Wedding: J+S <3 (Brookfield)

Lovely Suzie & John <3

We met up with S&J at South Bank Pirate Park (not sure of the official name for the park but this is how we refer to it; it is currently the Creative Director’s favourite place to hone new gymnastic skills). :)

We locked in the date and they had dreams of going to Italy for their honeymoon.

Covid happened.

S&J decided to postpone till the next year. So we did. No problem.

It was a perfect day. S&J were surrounded by friends and family and packed a lot into a few hours. They had the best attitude about the change of plans and really embraced the season in life.

A family member owns the stunning Hamptons style home and it was the best location for S&J’s intimate nuptials. A lot of collective work had gone into renovating the home during the year of postponement.

In every gallery we send out, we provide more colour images than black & white ones. Suzie & John’s wedding gallery was no different. As I (Em) was putting together the blog post, I found myself more drawn to the b&w images. For me, the b&w allow the details and emotions from the day to shine through with little to no distraction. The day was classic (black and white the theme of the wedding party) and that seems to really shine through with the grayscale set.

Here is the lovely feedback we received from S&J:

"We've been through the photos and we're so incredibly happy. There are so many amazing shots so we'll enjoy looking through them again and again and deciding which we'll have printed to see on our walls every day. Thank you again so much; we're so happy we had the two of you there and how perfectly you captured everything."

Enjoy!

Brisbane Wedding Photographer
Brisbane Wedding Photographer

Grounding Advice for Tough Times

Hello!

Hope this finds everyone well.

It has continued to be tough times for everyone in any industry. We are still in the throes of COVID-19 - including the collateral damage in the form of lockdowns, postponements, & cancellations. It is a really tough time.

Sometimes the simple things are the best. We recently read a very grounding thread on Facebook: "Best advice you can give in 4 words...". Here are some grounding gems to remind everyone of the important things in life:

❣be kinder than necessary
❣sing in the rain
❣always tell the truth
❣patience is a virtue
❣worrying won't change anything
❣forgiveness brings you peace
❣turn up the music
❣don't water down scotch
❣live in the present
❣you only live once
❣be good to everyone
❣stay in your lane
❣kindness is a choice
❣this too shall pass
❣think before you speak
❣dance like nobody's watching
❣trust your gut instincts
❣be grateful for everything
❣don't drink and drive
❣live and let live
❣save for rainy days
❣live outside your bubble
❣keep an open mind
❣love's worth the mess
❣life is a rollercoaster
❣take a deep breath
❣listen more than advise
❣don't hold a grudge
❣eat the chocolate cake
❣it's okay to cry
❣always wash your hands
❣growth happens through discomfort
❣turn off the phone
❣learn from your mistakes
❣it's never too late
❣taste before you salt
❣bloom where you're planted
❣measure twice, cut once
❣take the high road
❣don't sweat small stuff
❣tomorrow is another day
❣perception often isn't reality
❣put it in writing
❣set your own limits
❣celebrate the small victories
❣eat well, sleep well

💕

What Pete Sees Vs What Em Sees :: (Alt Title) Why We Shoot Together

Good morning!

We recently realised that we share our work on a shared platform and we do not typically separate our work. We feel that our work is quite complementary; that is, not just two versions of the one frame. We use different lenses and different settings. We work from different heights. Perhaps most importantly, we have different eyes: the way we both “see” and capture the day is different. However, although we bring many differences to the table, we work together really well (much like our personality types - INFJ & ESTP; proof that opposites really can attract).

It is one thing for us to tell our story. As photographers, it is another to show you. Here are 25 examples of Pete’s work from lovely Jane & Aidan’s wedding and 25 examples of Em’s work.

Enjoy!

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Wedding: A+J <3 (Gabbinbar Homestead)

Lovely Jane & Aidan 💕

We always recommend meeting up with us one way or another before any transfer of $ or paperwork (in person, WhatsApp... we will make a way). We met Jane & Aidan at our favorite cafe and clicked. We liked them from the start. I (Em) shot their engagement shoot on a stormy day; we made the most of the break we got and this pair could not have been more relaxed about it all. On their wedding day, Jane & Aidan embraced every single thing about their day. They trudged through dirt, smiled for 11+ hours, shivered through night photography - not one complaint. From the stories shared, it all seemed on brand for J&A; they have a refreshing, pragmatic approach to life in general.

Review from J&A:

“We are so glad we booked Poppy & Sage for our wedding photography. We are so in love with the images - they are better than we could have imagined! Emily and Peter captured the day in a natural way, while still giving us some more traditional portrait-style shots. The pictures are completely and utterly 'us', and show how much joy and love the day was filled with, which was so important to us.”

It was a beautiful day and one that we will remember for a long time to come. We have shared 185 of our favourites from across the day.

Enjoy! <3

Here is a personal favourite from the day:

Jacaranda Wedding Elopement Inspiration at Branell Homestead in Laidley, Australia

Happy Monday!

We are thrilled to share this shoot that embraced as many purple tones as possible. Purple is a tricky colour. It is the sort of colour that can go wrong and… well, become tacky. It was a great challenge for the whole team to throw caution to the wind and include as much purple as possible. We were drawing our inspiration from jacaranda flowers after all. We also had to know where to stop. Thankfully the shoot was in the capable hands of our stylist (and florist) Nadja from Le Sans Souci; as always, Nadja pulled all the elements together - showcasing pops in some elements and toning down others. It all resulted in the perfect blend of jacaranda-inspired elopement inspiration.

Tyneale, from Tyneale Hahn Makeup Artist, crafted the story for this shoot beautifully (as always). Tyneale also submitted the shoot on behalf of the team; a time-consuming contribution that is very much appreciated.

Enjoy!

@tynealehahnmakeupartist
@branellhomestead
@le_sans_souci_flowers
@cakehouse.by.katrinaallan
@wilvalor
@sewmasterfashions
@paperhands_
@bronte.lvh.art
@rachaeldaviescelebrant
@emma.philllips
@dylnjhn
@poppyandsagephotography

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"Our shoot was planned to heavily feature the jacaranda trees that line the driveway of the venue – Branell Homestead – but, unfortunately, 2 significant hail storms went through the week prior and stripped the trees. We have paid tribute to the jacaranda with a variety of purple tones from pastel through to deeper wine colours in every element, including the blooms (even the chandelier!).

This elopement is a nod to all the couples who married through the early stages of restrictions when numbers were limited to 5. There are little moments of celebration that would not have been possible in a full wedding celebration… like popping that bubbly in a private setting! Our couple spent the entire day together - eating cake, sipping champagne and having a deconstructed pavlova to themselves… delish!

With small numbers, it allows you to wriggle the budget a little; to spoil or splurge on those things you might not have been able to before. Our bride (Emma) and groom (Dylan) models were perfect. Emma was effortlessly beautiful and Dylan was dapper and handsome.

When it comes to your wedding theme, if you can think of it you can create it! When your venue gives you a blank canvas, there are so many opportunities. This particular venue has many spaces (in various sizes). Some brides choose to style themselves and some engage a stylist. My advice would be to create in the space that allows you the most freedom and least amount of stress. Be true to you!

So many moments of this shoot were special. The amazing venue is practically in my backyard (the Lockyer Valley) and our team of vendors are based in the Toowoomba/Lockyer Valley regions – friends and colleges creating together. This was a wonderful experience as restrictions lifted and was the first time many of us had seen each other in 6 months! We also treasured the addition of other contributors (some coming on board very last minute) – it was the first time working with them!

All would not have been possible without our little slice of paradise in Branell Homestead. Situated in the back of Laidley, Branell Homestead is close enough to town but still far enough away. Far enough to be lost in the countryside and landscape views. They have the most spectacular sunsets! Branell Homestead is a country homestead with a grassy top level perfect for an outdoor ceremony or intimate reception. A short walk down the hill to the pavilion (a reception area with open or closed options) and you will find another outdoor ceremony or reception location - as well as a characteristic old jetty that walks out onto the dam. The property has acres of mango trees and endless photography opportunities - including with their own cattle (that you are able to feed if you wish!). You receive the venue as a blank canvas and can create whatever you hope and dream for your day!

Emily, of Poppy and Sage Photography, captured every moment and detail of the day - even the surprise ones (like the butterfly that landed on the couple during the portraits)! She creatively captured the day; the candid moments are always the most treasured.

There were handcrafted elements. The bridal gown by Sew Master Fashions was made especially for the bride with a colourful vision in mind. Our groom attire by Wil Valor was impeccable. A full suit with vest and bow tie are very on-trend at the moment. A wedding is a formal occasion so why not look your best?! There are also great ways to include pops of colour or a unique designer fabric.

Rachael Davies Celebrant conducted the ceremony from the heart.

The sweet treats and cakes were the work of Katrina from Cake House. Love is sweet and, on this day, it certainly was! The groom muse loves pavlova and the bride muse was there for the cake! Katrina created the sweet moments around their favourites. An elopement meant they had all the time in the world to sit down and enjoy them.

Nadja of Le Sans Souci created a floral oasis. Nadja elegantly styled the afternoon tea reception as well. Antique and unique pieces were included. Blooming luxury!

The earrings were handcrafted by Bronte LVH Art & Design and featured intricate details echoing our purple vibe.

The delicate stationery was hand-painted and designed by Paper Hands.

The unique approach continued to hair and makeup. Tyneale Hahn Makeup Artist added pearl details as a romantic touch and reflected the colour palette with soft lavenders and plum tones for the eyes. The delicate balance of a natural makeup yet detailed - to let the ‘you’ shine through!”

This shoot has been featured here:

Brisbane Wedding Photographer