Introducing Southern Light Photography
In the beginning… In 2007 I photographed my first wedding as Photos by Jay. It was an intimate backyard affair with a marquee and maybe 50 people. The couple were in their 40′s and it was both their second marriages so there was little fuss. It was essentially a Sunday barbecue with style. Despite the apparent simplicity of their wedding, I was terrified. What if I missed the kiss? The rings? What if my camera burst into flame at a critical moment? Of course everything went well...
Read MoreEden Gardens Wedding – Jean and John
Jean and John were married deep within the immaculately tended gardens of Eden Gardens in Ryde. I’d photographed John’s sister Rachael’s wedding to Adam back in 2009 so it was great fun seeing the family again and catching up. As a surprise, John’s mum organised three of the little girls to release butterflies at the end of the ceremony, which absolutely melted everyone’s hearts. After a little photo session around the gardens, Jean and John’s intimate and...
Read MoreLilyvale Royal National Park Wedding – Anna and Nick
This was definitely a wedding made with love. From Anna’s one-off gown selected from a humble Newtown dress shop, to the hand-made corsages with colourful buttons (according to Anna, “the glue gun is your friend”), to the dozens of hand-made pom-poms lining the reception pavilion, Anna and Nick’s wedding was saturated with personality and colour. They were married in the afternoon sun at Lilyvale, in the heart of Sydney’s Royal National Park, surrounded by close...
Read MoreCrazy, Stupid, Dance Floor.
Photographed by Jay, Aalok and Sidd. The time has come where all the nerves, excitement and emotion of the wedding day have reached a dizzying climax, and all that’s left to do is let it all out and celebrate. In an endorphin (and alcohol) fuelled flurry of arms, legs and champagne flutes, the dance floor lights up with bride, groom, friends and family. Here are some of our favourite recent wedding reception dance floor moments. This post wouldn’t be complete...
Read MoreWollongong City Beach Wedding – Jen and Ray
It was an honour being asked to photograph the wedding of my good friends, Jen and Ray. Ray, the soft-spoken and charming Irishman, Jen, the curly-haired Aussie whose entire face lights up when she smiles. Completely unfazed by the persistent cloud and drizzle, Jen and Ray were married in a traditional mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong. The bridal party braved the cold weather for some dramatic photos by the iconic lighthouse (including a hilarious episode where Ray took it upon...
Read MoreLe Montage Wedding – Bryony and Tony – St Thomas More Catholic Church, Cabarita Park
Bryony and Tony were all smiles for their big day, starting with a beautiful church ceremony at St Thomas More in Brighton Le Sands, followed by some sun-kissed photos by the beach at Cabarita Park. The wildest, rowdiest reception I’ve ever seen followed at the recently renovated and beautifully designed Marquee room at Le Montage. Bryony’s stunning gown was from Brides by Francesca. ...
Read MoreOur Top 10 Most Popular Sydney Reception Venues
The number one question I get asked by couples who haven’t yet set a date for their wedding is, “can you recommend anywhere good in Sydney for my reception?”. This is quite a broad topic in itself and you will have to factor in such things as food options, capacity, parking and proximity to the ceremony venue. In this list I’ve attempted to collate our studio’s top 10 most popular Sydney (and surrounding) wedding reception venues (in no particular order), with a...
Read Moree-session – Sydney City – Tara and Shuaib
Sharing a love for city life, fashion and fine dining, Tara and Shuaib chose Sydney’s CBD for their e-session. The entire time I was with them they were talking, laughing and connecting as if nothing else around them mattered. I feel these images really reflect their understated love, contrasting beautifully against a busy city...
Read MoreSouthern Highlands Wedding – Noa and Steve – Eling Forest Winery
Eling Forest Winery in the Southern Highlands held a special significance for Steve and Noa; Noa’s great-great-grandfather was the schoolmaster at what is now the winery’s cellar door. Their wedding was an intimate celebration with no bridal party and less than 40 guests. The rain graciously held out for their ceremony in the rose garden, and as if on cue, the sun peered out just in time for our photos around the grounds. As night fell over the breathtaking scenery, Noa and...
Read MoreSouthern Highlands Wedding – Noa and Steve – Eling Forest Winery
Eling Forest Winery in the Southern Highlands held a special significance for Steve and Noa; Noa’s great-great-grandfather was the schoolmaster at what is now the winery’s cellar door. Their wedding was an intimate celebration with no bridal party and less than 40 guests. The rain graciously held out for their ceremony in the rose garden, and as if on cue, the sun peered out just in time for our photos around the grounds. As night fell over the breathtaking scenery, Noa and...
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