Category Archives: Weddings

Miranda + Michael

January 2, 2016

Sometimes you photograph couples that make you smile. It’s my job to make them smile, to help make their day as effortless, fun and relaxed as possible. So when the tables are turned and I am around two souls who make me grin from ear to ear I know we are onto something special. On Miranda and Michael’s wedding day to say they made me smile was an understatement. They are two of the kindest and genuine people you could meet. The love they have for each other is easy, overflowing and infectious. I knew the first time we met that these two would be a dream to photograph because of how naturally they fit together. On the big day something happened that I wasn’t expecting. It made me stand back and take note.

Let me back up and explain….

At times us wedding photographers have to stop and consider what we do and why we do it. We have to be continually filling our buckets with creativity, with energy and with an appreciation for the gift that is our profession. We do this so we can be present, be aware and be available to capture a wedding day the way it deserves. Usually we have to be the ones on point, ready to deal with anything, to be the calm in the storm, the encouraging voice, the bow tying button hole fixing whatever it takes person to help create a space so you can simply be present and make the most of your special day. This is my norm, its part of my vocation and a part I love as I love making other peoples dreams and visions a reality and doing whatever I can to make it happen. But this takes a lot out of photographers, some days are harder than others to get into that space. Sometimes we need to stop. Need to give ourselves space to refuel. Space to create some of our own memories so we are full to give out. Sometimes we need to intentionally refocus to the who and why we do what we do. Then sometimes something happens, something that makes our buckets overflow. For me every time its something different. Something new, a new focal point to see a new perspective of why I am fortunate to do what I do.

So back to Miranda and Michael’s wedding day…

It was beautifully planned, they thought of everything. They are originally from Melbourne and moved to Adelaide recently. Most of their guests were from interstate and coming to Adelaide for these two. At every step their intention was to make it as easy, enjoyable and inclusive of their near and dear. This was their focus, to celebrate the coming together. So they chose the stunning Ayer’s House to host so it was easy for guests to stay in the city and get two and from, they gathered info on where to eat, where has the best coffee, highlights to see, their day had time to enjoy their loved ones. Their wooden banquet tables were set so conversations could be had. They didn’t have a traditional bridal table rather choosing to sit with their loved ones and the left the two spaces in front of them free so people could come and chat throughout the night. You could tell all these touches came out of who they were as people and who they are to date is a lot to do with the wonderful people in their lives. It was a beautiful occasion and a dream to photograph. THEY ARE A DREAM TO PHOTOGRAPH!!!

This in itself would usually bowl me over with emotion and fill my bucket but it wasn’t just that ‘their day’ was beautiful. It was because from the moment I walked into the salon in the morning I was touched by openness of love I was invited into. It wasn’t just two people making me smile but an entourage. Their families were so warm and loving, It was the first day I met Miranda’s family yet I felt an ease with them like I had known them for years. I could see the connections of friends and family, felt the care of one another and was swept into it. I laughed and cried with everyone else and somewhere in their amongst the 80 people making me smile from ear to ear I could see the wonderful threads coming together like a beautiful tapestry that had made these two who they are. Each thread made the tapestry more intricate, more beautiful and added strength to this work of art. Miranda and Michael’s wedding day was a beautiful work of art that had taken a lifetime to craft. I could see how the landscape of this piece had formed over time by the memories and people in their lives. The layers of thread that was added on their wedding day brought a new hue and focal point to this work of art, one that will continue to be crafted over a lifetime.

I hope you enjoy just a few of the photos I took on the day

Carly xoxo

Putting the personal touches on your wedding day.

November 12, 2015

I heard a bride ask the question ‘should I let a family member make something for my wedding or should I get a professional?’

I found it an interesting question one I have seen both sides of the coin in relation to the answer so here is a glimpse into my opinion as a wedding professional, sentimental and creative friend.

I love design, I love things that look beautiful and building a house for me was a dream coming up with design ideas and seeing it all come to life. There were some things I could do well myself, somethings I asked talented friends and family to do and sometimes I got in the pros to help me make my vision come to life so I think there is a place for them all. When I recently built my first home I didn’t do it myself, while I designed it, had mood boards and a gazillion ideas I had to bring people in to help me. I mean my pinterest board was awesome but that wasnt going to actually happen without a team of builders, electricians, surveyors, home loan experts, friends to spitball ideas off of and well the list was a long one.

I am awfully nostalgic…. Like awfully! I have my grandmas hydrangeas in my garden because they bring back so many childhood memories, I had the hand lettering on my website done by a dear friend partly because she is super talented but also because it reminds me of her cheery self and her passion, strength and faith, I always look at it and think of her. I admit that I secretly love that my dad and mum have artwork I made when I was 11 in their homes and my dad is like Darryl Kerrigan from the castle and thinks is the greatest work of art when really its sculpture of an outback house made out of clay not the statue of David. I love that a friend of mine does flower arrangements for all her sisters and friends bridal showers or baby shower, I love that another friend crochets one of the cutest animal toys you have ever seen every time her loved ones have a baby (yes I not so secretly want a child just to get one of these creations). I love when I get to put my hand up and use my creativity to help out my friends when I can bake for them or photograph their special days or plan Christmas Parties with my god daughter so she can share the meaning of Christmas with her friends. There is something so special about either having something that someone you know and love has created or being able to be part of someones memories and special moments by letting them use your creative talents.

When planning your wedding I find there is no difference to this. There are so many great wedding vendors in Adelaide who can help with designing your wedding and make it look a treat but its like the icing on the cake when your friends and family created it for you. When you team together talented wedding suppliers and the added details from your loved ones its almost the perfect combination. As a photographer I delight in knowing those personal touches so I thought I would share some of my favourite wedding things made by friends and family for the wedding.

These bridesmaids gowns made by bridesmaid and talented dress designer GretaKate

When your a hair stylist and your friends do your hair and make up for you

Wood invitations and stationary were done by an aunty from love letter press

Wedding bouquet by a friend with succulents grown by your husband

Fondant cake topped with hand pained flowers made by the mother of the bride or this naked cake from another talented Aunt

A Beaded Wedding Dress made by the brides Grandmother

Now this is where the friend and professional speaks…Here are a few things I think are helpful to note..

When creative friends and family put their hands up to help they want to help. If they dont they may not want to make you feel pressured into using you or they may actually not want to help…but ask, you wont know unless you ask. Read the signs and if they are hesitant in their response perhaps assume they don’t want to help but you can always ask.
If they do it for a living still pay them, if they give you a discount awesome but dont expect one.
Think about their style and if it matches your vision before you enlist their help.
Know their is a huge fear of disappointing a friend so be kind and loving when working with friends.

My personal view is to work with wedding professionals in your wedding day they are so creative, resourceful and can often save you money verses, time and stress to bring your vision to life and if you do have talented creative people in your life incorporate them into your wedding day. It adds that personal touch, allows people to use their craft to celebrate and bless you… In years to come when you look back at your wedding photos and see the cake mum made or the gown your grandma crafted you will treasure the memory even more because it was made especially for you from someone who loves you and that memory is priceless!

Yes I am still here and have not falling off the face of the internet… A confession of a photographer

November 9, 2015

I have been very absent from blogging this year… Well very absent is stretching it. I think I have maybe published something once so pretty much non existent blogging. Some of you may have missed my pretty images and my ramblings some of you were probably happy that the extremely bad grammar often found here wasn’t hurting your eyes over the past months. And to all my couples whose weddings I have not shared on here yet I say sorry.

I truly am.

Truth is this year has been tough, wonderful, crazy, a lot of change, a lot of tears, a lot of doctors visits and a lot of work. Its been a roller coaster and the optimist I am has chosen to take the positives from it but its been a lot and I had to let something slip and this was it.

Professionally my number one priority this year has been for me to be present and fully focused on my couples wedding days or when I get to spent time with your families. To give all of myself to capture the beautifully special images I get the honour of capturing. I don’t take what I do lightly. Its a gift… A True gift.

My second priority was crafting and editing these images and getting them to you to enjoy. But if I am being honest that’s taken a mighty effort just to do that and a lot of other things like blogging have not been prioritized or able to fit into the 70 hour plus work weeks I was doing.

Aside from work I have had a hectic year, I build a house and have moved in and am now making that a home, I had the privilage of spending time with and caring for my grandpa in his last months, I have grieved for the sweetest man I ever knew, I have traveled to Europe for work and gazed at some of the most beautiful works of arts, I have made new friends and tried my hardest to connect with old ones. At times I have felt pulled in a gazillion directions and at times felt directionless, I have experienced big change good and not so good, I have dealt with neurological issues that have meant a shift in how I run my business and my life and am trying to find balance and a new normal in it all. In the past few weeks have had enough energy, strength and room in my mind to start dreaming again about the future of me, my camera and this crazy thing we call life. It has been a (insert adjective that means change oriented, refining, hard, adventurous, love filled and eventful) year but I would not change it.

This year I have loved, I have come to a new level of appreciation for my loved ones (and there are lots of you), for loving others and for living every moment with kindness and joy. I have been refined and I am better for it.

So as well as my apology I say thank you. Thank you for your patience with me when I told you I couldn’t edit for two months, thank you for giving me space to grieve, thank you to all my clients and friends who knew I was juggling a lot and took one less ball out of my hands or came alongside me and helped me through chatting, second shooting, unpacking my home, going for walks, watching the Bachelorette, praying for me, drinking tea, making my travels a dream come true and helping me keep the balls in the air. Whether you knew it or not you were refreshment to my soul.

Thank you to all my clients for bringing me good times and letting me share your most special and sacred moments and letting me dance it out on the dance floor. I appreciate them more than ever!!!!

I cant emphasize enough how brilliant you all are….. Truly my clients are some of the best people you will ever meet… The Best!!! In sharing your special days I have had the time of my life just like this guy did when when he had his Patrick Swayze moment at a recent wedding… (You are all welcome 🙂

To my second shooters Jess H & Lochie you have been over the top fantastic and supportive and have helped me at every turn as well as Amelia and Jess K who have always been available and willing to help. I can’t thank you all enough. Like seriously can’t thank you all enough!!!!!

The changes I have made in recent months have been so I can focus on my love of shooting and capturing your images. This has meant I teamed up with the talented people to help me edit these images get them to you faster and looking ah-mazing!!!

So keep posted as hopefully it wont be as long between drinks and you will see some beautiful wedding lighting up your screens in the near future.

Carly xoxo

Leah + Dave

April 6, 2015

I woke up this morning thinking about all the wonderful weddings I have been able to be a part of this year. I also thought that it has been way too long since I shared any of them with you. I have been in wedding land and building land and moving into my new home land and have been storing up all this beauty and love for myself. So while I’m snuggled under a blanket and I can hear the rain trickling down on this Easter Monday I thought I would remedy this situation and post my first wedding of 2015 which happened to be the first wedding I shot in 2015

Dave and Lead got married on a picture perfect summers day. It was a day where you could tangibly feel the love. Surrounded by their children, their family and some awesome friends they said their vows and celebrated as only county people know how to do… With an amazing party!

Leah has such a beautiful eye for detail and the entire day was a dream to photograph. She also had the best idea for a dessert table. A Chocolate Buffet… Yes you heard me a table full of the best kinds of chocolate. I was in heaven. Not just because my chocolate dreams came true, it was mostly because of the natural and true love these two have for each other and how when they are together their smiles and laughter and ease together capture you and certainly captured my camera.

Enjoy the photos and your Easter weekend.

Carly

2014 a year in review

December 30, 2014

2014 has been a huge year both professionally and personally. It has been one of those years that refines you and has been a year that while personally it has been hard it has been a year I am truly thankful for. It has been a year where I have had a new level of value place on the importance of love. A year where I have profoundly appreciated the relationships in my life. The most special of these relationships have been refined through heartache and joy. Its an odd mix I know but personally the juxtaposition of these two elements have been my reality but also my gift this year. It has been a year of refocusing and a year where I have seen love in new ways and this new focus has given me a deepened passion for my photography.

Professionally this year has been a gift! I have worked with so many amazing people, couples, families, businesses and wedding industry professionals. I have been inspired by their talent, stories and love! I have been energised by you all and have made some truly remarkable friends along the way.

As 2014 is wrapping up I am in awe of how lucky I am to be doing what I do and to be taking this phenomenal journey with you.

So I thought what more fitting way to cap off this year than sharing my year through my lens. Here are some of the wedding memories of 2014.

My year started with two weddings on the first weekend of 2014. Kate and Richard’s as well as Jeremy and Grace’s. Both kept me smiling all day. Dancing all night and knowing this year would be a crazing and amazing ride. Little did I know that it would be the same ride for these two couples with BOTH couples welcoming little baby girls into this world before the year was out.

If two couple and two baby girls wasn’t amazing enough I also had the delightful pleasure of photographing two sisters who both got married to the men of their dreams this year.

Ashley + Ashleigh held their I Do’s at the stunning Middlebrook Estate. It was such a fun day.

Samantha and Rowland had a stunning wedding getting married in Samantha’s high school chapel at Sacred Heart. It was just divine.

My Valentines day taught me all you need is one date and your dreams will come true at Danielle + Adam’s wedding at one of my all time favourite venues Glen Ewin Estate.

I seemed to visit Glen Ewin a lot this year and I wasn’t complaining one bit. One of these times was Louise and Ben’s wedding which still makes me think of these two and their amazing day whenever I hear Bon Jovi or ‘you raise me up’

And of course Katrina + Tyson’s wedding filled with butterflies who needed mouth to mouth resusitation, frolicing kittens at Linwood Estate B&B as the girls got ready, a beaming bride and VW Kombi’s

Just a few short days after Christmas I also shot my last wedding for 2014 at Glen Ewin. It was divine Kelly, her mum Louise and everyone involved did a stellar job… Here is just a tiny sneak peek!