Anyone who has met, or worked with, Sunshine Coast wedding photographer Terri Hanlon knows she is a gosh darn joy of a person, who oozes positivity. A conversation with Terri is guaranteed to bring with it giggles – nay, unbridled belly laughs! Meeting Terri feels more like a reunion with an old friend, which is just the kind of feel you want for your wedding photographer. 

So, let’s learn a little more about this talented lass and her role in weddings on the Sunshine Coast as a wedding photographer. 

Share something people may not know about you.

I am obsessed with YouTube! It’s my favourite learning space! And of course finding weird and wonderful reviews, mini-documentaries, DIYs, Tiny House living, Murder Mystery Makeup (yep its a thing), fashion, weddings – you name it, I watch it!

Run, don’t walk, to find out if Terri Hanlon is available to be your Sunshine Coast wedding photographer. Mention this article in your enquiry – you’ll receive an engagement shoot with your wedding photography package!

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13 years in the wedding industry has taught wedding photographer, Emma Nayler, an awful lot and she has developed some seriously beautiful and grounded feelings about what some may see as a superficial industry. It’s her wholehearted approach and calming nature that people are drawn to – that is after they’re first attracted by her stunning work. 

I first met Emma well before the birth of The Bride’s Tree. She was one of my first connections to the wedding industry, so when I came up with the idea for The Bride’s Tree, Emma was one of the very first people I sought out as a sounding board. Her support and positivity was a huge encouragement, so needless to say she’s a much adored member of our Bride’s Tree family. 

Emma was kind enough to share her wisdom, her fave spots on the Sunshine Coast to walk her two sausage dogs, and her surprising hobby interest that was almost her very different career! 

Scroll for a peek at some of Emma’s impressive work, and a special offer she has kindly extended to readers of The Bride’s Tree. 

Emma, do you work with a team or are you a one-woman show? 

It’s all me baby! I’m behind the screen emailing and doing all my own admin, editing, image selection, social media and marketing and on your wedding day I will be the one there snapping away! It’s hard and a lot more work than I think most people think it is, but I love all the different elements of running my business and would rather take less bookings and put my all into each one than to outsource things and lose the personal touch I like to think I give to each little thing in my business.

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

This is a hard one! Something I do hear from my couples time and time again is that I make people comfortable. They might come to me because they love the photos I take, but they stay and book because they feel good about working with me, and that it feels like they’re just hanging out with a friend.

In more practical terms, something that is a bit unique to me is that I don’t only just offer set hourly packages, because I don’t want my couples to try and cram their day into 4 or 6 or 8 hours. I allow a time frame for pre-ceremony photos and from there, depending on your chosen package, I’ll be along for the ride until either the start of the reception or the dance floor is pumping. I don’t want my couples watching the clock or worrying about me leaving before the first dance because things are running behind.

You have a completely free day to hang out on the Sunshine Coast. Get out about! Where are you going, what are you doing and who are you with?

There are so many ways to spend a day on the Sunshine Coast, but if it’s a sunny weekday I’m likely spending the day at the beach getting some sunshine with my girlfriends and a cheese platter. If it’s a magical work free weekend, I’m walking my dogs at Golden Beach or Point Cartwright (both spots chosen for the high volume of doggos) with my husband and then going on a date night with him to Copperhead Brewery or il Vento for some incredible wood-fired scampi pizza.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER JUST FOR THE BRIDE’S TREE READERS

The next three couples to book 2020 weddings before the end of August 2019 will receive a free upgrade to full day coverage for the price of my essentials package! That’s an $1100 saving on your wedding photography! Mention this article to secure your upgrade. See the packages. 

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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.

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They say travel broadens your mind and makes you see things from an entirely new perspective. If that’s true – and I believe it is – it’s little wonder Graeme Passmore of Graeme Passmore Photography & Films has such a unique eye for photography. Graeme brings all his unique life experiences from being raised in the bush with a pet Dingo to walking across Spain to his craft.

Learning more about photographer and cinematographer Graeme was a real eye-opener in itself! Read on to find out more about his life adventures, predicted wedding trends, and how you can get in on an adventure of your own with Graeme…

What do your clients always say after working with you?

“Wow!” and “I can’t believe you captured all those moments!”, “I didn’t even notice you all day”, “All my friends & family are just raving about you”, “You’re such a gentleman”, “You were so professional & respectful” and “My grandma just loves you!” I actually get that last one a lot.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going? What are you doing? And who are you with?

Well I don’t want to give away all my secret spots! But I like to get off the beaten track that’s for sure. I like to pack plenty of snacks, along with my partner and cheeky little daughter, and hit the hills. A nice drive out into the country is often what I crave. I like to dabble in a bit of hiking.

Kenilworth is a great little stop as you drive out towards Conondale National Park to have a swim at Booloumba Creek. A beer and a game of pool at Kenilworth pub is a nice way to end the day.

If we are doing something dog-friendly then a nice little Sunday bike ride from Marcoola to Coolum and back with a bakery stop is also on the cards. We’d also take a few little swims at the gorgeous beaches along the coastline. Beach walks at Mudjimba North Shore and a surf is where you’ll often find me when free time calls.

We heard you have an exciting new offering on the table. Please, do tell!

After my recent trip to the United States I’ve been inspired to offer Adventure Sessions. Just like an engagement shoot but for those a little more adventurous and looking for something epic and wild. I love working with clients who share an appreciation for beautiful landscapes and aren’t afraid to hike up a mountain, venture into a forest, or explore a secluded beach. We basically go hiking and exploring for half a day to capture some amazing images. You can find more info about my Adventure Sessions here.

What’s trending in weddings in 2019?

This year I’ve actually got a few surprise weddings lined up which is pretty exciting. I’m noticing young couples decide to have smaller weddings, elopements and first looks, straying away from some of the traditions.

Have anything exciting planned this year?

Every year I take on a select few destination weddings. It’s a good way to refresh my work and mentally prepare for something different. Last year I was lucky enough to visit Western Australia, Ireland and the USA. This year I’ll be keeping it a little closer to home as I am now a responsible Dad, but I’ve got Phillip Island, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour in the books as we speak.

Go on, Graeme, share some interesting facts about you with us…

I probably have a few random facts I’m happy to share, the rest are better told over a beer. I was born and grew up on a National Park out in Alice Springs, NT. Probably why I still love the bush. I even had a pet Dingo. I’m well travelled and spent a fair bit of time living overseas, during that time I worked in a summer camp and looked after Hugh Hefner’s kids. I witnessed Hurricane Katrina firsthand, survived obviously. I walked across Spain. Literally walked from one side of the country to the other. I’m pretty handy on the golf course, I’m a killer at darts and I’m a bit of a red wine connoisseur.

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Finding that sweet spot to have your engagement shots taken is half the battle. You want it to be pretty, speak to you as a couple, and most importantly – not too many onlookers. Uh – perhaps nobody told the seagull this was an intimate moment for Stefie and Karl? How rude! 

Idyllic and unpretentious, Caloundra’s Kings Beach boat ramp meant the couple were able to get gorgeous shots with the most awesome shiny red Kombi so close to the ocean, picnicking on the rocks. 

Stefie and Karl were the lucky winners of their Caloundra engagement shoot with Renee Towers Photography at last year’s Caloundra Wedding Collective Open Day. Deluxe Kombi Service also came on board to take their beach engagement shoot to the next level. 

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