacular for your wedding day – look no further.

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The entire stationery suite was done by the ever-fabulous Cass Deller Design. Whimsical yet classic, her work never fails to delight. From the invitations to menus to signage Cass can do it all!

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Now this is my kind of cake! A real cheese cake. Wheels of delicious cheese, oh my. This wondrous creation was provided by Douglas Innes-Will from Spicers Peak Lodge.

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This band! This band! So totally AMAZING!!! Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul ROCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK. This may be a bold claim but I think they are the best event band, EVER. (And ps she LOVES a little audience participation too…)

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