"Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh." Rumi
To all our newly engaged couples. Congratulations! Be yourselves and create a wedding that truly reflects who you are together. We hope we inspire you and introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
a minute with
Where did your photography journey start?
In the darkroom of a studio in South Brisbane where I took my first photography course. I pulled a print out from the chemicals and discovered that not only did I love this craft but I might actually be okay at it. I had been playing around with the camera my father left me when he passed away, and in that moment realised he had given me more than a camera, he’d given me a voice and an opportunity to use it.
Why weddings?
I love photographing people and unexpected moments. I like documentary photography as well as the lines and drama in landscape and architectural photography. I capture connections – between people, their history and their environment. All the things I love to photograph can be found at a wedding. Two individuals creating one new family in a joyous and momentous occasion, why wouldn’t I want to capture that?
How does your work differ, what makes Studio Impressions so special?
There is a definite Studio Impressions style that some people have called ‘weddingscapes’, but I don’t think it is just our style that makes us special. There are many little things that make us different, our experience, our commitment to quality, our personal approach. For example there is no random allocation of photographers, it is purely your choice, but the stand out element is, we are genuine. We genuinely love what we do and want you to have the best day of your life. Our images depict genuine moments, genuine feelings. We capture the little things that mean a lot. For us it isn’t
just about the photography, it is about the feelings.
What advice do you have for newly engaged couples looking for a wedding day photographer?
Don’t get overwhelmed. Ask your venue for referrals and meet with a few different photographers to get a better sense of what you like and what you don’t. Don’t shop on price alone. Meet the actual person who will be photographing your wedding (not just their studio representative) and ask about what goes into their preparation for your day, what happens on the day and what happens afterwards. You aren’t just buying their products, you are buying their service and most importantly, their expertise.
How would you describe your photographic style?
Documentary, emotive, full of feeling with a touch of unexpected humour.
Where is your favourite place to shoot?
Wherever the light is calling.
Do you have a favourite destination wedding location?
So far, Lake Como Italy, but always looking for new places to make my favourite.
Favourite bar or restaurant?
For great Japanese with the family, Bishamon in Spring Hill Brisbane. For a special night out with my wife, Urbane. For Sunday afternoon drinks, Stokehouse Bar overlooking the river, or a cheeky BYO for sunset at Kangaroo Point.
Which countries do you love to travel to?
Anywhere new satisfies the adventurer in me.
What inspires you?
17th century Dutch paintings, especially the works of Vermeer & de Hooch
Modern Australian artists such as Jeffrey Smart and The great Magnum photographers Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt
Also the stories of the people I photograph every day. There are such amazing things to see in everyday life.
Is there a particular wedding that stands out in your memory?
It was actually a 50th Wedding Anniversary I was asked to photograph. I was so touched by the enduring love of this couple and by seeing the extended family they had created, it will forever remind me what a wedding day is really about. There is a video that we took on the night that sums it up perfectly.
www.studioimpressions.com.au/fullscreen/video-freda-artemio
Do you collect anything?
Vinyls to play as I work on my images at night. I also collect vintage camera lenses which I pull apart and repurpose into new lenses that I make for photographic play.
What kind of music is on your playlist right now?
The French band Talisco;
The Lumineers’ new album and
Florence and the Machine.
What can a wedding day look when you venture the inner depths of Melbourne and discover a setting that offers a historic, spiritual and dramatic backdrop. Photographer Vanessa Rochelle captures the unique and charming venue Chapel 1885.
Hints of romance, delicacy and undeniable class. Dreaming of Tuscany was created for the lovers who are fantasising of that gorgeous European Wedding.
Heidi, creative director for Quill shares her love of stationery, and shares her advice on creating the perfect invitation. Including those personal touches. She illustrates elements from your day into designs which could be your venue or favourite flower.
Be inspired by the romance of blush palettes, delicate gowns and charm. Captured on the grounds of Potters in Victoria by Collections Photography.
As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, couples all over the world are having to make a very difficult, and often heartbreaking, decision to cancel, postpone, or adjust their best-laid wedding plans. We are sharing “Change of Plans" stories and some of those include eloping now with the celebrations to come later.
Ruffles & Bells was born out of love and beauty. We catch up with Founder and Creative Director, Eliska Lam and learn how her passion for art, design and travel became her full time obsession and asked her to share planning advice with couples to be.
Darker tones and the warmth of candle lighting create intimate settings of love at the table. Be inspired by the hauntingly gorgeous shoot capture by Story of Eve.
For lovers of textural minimal style, your natural wedding palette starts here. A setting at Hampton Estate that showcases just what you can do with white on white. Layers of dramatic foliage complimented with glassware, Wedgwood porcelain plates and stoneware. Be inspired naturally!
Capturing the beauty within the surroundings of a greenhouse against the cliffs, this romantic setting slows down time. Inspired by natures own; earthy tones and minimalist styling with a floral palette of burnt blooms inspired by the silhouette of the cliffs, every detail curated to uphold the rich understated beauty which stands in position for a lifetime.
Natural elements and the beauty of yesteryear that inspires a modern classic bride. A slower paced life where things were simpler, and heirlooms were passed down and treasured. ‘Prairie’ encapsulates history not forgotten with sustainable styling. Step back in time with old-world treasures of natural textures and hand picked floral. It's romance set in dust, warm golden tones with hauntingly beautiful shadows.
