Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your big day! Your photos are one of few things that grow more valuable with time – a lasting record of the emotions, details and once in a lifetime moments that make your wedding special. Image (of me!) by Photography By Jess Edwards I’m Madelyn (or Maddy), a boutique wedding photographer and graphic designer based in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. With over 15 years of experience , a Bachelor of Digital Media with Distinction , a Diploma of Photography and more than 150 weddings captured , I bring a combination of expertise, creativity, and personalised care to every couple I work with. I’m also proud to have been voted the #1 Wedding Photographer for the Capricorn Coast & Central Queensland in the Australian Wedding Awards 2025  — a recognition that reflects the trust couples place in me and the passion I have for my work. Whether you’re planning an intimate coastal elopement, a country wedding celebration or a destination wedding further afield, here’s why couples choose me as their wedding photographer. 1. Award-Winning Experience You Can Trust With 15+ years as a professional photographer and the honour of being a national finalist for Wedding Photography in the Australian Wedding Awards 2025, you can feel confident knowing your memories are being captured by someone recognised for excellence in the industry. My experience means I know how to anticipate moments, manage timelines, work with changing conditions, and keep your wedding day running smoothly — all while creating beautiful imagery you’ll treasure for life. 2. Based in Central Queensland, Available Wherever Your Story Takes You I’m centrally based in Rockhampton and travel across Central Queensland regularly for weddings - so if your dream day takes you interstate or somewhere a little more remote, I’m always happy to travel. My portfolio includes weddings in Yeppoon, Byfield, Emu Park, Gladstone, Heron Island, Biloela, Mackay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Barcaldine, Longreach and further afield on rural properties. 3. Personalised Guidance & Exclusive Welcome Pack Every couple receives a pre-wedding consultation and my exclusive Welcome Pack filled with planning tips, checklists, timeline guidance and helpful templates to ensure your day runs smoothly. From the moment you enquire to the moment you receive your gallery, you’ll have a photographer who understands your vision, helps keep you organised and ensures your wedding day experience is enjoyable. 4. A Photographer With a True Love for Adventure When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll likely find me outdoors 4WDing (with my beloved Land Rover Defender), camping, diving or enjoying a good coffee. This sense of adventure has influenced my work, helping me create imagery that’s natural, relaxed and full of life. Whether we’re at the beach, in the bush or on a mountaintop, I’m always ready to embrace the moment and explore with you. 5. Flexible Packages With Custom Options Your wedding day is unique — and your photography should be too! I offer a range of packages designed to suit different styles of celebrations, budgets and coverage needs. If you have specific plans in mind or need something tailored, I’m more than happy to customise a package just for you. 6. Photography, Invitations & Signs Under One Roof With professional qualifications in graphic design, I can help couples keep their entire wedding aesthetic beautifully cohesive and creative. From save the dates and invitations to welcome signs, seating charts and menus, you can have your photography and design done in one place, saving time and ensuring everything looks polished. Ready to Chat About Your Wedding Photography? If you’re looking for an award-winning wedding photographer in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, or beyond, I’d love to hear from you! Couples regularly tell me how comfortable they felt and how much they love their images, even if they were camera-shy at the beginning. Get in touch to check your date and request package details for your special day. I'd love to hear from you!

This day at Hedlow Retreat  with Sammy & Nathan was absolute magic. The light came through the clouds just in time for sunset, the cake was made of cheese and these two had eyes only for each other. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Kucks! Vendors: Amanda Edgar Hair and Makeup , Michael Hill , Kombi Keg Capricorn , Oak & Valentine - Bridal & Formal Boutique , Tall Pines Florist, Evolution Catering, Stewarts Rockhampton , makeup by Holly, GK Media/ Graetzmedia .

Lacey's school formal session, held in Cooee Bay Yeppoon was a dream! She & Nick made my job to capture such a special occasion easy as she celebrates graduating high school (plus, that Aje dress - wow!). Vendors shown: Riviera Yeppoon , Molly Hanna • Makeup Artist . If you'd like to capture your graduation, please contact me for more information.

There’s something so special about capturing multiple milestones for the same people over the years, and Jess & Jordan’s maternity session at the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens is exactly that. I had the joy of capturing their wedding back in October 2022, and now these high school sweethearts are preparing to welcome their first baby. We revisited the cacti garden — the very same spot where I photographed some of their wedding portraits — and I even recreated one of those images, making it feel like a beautiful full-circle moment. Jess looked radiant in her burnt orange dress, which paired perfectly with the flowering gardens. Everything just ✨worked✨. I’m so excited to photograph their first family portraits in the coming weeks, continuing their story from “I do” to parenthood. If you'd like your life story documented, please contact me .

The outback sure turned it on for Sophie & Charlie’s Longreach wedding! It was an absolute honour to travel west for the Cleary celebration, especially after photographing Sophie’s family at so many special occasions over the years. This day sets a high bar for classic, elegant styling: timeless black and white tones paired with fresh greenery, setting the perfect backdrop for a love-filled celebration with guests that had travelled from near and far. Despite recent floods, winds and the flies testing our patience, it was as if on cue, the outback rewarded us with the most breathtaking sunset. After receiving their photos, Sophie shared: “These are soooo beautiful! Thank you so much — we have thoroughly enjoyed looking back through these! So many memories! Loved reliving such a great day!” Rural weddings hold a unique kind of magic, and it’s always such a privilege to capture love stories in the heart of outback Queensland. Wherever you're getting married, I'd love to capture your day - please contact me  to chat about your plans! Vendors: Mitchell Grass Retreat , Longreach Event Hire , wildflowerbotanicals_ , Hogans Family Jewellers , Graeme Passmore Photography & Films , Mackenzie Kaerger, @_yourise_, Nancy Savage - Wedding Celebrant , Mark Bunt Menswear , cake by Kirsten Forrest, Encore live entertainment , Marmaladies Catering .

Recently I stepped in for the lovely Photography by Jess Edwards  to capture Brooke & Joe's special day and put together a sneak peek when she couldn't make it. With their little boy and a small group of loved ones as witnesses, it was a privilege to capture this occasion for the Grove's - and what a choice for a location. Vendors: The Lookout Woodbury , Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals , Gladstone Bridal Boutique , Yippy’s , Michelle Stewart Celebrant , Creative Cater , more TBC.

The countdown is on for Erica & Marshall! After Cyclone Alfred ruined our original plans, I was sooo happy to see a soft, winter sunset and calm waters for attempt #2 at their engagement session. I can't wait to capture their Emerald, Central Highlands wedding in a few short weeks.

Choosing your wedding photographer is a big decision — and asking the right questions can make the process much easier. Whether you’re planning in Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast or anywhere across Central Queensland, considering a few key points before booking will help you distinguish a true professional from a hobbyist. By reviewing these questions, you can make an informed decision and ensure your photographer is experienced, reliable and fully prepared to capture your day exactly as you envision it. Image (of me!) by Photography By Jess Edwards 1. Are you an experienced wedding photographer? Experience changes everything on a fast paced wedding day. With 15+ years in the industry, I bring a calm, organised and professional approach to every celebration — no matter the circumstances. 2. Do you have public liability insurance? Great question! Many venues will request this from your wedding vendors and may also require a minimum amount. Yes — I’m fully insured, giving couples and venues complete peace of mind. 3. How do you back up our photos? This is one of the most important questions couples don’t  think to ask. My workflow ensures your memories are safe at every stage. Simultaneous recording to dual memory cards Making backups to multiple hard drives when I get home Portable backups  for added security 4. Do you use professional equipment — and do you carry backups? A true professional always comes prepared. I shoot with high end mirrorless camera bodies and lenses, and I always bring: Multiple camera bodies Spare lenses Backup external lighting Extra batteries, chargers and memory cards If anything fails (and technology sometimes does), your coverage can continue seamlessly — something many amateurs cannot guarantee. 5. How do you handle rain and challenging conditions? Central Queensland weather can be unpredictable — and rain doesn’t pause a wedding! An experienced photographer knows how to create beautiful images in any conditions. I always plan for weather changes with: Clear umbrellas packed in the car for your wedding party, no matter the forecast Creative techniques  to work with low light, harsh sun, or overcast skies Backup plans and flexible options to ensure you get the most out of your day Some of my favourite images have been captured in rainy, stormy, or moody conditions — proving that even unexpected weather can result in stunning, memorable photos. 6. Do you help us prepare before the wedding? Definitely. Every couple receives my exclusive Welcome Pack, personalised planning advice, and unlimited access to me for any questions about: Timeline templates Planning tips Guidance for a smooth photography experience Helpful checklists With 15 years of experience, I’ll apply everything I’ve learned to make your day stress-free, well-organised, and truly enjoyable. 7. Do you have a contract and professional workflow? Professionalism goes well beyond taking photos. I'll ensure your experience is smooth from enquiry to gallery delivery with: A formal agreement outlining your booking inclusions and terms so we're on the same page Clear communication, structured timelines and a reliable workflow throughout your booking experience Convenient, safe and secure delivery of your images with products available to beautifully preserve your memories 80+ public 5 star reviews to confirm what I've said above! Ready to book your wedding photography? Asking the right questions helps you make an informed, confident decision about who captures your wedding day. A great photographer will be transparent, experienced, organised and genuinely invested in your experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for an award-winning wedding photographer in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, or beyond, I’d love to hear from you! Contact me to book photography for your own special day. I'd love to hear from you!

This session is yet another reminder that photos are a gift that never goes out of style. Theresa’s children gifted her a photography certificate, which she used to celebrate her wedding anniversary and book a beautiful extended family session – complete with all the grandchildren (and a special announcement!). We held the session at their property just outside Rockhampton, which made it even more special. Not only was the setting gorgeous, but it held sentimental value as their family home. If you're thinking about capturing your extended family, I’d love to help. These sessions are especially popular in the lead-up to Christmas, so be sure to get in touch early - contact me to book a session.

How has it already been a year since the Olive wedding ?! It was such a joy to catch up with Kate and Alex again – this time, in celebration of their first wedding anniversary. There’s something special about seeing couples again after their wedding day - and this time they brought along their two dogs, Rosie and Izabella. Including pets in sessions is always encouraged, and I can confidently say these two are just as photogenic as their humans. If you’re approaching your anniversary or would love updated portraits with your partner (and pets!), I’d love to hear from you. Please contact me  for more information! Revenge Hair & Body .

The rain poured all week, the creeks flooded the day beforehand... but you wouldn't know it looking at these photos of Lauren & Josh! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Perry, what a spectacular day seeing your loved ones celebrate you both. P.S . I've got very limited spaces remaining for 2026 weddings, please contact me to book your photography! Vendors: Bloom Makeup Artistry , The Old Station , Plus One Studio , DJ Vee Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia KRS Mobile DJ , Kate Turnbull Celebrancy , Mason Bridal Boutique , Big Day wedding and events hire, Hair Wonderland , more TBC.

One of my favourite times of year is here – school formal season! I always love these sessions as a celebration for seniors as they head to formal, getting ready to embark on their next big life journey. Ava & Mitch's families each booked a graduation session which we combined into one extended photoshoot - and I have to say, I love this approach. It gave us extra time to explore different locations, get creative, and stay relaxed even with the usual formal day hustle and inevitable delays. If you’d like to capture this special milestone, I’d love to hear from you. Please contact me to book your school formal portrait session! Vendors: Becca Smith Makeup Artist , Dulcét Hairdressing .