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 No doubt USBs will be outdated in a few years as well.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.

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 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.

Peach and pink tones with a glimmer of gold gave a glamourous touch against the rustic backdrop of Henderson Park Farm Retreat for Kelly & Chris' wedding day. We were armed with umbrellas, watching storm clouds on the horizon as their ceremony commenced but didn't receive a single drop of rain in the end. Every aspect of this day was styled spectacularly, but my favourite details included the sweetheart bridal table and timber dance floor adorned with festoon lights outside (and let me tell you, it went off later that evening!). This wedding was also featured on Polka Dot Bride, please pop over and have a read of the interview by the bride for more about their story! Venue: Henderson Park Farm Retreat. Stylist: Lilly & Lotus. Signage: Hey-ya Creative Design. Florals: Jess Mauger Floral Design. Ceremony Officiant: Married by Zac. Hair & Makeup: Metro Vision Hair and Beauty. Bride's Dress: Brides In Style. Bride's Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. Bride's Earrings & Groom's Ring: Michael Hill. Bride and Bridesmaid's Shoes: Forever New. Bridesmaid's Dresses: For Her and For Him. Groom and Groomsmen's Attire: Swarv Menswear. Groom's Cufflinks: Life Momentos. Cake: Nicky Svensen Cake Design. Catering: Dunlop Catering. Entertainment: DJ Richter. Videographer: Maddog Productions.

Some couples you meet just make you think 'yes, these two were made for eachother' and this was one of those relationships. Held at heritage listed St Aubins Village (circa 1870), Celeste & Mitch's wedding celebration had touches of luxury in all the right places. Cel's spontaneous purchase of a rose gold crown and earrings just two weeks out from the wedding was everyone's favourite detail of the day, and certainly made her look rival that of royalty. From tear-jerking vows and a champagne tower at the ceremony, to the delicate orchids and handmade favours adorning their alfresco style reception - there were so many moments from this day to love. This wedding was also featured on To the Aisle Australia, please pop over and have a read of the interview from Mr. & Mrs. Caught for more insight and planning advice. Preparations and Venue: St Aubins Village. Florals: Brides Floral Paradise. Hair: NG Hair. Makeup: Bloom Makeup Artistry. Bride’s Dress: Pasduchas. Bride’s Crown and Earrings: Stephanie Browne. Bridesmaid's Attire: Mossman & BCB Generation. Engagement Ring: Designed by the bride with opals from The Hilton, Cairns and set by Mystique Jewellers. Ring Box: Amonie. Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: Mark Bunt Menswear. Groom’s Ring: Mystique Jewellers. Celebrant: Leanne Smith Civil Celebrant. Ceremony Setup: Handmade by Ella. Reception Setup: CQ Party Hire and National Hire Supplies. Cocktail Setup: Vintage Hire – Creating Beautiful Spaces. Favours: Tricia Greinke Pottery and DIY by the bride. Catering: Lickity Fingers Catering. Cake: Wendy Bell. Music: Cheap Talk. Signage: Big Colour Works. Videography: DejaVu Photo&Film.

I love seeing couples have a little fun with their wedding planning and use it to create a day that really represents them - safe to say Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell nailed it. Their intimate garden ceremony followed by a reception complete with taco bar, tailored cocktails and vibrant hanging floral installations were just a few elements that really made this wedding a celebration to remember. This wedding was also featured on The Wedding Playbook, please pop over and have a look for some words of wisdom from the bride and groom! Bride Preparations and Venue: St Aubins Village. Groom Preparations: Empire Rockhampton. Dress: Gladstone Bridal Boutique. Florals: Jess Mauger Floral Design. Hair: Grace & Co Hair Boutique. Makeup: Metro Vision Hair & Beauty. Ceremony Officiant: Danielle Hempseed - Civil Celebrant. Marquee: Ace Wedding & Party Hire. Hire: Vintage Hire - Creating Beautiful Spaces. On The Day Management: Lilly & Lotus Events. Videography: DejaVu Photo&Film. Catering: Lickity Fingers Catering. Bar: Baker Moller Moran tailored bar services. Stationery: Lava Stationery. Cake: A Piece of Cake. DJ: DJ Richter KSR Productions Rockhampton. Ring Box: Amonie.

After a relaxing morning of preparations along the Yeppoon beachfront, Kanangra Heights played host to this beautiful celebration for Natasha & Michael. From home-made honey favours to the colourful, vintage reception tablescapes no detail was missed by Natasha's graphic designer eye. To top it all off, these two surprised their guests by dancing their way into the reception and setting the tone for the rest of the evening! This wedding was also featured on Central Queensland Weddings, please pop over and have a read of the full article. Venue: Kanangra Heights. Florists: Simplicity Market Fresh Flowers (ceremony florals and bouquets), Lilly & Lotus (reception florals). Vintage Arbour: Indigo Bunting Events. Pop-up Bar: Lilly and Lotus. Reception Centrepieces: Lilly & Lotus. Stationery: Indigo Bunting Events. Celebrant: Noela Walls. Hair: Kayla Clarke. Makeup: SOOZ. Irresistible Beauty. Bride's Preparation Venue: Echelon Apartments. Bride’s dress: Brides In Style. Bridesmaids: Brides In Style. Groom's Preparation Venue: Oshen Apartments. Suits: Mark Bunt Menswear.

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!