In recent years I've enjoyed seen a lot of wedding traditions scrapped by my couples in order to create a celebration that truly reflects their personalities. Casey & Ed were no exception, choosing not to have a bridal party so they could spend time with their guests post-ceremony before leaving for a short photo session just before golden hour. Having chosen a venue in the heart of Rockhampton, we were spoiled for choice with locations just a few minutes drive away and even received permission to use the Australian Brahman Breeders' Association Limited building for photos in tribute to Casey & Ed's rural heritage. Only in CQ can you get married in the city but still get beautiful country photos! Venue: The Church Events Venue. Celebrant: My Celebrant Jess. Bride's Dress: White Lily Couture. Florals: Florals by Lilly & Lotus. Hair & Makeup: Metro Vision Hair & Beauty. Photography Location: Australian Brahman Breeders' Association Limited. Music: Camille Trail. Cake: All that Cake.

This shoot was also featured in the May 2019 issue of ONE+ONE Magazine and Queensland Brides, please pop over and read about the inspiration behind this bohemian wed-fest inspired shoot! Taking inspiration from the 'Living Coral' Pantone colour of the year, myself and a talented group of Central Queensland vendors recently teamed up to create a spectacular wedfest at newly opened events venue Amaroo Valley. Every detail made this shoot a true bohemian wonderland but a few of my favourite details included the mixed fresh and dry florals (including a quirky wedding hat), glamping-style accommodation and wax seal stationery suite. Enjoy! Photography/Stationery: Madelyn Holmes Photographics. Venue: Amaroo Valley. Cake: Caked Cakes. Florist: Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals. Hair & Makeup: Cutting Edge Boutique. Bridal Gowns: Mason Bridal Boutique. Glamping Setup: Pitch'n Tents. Ceremony Setup: Ace Wedding & Party Hire. Picnic Setup: The Picnickery. Ring Box: Amonie. Models: Emily & Michael.

There are so many reasons to have an engagement session and this gallery is the perfect example to demonstrate. I headed out to Tyneka & Trent's property on the outskirts of Rockhampton, scouted some locations while they got the kids ready and then off we went for a combined engagement-family session in the area they call home. It was a great opportunity for me to meet everyone and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day rolls around, plus - as any parent will know - kids don't always cooperate when you really need them to so this is the best way to make sure those precious family photos are captured!

Every time I photograph high school formals I am instantly reminded of how much more stylish graduates are these days compared to when I graduated. This beautiful young lady did her own makeup and her Mum not only did her hair but also made (yes, made!) her dress, so much talent in one family! Graduations are the perfect opportunity to get some family photos together while you are all together and dressed up to celebrate. Trust me, it only gets more tricky to get everyone in the same place at the same time after this!

Ashlee is a talented fellow wedding vendor here in Central Queensland so I felt very privileged when she asked me to capture her engagement photos as well as her wedding to Grant (which is very very soon)! For their engagement session their only special request was to bring the dogs - of course I was happy to oblige - so we headed to the beach, let the dogs explore and set up a little picnic for two as the sun went down. P.S. If you happen to be engaged and reading this, make sure you have a look at Indigo Bunting Events for all your styling and wedding planning needs - this is one tastefully stylish, organised lady! Florist: Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals. Styling: Indigo Bunting Events/Madelyn Holmes Photographics.

As a photographer no weekend drive is without a little location scouting, so I was super excited to find these wheat crops blooming just outside Rockhampton recently. After putting out a model call I found Shanae who is also a qualified hair and makeup artist, so we put all this together in a couple of days before the fields were harvested. I really love how they turned out, so I hope you do too!

Since their engagement session all the way back in February 2015, I've been photographing this sweet pair at every important life event - their wedding, first anniversary and most recently maternity images whilst they await the arrival of their precious little girl. Isn't this beautiful lady glowing?! Kelly's flower crown was made by Lilly & Lotus Events, hair and makeup by Amelia's Salon. Thank you for having me along to capturing your story Kelly & Chris, I can't wait for next time!

Since 2014 Central Queensland University has held an annual touring art show 'CQU Creates' for its affiliates including current students, alumni and staff members. Having studied a Bachelor of Digital Media from 2013-2015 I thoroughly enjoy creating for this exhibition each year and have been honoured to have the university acquire several of my pieces for their collection. The hero image below is currently on tour for the 2019 event and will be on display in Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Emerald. The full series from this shoot is included in this post, complete with my family's vintage suitcases and shot on salt flats near Rockhampton - the closest thing we have to desert in Central Queensland! Hair & Makeup: Chamay Brown. Dress: Gowns Galore for Hire. Model: Gabby.

So you got hundreds of wedding images from your photographer, now what? You upload them to Facebook and then let them sit neglected on your USB for the foreseeable future? As technology develops, we are starting to forget how special it is to hold a print in your hand. I know, ordering products is so easy to put off - you say you'll get around to it but then life gets busy and suddenly it's been a year (or more), professional printing is expensive, the list goes on... but just look at what happened to the floppy disk and CD drives on computers. No doubt USBs will be outdated in a few years as well. Professionally printing your images turns them into a tangible keepsake that can be passed on for generations. I'm sure almost everyone has fond childhood memories looking through old family photo albums, so let's keep the tradition going and preserve those precious moments.

Apart from the obvious availability and a tick of approval between you and your fiance, there's lots of factors which come into play when choosing a venue for your special day. These are my top questions to make sure you have a wedding that offers the best possible options for you as the future newlyweds, your guests and the vendors working behind the scenes to make it all happen. There are so many more beautiful venues than just those pictured in below, but these are a few great locations in Central Queensland. Pictured: Paradise Lagoons, Rockhampton. WILL IT ACCOMMODATE YOUR GUEST LIST? Nailing down a guest list is probably the most painful part of wedding planning, but it's vital to have an estimate of numbers early so you avoid disappointment later. Some venues require a minimum number of guests so won't be suitable for more intimate affairs, whilst others may have a maximum capacity depending on their available space. There's nothing worse than a uncomfortably cramped reception room and it's easy to underestimate the number of people you want to invite (as well as the extras your family will want to add!), so this is a critical conversation to have early on. Pictured: Kanangra Heights, Yeppoon. WHAT FACILITIES DOES IT HAVE? As far as convenience goes for both you and your guests, the more of your wedding you can host in one location the better. Having your preparations, ceremony and reception within walking or a short driving distance means less time lost to travel, a less complicated schedule and ultimately more time spent with the people you love most. It's also important to consider your guests' transport and accommodation options, particularly if you are holding a remote/destination wedding or have family and friends who will be travelling to attend. Pictured: Henderson Park, Rockhampton. DOES IT SUIT YOUR DESIRED THEME? As someone who sees a lot of people tie the knot, the couples who choose to create a wedding that really represents them always stand out. It's easy to get carried away saving inspiration photos with Pinterest at our fingertips, but staying true to yourselves as a couple is just as important. Whether you've grown up beside the ocean or on a cattle station in the country, pick a venue that fits the vision you have in mind and allows you to put a little piece of yourselves into the space. Pictured: St Aubins Village, Rockhampton. IS THERE A PLAN IF THE WEATHER ISN'T SUITABLE? I hate to bring it up, but every couple planning to hold part of their wedding outdoors needs a backup in case the weather ends up raining, freezing cold or boiling hot. Can you use an alternate space or perhaps convert your wedding reception to the ceremony space and vice versa? Do you have staff or people willing to pitch in and make this happen if needed? Of course, photography is also a big part of your wedding day so ask ask your photographer what they would suggest in case it rains - the options might include using undercover areas at the venue if available, finding a sheltered location nearby or arming yourselves with umbrellas and embracing the weather. Pictured: Botanical Gardens, Rockhampton. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE? As with everything, cost is always a factor. Keep in mind how much is included in your venue hire fee, as a blank space may be cheaper to hire than an all-inclusive venue but the added decorating (think tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, cutlery, centerpieces - the list goes on...) and catering costs can be more expensive than you think. If you're having an outdoor reception, hiring a shelter such as a marquee/teepee is also a major consideration (and this probably means you'll also need to hire lighting and flooring on top of the base price). Every venue will have different standards for set up, hire times and pack down too so make sure to factor this in to your decision. Pictured: The Villa on the Beach, Yeppoon.

Countless brides come to me and say 'my partner isn't a fan of the camera' - it might seem counter-intuitive, but this and plenty of other reasons below mean should your probably think about an engagement session. To get comfortable with being photographed. If you or your partner are concerned about being in front of the camera, this is a great opportunity to build confidence and calm your nerves by knowing what to expect on the big day – we can't re-do your wedding photos! To build a rapport with your photographer. Every couple is different, so engagement photos are great way to learn how I work while helping me get to know you both. I'll learn what poses work best and how you'd like to be photographed... are you serious, silly, affectionate or somewhere in the middle? You're engaged, celebrate it! This is the perfect occasion to enjoy your engagement before the rush of wedding planning sets in. It also means you'll be able to get a photo for your Save the Dates, guest book or wedding decorations... whatever your heart desires. To trial your plans. Many brides-to-be book hair, makeup and/or tanning trials to coincide with their engagement session - it's a chance to ensure your vision will come together in reality the way you want it to, but without the pressure. Plus, perfect excuse for date night! To use the ideas that didn't make the wedding. Often you'll have great ideas that we aren't quite able to incorporate into your wedding plans. You could use a location that's special to you both, do something you love together or get some photos with your pets if they won't make it on the big day – they're family too, right?

Seventeen Seventy is a quiet seaside town south of Gladstone, Central Queensland and the perfect weekend getaway location for adrenaline junkies and relaxation-seekers alike. It seemed fitting that Maddesen & Jeremy picked this area for their wedding as they too went to Agnes Water for their first holiday as a couple, and in turn allowed all their guests to experience the joys of this little town as they said 'I do' on the 1770 foreshore two years later. We spent the afternoon exploring the paperbark forest walk and enjoying the view from the Captain Cook lookout for photos, then headed back to the local golf course for an evening reception with their nearest and dearest. This region is by far one of my favourite wedding destinations in Queensland, please message if you would like me to come along and capture your special day - no destination is too far. This wedding was also featured in the second edition of Central Queensland Weddings magazine, please pop over and grab your copy for an interview with Maddesen detailing all the significant aspects and planning advice from their big day! Preparations Venue: Sandcastles 1770 Resort. Ceremony Venue: 1770 Beachfront. Reception Venue: 1770 Golf Course. Celebrant: Penelope Millar. Bride's Dress: White Lily Couture. Dress alterations: Fillies on Parade. Bridesmaid's Attire: Gladstone Bridal Boutique. Hair: Simply Chic Hair Studio. Makeup: Ess-Jay Makeup and Beauty Studio. Florals: Toni-Ann Korabelnikoff. Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: E-Male Lifestyle. Ceremony Styling: 1770 Weddings. Stationery: Paper Chic Boutique. Transport: Prestige Luxury Service. Photo Booth: CQ Party Booths. Catering: Coast to Coast – Golden Roast. Cake: Surprise Me by Heidi.