Whenever I run into The Tara Lee of Tara Lee Photography, I know I’m in for a good chat. We move smoothly through #mumlyfe observations to exchanging podcast and book recommendations, to my inevitable admiration of her effortless comfy-chic style. She’s one of those people with whom each interaction is easy and authentic.

Tara Lee is all about creating a thoughtful experience for her clients – and of course stunning photography. Giving you her everything on your wedding day, ensuring you have a relaxed and enjoyable time is as much part of her job as taking incredible photos. That’s the difference between a good wedding photographer and a great one.

This August will mark Tara Lee’s 15th year working as a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer. Even after 15 years, her passion for both photography and the wedding industry remains strong. She says, “It’s truly been an honour to capture so much beauty, love and raw emotion.”

Tara and I had a chat, and she shared some insight into her processes and passions…

Tara, take me through your on-the-wedding-day process…

I have a process to get my head into wedding mode – checking my equipment again, healthy lunch, reviewing all the wedding details and then head out with great excitement and anticipation of how the day will unfold. I shoot as much as I can, I bring an inspiration shot list of things I want to try and new ideas. I am all about keeping the time for the couple to ensure the day runs smoothly and without stress to the timeline we have discussed. After the wedding I back up everything captured on to two hard drives and try and get a sneak peak up for the couple that night.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going, what are you doing, and who are you with?

I LOVE the Sunshine Coast and all it has to offer. On a day off I am usually with my family heading out on an adventure in the morning and then doing something chill in the afternoon. We love sailing near Golden Beach passage, surfing at Happy Valley, walking the board walk in Coolum, bush walking in Maleny Hinterland in search of waterfalls, and finding new places on the Coast… email me with your favorites! 

What’s something people may not know about you?

Something people may not know about me is that I am married to the great love of my life, man of my dreams Jayden from Sunshine Coast Videography. I am his biggest fan, his work inspires me.

What is one unique service or offering or element that makes your business stand out from the crowd?

The only truly unique thing I can offer you is me – my experience, my eye, my passion and my desire to see your wedding be an effortless day full of authentic emotion and joy.

Share some words from one of your happy clients…

“Tara without question is the best photographer for your special day or family portraits. She is so professional but yet the nicest most down to earth person you will ever meet. She takes the most amazing pics, ones to cherish forever. Don’t even question if she is the photographer for your special day or family portraits the answer is hell yes she is I will forever be grateful for the photos she has captured for us. The hardest decision is choosing which photos to frame or canvas. Tara your (SIC) the best.” – Linda

Special Photography Offer

The next 10 couples that book their wedding  with Tara Lee Photography before August 30th will receive a 20-minute engagement session at Wurtulla Beach with two images of their choosing. Just fill in a contact form to get things started.

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Gazing over Bonnie Jenkins‘ wedding photography work, I’m aglow with the knowledge that the Sunshine Coast seems to have a knack for attracting the best of the best.

Having been trained as a fine art photographer in Edinburgh, and later completing her masters in Cornwall UK, Bonnie’s work still has a fine art element, which is very much inspired by nature. Back here in Australia, Bonnie taught photography at college for many years before coming back to her true passion – being creative behind a camera. These days she is highly sought after in fine art photography not only in weddings, but travel and fashion. This allows her to dive into her other great love – travel, which sees her jetsetting all over the world.

Bonnie’s favourite countries to visit all start with the letter ‘I’ – Iceland, Ireland and Italy. She loves hiking and exploring, cooking, music and she’s a massive animal lover. Bonnie and her partner Dave took their love of nature and made it their home, which is currently being built on a sprawling 20 acres.

It’s time to hear from the woman herself. Meet Bonnie Jenkins…

Bonnie, what does your process involve on a wedding day?

It varies depending on how long they have booked me for but i really just aim to fit in, capturing the candid elements and important moments throughout the day. During the photo session, i keep it very relaxed and candid but also guide the couple as needed and to fit their personalities. I find the in-between moments are usually my favourites.

What do your clients say about you?

That I made the process so easy and fun, they felt so comfortable with me and that the couple photoshoot was their favourite part of the day.

Tell us about your journey in photography and how you ended up photographing weddings…

When I left high school I knew I wanted to study something creative. I decided on photography, as I wanted to explore my interests in nature and music. During my photography studies I was fortunate enough to train at several different institutes, starting on a practical level at Tafe then onto a more theoretical level at Queensland College of Art and Edinburgh College of Art, eventually going on to complete my masters in Falmouth, Cornwall.

After graduating I prepared for my first solo fine art exhibition, which was an underwater series of portraits. Shortly after this I was offered a position as a Photography teacher at Sunshine Coast Tafe. While teaching was rewarding in many ways, it left me creatively wanting. Since leaving teaching I can honestly say I simply love what I do, weddings allow me to express my creativity, see the world and meet amazing people.

Where is home for you?

We brought our dream property a short time ago, and now we are building our dream home. Its 20-acres of stunning bushland, rainforest, views, meadows and creeks. Having grown up nearby I used to play on it as a kid and (my husband) Dave and I have always dreamed of owning it, we really never thought it would come true so we are pinching ourselves. We are building beside a creek which you can hear trickling away all year round and the house has stunning 180 views overlooking a gully and meadow, I find it the most relaxing place to be.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast – who are you with and what are you doing?

Oh that’s tough one. Well, I love food so at some stage there would be a yummy cafe ideally with friends followed by some exploring or walking with Dave followed by a chill dinner with friends. However at the moment we are building our first home, so my answer would be doing things on our house or yard work on our 20-acre hinterland property.

Wedding trends you’re predicting for 2019/2020?

I feel elopements are only going to get more popular due to the lack of stress and the intimacy. It also frees up where you can get married, so people are being more adventurous with their plans.

What does the future have in store for Bonnie Jenkins?

I am finding each year I am booking more destination weddings, next year is going to be one full of travel which is great as I love exploring.

No matter where in the world you’re planning to be married, today is the day you should find out if international wedding photographer, Bonnie Jenkins, can be there to capture the day. Click here to make your enquiry.

The post Bonnie Jenkins – International Wedding Photographer | A-list Vendor Profile appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Something I have been wanting to do for a long time is compile a collection of my fave ever Photos of the Week. Take a look at all of these beauties from the Sunshine Coast’s hands-down best photographers.

Here are 17 moments that make a wedding day. This first one, full of love and light is by Karen Buckle. Oh those dapper little guys. Love them!

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Magical… By Jennifer Oliphant

Aw Nana! A beautiful moment with her grandchild on her wedding day, captured by Julian Beattie

Pure happiness by Julian Beattie

A field of gold by Emma Nayler

The groom is in his element, the bride is happy to go along with it! This one is by Lindy Photography

Sharing moments. By Artography

A tender moment, caught on camera by Boots Photography

Not a care in the world. A memory frozen in time thanks to Alan Hughes. 

Love. By Adore Photography

The joy of being married! By Britt Emma Photography

Oh, to be adored! By Chesterton Smith Photography

Weddings bring out the best in people. Everyone is so helpful! By Emma Nayler

It’s emotional. Weddings. Photo by Sabra Creative

Getting carried away… by Andrea Sproxton

The coolest moment ever! By Luke Going

At the end of the day, it’s just a big party. This one is by Melanie McNiven

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Brisbane couple, Madeleine and Sam, carefully chose Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens, for the spot to say their vows and celebrate their holy matrimony with 80 of their closest family and friends. 

A huge part of the appeal of have a destination wedding – albeit a fairly close destination wedding – was to revel in the planning process with weekend wedding planning mini-breaks in the 12 months leading up to the big day. Looking at venues and meeting suppliers was shuffled in-between soaking up the sun and cafe hangs at Cotton Tree. I can’t say I blame them, Cotton Tree is one of my fave local spots, too. 

Their wedding turned out absolutely beautifully. You can certainly tell all the little details were planned with love. Matt Rowe Photography was there to capture all the special moments. 

“Once we had our theme, the next most important thing was our florist, bridal gown, hair and makeup.”

“Being positive in all things you do really helped for stress free organising, and a stress free day!“

“We added the special touch of a vase of sunflowers to represent Sam’s Pa, who loved to grow sunflowers – it was very special for him and his family.”

“People say the wedding day itself fly’s by – that is definitely true! We found ourselves just standing back for a few moments throughout the day, to reflect on everything around us, and enjoy every second! It is definitely an amazing chapter in people’s lives, one we will never forget!”

“The planning stage brought so much joy and excitement. Travelling up to the Sunshine Coast, meeting with suppliers, and gathering ideas – we would camp at Cotton Tree and make a weekend of it!“

“After booking at Flaxton Gardens, we fell in love with a simple rustic theme.”

“Photography was the first priority after booking our venue. Flaxton Gardens served tempura prawns and gnocchi for entrée, chicken and beef for main, and wedding cake for dessert.”

Wedding Secrets 

Biggest splurge: “More like who was the most spoilt? The Bridesmaids had three different pairs of shoes! Rain, Hail or Shine basically!”

Best bargain: “The Groomsmen’s belts – $5 from Kmart!”

Bridal gown: Judy Copley Bridal

Accessories: Judy Copley Bridal veil; hair clip, The Silver Shop

Shoes: Myer & Bett’s For Her

Bridesmaid dresses: When Freddie Met Lilly

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Toowoomba Pearl’s

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: When Freddie Met Lilly & YD

Rings: Michael Hill

Number of guests: 80

A-List Vendors

Photographer: Matt Rowe Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Caterer: Flaxton Gardens

Makeup Artist: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist

Hair Stylist: Evalyn Parsons Hair

Entertainment: Cut a Rug DJ

Wedding Night Accommodation: Flaxton Gardens

Videographer: Luke Bickley / Cake: Bespoke Cake’s by Anna / Bombonieres: Personalised Favours / Transport: Oakcorp Limousines / Stationery Supplier: Sarah Alison Boutique Stationary / Gift registry: Myer / Officiary: Pastor Peter Millican 

Do yourself a favour, lovely Sunshine Coast brides, and take a peek at the rest of Maddie and Sam’s wedding album.

The post Real Wedding: Maddie + Sam at Flaxton Gardens appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

The best of both worlds – a chapel wedding in the country, followed by gorgeous Noosa beach bridal party photos at Little Cove, and a marquee reception at a private Noosa residence. I have to say, that sounds really quite a perfect wedding day! 

Emma and Jacob planned a gorgeous affair from top to bottom, with stacks of DIY details and a country feel that we are just mad for. Raving mad to be precise. Their ceremony took place at AnnaBella, The Wedding Chapel, in Ilkley after a 12-month engagement, during which family and friends pitched in to help make invitations, decorations and anything else they could manage to help keeps costs down. 

Take a stroll through Emma and Jacob’s wedding album, you won’t be sorry! It features wedding photography brilliance of the Jennifer Oliphant variety. 

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Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: Catering

Best money saver: Making everything ourselves!

Bridal gown: A bridal shop in Tasmania, and then I had it redesigned in America by Jill Andrews Gowns in Baltimore.

Accessories: Headpiece was handmade by my mum. 

Shoes: Famous Footwear

Bridesmaid dresses: Sugar and Spice 

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Louisa 

Groom’s suit and shoes: Boss suit and RM Williams boot and belt

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Tarocash suit and RM Williams boots and belt

DIY: Invitations and decorations

Honeymoon: 4WD trip around The Cape

Number of guests: 144

Emma’s sister and close friends were her bridesmaids in pretty pastels of various colours, which were all tied in nicely with the accents of colour in their bouquets. 

A-Listers

Photographer: Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Ceremony Venue: Anna Bella, The Wedding Chapel

Makeup Artist: TF Makeup

Hair Stylist: Rolling Scissors

Videographer: Goliath productions / Florist: Jonquil Florist / Caterer: First Class Catering / Cake: All Celebrations Cake by Maureen / Celebrant: Glen Cochrane 

See all the photos from Emma and Jacob’s wedding album. 

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Well this is more than a little exciting. We have never seen anything like this inspirational styled bridal shoot, it is so very unique. A bunch of uber talented Sunshine Coast wedding professionals got together to create an Egyptian-inspired bridal shoot! 

From the dress to the accessories and makeup by the talented Tasleema Nigh, it’s a glamourous Cleopatra-esque look we are loving like crazy. The bouquet by Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio screams opulence, as you would expect of an Egyptian goddess, with an oversized statement bloom and peacock feathers.

Please feel free to drool over these images by Bonnie Jenkins, as we sure have! 

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Photographer: Bonnie Jenkins

Florals: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Make-up: Tasleema Nigh   

Hair: Honeycomb Hair 

Stationery: One Print Wonders

Styling: Obella Designs

Models: Daniela & Dave

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On a typically beautiful day in Maleny, Madeleine and Corey got hitched. Their dream Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding was all about having a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with a hint of vintage charm. The lovely couple commissioned the likes of some of The Bride’s Tree’s fave wedding professionals to ensure they had an amazing wedding day. 

This is evident in the images below by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Andrea Sproxton Photography. Madeleine’s pink and lilac bridal bouquet was a sweet vintage posy by Willow Bud.

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Madeleine was a classically beautiful bride

On my wedding day it was very overcast however it didn’t rain and it just started to clear up as I walked down the aisle which was just perfect. 

We left our photographer, Andrea Sproxton, to choose the locations though we went to three different locations a stones throw from our Maleny venue. All very beautiful.

The weather and location were stunning-couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. Maleny is just beautiful at that time of year.

I popped a button on my wedding dress as it was too tight, and after the photos when I leaned down to put my shoes on it popped right off! I would recommend advising your dress maker when your wedding is two months before it is so you don’t end up getting your dress the day prior like me!

We decided to have a lamb and seared tuna entrée followed by chicken risotto and a beef dish. Desert we served the wedding cake as otherwise it just goes to waste!

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: My wedding dress was more than I wished to spend at $2500 otherwise the catering was the most expensive part!

Best money-saver: I was able to get the wedding cake included in my package which saved a lot of money. Besides that I think my florist was very reasonable for the quality provided.

Bridal gown: Gowns of Elegance

Accessories: Butterfly Silver 

Shoes: Zu shoes Chermside

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa

Groom and Groomsmens’ suit and shoes: Connor 

Rings: My ring – Diamonds International, Corey’s ring – Michael Hill Jewellers 

DIY: The menus, name place cards, wedding invitations and bonbonnieres

Number of guests: 70

Wedding budget: $24,000

A-list Vendors

Photographer: Andrea Sproxton Photography

Florist: Willow Bud

Makeup Artist: Makeup 4 Brides / Hair Stylist: Hair 4 Brides / Bombonnieres: Handmade truffles from Chocolate Country Maleny / Entertainment: Rockin U Wild DJ’S / Celebrant: Darienne Davis / Venue and Wedding Night Accommodation: House of Laurels

The post Real Wedding: Madeleine & Corey in Maleny appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It’s time for some pin board love, our wonderful Sunshine Coast brides! Today we are crushing on this gorgeous pin board full of super cute Sunshine Coast wedding photography by Nicky Stone Photographer. For some sweet pose ideas, check out these 30 pics we just love. 

The post Pin Board Love: LOVE! appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Genuine vintage can be found in the most likely of places – namely op shops. The dress and shoes worn by this bridal model were impressive op shop finds, in a DIY styling triumph. 

Roy Byrne shot these stunning images, where nature and vintage bridal meet. 

Photographer: Roy Byrne Photography

Style: DIY Vintage / Dress & Shoes: Op Shop / Headpiece: DIY / Location : Forest Sanctuary / MUA : Ally Macdermaid 

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Love birds Kylie and Daniel met through mutual friends when Kylie moved into Daniel’s street. 10 years later, they were engaged to be married, and spent the next year planning their love bird-themed wedding at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

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Their mutual adoration for each other and their three pets lead them to the love bird theme, with a classic duck egg blue and white colour palette. This styling perfectly suited the coastal location of Novotel Twin Waters Resort, which boasts its own lagoon beach, and is handy to the pristine and secluded North Shore, perfect for a bridal party (adorned in the sweetest faux fur stoles!) photo shoot.

Kylie and Daniel’s pretty ceremony was officiated in front of their 110 guests by Kristy Ellis of Weddings with Kristy, a popular young celebrant on the Sunshine Coast. It was really quite sweet, Kylie had her stepfather walk her halfway down the aisle, where they met her father, who took her the rest of the way to her groom, awaiting her arrival eagerly with a grin from ear to ear. After their heartfelt vows, both of their mothers were given the special honour of signing the marriage certificate as their official witnesses to their nuptials. 

The reception was held at Lily’s on the Lagoon, the resort’s restaurant set in isolation from the rest of the property atop the idyllic lagoon. A very romantic spot, allowing relaxed celebration, beautiful food and gorgeous styling by Sunshine Coast wedding decorators, Beedazzled Events. 

First Class Wedding Photography captured stunning photos throughout the day from start to finish with the large bridal party, and you can see just how much fun was had by all in the images below. 

“During the  ceremony, my stepfather walked me half way down the aisle, then my father walked me the rest of the way an gave me away.”

“My husband and I are both very close to our mothers. We had them sign the marriage certificate at the ceremony. They were extremely  honoured.“

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Bridal gown: Allure Bridal from Hills in Hollywood

Accessories: My bridesmaids’ white capes and brooches were purchased from Willow Gifts.

Bridesmaid dresses: My Aunt made my bridesmaids’ dresses, which made them extra special.

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suits: Spurling

DIY: I handmade our wedding invitations and created a guest book using photos of  Daniel and I over our years together. Our guests loved writing messages beside the memories in which they were a part of.

Number of guests: 110

“We had a large bridal party so we could spend  this time with these people. I loved having a large bridal party. I was so lucky to have such amazing ladies to help me through my special day. They all became great friends and pulled together, having me in fits of laughter the entire morning. I really cannot imagine the day without them.”    

“Novotel Twin Waters Resort offered several scenic locations suitable for wedding photos. We choose the closest beach, and  also took some on the journey.”

“Every time we discuss our wedding with family or friends, everybody comments on how fantastic our photographer was. Greg Gardner was not only a professional photographer on our day. He also supplied elements of charisma and enterainment, as well as creating a relaxed atmosphere for our bridal party and our guests. We believe his involvement was significant to the overall success of our wedding day.“

“We both enjoy the simple things in life.”

“The day goes so fast. Try and organise  some time in the day for you and your new husband to spend together alone.”

“We both cherish our three pet birds at home, as they are our first shared pets. With all of the beautiful bird decorations around at the moment, we decided to have a love bird-themed wedding. This tied in nicely with our classic white and blue wedding.”

“Our cake was so perfect, exactly the cake we wanted. Traditional, yet still caried the classic love bird theme with a touch of blue.”

Kylie and Daniel’s Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Ceremony Location: Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Reception Location: Lilly’s on the Lagoon, Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Photographer: First Class Wedding Photography

Videographer: Sunshine Coast Videography

Celebrant: Weddings with Kristy

Decorators: Beedazzled Events

Stationery Supplier: Beedazzled Events supplied us with all of the stationery we needed for our reception.

Cake: Felicity Denaro – Gingerbread Manna

Transport: Buggies that were supplied by Novotel Twin Waters Resort and my bridesmaid’s red Mustang. Sally was a big hit at our wedding. I think she had her picture more times than I did.

Makeup Artist: I myself am a makeup artist so did my own makeup on the day. The lovely Bec Barnard attended to my gorgeous bridemaids.

Hair Stylist: Michelle Moore

Entertainment: Keith Haigh, The String Hunter

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