I am pretty picky when I do weddings. I’m no churn and burn photographer, taking on only 20 wonderful couples per year. The reason I do this is because I love to work with people I gel with.  I want to feel what the Bride feels, I want my heart to melt when the Groom sees his girl as she walks that long aisle to marry him. But most of all I want to be surprised and challenged. Enter Morgan and Luke, they tick all of the above, this is their blog and possibly my finest work to date.

Just a little bit of background, Morgan I think picked me on the basis that we had a mutual love of Florence and the Machine and Nick Cave.  After many emails, seeing Morgan’s collection of inspirations and location scouting, we crafted a vision for the pictures you see here. We started with the ladies on the day who all looked fab in their own unique colours and dresses.

Morgan and Mumma.

I truly would love to spend a week with Morgan and just photograph her constantly. Amazing, amazing dress by the one and only Brad from Darb Couture.

And purple flats for the sensible and discerning bride.

So we tore ourselves away from the girls, to meet the lovely Luke and lads at the ever imposing St Johns Cathedral in Brisbane. Luke’s future looks bright so he’s gotta wear shades.

Work it boys.

The ceremony, always the main event of the day held an even higher importance today as Luke was being married to this fine lady under the guidance of his father.

How cool is that!

Loving my light in the cathedral.

Morgan and Luke’s Mummas.

The cutest little niece and nephew.

So I shall explain the tittle of the blog here. We headed off to the best club in Brisbane Laruche for our location spot. We had the whole place to ourselves and the staff where just incredible, cheers guys for letting us do this. We felt it looked a little Madmen inspired coupled with the outfits of the day etc. so we figured we would roll with this for photographic inspiration. (For those of you in the dark, Madmen is a fantastic show on SBS)

I want to take this lounge home.

Especially the shot below. Very Madmen.

And what’s a wedding without me trying to sneak into an alley way. Complete with balloons (foil balloons for those of you who know me well, know of my phobia of balloons)

Sirromet Winery our reception and party desitination.

Aren’t they cute.

We had a full moon, always a good omen and a stunning evening to celebrate.

Every table was named after a quote in a movie that Morgan and Luke identify with. My favorite is above. Thank you, what an amazing eventful, gorgeous day for two “hopelessly devoted” people. There, there is my corny line, plenty more where that came from. A dream wedding, a dream shoot, kick ass people.

x love Denise (photographer who carried her camera instead of a watermelon but could possibly do both.)

I love to photograph weddings where I have a bit of a connection, where the couple are completely at ease with me, know what my work is like and I get to feel really apart of the celebrations. On this beautiful May day connections were everywhere at the wedding of Stuart and Vanessa. I have photographed Ness and Stu at many of their friend’s weddings and we did a great engagement shoot with Stu’s very hot car last year, but this was the main event and I was completely excited about having them in front of my camera all day.

We commenced the day with Stu and boys at the house. A fantastic house filled with white walls everywhere, a photographer’s dream.

Stu looking serious, contemplative and very handsome all at the same time.

And our merry men (hello Myles)

The lady of the moment was waiting for me. Putting her best foot forward…

Oh Ness, you look so fantastic.

And born to be in sepia.

The ceremony held in Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens.

One happy Stu. A beautiful, simple and emotional ceremony.

Cue for me to start crying…

LOVELY!

Ness’ proud Dad.

We walked through the gardens stopping here and there for some photos as we all made our way on foot to the Tattersals Club.

My light had departed, but I LOVE to take pictures of people at night.

Our fantastic supporting cast, willing to go into any dodgy looking alley way for a photo.

This picture reminds me of the cast of Dynasty… Very dramatic.

Loving both these shots.

After a brilliant reception featuring a fantastic rendition of “You’ve lost that loving feeling” Stu and Ness honeymooned in Greece. Lucky things. An amazing day for two incredible people CLEARLY completely and UTTERLY in love.

x Denise (photographer who loves the night)

How do you express your love in the best possible way? Have two ceremonies of course and keep the celebrations going for about 20 hours!

Welcome to the Epic weddings of Huong and Matthew. We commenced our huge day at Huong’s parents house for a traditional Vietnamese Tea Ceremony. The first of our two nuptials. Huong was dazzling in her red and gold silk outfit. Topped off with her fabulous (and heavy) traditional head wear.

And a rocking pair of red heels.

The girls were cool as with loads of laughing filling the house. Huong just shines in front of the camera.

The ceremony began with Huong’s parents welcoming all of Matthew’s family into their home and they had many, many offerings for the Bride and her family.

Huong’s beautiful Mother accepting her tea.

And the Groom wore blue. I must say it was a first for me, but Matthew totally pulled it off!

The boys were hilarious and worked their “Kung Fu” moves.

After much feasting, we started to prepare for the second ceremony at Brisbane Boys Grammar Chapel. Huong helped the boys prepare.

So cute.

Huong made a quick change into her divine dress from Darb Couture. Just stunning.

Shining again.

Matthew … waiting patiently

No detail was overlooked in this day, I loved the Usher’s folder of things to do. Organised ladies are fabulous.

My absolute favorite shot of the day below.

The ceremony was conducted by Father Huong… we all had a giggle at this.

After lots of congratulating and family photos we headed off to the Botanic Gardens and The Kangaroo Point Cliffs for some photos.

Great jumping everyone.

Around 15 hours later it was time for the Bridal waltz. We were treated to amazing choregraphed number from the entire bridal party. Stamina!!

Huong and Matthew, what an amazing way to start your journey together. Everyone was so welcoming and we felt part of the family by the end of the night. The warmest of wishes to you both for a long and happy life together..

x Denise (photographer in awe of energetic weddings)

A beautiful April day was filled with anticipation for me and a groom. For me, it was just how much more gorgeous can this girl possibly look? It was probably the same for our groom Ben. I met Ben and Shari a while ago in the studio after they were recommended to have a chat to me, we talked about the wedding, how they met and their delightful fur baby “Chief”. I thought now here is just the sweetest couple and my god, how good this girl is going to look in a dress to die for.

Yes ladies, THIS is a dress, an amazing one with each little square of tulle sown on individually.

Shari, you are a dream to photograph.

One of my very favorite shots below.

Shari’s Mum Dianne was just the sweetest, making sure we had everything we needed, pressing dresses, feeding everyone all while crying at every opportunity. So proud of her stunning girl.

We headed over to the Oxley Golf Club to catch up with Ben and the lads and “Chief”. Looking every part the page boy in his little tux. He even carried the rings, clever boy.

Shari just beamed down the aisle with her proud folks.

The ceremony was looked after by celebrant Anne Campbell.

Oh we are married!! Yes!!

A shot I love with both Mum’s.

We headed off with the threat of a huge thunderstorm approaching to grab some location moments on the golf course.

So in love.

A very cool and unusual cloud.

The ladies.

Ben and Shari, thank you. An amazing day for you both and your families. Such a fun and stunning couple!

See you soon, x Denise (photographer who misses her dog)

Now I know there are a few “horse/racing” mentions in this post but in honour of our fantastic groom Adam (who is a mad horse fan) I am going with it. So giddy-up and enjoy the beautiful wedding of Sammy and Adam. Mickey and I started our day with young Adam and the lads over at his house in Nundah, oh so dangerously close to Eagle Farm! The boys were in fine form for the days events ahead.

Adam, looking every bit the Italian Stallion.

The boys had a little flutter and I found the evidence on the coffee table. Hope he didnt bet the rings on No. 3 in the 3rd.

Meanwhile Sammy our gorgeous fillie, was over with her ladies gearing up for the ride of her life. Above is the workings of one of the most beautiful speeches to a husband I have ever heard.

Sammy is just a divine lady, and looked like an angel today.

An angel with spunk!

Beautiful Corpus Christi at Nundah was the venue for our fab couple.

Sam is the picture of a bride, so very gorgeous and on the arm of her very proud father.

Such a beautiful ceremony with a few laughs thrown in for good measure.

A perfect day awaited us for some location photos, a few gorgeous clouds in the sky set the scene for our next stop at Brisbane’s grooviest club Cloudlands.

Wow, everywhere you look in here is just another masterpiece but nothing could overshadow our Bride and Groom.

These two cant keep their eyes of each other.

After a little run and champange in the park we headed over to Rydges at Southbank with a perfect view for a perfect evening.

And some hillarious “horse filled” speeches.

Sammy gave the speech of her life to Adam and there was not a dry eye in the house. A heartfelt moment to top off their fabulous day racing into each others arms. Congratulations to you both, what a great time we had, it was an incredible start to a beautiful marriage. All bets are off now, Adam and Sam are a sure thing.

x Denise ( a horses for courses photographer)