Every wedding has something about it that makes it unique. For Katherine and Michael it was their personal touches that set it apart.
When Alex first met with Katherine and her mother, Lyn, he was excited about how down to earth and lovely they were (and they even had a cuddle of our twins, Ewan and Angus). He knew then that it was going to be a great wedding to shoot and he wasn't wrong.
The boys were great and had a bit of fun tying windsor knots and made for a very handsome and amusing group (but let's not mention the night before... ;) ). After the boys photos we headed of to Coolibah Downs at Nerang on the Gold Coast to shoot the girls who were getting ready in the homestead there.
We were greeted with smiles from all the girls then went to shoot the brides dress and were amazed with how beautiful it was. It turns out that Katherine had drawn up the design herself and had it tailor made just for her and it was perfect. She was a vision in a flowing mermaid style gown with some beautiful lace and crystal detail (which flowergirl, Milly, found interesting). The maids dresses were an apple green colour and complemented Katherine's dress to a t.
The ceremony was held in the little private chapel on the grounds of Coolibah Downs and all photos were taken within the resort. It was an intimate group of family and friends who shared the day and partied on with them into the night. A highlight at the reception was the unique cake that was also designed by Katherine.
We would like to thank Katherine and Micheal for inviting us to be a part of their day. It was a great way to kick off our weddings in 2009. I got a little excited when editing so there are a few more photos in the slideshow than usual.
Congratulations on your marriage and all the best wishes for the future.
*please be patient while the slideshow loads*
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Family Portrait Session - Hobart, Tasmania
In the last week of January I was fortunate enough to travel to Hobart for a family portrait session. I'd never been to Tassie before so Belinda (our client) volunteered to play host to me on my first day there and took me to see a few sites.
I wasn't officially shooting this day but I took my camera with me as I do love being a tourist. We went up Mt Wellington where this hot blooded Queenslander was ill-prepared for the cold of the alpine region. As cold as I was I enjoyed my time up there with the winds blowing hard and whipping our hair around everywhere. Little Edison was such a bubbly and happy baby that I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and taking some photos of him and mum enjoying the sites.
On the way back down, Belinda drove back to the city via the Cascade Brewery where Edison was allowed out to stretch his legs and get aquainted with the grasses on offer. Again, I couldn't resist such a face and took a few more photos.
That night was the first night I had spent totally alone in over two years; a rare luxury when you have a loving partner and four kids. I made use of this night to treat myself to a steak dinner at Salamanca before heading back to the hotel to watch the tennis and sleep in a very comfortable kingsize bed all by myself. Heaven.
The next morning I was up bright and early for the official portrait shoot. We headed to the convict steps that run up an alley just off Salamanca. The lighting was perfect, the family were fantastic and the dogs were well behaved. After a bit of shooting we headed off to Kingston Beach to allow the dogs to have a run and take a few more photos. The weather was a bit iffy but we managed to time the beach shoot just right and missed the rain.
I'd like to thank Belinda for her hospitality on my stay in Hobart. I loved visiting and thoroughly enjoyed shooting over the two days I was there. Enjoy your photo slideshow. :)
I wasn't officially shooting this day but I took my camera with me as I do love being a tourist. We went up Mt Wellington where this hot blooded Queenslander was ill-prepared for the cold of the alpine region. As cold as I was I enjoyed my time up there with the winds blowing hard and whipping our hair around everywhere. Little Edison was such a bubbly and happy baby that I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and taking some photos of him and mum enjoying the sites.
On the way back down, Belinda drove back to the city via the Cascade Brewery where Edison was allowed out to stretch his legs and get aquainted with the grasses on offer. Again, I couldn't resist such a face and took a few more photos.
That night was the first night I had spent totally alone in over two years; a rare luxury when you have a loving partner and four kids. I made use of this night to treat myself to a steak dinner at Salamanca before heading back to the hotel to watch the tennis and sleep in a very comfortable kingsize bed all by myself. Heaven.
The next morning I was up bright and early for the official portrait shoot. We headed to the convict steps that run up an alley just off Salamanca. The lighting was perfect, the family were fantastic and the dogs were well behaved. After a bit of shooting we headed off to Kingston Beach to allow the dogs to have a run and take a few more photos. The weather was a bit iffy but we managed to time the beach shoot just right and missed the rain.
I'd like to thank Belinda for her hospitality on my stay in Hobart. I loved visiting and thoroughly enjoyed shooting over the two days I was there. Enjoy your photo slideshow. :)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Our Latest Family Portrait Session
It's not often that I get the chance to shove Alex out of the way and shoot all alone but when Katie came in with her family to have their portraits photographed, I decided that I needed to kick him out and do my thing (and have a bit of fun). I just love pregnancy photos and the pregnancy glow that radiates from most women at this time of their lives. It is so much fun to shoot.
Little Ollie wasn't so keen on having his photo taken so we all worked around his needs and ended up with some quite endearing photos of him 'refusing' to take part. He is just such a gorgeous child I don't think it would matter how he was photographed as he would still make a great subject. Luckily by the end of the shoot, he was happy to show me where mummy's baby was.
Katie only has a couple of weeks to go now... stay tuned for baby photos a short trip down the track!
Little Ollie wasn't so keen on having his photo taken so we all worked around his needs and ended up with some quite endearing photos of him 'refusing' to take part. He is just such a gorgeous child I don't think it would matter how he was photographed as he would still make a great subject. Luckily by the end of the shoot, he was happy to show me where mummy's baby was.
Katie only has a couple of weeks to go now... stay tuned for baby photos a short trip down the track!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Out of the Studio
We are finally having a holiday! After much hard work we decided to bite the bullet and we are heading off to Fiji for a little break. We have a very lovely housesitter looking after our dogs, the babies are staying with my mother and the older boys are off on a holiday at the beach. Fun times for all!
I will be sure to post some travel photos to the blog next week.
For those needing to contact us, we are unavailable until January 18th. Please drop us an email and we will be sure to respond to you as soon as we return.
I will be sure to post some travel photos to the blog next week.
For those needing to contact us, we are unavailable until January 18th. Please drop us an email and we will be sure to respond to you as soon as we return.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years Offer to the newest Brides-to-be
Alex and I hope you all had a merry Christmas and we wish you a happy new year. May great things happen for you in 2009.
As a part of our New Years celebrations, during January and February 2009, we are offering a gift to all couples who come into the studio and pay a deposit toward their wedding photography. For this limited time, you will receive $500 worth of reprints of your choice added to your photography package, ABSOLUTELY FREE!
This is a great opportunity and won't be repeated during 2009 so be sure to take advantage and call or email for an appointment today.
We look forward to meeting you and to all our brides and grooms who are following the blog, we can't wait to catch up with you over the next year.
Cheers
Alicia (and Alex)
As a part of our New Years celebrations, during January and February 2009, we are offering a gift to all couples who come into the studio and pay a deposit toward their wedding photography. For this limited time, you will receive $500 worth of reprints of your choice added to your photography package, ABSOLUTELY FREE!
This is a great opportunity and won't be repeated during 2009 so be sure to take advantage and call or email for an appointment today.
We look forward to meeting you and to all our brides and grooms who are following the blog, we can't wait to catch up with you over the next year.
Cheers
Alicia (and Alex)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Wedding of Renee and Tarek, 6th December 2008
The 6th of December has been eagerley anticipated by us as it wasn't just the last wedding for 2008, but also one of the more unique events. Renee and Tarek themed the wedding around having an old fashioned good time and this is exactly what they had!
We arrived at Conrad Jupiters to shoot Tarek and his groomsman up in their suite on the 20th floor. We entered the room to see some amazing views to the world outside and inside; a table covered in imported and expensive bottles of cognac, champagne and scotch. It was a lighthearted yet busy morning with the boys with the outgoing Tarek starting to feel the nerves as time moved along. We stayed with the boys a short time then headed to Renee's room for a while to leave the boys to relax without cameras around.
Renee and her bridesmaid, Mel, were in high spirits and full of laughs. Renee was having the finishing touches applied to her make-up and hair with Mel on-hand looking after her every need (just the way a great maid should.) Mel ducked into the bedroom to get the dress ready for Renee and returned with one of the most gorgeous 'bling' dresses we have seen in some time. The dress was from Darb Bridal Couture and it was like a dress you would imagine from a fairytale and so delicately adorned with crystals throughout. It was simply stunning and perfect for the day that Renee had planned.
Alex returned to the boys to get all their last minute photos and I drove on ahead to The Villa awaiting the arrival of the girls who were coming in by helicopter (and lucky Alex shared the ride with them.)
The groom arrived at the venue by limo and had a few moments to relax with friends and family before the arrival of his bride. Everyone kept watch in the distance for the approaching helicopter and when it came into view there was a little bit of excitement in the air. Renee and Mel emerged from the helicopter looking like stars and they were whisked away by golf buggy to make final preparations before walking down the aisle.
The ceremony was short and sweet but contained many laughs and light hearted moments one of which was supplied by an overeager groom who grabbed his beautiful bride and laid a kiss on her before the formalities were dealt with. When it came time for the real thing, practice obviously made for perfection and a cheer went up among family and friends.
Whilst guests mingled on the lawn, Tarek and Renee were whisked away for a quick series of photos before joining their guests in an amazingly 80's nightclub themed room to party the night away. Later in the evening, we presented a photo slide show of the day of which the photos below are only a small selection.
Tarek and Renee, we'd like to thank you both for allowing us to be a part of your day and we both had an absolute blast! It was a fantastic way to finish off a year of weddings. Congratulations to you both and we wish you all the best for the future.
We arrived at Conrad Jupiters to shoot Tarek and his groomsman up in their suite on the 20th floor. We entered the room to see some amazing views to the world outside and inside; a table covered in imported and expensive bottles of cognac, champagne and scotch. It was a lighthearted yet busy morning with the boys with the outgoing Tarek starting to feel the nerves as time moved along. We stayed with the boys a short time then headed to Renee's room for a while to leave the boys to relax without cameras around.
Renee and her bridesmaid, Mel, were in high spirits and full of laughs. Renee was having the finishing touches applied to her make-up and hair with Mel on-hand looking after her every need (just the way a great maid should.) Mel ducked into the bedroom to get the dress ready for Renee and returned with one of the most gorgeous 'bling' dresses we have seen in some time. The dress was from Darb Bridal Couture and it was like a dress you would imagine from a fairytale and so delicately adorned with crystals throughout. It was simply stunning and perfect for the day that Renee had planned.
Alex returned to the boys to get all their last minute photos and I drove on ahead to The Villa awaiting the arrival of the girls who were coming in by helicopter (and lucky Alex shared the ride with them.)
The groom arrived at the venue by limo and had a few moments to relax with friends and family before the arrival of his bride. Everyone kept watch in the distance for the approaching helicopter and when it came into view there was a little bit of excitement in the air. Renee and Mel emerged from the helicopter looking like stars and they were whisked away by golf buggy to make final preparations before walking down the aisle.
The ceremony was short and sweet but contained many laughs and light hearted moments one of which was supplied by an overeager groom who grabbed his beautiful bride and laid a kiss on her before the formalities were dealt with. When it came time for the real thing, practice obviously made for perfection and a cheer went up among family and friends.
Whilst guests mingled on the lawn, Tarek and Renee were whisked away for a quick series of photos before joining their guests in an amazingly 80's nightclub themed room to party the night away. Later in the evening, we presented a photo slide show of the day of which the photos below are only a small selection.
Tarek and Renee, we'd like to thank you both for allowing us to be a part of your day and we both had an absolute blast! It was a fantastic way to finish off a year of weddings. Congratulations to you both and we wish you all the best for the future.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Wedding of Louise and Craig, 29th November.
Louise and Craig originally hail from England so their friends and family travelled from far and wide to be a part of their day... and what a day it was with some wild weather thrown in for good measure as a fitting introduction to Queensland's unpredictable summer.
Both the bride and groom took the opportunity to use the facilities that, The Villa, at Nerang has to offer and made use of the well outfitted dressing rooms to get ready for the day ahead. Louise had chosen a very elegant dress for the occasion and it was admired by many. Craig and the boys were in good spirits and we headed to the lounge to shoot some images around the pool table and then headed outside into the steamy afternoon heat for a few more shots in and around the golf course.
The weather itself posed a few issues. The day started out clear, hot and muggy but with just 15 minutes to go before the ceremony (that was planned outdoors) a storm rapidly blew in over the hinterland. The wonderful staff at The Villa worked fast to move all the furnishings inside for an indoor ceremony. The ceremony went ahead a short time later indoors and it may not have been what the bride and groom had planned for but it was still a lovely and intimate affair and the staff were brilliant in setting it up so fast.
By the time the ceremony was over, the weather had cleared enough to venture out and shoot some location photos outdoors dodging random raindrops. Even with the weather trying to wash out their plans, Louise and Craig made it through the day unscathed and with smiles on their faces.
Congratulations, Louise and Craig, on your marriage and may the future bring you much joy and happiness.
Both the bride and groom took the opportunity to use the facilities that, The Villa, at Nerang has to offer and made use of the well outfitted dressing rooms to get ready for the day ahead. Louise had chosen a very elegant dress for the occasion and it was admired by many. Craig and the boys were in good spirits and we headed to the lounge to shoot some images around the pool table and then headed outside into the steamy afternoon heat for a few more shots in and around the golf course.
The weather itself posed a few issues. The day started out clear, hot and muggy but with just 15 minutes to go before the ceremony (that was planned outdoors) a storm rapidly blew in over the hinterland. The wonderful staff at The Villa worked fast to move all the furnishings inside for an indoor ceremony. The ceremony went ahead a short time later indoors and it may not have been what the bride and groom had planned for but it was still a lovely and intimate affair and the staff were brilliant in setting it up so fast.
By the time the ceremony was over, the weather had cleared enough to venture out and shoot some location photos outdoors dodging random raindrops. Even with the weather trying to wash out their plans, Louise and Craig made it through the day unscathed and with smiles on their faces.
Congratulations, Louise and Craig, on your marriage and may the future bring you much joy and happiness.
Big News here at Savvy Studios
Yesterday afternoon while I was cuddling one of our sons, Alex got down on bended knee and proposed to me. It took a while for the 'yes' to come out (due to shock) but I got there in the end and I am now very happy to announce that we are engaged to be married.
So naturally the first question that people asked us wasn't, "when's the wedding?", it was, "so who is taking the photos?". At the moment we have no idea as we have a few extremely talented friends whose images we love and we need to work out what the heck we are doing!
However for the girls that seem to read this blog religously, I'll keep you updated. Photographers are one of the few people that see wedding days through from the very beginning to the very end so we keep a few ideas up our sleeves from each wedding we go to. I guess this means you will actually get to see who our recommended suppliers are in reality!
At this point I can safely say that I already have my lovely maid of honour who is also the most incredible make-up artist in the freaking universe. Paula from Humankind who I was fortunate enough to befriend back in 2002 through the industry (I was blown away with the work that she did and ended up talking to her about it and then that turned into, 'let's catch up later' and now she is my best friend in the world.) Love you Paula and I was over the moon when you said yes to being by my side.
As to the question of, "when's the wedding?", we should have an answer for that very soon. I'll keep you posted.
So naturally the first question that people asked us wasn't, "when's the wedding?", it was, "so who is taking the photos?". At the moment we have no idea as we have a few extremely talented friends whose images we love and we need to work out what the heck we are doing!
However for the girls that seem to read this blog religously, I'll keep you updated. Photographers are one of the few people that see wedding days through from the very beginning to the very end so we keep a few ideas up our sleeves from each wedding we go to. I guess this means you will actually get to see who our recommended suppliers are in reality!
At this point I can safely say that I already have my lovely maid of honour who is also the most incredible make-up artist in the freaking universe. Paula from Humankind who I was fortunate enough to befriend back in 2002 through the industry (I was blown away with the work that she did and ended up talking to her about it and then that turned into, 'let's catch up later' and now she is my best friend in the world.) Love you Paula and I was over the moon when you said yes to being by my side.
As to the question of, "when's the wedding?", we should have an answer for that very soon. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Wedding of Renee and Nick - 22nd of November, 2008
I was back out shooting with Alex again for Renee and Nick's wedding day and I was excited to get to experiment with my new lens at a wedding. First stop was with the boys who were getting ready at Renee and Nick's cute little townhouse in Auchenflower. We arrived to find three very relaxed boys lounging around watching Billy Connelly and that quickly set the tone for the hour ahead. The lame (and somewhat naughty) jokes were flying thick and fast and the boys soon opened up about various nicknames and traditions. Apparently an 'upside down' photo is a must and we were more than willing to shoot it.
We bid the boys farewell and made our way to the girls who were getting ready in Renee's parent's lovely apartment with views up the river toward the city. It was a light hearted and jovial mood that the girls all shared when applying finishing touches and getting into the nitty gritty of having photos taken. Renee surprised her father with a pair of cufflinks and I think the moment caused most of us there to tear up a little. When we all collected ourselves, the girls proved that they are all fantastic models and played up to the camera and Kirsty the junior bridesmaid almost managed to steal the show. Renee however, looked radiant and kept everything simply elegant and it came together perfectly.
The wild weather that has been hitting Brisbane made a small dent on Renee and Nick's day with strong winds causing a few last minute changes in plans. The ceremony was going to be held outdoors at the Riverside Hotel however there were wild winds whipping through quite frequently so it was decided to move the ceremony indoors. This made little difference to the day as Nick and Renee were focused only on each other. There was a great personal touch added when Renee's close friend Morgan serenaded the couple after the registry signing.
We headed to nearby photo locations in Newstead and then to the Powerhouse in New Farm where the obviously in love couple, along with the bridal party, worked the cameras. It is great when we get couples who love to ham it up and this time we had an entire bridal party!
Soon enough it was back to the reception and Renee and Nick had chosen the yummiest looking deserts for their 'cake' and the room was kept simple yet elegant in style. The 'secret squirrels' were added to the main table and looked very dapper in their wedding attire. After a few more photos we were soon ready to leave, but not before the bride and groom presented us with a little 'cake' each. We have to admit, not only did it look great, but it tasted great!
Congratulations Renee and Nick! We had a great time sharing your day with you and we can't wait to catch up soon.
We bid the boys farewell and made our way to the girls who were getting ready in Renee's parent's lovely apartment with views up the river toward the city. It was a light hearted and jovial mood that the girls all shared when applying finishing touches and getting into the nitty gritty of having photos taken. Renee surprised her father with a pair of cufflinks and I think the moment caused most of us there to tear up a little. When we all collected ourselves, the girls proved that they are all fantastic models and played up to the camera and Kirsty the junior bridesmaid almost managed to steal the show. Renee however, looked radiant and kept everything simply elegant and it came together perfectly.
The wild weather that has been hitting Brisbane made a small dent on Renee and Nick's day with strong winds causing a few last minute changes in plans. The ceremony was going to be held outdoors at the Riverside Hotel however there were wild winds whipping through quite frequently so it was decided to move the ceremony indoors. This made little difference to the day as Nick and Renee were focused only on each other. There was a great personal touch added when Renee's close friend Morgan serenaded the couple after the registry signing.
We headed to nearby photo locations in Newstead and then to the Powerhouse in New Farm where the obviously in love couple, along with the bridal party, worked the cameras. It is great when we get couples who love to ham it up and this time we had an entire bridal party!
Soon enough it was back to the reception and Renee and Nick had chosen the yummiest looking deserts for their 'cake' and the room was kept simple yet elegant in style. The 'secret squirrels' were added to the main table and looked very dapper in their wedding attire. After a few more photos we were soon ready to leave, but not before the bride and groom presented us with a little 'cake' each. We have to admit, not only did it look great, but it tasted great!
Congratulations Renee and Nick! We had a great time sharing your day with you and we can't wait to catch up soon.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Ellie and Colin, 14th November 2008
Occasionally, it is nice to be able to shoot weddings that are a little bit different and this wedding was different in it's simplicity and warmth. It was a double celebration as it was Colin's 5oth birthday and Ellie, after waiting patiently for ten years, finally got her man. This was a small and very intimate gathering of around 20 family and close friends held in Colin and Ellie's absolutley stunning Balinese inspired backyard paradise.
The day was made all the more special by the surprise arrival of one of Colin's dearest friends, Marco, who had originally said that he wouldn't be able to attend. He flew in from Perth on the morning of the wedding and when he entered the front door with his partner, Colin and Marco greeted each other with a big bear hug and Colin shed a couple of tears... although the tears may have been due to Marco's loud shirt.
The relaxed and friendly ceremony was held under the Balinese hut with their guests gathered close around. A huge smile came across Ellie's face as the ring was slipped onto her finger and a very happy and gushing bride couldn't stop showing it off to her girlfriends after the ceremony.
All of Colin and Ellie's photos were taken in and around their beautiful home located in The Gap in Brisbane. Very sadly, the storms hit Brisbane just two days later and while the home survived, the garden no longer exists. Colin and Ellie were caught out under the Balinese hut together and had to take shelter under the daybed as the storm took hold and whipped the garden away around them. Luckily, Colin and Ellie are safe apart from bruising from heavy hail but it was very sad to hear of the devastation at such a beautiful location.
Our thoughts are with you both Colin and Ellie and we hope your home and garden will be magnificent again very soon. Alex thanks you for allowing him to share your warmth and friendliness on the day of your wedding and we wish you congratulations on your wedding day and birthday celebrations.
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