Simon & Jodie Photography & Videography, Down Convery's Lane, Byron Bay

Getting the opportunity to travel all around the state with the J'adore team is the perfect job. Better yet, we meet these new and inspiring people, this was no different for our latest Byron bay wedding.The sun was high in the air and it seemed like everything was coming together perfectly for Jodie and Simon.

As Simon and his groomsmen party were leaving earlier in true Byron Bay style with a vintage Combie van, we arrived at our beachside destination, 'beach suites'.  Just in time, our videographer and photographer 'Jess and Matt' were able to get some great exiting shots of the Grooms crew, right before they pulled out and drove to their next big adventure. 

Walking into the stylish boutique studio, our latest bride Jodie was wearing a mermaid style themed gown which complimented the jewel encrusted embroidery on the bodice of her exquisite dress. This was complemented perfectly with her brown hair down in soft curls, and there was no denying that Jodie, looked beautiful. . The smiles of her and her brides maids filled the air, as her prepossessing smile brightened up the Byron bay hotel.  accentuating Jodie's Bridal theme, the bouquet was strewn with pale pink and cream roses. 

Just as we were getting the last of our shots with the oceanic backdrop before the Jodie went off in her stretch hummer; two tourist double decker buses pulled up right out the front. Courtesy  of  The Magic Bus Company, the stylish bus didn't disappoint as the guest bus was filled with hoots and laughter as the guests tried to capture a glimpse of Jodie before they continued on to the ceremony. 

 

The ceremony was held an hour away in the hinterlands away from Byron bay, we continued our journey to the rustic themed venue called Down Convery's lane.  The wedding venue provided the perfect rustic theme as the 5 acred place surrounds itself with lush rainforests and 100 year old fig trees. As everything was out in the open under the tree top canopies, this brought our everyone laid back nature as live music prepared the guests for the what was to happen next. Still nervous tension bubbled around, while Simon stood under the picturesque arch way. 

As apart of every wedding day, Jodie and Simon got creative for the photo section and the team travelled to an abandoned park where both the tourist Byron bay double decker bus and the hummer could meet together and transition into a beautiful picture. Working with the Bridal party was a joy and entertaining. From getting those cute/ funny shots on the colourful bus, to taking Simon and Jodie aside to create a more intimate moment; It was hard to put the camera down when infectious smiles were spread across everyone's faces. 

Leading back to the reception, the lights were coming on and the sun was setting. The live music was playing but over shadowed by the laughter that followed the venue around by the guests. A three course meal was prepared and presented beautifully with a variety of meats and a deliciously herbed beetroot salad. The night further progressed with hilarious and heartfelt speeches.

Towards the end of the night, everything was winding down but the people weren't. It's interesting how easily people let go, how quickly they lose touch at what surrounds them as the atmosphere is full of positivity. The best shots are always those that are found when no one is looking at night on the dance floor.  

As it reached 11pm, it was clear that everyone had, had the most perfect time. We ask ourselves at the end of the night what the most memorable parts of the day was? Without a doubt, from the moment we got to finally meet Simon and Jodie; to the good byes at the end. The whole day was filled with hilarious moments (including speeches). 

Braeside Chapel Wedding Video, Chris & Jarooni

Chris and I are long time friends so even though Chris was determined to try and make sure I relaxed and enjoyed being of of the guests, which I did but at the same time it was also great to be part of the guys getting ready and their photos section and do some video work aswell as getting the drone up in the air, The very talented Sunny was the other videographer for the day. Chris and Jarooni chose Braeside chapel on the Gold Coast as there venue. One of the reasons I love this venue is that everything is in one location. They have chapel for your ceremony, Just enough land to be able to get a few different locations for the photos and the undercover reception area. It makes doing Photography and Video so much easier as there is plenty of time to setup and plan things, They also had a rehersal which is always good because it gives me a chance to go through the motions of the ceremony as every ceremony is different and its best to be as prepared as possible, also to do things like check audio levels and outputs aswell as have a chat to the celebrant. A few things I like to talk the couple through are things like how to put your rings on while still facing your hand to the front so everybody and also the cameras can see. One of the other points I generally bring up at a rehersal is for the celebrant to move out of the way before the kiss, I learnt early that having a celebrants head directly behond 2 people kissing isn't a good look. Always have a few other small bits and pieces like the celebrant announcing the couple will be walking straight back down the isle it's amazing how many times uncle John in the 5th row will jump out in front of them and stop them to congratulate them on there was back down the isle if it's not formally announced. 

Jarooni & Chris just seem to fit, right since the start Chris knew that Jarooni was going to be his wife one day. Seeing how they interact and treat each other is a inspiration to all around them. Something that Jarooni mentioned in the ceremony which I included in the highlights is that Chris holds Jaroonis hand every night when she falls asleep, I think that sums it up really.

I hope you enjoyed the video massive thanks to Chris & Jarooni for letting me be part of your amazing wedding day and look forward to many more catch ups. Please leave a comment and let us know what you honk of the video.

Rob Bampton

Intercontinental Wedding Photography Matthew & Emma

Waking up early in the morning, I realised it was overcast and rainy, because of these circumstances I sent Emma a quick message reassuring her, everything was going to be fine. with my years of experience shooting, I've come to understand that some of the best images taken/edited come from over cast days. This shown through soft light and dramatic skies. 

It was such a pleasure being able to spend the day with Matthew & Emma, from the moment I walked into the Manor Suite at the Intercontinental which is where the bride was staying, I knew it was going to be a fun day. As Emma and the rest of the girls were smiling, laughing and having fun, this made my job easier as I can just capture the emotions rather then create them.

Matthew and the boys where getting ready down in the Federation Suite and Sunny was taking the images of their preparation. Its a great venue because everything you need is at the Intercontinental, There's always an extra plus when the venue itself has amazing features perfect for capturing these great images. The rooms are large and modern with lots of great window lighting, and the glass chapel is a great size and is great for Photography and Video. There are so many great photo locations with a pier, fountains, and the intercontinental building itself with so many more, Then add the Grange for the reception venue which is perfect with enough open space. All tables have spacious room and gives the audience a great view of the speeches, while bridal table on one side and then the dance floor on the other. There is great lighting and again it matches the feel of all the rooms. 

The Gold Coast crew at J'adore Weddings really are lucky to be able to shoot at so many awesome venues like this, We had a great day with Matthew, Emma and the Bridal party the speeches where great and the dancing was wild!! 

Hope you enjoy our selection of images that we feel tell the story of Matthew & Emma's Wedding day. 

 

Rob Bampton

Peter & Despina Photography & Videography, Orthodox Church, Gold Coast

He was looking at her like she was the most perfect person he’d ever seen. The way his eyes gleamed as she smiled back at him with her bouquet resting to the side. it was a split second moment before the camera caught her eye again and our team member caught her attention.  Still Peter didn’t mind, he sat down on one of the benches at Emerald Lakes on the gold coast in silence and beaming at her. 

When starting our adventure on march the 12th 2016 the team at J’adore set out to create more magic. While doing both photo and video, we ventured to many locations on the  gold coast, creating many diverse backdrops, quirky photos.

While two our of our team members joined Despina the bride to be, the other three members ventured to Ashmore to peter and his groomsmen. It’s always an eye opener, looking at the different customs people have on their wedding days.

Despina looked like she was glowing, and who wouldn’t be, after many years of committing yourself to a person you believe is the ‘one’, the day had finally come to cement their relationship. As we entered the venue where Despina was getting ready, we found all of the bridesmaids and herself in matching dresses.  The same traditions were done with Despina, as her family members/ bridesmaids wished her good fortune with these quirky customs. when it was time to put on her dress, Despina’s strapless bridal gown clung to her her figure as the ruffles sashayed down to the ground creating a wave, this tied in with her corseted back. With a white and cream bouquet and her hair pinned up, no one could say she wasn’t beautiful. Adorning her gown, Despina picked fuchsia floor length gowns with the same colour of bouquet roses to complete her bridal theme look. Another quirky tradition that took place was Despina preparing her shoe as she littered the name of all her unmarried Bridesmaids. if the names get worn away by the end of the night, this shows who will be married soon themselves. 

Peter wore a white suit with black pants and adorning his look with a pale pink boutonniere pinned to his tuxedo. Complimenting his look, his choice of groomsmen wore black tuxedo’s with white button up shirts. One of the most interesting customs, a red ribbon was tied around Peters neck, and a smokey object moved around his head in circles three times. This was a hopeful sign of good fortune to come as each member of Peter’s groomsmen took hold to do the same thing.

 

The  ceremony was held at the Greek orthodox church. The church was beautifully done, with crystallised chandeliers that lit up the whole room.  One of the main differences was the celestially hand painted ceilings which were comprised of vibrant colours that caught our camera’s eye. The first array of the bridal party slowly descended down the aisle  as their floor length vibrant fuchsia dresses swung down the aisle to the front. You could see Peter tapping his foot as he looked, waiting for his bride.  Seeing  Despina come down the aisle for the first time,  she was radiating joy, this was perfect for our crew as the lighting was just perfect in the church to quickly snap shots. Specific elements of the ceremony included there gowns, candles and the common cup. As two crowns are made by a single strand of ribbon, this symbolises two single individuals creating a union. The bride and Groom also hold candles during the ceremony, this symbolziers the light of christ. 

 

The photo section was done in numerous locations ranging from Macintosh island to Emerald lakes. The bridal crew were more than helpful as we got out of our comfort zone and theirs to create more adventurous scenes. The park was like an oasis on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle that is Surfers paradise, this helped us achieve some great shots.From our member getting high up in the tree tops with both video and photo to our bridge scenes that lit up the fuchsia gowns, we decided we weren’t finished yet. The Emerald Lakes French Quater was our next location this is where dreams were made of encompassing classical french provision architecture admits the Surfers Paradise’s vibrant and never ending energy Consisting of three building and a staircase that resembled the Spanish steps, the best groups shots/scenes were made  as Peter gently dipped his new bride smiling down at her. We’ve been lucky enough to shoot at emerald lakes before, attuned with the lighting and techniques needing to create the best images, our crew took Peter and Despina aside eventually over to the board water to create more intimate moments that consisted of portrait shots just before the sun went down. 

 

Our next location was the reception, to which was held at the Parkwood/Arundel Community Centre. The reception was simple yet collaborated Despina and Peter’s chosen colours, white and pink to perfectly create a vibrant energy. This was great for our videographers and camera men, as we always love playing around the lighting and testing our limits. Their was two seperate long tables that sat on opposite ends with a wide open dance floor in the middle that was efficiently used towards the end of the night. 

When looking back at Despina and Peters first dance, it was filled full with laughter as the lights dimmed perfectly for our members to create an intimate scene. More traditions were brought forth to our visions as 'The Money Dance' was taking place with both the groom and bride together, to which we had not previously experienced yet. The money dance is done to give the couple a little extra cash for their honeymoon. In retrospective this custom has different views in each country ranging from Ukraine, Poland and Greece.  Traditionally the Greek money dance is held right before the couple leave the reception. The maid of honour is responsible for collecting and safeguarding the cash the couple makes. One of the other traditions consisted of the 'Kalamationos dance’. This is done dancing to traditional rhythmic music, as everyone at the reception moved holding hands, and rooting in a counter-clockwise direction, this opened our crews eyes up more to the cultural notions across the world. 

We always love being pulled out of our comfort zone and putting ourselves in a situation that isn’t accustomed to our day to day lives. This is why we love being apart of every different type of wedding. Peter and Despina kept us laughing the whole day, from the start right to the end of the reception as Peter held his fist up in Rocky formation leaving the venue. We hoped we made their day just as enjoyable as it was for us.