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.

1. HIRE AN ON THE DAY COORDINATOR I've watched countless brides host their weddings on private properties or DIY the styling thinking it will be easier, and instead of relaxing on their wedding morning they are asked where each mason jar should be put, what to do with the cake etc. etc. If your venue is well established, they will often guide you through much of your styling and provide assistance setting up on the day, but having a wedding coordinator offers a professional opinion, a fresh perspective and a point of contact for anyone's questions so you are left to relax. Many wedding planners will also offer full styling services which are sure to yield amazing results and relieve that planning stress, but if you're on a tight budget I would still suggest a coordinator who can work quietly behind the scenes on your wedding day while you and your guests enjoy. You will thank yourself later. 2. CREATE A SCHEDULE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER Perhaps the most difficult part of wedding planning is setting a timeline so everything flows smoothly, and since you've likely never been married before it's certainly a daunting task - so take advantage of an expert. It is so important to set out your day with the help of your photographer as an experienced professional can guide you with how long each portion of the day will take, what you can achieve in that time and ultimately how to get the most out of your wedding. All of my wedding clients receive a hand-crafted welcome pack with a sample schedule, templates to return with their wedding information and countless tips from my years of experience as a wedding photographer to ensure you are prepared (and my inbox is always open, of course). 3. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF I know how many hours go into wedding planning, which makes it easy to get caught up in minor discrepancies to your vision - but at the end of the day, if you get married to your love then your wedding was a success and you have a lifetime to look forward to together. Don't worry about the candles that blew out in the wind or the fact that your shoes got dirty straight away, and instead focus on all the beautiful people who came to celebrate your marriage with you! How often do you get to have all your nearest and dearest in one place?!

This post was originally written for the Central Queensland Weddings blog, if you're looking for wedding inspiration or advice tailored to our beautiful region please pop on over and have a look. If you’re a bride or groom and haven’t heard of the ‘unplugged’ concept, this means asking guests to turn off their cameras and mobile devices for a period of time at your wedding – be it just the ceremony or the whole celebration. In an age where our phones have become an extension of our fingertips, it can be hard to switch off and just enjoy the moment. Doing so encourages your guests to be truly present as you say ‘I do’ and embrace the emotion of your nuptials without the distraction of technology. This also allows your photographer to do their job uninterrupted, ensuring the most important moments of your day are captured without guests interfering or obstructing the professional images. So what’s the key to having an unplugged wedding without causing offense? Asking politely and clearly ahead of time so your guests are aware of your wishes, whatever they may be. This can be done by making a note of the request with your invitations, placing a sign at the venue entrance and arranging for your celebrant to make an announcement before the ceremony commences. Your guests will be understandably excited to see you get married and most likely just want a visual memento of the occasion, so it may be a nice compromise to allow photos at certain intervals throughout the day. In this case, have your celebrant or MC ask guests to wait while the photographer captures each formality first, then open an invitation for anyone else wanting to take photos once they have finished. Whether you opt for a completely unplugged wedding, only an unplugged ceremony or simply ask guests to refrain from posting on social media until the first professional images have been released, most guests will happily oblige. Ultimately, it is your special day and the decision is completely up to you!

This day was about as relaxing as weddings can get, helped mostly by the fact that Tegan & Des kept their ceremony, portraits and reception all in one place. With a picturesque coastal backdrop surrounding The Villa on the Beach, blue-grey tones with pops of pink were a perfect choice for their styling. I also had the pleasure of designing their letterpress invitation suite which melded beautifully with the theme of the day, so please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like custom stationery made to suit you special day. Preparation Venue: Oshen Apartments. Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Villa on the Beach. Hair & Makeup: Amelia's Salon. Ceremony Officiant: Married by Zac. Stationery: Madelyn Holmes Photographics. Cake: Cake Mania, Blackwater Qld.

Anyone who has gotten to know me will know I love a good adventure (a giveaway when you see me rock up to weddings, ready to go anywhere, in my little 4x4). So when Kate emailed to say they were getting married at Gabbinbar Homestead in Toowoomba and 'Would I like to come?' the answer was a resounding 'Yes!'. This venue blew me away, not only with the photographic opportunities throughout the grounds but the impeccable service from all the people working behind the scenes to bring their dream wedding together. With a guest list of approximately 50, this intimate wedding was truly a delight to capture. The ladies were pampered in the Bride's Retreat all morning, whilst the groomsmen arrived for photos in the Library before a beautiful ceremony held under The Pavilion. We then went off for photos around the grounds before returning to the Conservatory for an evening reception. Thank you Kate & Nathan for having me along to capture your special day, it was an honour to be part of such a beautiful celebration and I loved getting to know you both. Preparations and Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead. Celebrant: Married by Jake. Florals: Toowoomba Flower Market. Bride and Bridesmaid's Dresses: Gladstone Bridal Boutique. Ring Box: Amonie.