Affordable luxury: Vera Wang wedding dresses.

Vera Wang is a favourite at the luxury end of the market, having designed couture creations worth over $30,000 for Chelsea Clinton, Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Garner.

But now all brides can afford to wear one of Vera Wang’s beautiful wedding dresses, the White Collection. Although Vera Wang gowns are well worth what you usually pay for, she has recently launched her new affordable line for David’s Bridal. The White Collection includes 12 gowns (one, for example, is a frothy tulle balloon dress) from US$600-$1,400, which is a pretty amazing price to wear a Vera down the aisle.

David’s Bridal will only ship to the USA, but Australian brides can use a mail forwarder service such as Shopaholiques, which will forward the package to an Australian address for an extra charge. With the high Australian dollar at the moment, buying from the US is now a feasible option. :)

We suggest you think about what combination of relatives you would like in your formal photos and recommend you make a list of what formal family photos are essential for you (both now and to look back on in 20 years time).
The time spent planning the different group shots you require ensures that no one is missed, and it speeds up the process. Even if you just spend ten minutes putting a list together before your wedding, that’s way more thought than if we wing it on the day!!

1. Formal family photos: Suggested group checklist

– Feel free to copy and paste the following into a word document, and edit and delete as suits your family!
– The order suggested below works well, with each group starting small and getting bigger – that way your parents end up next to you, your siblings in the front row, and all the extended family in the back row.
– We also recommend you add specific names if you can as that way we can ensure everyone is actually there by calling out specific names, instead of just asking for “extended family”.

* Bride only and Family (Usually taken before the bride leaves for the ceremony)

• Bride + Dad
• Bride + Mum
• Bride + Mum & Dad
• Bride + Mum & Dad & Siblings

* Groom only and Family  (Either taken before the ceremony or usually after the ceremony)

• Groom +Dad
• Groom + Mum
• Groom + Mum & Dad
• Groom + Mum & Dad & Siblings

* Bride & Groom + Brides family

• B&G + Bride’s Parents
• B&G + Bride’s Parents & Siblings
• B&G +  Bride’s Parents & Siblings & Siblings partners (+ nieces & nephews?)
• B&G + Bride’s Parents & Siblings & Extended Family (Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents)
• B&G +  just Bride’s Grandparents

* Bride & Groom + Groom’s family

• B&G +  Groom’s Parents
• B&G +  Groom’s Parents & Siblings
• B&G +  Groom’s Parents & Siblings & Siblings Partners (+ nieces & nephews?)
• B&G +  Groom’s Parents & Siblings & Extended Family (Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents)
• B&G +  just Groom’s Grandparents

* Bride & Groom + both of your families (optional)

• B&G + both set of parents
• B&G +  both set of parent &  all your siblings
• B&G +  all of your siblings

2. Before the wedding, let your relatives know that they will be required to stay after the ceremony for their formal photos.

Do not assume they know they will be required – grandparents may disappear early, parents may rush off to do last minute tasks for the reception,  and others might not realise you want them in your photos.

3. Ask someone who knows with a loud voice to be in charge of helping us get everyone together.
Ideally someone not in many/any of the actual photos. Bridesmaids or Groomsmen are a good choice for this! It’s great if they can get the next few people in the photo organised and ready to go as we are shooting the previous combination. That will help us ensure that we do not miss anyone, and the formal photos are as quick as possible.

4. Ask your helper to bring your list on the day. (or send it to me so I can check it/ print it and put it in my camera bag).

5. Please also consider

– A group shot of everyone. We usually take a photo with all of your guests after the ceremony, we suggest that the celebrant let’s the guests know this is happening so they know not to wander off, or you can put it in the ceremony booklet if you have one. We take the group photo of everyone first before the other family photos so all your guests don’t need to wait around.
– Have children? If you have kids yourself, (or your siblings do) then you’ll probably want to also include your children in most of the combinations listed above. Also if you have kids don’t forget to add a photo of just your immediate family to the top of the list:
Bride + groom and your kids.
– If you have elderly relatives may need to take their photo first if they are unable to wait around. For example we may need to take the photo of you and your grandparents first, or ask someone in the bridal party to bring a chair from the ceremony location for them to sit :)
– If mobility is an issue for any of your guests who will be starring in the family photos please let us know so we can take that into account when we plan where to take the family photos.
– Kids in the bridal party? If there are any young children in your bridal party who wont be coming along for the bridal party photoshoot then we would normally do a group photo of all your bridal party at the end of the formal family photos so you have a photo of the whole bridal party together.
– God parents, overseas guest or any other VIPs you would like a photos with? Try and keep your list as short as possible as you’ll be the ones standing there smiling. But if you do want a particular photo combination, then the most efficient way is to do it with the family photos (plus everyone is still dressed and sober at this time).
– Special friends or relatives not included in the above list. It’s usually best to do group photos with friends- (uni friends, school friends, work friends, sporting team friends etc) at the reception, as otherwise it takes too much time and involves too many people waiting around after the ceremony which slows things down, and these groups work well as slightly less formal photos. At the reception these combinations can either be done impromptu , or you can plan them into the evening, or even get the MC to announce it.
– If the group with extended family is huge, you might want to break it down into smaller groups, for example brides mum’s side extended family, then the bride’s dads side extended family.
– Have separated parents, or step-parents? We suggest a photo with your parents together, and then with each parent (and their new partner if applicable). Please let us know if this applies to you, and see below for a specific example of how to put the list together.

6. What if my parents are separated or divorced?

If you parents are separated or have new partners, then we recommend the following order for formal photos, which is slightly more complicated than the above, but pretty fast when we are just following the list. This way both your parents get a photos they would be happy to frame, and you do too. The following list assumes it’s the brides parents are separated, just follow the pattern if its the grooms parents who are separated… Also, let us know if this applies to you, so we can tactfully arrange the posing or be sensitive to any politics.

* Before the ceremony (depending on who is there):
– Bride + Brides mum
– Bride + Brides mum + partner
– Bride + Bride’s Dad
– Bride + Bride’s Dad +partner
– Bride + Siblings

* After the ceremony, starting with your mums side:
– B&G + Bride’s mum
– B&G + Bride’s mum + Brides mums partner (if applicable)
– B&G + Bride’s mum + Brides mums partner + siblings
– B&G + Bride’s mum + Brides mums partner + siblings + siblings partners (if applicable)
– B&G+ Bride’s mum + Brides mums partner + siblings + siblings partners + extended family on your mums side
– B&G + Bride’s mum + Grandparents from Mum’s side

* Then your repeat for your dads side
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Brides dads partner (if applicable)
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Brides dads partner + siblings
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Brides dads partner + siblings + siblings partners (if applicable)
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Brides dads partner + siblings + siblings partners + extended family on your dads side
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Grandparents from Dad’s side

* And also  photo for you, if your parents are ok with being in a photo together…
– Bride + Groom + Bride’s dad + Bride’s Mum + siblings

7. More questions?

I hope our suggestions can be of assistance. :)  Please contact us you have any other questions or there is anything we may be able to help with.

To find out more about us you can view our wedding blog , our wedding portfolio or wedding packages page. 

Are you looking to take destination  pre-wedding photos in Perth, WA?

If you are considering taking your pre-wedding photos overseas, we recommend Perth (and are not too biased…) Many couples, especially  from south-east Asia do choose to have a photoshoot in Perth, Western Australia for its close proximity, great locations, open spaces and sunny weather.  Although some  couples choose to fly a photographer over with them, we suggest you consider hiring a photographer form Perth. (us!)

We have worked with many Asian couples and know how to make them look their best! Richard was born in Vietnam, and his grandparents are Chinese. We have also travelled to many places in Asia- Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Vietnam-  and we love everything about it, the food, the weather and especially the people!

The advantage of booking a local photographer is that

• We have a  better understanding of how to control the harsh sun found in WA. Unlike many parts in Asia, in Perth there is often a blue cloudless sky. The effect of such harsh lighting can be quite unflattering, but we have the experience, techniques and equipment to be able to control the light to create beautiful flattering photos.
• We know the directions in Perth, and won’t get lost. We do know of a couple from Singapore who, along with their photographer and make-up artist got lost on the way to the Pinnacles for their pre-wedding photoshoot. We were called for an emergency photoshoot with them and ended up taking the photos as their photographer had to leave to catch his plane back to Singapore.
• We are easy to get along with and are happy to schedule a few hours to get to know each other before we embark on your photoshoot
• You will not have to pay for our flights and accommodation since we already live here! :)

For more information see sunset times in Perth, WA and suggested Perth wedding photography locations within a few hour radius of Perth.

Find out more about us, and feel free to contact us to request a quote or to ask us anything!

Where oh where in Perth to have your wedding photos taken?

A good photographer can make the most of every situation, and find an angle and background that works well. Ideally I would look for is either very elegant or beautiful (nice buildings, water), or a simple background (think plain blue wall) or something that is close to nature (long grasses, dense trees, glowing leaves). I always discuss this with my clients, but thought I would write this page to give you a better idea about the topic in general and so they can be more informed when I do meet with them.

There is more to think about when choosing wedding locations than just what the location looks like.  Here are some ideas to consider when deciding where you want to have your wedding photos taken:

1. Convenience to your wedding venues

Your wedding day is not the best time for long limousine trips. As much as a pretty background can help create beautiful photos, the main focus of your photos is you, your family,  bridal party and guests. Whilst I suggest to make the most out of the locations nearby, I often use a small depth of field to blur out the background anyway.  I also use a mixture of different lighting techniques and tools on hand to create a variety of images within the one location.

This means that I can create a simple, elegant background out of a okay area.

• Is the location of you ceremony or reception attractive/ interesting/ elegant, in which case we’d use these as some of your locations since we are going there anyway!
• For example, a patch of long grass/weeds can look very romantic. A church, trees, vineyards, or the architecture works well. We can also use any park, interesting building, plain wall or beach that is nearby to where you will be spending your big day.
• If I haven’t photographed a wedding at your venue before I will make a trip down there to scout for locations. Often there are many unique locations right there and this would usually be my preference and recommendation to use.

2. Somewhere significant to you

The next way we will think of  location ideas is by discussing any places that are of significance  to you:

• Where you met your spouse,
• Where you had your first date,
• Where you spent a lot of time together,
• Somewhere you enjoy going,
• A special place or
• The place you were proposed to.

Is there anywhere significant near the ceremony or reception venue?

The best photography tells a story, and I am definitely keen to take photos somewhere that adds to your story. I would be keen for a McDonalds, your highschool, uni, cafe, or supermarket location if my clients were. Anyone? I think It’d be a blast!
Also, please remember that you can always book a pre-wedding/ engagement portrait photography session in which case we can use significant locations for your photography then. This may be helpful if your significant locations are too far from your wedding venues to travel to on the day.

3. Iconic Perth photography locations

The third consideration for wedding photography locations is usually the one brides jump to first. I will include prominent locations here to get you thinking.

I don’t think that you need to use the following locations to get great photos, although I know some of my international clients are especially keen to use some of Perth’s best know landmarks in the background of their photos. If any of these locations fit into your schedule then that’s great too!

Some locations do require a permit to use them for professional photography so I have included information about that as well.

Fremantle

• Beautiful old buildings everywhere
• Victorian Buildings at Fremantle Markets
• Round House
• Fremantle Maritime Museum
• Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

Perth CBD  

• Urban architecture
• Swan Bell Tower
• The foreshore and parks with CBD view
• Trinity Arcade
• His Majesties Theater for its regal architecture, marble staircases and opulence (venue subject to availability and permit required)
• King Street old architecture

Kings Park

Fantastic trees, greenery, ponds, and views to the city (photography permit required)

UWA

A great location for your ceremony and photos afterwards. Great gardens, lakes, bridges, and historic buildings (photography permit required) which is $80 for an hour

South Perth Foreshore with views to Perth

• Anywhere along the river
• Under Narrows Bridge (great location if it is raining)
• From a boat

Claisebrook Cove

Great for a night shoot.

Mount Bays Road

• Great trees especially in autumn and
• The iconic  blue Matilda Bay Boat House, Crawley
• The Old Swan Brewery

Any beach location in WA

Great sunset location, but remember it is likely to be very windy and can play havoc to any loose, flowing hairstyle

• Cottesloe Beach
• Trigg Beach – interesting rock formations
• Hillarys Marina
• Mindarie Marina

Surrounding Perth area

• The Swan Valley
• Araluen Botanic Park (photography permit required)
• Lancelin Sand Dunes
• The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
• Margaret River Wine regions

4. Have a wet weather plan

The final consideration is best to discuss with your photographer when you choose you locations. Where will you go if it happens to rain on your big day?

I recommend having a plan, and then checking the weather a few days beforehand (not any sooner as you’ll only be stressing about an inaccurate forecast). If you do need to implement your wet weather plan it’s not the end of the world. There are many places in Perth that are undercover yet beautiful, and cloudy skies to create more dramatic photos and produce more flattering lighting anyway!

There is also the alternative to purchase large umbrellas and take your photos outdoors as  planned. Umbrellas can actually look quite romantic, similar to parasail’s that I also recommend. I would suggest you purchase umbrellas in either a colour that works well with your bridesmaids dresses, or plain black. Just ensure that they are plain, they do not have any writing or corporate branding on the umbrella and you have enough matching umbrellas for everyone in the bridal party.

I look forward to chatting to you about your wedding photography locations and as always, I am open to suggestions :)

We recommend you consider the sunset time for the day your wedding is being held. This is because the best time for photography, and the most flattering lighting is close to sunset. Of course we do have our strobes and  reflectors to  create lighting if the lighting available isn’t ideal, but you can’t beat an amazing sunset!

Once the sun has set we have about 25 minutes to capture the beautiful colour in the sky. (Less time if the day was very cloudy.) After this time the sky will appear black in your photos,  and no matter how many flashes we bring, we can not light up the whole sky!  Take particular note of this if you are holding a wedding in winter, as the sun does set quite early, something that is easy to forget when you are enjoying Perth’s balmy summer evenings!

Another idea to use the sunset time to your advantage is to plan a quick photoshoot with us in the middle of your reception. This is an opportunity to capture the colour in the sky as the sun sets and  can take place whilst your guests are eating entree or their main, food always works as a great distraction! Richard and I can have our gear set up and ready to go, we will happily photograph you for as long as you can spare time away from your guests. This can also work as a nice romantic break away from everyone, and most definitely results in spectacular photos!

Below are the sunset times Perth, WA, to assist you in your wedding timeline planning. Just look for the nearest date to your wedding, as I have only included the sunset time in 10 day blocks. Please keep in mind that the colours in the sky will appear from sunset time listed below, and usually intensify over the next 25 minutes after the time listed.

If you are getting married elsewhere in the world, just contact us and we can advise you on the sunset time for your location.

Perth Sunset Times (PM)