When did you start focusing on your photography and your business?
“There was always a camera around when I grew up. I remember trying to change the film and using old-fashioned disposable flash bulbs. My dad would develop his black-and-white film, and I remember being fascinated by the image that came to life. “Fast-forward to 1995. The girl I was dating at the time was a huge photographer and was asked to photograph her friend’s marriage. It was then that I decided to offer my help. In 2013 and 2014, I won the Australian Bridal Industry Academy Award for Wedding Photography in Western Australia. It was then that I felt confident enough to pursue this as a full-time career. In 2015, my goal was to photograph 40 weddings a year. I achieved this in 2016 when I shot 55, and in 2017, I photographed 68. What would you say about your style of photography? Each part of the day is unique and requires a slightly different approach. I would describe my style as very natural and lightly posed. “We will keep the groom and Bride on time during the preparation but won’t be controlling the shots much. We are flying in the background, shooting 100% documentary during the ceremony. For the bridal shoot, we capture a few [natural] candid shots, as well as a few lightly posed but natural images. I place the Bride and groom into a sensational light and tell them to stand so they look their best. Then, I move away and let them just be themselves. I come up with silly things to say so that we can get both sensual and loving shots, as well as some funny ones. I enjoy getting to know the couple, and I know how to capture ‘that’ shot. “We shoot candid, documentary, and posed photos at receptions.”
Who was your first influence?
“My father was my biggest influence. Jerry Ghionis, for me, is the pinnacle in wedding photography. “He can always capture such elegance in images.”
What made you want to shoot weddings?
After shooting a couple of film weddings in the 1990s, I stopped for a bit because I refused to purchase a digital camera. Around 2006, I was given the opportunity to work as a second shooter for a friend. I seized the opportunity and haven’t looked back since. “People ask me why I do weddings, and it’s because I love a challenge. I find it very satisfying to make two people who are not fond of having their pictures taken love the experience. I receive so many comments like ‘that wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be’ or “That was fun.” Who wouldn’t want to kiss the love of their life? I enjoy taking landscape photos, but I lack the patience to wait five days for the perfect sunset. “I like to be able to adapt and make the most of any situation, whether it’s harsh sunlight or rain.
What is your favorite part of the job you do?
“There are many wonderful moments at a wedding for me.” I think the bridal preparation is a lovely part of a wedding, and I often tell brides how I feel honored to share in the “woman’s” domain at that time. The energy is constant, and you can feel it. You can feel excitement, nervousness, and happiness. I believe brides feel all their emotions at this time. I love seeing the pride in their faces as they watch the ceremony. Also, the tears that come to their eyes as they see their family members. It is a special experience to capture the couple’s emotions as they make the vow to live the rest of their life together. The couple’s on-location photo shoots are the highlight of my day. It is for this reason that the couple chose me to be their photographer. “This part of the day gives me the opportunity to be creative and capture the beautiful moments as the couple enjoys their afternoon, and takes in the fact that the person of their dream has just been married.”
What’s your best piece of advice for couples who are planning their wedding?
“Know your goals and make sure you achieve them.”
You can’t get it. Your wedding is a one-time event. You can meet all of your vendors to determine which one you feel will best fit [your needs]. Listen to the opinions and advice of your vendors and communicate your ideas. Surround yourself with people who love you. It can be stressful to plan a wedding. However, if you surround yourself with people you love and professional vendors, you will ensure that your day runs smoothly. Make sure that you are comfortable with your wedding photographer. They will be there for the majority of your special day. Celebrants will be with you for about an hour. Limo drivers will take you around. Your DJ will start the party. But photographers will be there [all day and night]. All of your vendors should be comfortable, but your photographer is the most important.
What should you remember on the day?
“Try to take in everything. The day will go by so quickly because of all the preparation. Enjoy each part of your day. Relax, breathe deeply, and cry. Allow yourself to experience and enjoy every emotion. Be yourself. I see people who think they must behave in a certain manner because others are watching, but it is important to be yourself. Enjoy your wedding.
Which wedding was your most memorable?
What a difficult question. Many people would say the wedding of a famous person, the wedding of the most beautiful Bride, or the wedding at an amazing venue. I’ve photographed some of the most famous people and beautiful wedding venues, as well as some incredible couples. But for me, a memorable wedding is when the Bride and groom enjoy themselves. It’s fantastic to see couples being themselves and with each other. Their inhibitions are gone, and their personalities come through. This is what makes a wedding special. As a professional wedding photographer, I can tell you that the wedding is memorable because of the couple and not the wedding’s physical items.
Tell us about your inspiration for creating wedding gowns.
The technical difficulties [associated with bridal couture] and the amount of detail that goes into each gown are what attracted me to the wedding dress industry. You never stop learning, and this is a big part of it.
How does the Bride of 2018 look?
“Our brides are unique and we have many styles, but they all draw on their individuality.” We love to reflect our brides’ personalities and styles. We don’t have a single style. We do many different looks, from retro, vintage, and retro-vintage to classic, deconstructed, and modern.
Take us through the design process of a gown.
“We begin with a design meeting to discuss all of the Bride’s wishes and ideas. We then analyze the cut, design, and fit of the gown. We then choose the fabrics and laces to give the Bride a quote. The next step is to set up the gown. All aspects are finalized, and the fitting dates are assigned. “We have an average of five fittings, but more often for complex and detailed gowns.”
Tell about one of the highlights of your career.
It’s pretty cool to be on the cover of magazines. It’s also great to bump into the families we made gowns for. “I am always bumping into previous clients and I love to hear [about] their stories, see pictures, and hear [about] the happiness everyone had [on that day].”
What’s your most important piece of advice to a bride?
“Organisation [and budget] is vital.” Budgets are important, and we should all try to adhere to them. It will save us a lot of stress. If you show me photos of gowns that cost $15,000 but only have $3000 to spend, my best advice is to simplify the style. It is never a good idea to try and make a gown that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Last but not least, be honest about what you are capable of – a bride who is happy and relaxed always looks beautiful.
Tell us about your inspiration for MissMeNot Flowers.
“I was motivated to start MissMeNot Flowers by the birth of my daughter. After completing my university degree, I spent almost 20 years pursuing a commerce degree at large corporations. Out of curiosity, I also completed a floristry training course. As a corporate employee, I helped friends, family, friends of friends and even friends of family with their wedding flowers. “Once I had my children, I realized I was at a crossroads in my life as I tried to maintain a balance between work and family. MissMeNot Flowers was created by accident when I realized I could combine my passion for wedding floristry and my business skills. “I can now take on as many jobs as I like without having to compromise my family and still give my full commitment to my business.”
Tell about how much work and love goes into creating a floral arrangement.
There is a great deal of planning that goes into a marriage, and it can begin several months in advance. The initial consultation, which is usually between six to nine months before the wedding, takes a lot of time. This consultation is to ensure that all flower needs are addressed, as well as the type of flowers used and the style of the wedding. “I can order wholesale flowers up to a month in advance, depending on the season. After flowers are delivered to the wholesaler I make sure that the flowers ordered are of high quality and the colours chosen will suit each wedding. “I condition or treat flowers to keep them at their best for the Bride’s big day. Some flowers, such as roses, need to be wired or dethroned. Each flower is cleaned and checked to ensure that it is suitable.
Ready to be used in a bouquet or arrangement. The preparation of flowers takes many hours before the bouquet is assembled. “Once all arrangements have been assembled, I store them in top condition so that they are ready to be delivered. All bouquets arrive in specially-designed boxes, to keep them in top condition and prevent any damage while in transit. “This is just the beginning; there are also flowers to be considered for the reception and ceremony tables. Once again, I make sure that all the set-up is done and that table centrepieces are prepared for guests’ arrival. “Most brides are surprised to find that their flowers look great several days after the wedding.”
What should customers expect from you when they visit?
“I think customers can expect passion from my side. My passion for beautiful arrangements is evident in my work and the feedback from clients. This passion is also what I believe gives clients exceptional service. “I believe that my business philosophy is based on honesty and guidance in helping couples create their vision for their wedding.”
What is your source of inspiration?
“My inspiration is derived from the vision of a bride.” Inspiration comes from having long conversations with couples about their vision for their wedding. Pinterest is the source of many photos that brides send me. It doesn’t mean that the flowers are in season. However, using alternative ideas can inspire new ones. Pinterest is a great way to get an idea of what brides are looking for, but as floral designers, we always add our style and creativity. I have a large floristry network around the globe, and we’re always… [sharing] our improved skills and knowledge. While most brides prefer traditional arrangements, I like to go outside the box sometimes.
Create unique bouquets for each individual.”
What is the future of wedding flowers this year?
“Flower trends are always changing.” I predict that in 2018, we will move away from rustic and vintage styles, and more sophisticated, rich, and bold colors will become popular. “Native [flowers] are expected to continue growing in popularity, especially during their peak seasons.”
What’s your most important piece of advice to couples planning a wedding?
Set yourself a reasonable budget based on the flowers you need. The cost of flowers will vary depending on your bouquet style, the type of flowers you choose, and the number of bridal attendants. Try to choose flowers in season or look for substitutes that will give you the same bouquet style. I hear comments such as ‘I don’t want to spend that much on flowers.’ But remember, a mechanic wouldn’t charge you only for the parts they replaced. The same goes for florists, who have to include the cost of the materials and time as well. Many people believe that ordering flowers and tying them up is all it takes. The reality is quite different. Remember the many hours that go into a wedding: the initial consultation and months of correspondence. Quotes, designs, storage, delivery. All of it adds up.
What is the future of MissMeNot Flowers like?
“My business will continue to grow this year.” The future looks amazing and exciting. “With same-sex weddings now being legalized, I am excited to be a part more weddings.”
