Straddie wedding guide
Straddie wedding guide
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Hello and welcome to our

"Getting Married on Straddie" Guide!

Madeline&Daniel-LowRes-425
With over a decade of experience in photographing weddings on North Stradbroke Island, we've gained expert knowledge in the entire process, and now that you are all booked in, we're excited to share our insights with you. 
So, what comes next?

We will provide you with a suggested schedule for where we will be on the day, but in the meantime you can get a good idea below

  • Discover our favourite ceremony locations HERE on the island, offering stunning backdrops for your special day.
  • Explore our top picks for reception venues HERE, each offering its unique charm and atmosphere.
  • Consider any additional services or add-ons that might enhance your wedding experience.
  • We will provide you with a suggested schedule for where we will be on the day, but in the meantime you can get a good idea below
  • Take a moment to browse through our Frequently Asked Questions section HERE,
  • Keep reading for some guidance on what steps to take between now and your wedding day to ensure everything runs smoothly

We’re committed to helping you create some epic images and film of your Stradbroke Island wedding. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or have any crazy/cool ideas, or need further assistance along the way.

Congratulations on this exciting journey, and we look forward to being a part of your special day!

Ceremony locations

Reception locations

SCHEDULE - Leading in to and after your wedding

If you haven’t received it already, we will create a tailored schedule for your big day. This will consider your chosen package, guest count, and most importantly sunset time. We main aim is to use the light of the hour leading up to sunset, but flexibility is key – if you have specific preferences, we’re here to accommodate them.

Six weeks before your wedding, we’ll finalise any additional photography coverage and ensure your Questionnaire is completed.

One month before your wedding, please settle the balance, and don’t forget to fill out that all-important Questionnaire. This helps us create a list of family formal photos, which, while not the most thrilling part of the day, are cherished by all who are in them.

A couple of days prior to your wedding, we’ll touch base briefly. We’ll have gathered all necessary information, confirmed schedules and services, and discussed contingency plans if needed. We understand your time is precious during this final prep phase -with all your people in one spot.

Your Wedding Day – Yay

Within a few days post- wedding, expect a delightful sneak peek – a glimpse of your special day. We might also share highlights on our social media.

Within six weeks post-wedding, your complete digital photography package will arrive via Dropbox. (You’ll need your own external storage device for safekeeping. Our Dropbox undergoes regular cleanups, so timely retrieval is important) And please feel very free to throw us a review, we’d be so pleased.

Suggested Wedding Day schedule

This should give you a good idea about where we will be and tips on how to get the most out of our time with you on the day. These timings revolve around capturing location portraits of you and your bridal party during the best time of the day in terms of light – golden hour, which is the most favorable time of day. for exceptional lighting.

CEREMONY

Our photographer will be at the ceremony location 15 minutes ahead of schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly (This is our first meeting on your special day, so please let us know if there are any last-minute location or timing changes) We recommend keeping your arrival no more than 7 minutes behind schedule to ensure guests aren’t left waiting too long. Typically, ceremonies last around 20 minutes, but this can vary based on factors like the celebrant and any readings you have planned – Don’t forget to let us know if you have anything special planned for your ceremony

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY

Following the ceremony, depending on how many guests you have, there will be a period of about 10-15 minutes for congratulations and well-wishes. During this time, we’ll gather everyone together for the big group photo. It’s a great opportunity to capture a beautiful moment of everyone there. Then straight after we will do some smaller group photos.

FAMILY FORMAL PHOTOS

This segment offers flexibility in terms of size and formality, catering to your preferences. It’s the moment where your friends and family gather for group photos, and we transform the setting into an outdoor studio, setting up lights to ensure stunning results. Trust us when we say that preparation is the key to making this process smooth while capturing all the essential shots.

These photographs often find a special place on the walls of those in them, which is why we encourage you to provide a list of the specific groups you’d like to include. This list can be conveniently filled out in the Questionnaire we supplied earlier. To streamline the process further, you can designate a bridesmaid or someone familiar with the groups to help organize participants.Additionally, if there are any family dynamics or unique situations we should be mindful of, please share this information with us.

BRIDAL PARTY (IF APPLICABLE):

Let’s have a conversation about whether you’d like to include the bridal party in your location portraits. If you’re aiming for a more intimate and efficient photo session, we can focus solely on you two and our team. However, if you envision your bridal party being a meaningful part of this day, that’s absolutely fantastic! In that case, we’ll allocate the full hour to accommodate everyone.

When it comes to kids or pets being part of the equation, it might be best to arrange for separate photography at the ceremony spot. This allows us to dedicate the location portrait session to you both and capture those special moments without distractions

LOCATION PORTRAITS

Approximately one hour before sunset, we step into golden hour – a photographer’s dream for location portraits. If you have any concerns about this timing, please don’t hesitate to inform us in advance; we’re flexible and here to accommodate your preferences.

The duration of this phase, usually spanning 45 minutes to an hour, depends on the size of your bridal party and the selected locations. You’ll want to arrange transportation with designated sober drivers, and here’s a pro tip: having an esky stocked with refreshing drinks and snacks is a brilliant idea. This short interlude serves as a chance for you to unwind, bond with your bridal party, and Straddie at its best.

to 3.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

In the early morning, we scout the beaches and sneak a preview of your reception venue before your guests add their personal touches to the decor.

2.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

Next, we arrive at the bridal preparation location, where we greet everyone and photograph the intricate details you’ve chosen for your special day—items like shoes, flowers, your dress, and jewellery. Please ensure these items are accessible as you may be in the makeup chair when we arrive. Additionally, we’ll capture candid moments as you and your bridesmaids indulge in makeup, hairstyling, and other activities. Typically, this stage lasts around 40 minutes to an hour.

1.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

Shifting our focus, we arrive at the groom’s preparation location approximately 1.5 hours before the ceremony. During this brief period of about 30 to 40 minutes, we’ll document the final touches as the groom and his party prepare for the big day. To optimise this session, we recommend that everyone is ready, showered, and dressed (with pants on!) so we can capture moments like putting on shoes, cufflinks, and other finishing touches. It’s also an ideal time for portraits of the groom with close family members and friends. Typically, the rings are with the groom, so please have them ready for photography. This phase is perfect for capturing heartfelt moments with family, and you can decide who should be present during this time.

1 Hour Before the Ceremony

Returning to the bridal preparation location, we find that makeup and hair are expertly completed. Please ensure your hair and makeup team knows to finish at least an hour before the ceremony. This hour provides you with the opportunity to step into your wedding attire, address any final details, and experience a serene moment before the festivities. During this phase, we capture exquisite portraits of the bride, highlighting her beauty. We also document memorable moments with her bridesmaids and family. If you wish to include special family and friends, inviting them about half an hour before the ceremony ensures we capture those cherished moments.

CEREMONY

Our photographer arrives at the ceremony location 10 minutes before the ceremony’s scheduled start time to ensure a smooth flow. We recommend keeping your arrival no more than 7 minutes behind schedule to avoid lengthy guest waiting times. Typically, ceremonies last around 20 minutes, although this can vary based on factors like the celebrant and any planned readings. Feel free to let us know if you have any special plans for your ceremony.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY

Following the ceremony, and depending on the number of guests, there will be about 10-15 minutes for congratulations and well-wishes.

BIG GROUP PHOTO

We gather everyone together for the big group photo, capturing a beautiful moment with all attendees. Subsequently, we proceed to take smaller group photos. This stage, including group and family formal photos, usually takes about half an hour, but the duration can vary depending on your list.

FAMILY FORMAL PHOTOS

This segment can vary in size and formality, catering to your preferences. We transform the setting into an outdoor studio with professional lighting to ensure excellent results. Effective preparation is essential for a smooth process while capturing all essential shots. These photographs often find a special place on the walls of those in them, making it crucial for you to provide a list of specific groups you’d like to include. You can conveniently fill out this list in the Questionnaire we provided earlier. To streamline the process further, you can designate a bridesmaid or someone familiar with the groups to help organise participants. Additionally, if there are any family dynamics or unique situations we should be mindful of, please share this information with us.

BRIDAL PARTY (IF APPLICABLE)

Lets chat about whether to include the bridal party in your location portraits. If you prefer a more intimate and efficient photo session, we can focus solely on you two and our team. However, if you envision your bridal party playing a meaningful role on this day, that’s fantastic! In that case, we’ll allocate the full hour to accommodate everyone. When kids or pets are part of the equation, arranging separate photography at the ceremony spot might be best. This ensures that the location portrait session is dedicated to capturing special moments without distractions.

LOCATION PORTRAITS

(Starting one hour before sunset)

Approximately one hour before sunset, we enter the golden hour, a photographer’s dream for location portraits. If you have any concerns about this timing, please inform us in advance—we are flexible and accommodating. The duration of this phase, typically spanning 45 minutes to an hour, depends on the size of your bridal party and the chosen locations. You’ll need to arrange transportation with designated sober drivers. Here’s a pro tip: preparing an esky stocked with refreshing drinks and snacks is a brilliant idea. This short interlude allows you to unwind, bond with your bridal party, and capture Straddie’s beauty at its finest.

RECEPTION

We typically arrive at the reception location just after the sun has set. During this half-hour period, we capture your entrance, detail shots of your decorations, candid moments with your guests, and the overall ambiance of your event. If you wish to include any additional activities like the cake cutting or first dance, please do let us know, and we’ll capture those moments as well. We’ll depart around the time when the food is served and the light begins to fade. It’s likely that we’ll stay for a well-deserved drink to unwind after nearly 7 hours of capturing your special day.

to 3.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

In the early morning, we scout the beaches and sneak a preview of your reception venue before your guests add their personal touches to the decor.

2.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

Next, we arrive at the bridal preparation location, where we greet everyone and photograph the intricate details you’ve chosen for your special day—items like shoes, flowers, your dress, and jewellery. Please ensure these items are accessible as you may be in the makeup chair when we arrive. Additionally, we’ll capture candid moments as you and your bridesmaids indulge in makeup, hairstyling, and other activities. Typically, this stage lasts around 40 minutes to an hour.

1.5 Hours Before the Ceremony

Shifting our focus, we arrive at the groom’s preparation location approximately 1.5 hours before the ceremony. During this brief period of about 30 to 40 minutes, we’ll document the final touches as the groom and his party prepare for the big day. To optimise this session, we recommend that everyone is ready, showered, and dressed (with pants on!) so we can capture moments like putting on shoes, cufflinks, and other finishing touches. It’s also an ideal time for portraits of the groom with close family members and friends. Typically, the rings are with the groom, so please have them ready for photography. This phase is perfect for capturing heartfelt moments with family, and you can decide who should be present during this time.

1 Hour Before the Ceremony

Returning to the bridal preparation location, we find that makeup and hair are expertly completed. Please ensure your hair and makeup team knows to finish at least an hour before the ceremony. This hour provides you with the opportunity to step into your wedding attire, address any final details, and experience a serene moment before the festivities. During this phase, we capture exquisite portraits of the bride, highlighting her beauty. We also document memorable moments with her bridesmaids and family. If you wish to include special family and friends, inviting them about half an hour before the ceremony ensures we capture those cherished moments.

CEREMONY

Our photographer arrives at the ceremony location 10 minutes before the ceremony’s scheduled start time to ensure a smooth flow. We recommend keeping your arrival no more than 7 minutes behind schedule to avoid lengthy guest waiting times. Typically, ceremonies last around 20 minutes, although this can vary based on factors like the celebrant and any planned readings. Feel free to let us know if you have any special plans for your ceremony.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY

Following the ceremony, and depending on the number of guests, there will be about 10-15 minutes for congratulations and well-wishes.

BIG GROUP PHOTO

We gather everyone together for the big group photo, capturing a beautiful moment with all attendees. Subsequently, we proceed to take smaller group photos. This stage, including group and family formal photos, usually takes about half an hour, but the duration can vary depending on your list.

FAMILY FORMAL PHOTOS

This segment can vary in size and formality, catering to your preferences. We transform the setting into an outdoor studio with professional lighting to ensure excellent results. Effective preparation is essential for a smooth process while capturing all essential shots. These photographs often find a special place on the walls of those in them, making it crucial for you to provide a list of specific groups you’d like to include. You can conveniently fill out this list in the Questionnaire we provided earlier. To streamline the process further, you can designate a bridesmaid or someone familiar with the groups to help organise participants. Additionally, if there are any family dynamics or unique situations we should be mindful of, please share this information with us.

BRIDAL PARTY (IF APPLICABLE)

Lets chat about whether to include the bridal party in your location portraits. If you prefer a more intimate and efficient photo session, we can focus solely on you two and our team. However, if you envision your bridal party playing a meaningful role on this day, that’s fantastic! In that case, we’ll allocate the full hour to accommodate everyone. When kids or pets are part of the equation, arranging separate photography at the ceremony spot might be best. This ensures that the location portrait session is dedicated to capturing special moments without distractions.

LOCATION PORTRAITS

(Starting one hour before sunset)

Approximately one hour before sunset, we enter the golden hour, a photographer’s dream for location portraits. If you have any concerns about this timing, please inform us in advance—we are flexible and accommodating. The duration of this phase, typically spanning 45 minutes to an hour, depends on the size of your bridal party and the chosen locations. You’ll need to arrange transportation with designated sober drivers. Here’s a pro tip: preparing an esky stocked with refreshing drinks and snacks is a brilliant idea. This short interlude allows you to unwind, bond with your bridal party, and capture Straddie’s beauty at its finest.

RECEPTION

We typically arrive at the reception location just after the sun has set. During this half-hour period, we capture your entrance, detail shots of your decorations, candid moments with your guests, and the overall ambiance of your event. If you wish to include any additional activities like the cake cutting or first dance, please do let us know, and we’ll capture those moments as well. We’ll depart around the time when the food is served and the light begins to fade. It’s likely that we’ll stay for a well-deserved drink to unwind after nearly 7 hours of capturing your special day.

RECEPTION

We usually arrive at the Reception location just after the sun has set and we would at the Reception for about three hours.

Capturing your entrance, detail shots of your decorations, candid photos of your guests and covering the general ambiance of your event – then throughout the night the usual happenings to cover include; speeches, cake cutting, first dance and party … really whatever is happening.

It is important to keep to the timing on track because, after nine hours of work the photographer is going to want to stick to his schedule  

Please supply the photographer with a meal – the caterers we work with here are pretty good with this but to ensure not missing anything the meals should be given to them at the same time as your meals are. Chances are high that the photographer will have a knock off drink during the night as well.

Additional services we can provide

A few of the extra services we offer

Additional Hours

Want the photographer to stick around that bit longer? This includes 20+ additional images per hour

ParissAdrian LowRes 76
Trash the Dress shoot

Extra Shooter

Help with wrangling, more efficient, different angles, increased fun

HannaAsh HighRes 240
Certified Drone Operator

Album

Perfect for tricking your guests into looking at your wedding photos.

RachaelJack LowRes 250
Film of your day