Weddings
KAREN BURNS
With an infectious smile and boundless energy, Karen Bu onBurns is the creative force behind some of the Co s Coast’s most heartfelt imagery. A selfdescribed “li le pocket rocket,” her photography is grounded in connection, authenticity, and joy capturing moments that feel as good as they look. From her beginnings in Berry to formal training on the Gold Coast and a flourishing career on the Co s Coast, Karen’s warm, candid style and love of storytelling shine through every frame.
ARLINGTONLANE PHOTOGRAPHY
You describe yourself as a “little pocket rocket behind the lens.” How would you describe your personality, and how does it shape your work?
I am a little lady with a warm personality. I love to laugh and believe that the cup is always half full. I love to make people smile and feel comfortable, so I connect with my clients first to help them relax and be their most authentic selves. That’s where the magic happens. Growing up in Berry on the NSW South o e n ence e ed e your creative eye?
Growing up in the little town of trees, (aka Berry), surrounded by the most beautiful countryside landscapes and dreamy little cottages, my childhood was lived to the full on property with horses, cattle and veggie gardens. My early days were nostalgic, wholesome and some may say, even a little romantic. At school my favourite subject was art, and my early days were spent doing beautiful sketches of horses, landscapes and still life. On the weekends I rode horses and helped my grandparents on their beef cattle stud. I would also spend many weekends on my best friend's dairy farm just down the road. Their farm was at the base of Coolangatta Mountain, so from helping round up and milk 250 cows to riding up the
mountain like the Man from Snowy River to enjoy the panoramic views with a picnic lunch was such a special time in my life. From these experiences growing up, I have maintained a love of the outdoors, the arts and connection with people and animals. I love to show this through my imagery by bringing everyone’s own unique story to life through my lens.
From the countryside to the sea. It was then I found a new love in the coastline, beaches and all things ocean where I made some amazing friends who I would travel with.
You began your career as a primary school teacher. What prompted the shift from the classroom to photography?
I graduated from university at 22, so very much still a youngster who was yet to explore all the opportunities life had to offer. Keen to spread my wings after university, I relocated to the Gold Coast, from the countryside to the sea. It was then I found a new love in the coastline, beaches and all things ocean where I made some amazing friends who I would travel with. They showed me that you should work to live rather than live to work. I found that while I loved children, teaching did not fill my cup like being creative did. While on maternity leave at the age of 30, I made
the brave decision to start a new career in photography as I wanted to be a mum first and for work to fit around raising our son Blake - I didn’t want to miss a moment. Whenever I make a decision to try something new, I always want to master my craft. This led me to enrolling to complete my Diploma in Photography. I was delighted to graduate in just 12 months with Distinction. I feel as a professional it is important to have the proper training to be able to give your clients the best results, and without the support from your loved ones, most dreams do not become your reality. For me, my husband and my parents have been my biggest hype team through this journey, I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you to Greg, Mum and Dad for believing in me.
Continued over...
ARLINGTONLANE PHOTOGRAPHY
Are there skills from teaching that still n ence o o o c en od I learned so much about children while teaching over the years and this has been resourceful in helping me to properly engage children of all ages and keep them interested during their session. Little games and prompts go a long way, and I have a whole lot of them up my sleeve. My sessions are always child led as a relaxed child makes for a relaxed parent and vice versa. I can see quickly when we need to change it up and move onto something else. My motto with children is “keep them moving and they’ll keep smiling”.
o e o o ed o e e n edd n e ne o n on o nd n nd o e e e ec o d ec ce n o e
Every session has contributed to bringing me where I am today and by switching between genres regularly I have been pushed out of my comfort zone constantly. No two sessions are the same - the light, conditions and subjects vary every time and I am so thankful for such a
colourful career to help me master my craft.
en de c e o o n
nd c nd d o do o c e e e ed e e ence d n oo
Connection with your client is the key to creating natural, warm and candid imagery.
ec n c e ec on o e o on connec on nd
I love to have a chat and laugh with my clients during their sessions while giving them gentle guidance where necessary. I also find that less is more give them a prompt or game to play, stand back and observe. The key moments reveal themselves all in good time during the session. For my couples getting married I take more of a documentary approach. I like to stand back and let the day unfold naturally, with some gentle direction where needed.
I also find that less is more, give them a prompt or game to play, stand back and observe. e key moments reveal themselves all in good time during the session.
Emotional connection brings your image to life so that you can really feel it, while technical perfection makes your image professional and polished. I believe both are essential in creating beautiful and timeless memories for your clients which will take them right back to the moment for years to come.
doe n on e o o e o c e e o e ce en
The beautiful Coffs Coast is a picturesque, diverse and relatively untouched backdrop that brings together the best of the rolling countryside, lush forests and the rugged coastline by the sea. It is the most beautiful
canvas to create my art on and I pinch myself every day that I get to call this amazing place my home. It is a love to last a lifetime.
o doe e n ence e o o c o e n o o o
No two families are the same so I take the time to get to know what you really love to do together as a family when we connect. With weddings, we will schedule a FaceTime meet and greet so that I can get to know you as a couple and what is important to you on your day. If you are looking at branding, I will request that you share a vision board and link to your website and socials so that I can get a feel for your brand.
con n e o e c e o o o o e e e e
I love how no two sessions are the same, you
never really know what you’re going to get on the day. It's exciting to think that I may not have yet captured my favourite moment.
e e e n d e o ec oc on o c e e o on o
It would be a dream to venture to the Snowy Mountains with some keen horse enthusiasts. Take me back to my childhood obsession of all things country, but in the snow.
do o o e eo e ee en e oo c on o o o e en o e
I hope that my imagery brings my clients right back to that moment at that particular time and that they can really feel the emotions behind it, while remembering all those little details that would otherwise be long forgotten.
o co d e one ece o d ce o o eone ne o o e n n on
It really isn’t as scary as it seems. From the moment you reach out to me, I take the time to get to know you, your people and what fills your cup so I can create the perfect vibe for your session which will really feel like you! I want the best possible outcome for you on the day and I wont stop until I see the reaction of pure joy on your face!
o c n eo e find o nd oo
My website is the best way to reach out to connect with me. www.
arlingtonlanephotgraphy.com.au
ou can also find me on Instagram
arlingtonlanephotography and my best contact phone number is 0421 040 875.
I cannot wait to hear from you! n en
AANUKA
BEACH HOUSE
Nestled among tropical gardens with the ocean just steps away, Aanuka Beach House is a much-loved Mid North Coast wedding and events destination, known for its relaxed coastal se ing, versatility and experienced team creating unforge able celebrations by the sea.
Aanuka Beach House is a long-standing favourite for weddings on the Mid North Coast, what do you believe truly sets the venue apart?
Aanuka Beach House is a place people really feel connected to. Almost everyone has an Aanuka story, whether it be a family holiday, a milestone celebration or even their parents’ wedding. This nostalgia gives the venue real heart. Since being acquired by Tilley & Wills in 2024, this is something that we have wanted to continue as members of our team share these same stories.
Undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, the venue has been elevated to create a truly unique space while preserving its soul. With a wide range of adaptable spaces, Aanuka has captured the feeling of being overseas without leaving NSW. The crown jewel of the venue is our little beachside chapel, which offers the romance of a traditional ceremony without the formality of a church. We also offer onsite accommodation through Aanuka Beach Resort that allows guests to relax and fully immerse themselves in the celebration without the
logistics of getting to and from the wedding for not only the bride and groom, but their friends and family also.
How does your team collaborate with couples to personalise their day and make the planning journey feel effortless?
We understand this is one of the biggest days of our couples’ lives, and our role is to make it feel calm, seamless and joyful. Our Wedding Specialist, Mandy is assigned to every couple as their dedicated point of contact from start to finish, so nothing ever feels lost or overlooked. Mandy, is local to the area and brings international experience hosting and curating weddings around the globe, including culturally diverse celebrations to week long festivities. With deep local knowledge and strong supplier connections, Mandy acts as a fail-safe throughout the planning processfilling gaps, guiding decisions, and ensuring your wedding is always front of mind. On the day, she curates the entire experience, guiding guests through the spaces and liaising seamlessly with your chosen suppliers so you can simply enjoy every moment.
Our team prides itself on building real
relationships - we’re in it with you, not just ticking boxes. Building relations that grow into friendships with all of our guests.
From beachfront ceremonies to elegant receptions, what makes Aanuka such a versatile destination for celebrations? Versatility is built into everything we do. With over 40 years of combined experience between Tanya Watts, Brooke Allen and Mandy Chahal, our team know how to adapt each space to suit the couple, the guest list and the vision. From intimate beachfront ceremonies to larger-scale receptions, our variety of spaces, flexible teams and onsite accommodation allows celebrations to flow effortlessly from one moment to the next. We also stay ahead of trends, pushing creative boundaries and connecting couples with the right people to bring even the wildest ideas to life. No request or dream is too big.
Looking ahead, what’s next for weddings and events at Aanuka Beach House?
Let’s just say… we’re not done yet! In classic Aanuka Beach House fashion we always have something in the works. Keep an eye on our channels - the best is still to come.
LOVE
Your Way
For decades, Pacific Bay Resort has been the se ing for love stories of every shape and size. From elegant beachfront weddings to intimate elopements, joyful anniversary escapes and relaxed rehearsal dinners overlooking the water, the resort has a unique way of turning meaningful moments into memories that linger long a er the last dance.
Set between lush tropical gardens and the rolling waves of Charlesworth Bay, Pacific Bay offers couples the opportunity to celebrate in a way that feels effortless, personal and deeply connected to the place. What truly sets celebrations here apart, is not just the stunning coastal backdrop, but the thoughtful planning, genuine hospitality and experienced team who understand that no two love stories are ever the same.
From the very first enquiry, Pacific Bay’s dedicated wedding and event specialists walk beside you every step of the way. Their role isn’t to dictate how your celebration should look, but to help bring your vision to life, whether that’s a grand, joy-filled celebration with all your
family and friends or a quiet, intimate moment shared between just the two of you.
Start With a Great Plan
Every unforgettable celebration begins with a little organisation and plenty of excitement. Choosing your date, defining your style and creating a loose timeline allows everything else to fall into place with ease. For destination weddings or multi-day celebrations, coordinators can help create simple itineraries that allow space for travel, welcome drinks, relaxed beach walks and plenty of unhurried time with loved ones.
With ceremony and reception options all in one location, Pacific Bay allows couples to focus on the experience rather than logistics, meaning fewer moving parts and more time to savour the moment.
Celebrate the Coffs Coast Spirit
One of the great joys of choosing Pacific Bay Resort is the opportunity to embrace everything that makes the Coffs Coast so special. From locally sourced blooms and seasonal menus to coastal-inspired styling, and live music from regional artists, celebrations here often reflect the relaxed yet vibrant spirit of the area.
The resort works closely with a trusted network of local vendors, making it easy to personalise your event, whether you’re planning a wedding day, rehearsal dinner, engagement celebration or romantic anniversary soirée.
Big Party or Intimate Moment
From locally sourced blooms and seasonal menus to coastal-inspired styling and live music from regional artists, celebrations here o en reflect the relaxed yet vibrant spirit of the area.
Love doesn’t come with a guest-list requirement. Pacific Bay is just as suited to an intimate elopement as it is to a lively gathering of family and friends. Smaller celebrations can create a beautifully personal atmosphere and often free up budget for elevated dining, bespoke styling or an extended honeymoonstyle stay at the resort.
With a range of indoor and outdoor spaces available, flexibility is a hallmark of Pacific Bay celebrations, allowing couples to design a day that feels right for them.
Make Your Guests Feel at Home
Many weddings and events at the resort naturally become mini holidays for guests. Accommodation packages, group breakfasts, welcome hampers filled with local treats, post-celebration brunches and organised transfers help create a relaxed and welcoming experience for everyone involved. Encouraging guests to stay onsite also means
the celebration doesn’t have to end after one night, it becomes a shared experience, filled with connection, laughter and lasting memories.
From “I do” moments on the Bayside Green lawn or the sandy shores of Charlesworth Bay Beach, to rehearsal dinners filled with laughter, surprise proposals and milestone anniversaries, Pacific Bay Resort is a place where love is celebrated in all its forms.
With a breathtaking coastal setting and a team devoted to the details, the only thing left for you to do is soak up every moment.
For wedding and event enquiries, email edd n c fic e o co
Bellinger Valley-born filmmaker Samuel L. Harrison has turned a childhood fascination with capturing moments into a career preserving love stories on film. Known for his deeply story-driven, cinematic approach, Sam creates wedding films that allow couples to relive not just how their day looked, but exactly how it felt.
SAMUEL L HARRISON
Hi Sam. You were born and raised in the Bellinger Valley and fell in love with capturing moments from a very young age. Can you take us back to those early days and how your on o fi fi e n
I first started to realise I enjoyed capturing things through photo and film when I was about or years old, circa 2002, when the first okia camera phone was released, the 650. My Dad got one, and of course the fact it had a camera was all the rage at the time (that makes me feel far too old, also )
I would run around the house with his phone recording anything and everything, much to the detriment of my Dad’s sanity
My focus shifted to photography as I grew through school and high school, photographing for hair stylists, real estate agents, parties, events, and later down the line, weddings. It wasn’t until later in life that I rekindled my love for recording moments in motion
At what point did you realise weddings were something you wanted to focus on c e e
In late 2020, an old school friend reached out and asked if I could film her wedding. I’d been focused on photography for many years by this
point, but I said yes. I had so much fun on the day, as I always do at weddings, but the video approach felt different - more immersive and, honestly, more enjoyable. Crafting a tangible story in the edit and seeing their emotional reaction afterward, more visceral than any photo album I’d delivered, was incredibly cup-filling. That’s when it clicked that this was a genuinely special gift to give people.
A wedding day is something that people spend so many months, years, decades even, preparing for. When the big day finally comes, it usually ends up racing by at warp speed. Being able to let people relive the sights and sounds of all the most important moments of their day in realtime is truly a beautiful offering, I feel How would you describe your wedding fi o co e o e d co e n o o o e fi e
Like any art form, my artistic expression is
Being able to let people relive the sights and sounds of all the most important moments of their day in real-time is truly a beautiful o ering, I feel…
constantly, yet subtly, evolving and improving as I learn both as a filmmaker and a human. That said, what doesn’t change is my deeply story-driven approach and meticulous attention to detail. I focus heavily on audio captured throughout the day, the vows, speeches from your most beloved and maybe your uncle too, and sometimes even the cheeky whispers during your portrait session. I combine this with intentional, cinematic imagery to tell a wedding story that feels honest, emotional, and uniquely theirs.
en o e fi n edd n d what moments are you most instinctively e c n o
Aside from all the obvious moments like the first look, first kiss, vow reactions, the list goes on it’s often the small, fleeting moments that couples engage with most when watching their film back. A moment of collection before the
aisle walk, a parent’s tear, or the colour escaping the couples’ face as the best man delivers the speech to end all speeches.
It’s also about anticipation. Knowing, for example, that most people (not all!) hug heartto-heart from the left in emotional moments, so positioning myself to aim over the right shoulder of the couple to capture the faces of those hugging them.
What does the process of working with you
c oo e o e fi en o o de e n e fin fi
I’ll always reply to an enquiry as soon as I can, at which point I’ll arrange a catch up to get to know them and see if we are the right fit. This can be a game of Mario Kart, Jenga, a cup of coffee or simply a phone/video call. If the vibe is right, and they’d like to go ahead (yay!), I’ll send them through a link to a client portal containing a quote and contract.
We’ll keep in touch throughout the lead up to the big day, and on the day itself have a total and complete blast together The idea is that by this point, I’m not a stranger with a camera, but an extension of the bridal party that’s there to cheer you on and have a great time celebrating you.
After the wedding, editing begins. Typically, couples receive a 15–30 second teaser within 48
hours, a one-minute cinematic trailer within two weeks, and their final film within sixteen weeks. Everything is delivered via a personalised online portal and a custom engraved USB.
con n e o e c e o o fi n edd n
The idea that love is awesome, community is awesome, parties are awesome and people are awesome These come together in the melting pot that is a wedding day to produce some of the most vibrant, vulnerable and fundamental emotions in our lives. These are worth capturing, I think.
What advice would
you give couples when choosing a wedding deo e
It’s one thing to take a good video, another to record good audio, and another altogether to be prepared for the worst and being able to adapt on the fly. Weddings are live events that never go exactly to plan.
e idea that love is awesome, community is awesome, parties are awesome and people are awesome! ese come together in the melting pot that is a wedding day.
I always suggest couples ask their prospective videographer how audio is recorded, what backup plans exist if gear fails, how multiple moments are captured simultaneously, how vendors collaborate on the day, and how footage is backed up afterwards. These questions quickly reveal experience and professionalism. What are you most excited about creatively over the next year and n o e e
For the weddings I have this year and the new friends I’ll make! I’m also very interested to venture into some work outside of the wedding world, and continue to grow my business and brand as the premiere video production destination on the Coffs Coast.
e e c n e find o o e o e n o c
Clients can reach out to me via my website, samuellharrison.com, or by email slh@ samuellharrison.com.
I look forward to working with you!
Thanks Samuel.
HMc KINNON lise
WALLFLOWER & WILD PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding photographer Elise McKinnon is the heart behind Wallflower & Wild
Photography, where she captures weddings with a deeply emotive, storydriven approach. In this interview, Elise shares how photography became her happy place, and how motherhood, presence and connection continue to shape the way she documents love.
i Elise. You’re the photographer behind o e d ed in Coffs Harbour. Can you share a little about your journey into photography nd o ec e o ce
Photography found me during a season of life where everything felt loud and uncertain. I picked up a camera initially as a way to slow down and notice the quieter things, light, movement, connection, moments that often pass unnoticed. Over time, it became my happy place because it grounded me. It gave me a way to be present, creative and observant, even when life felt full. Wallflower Wild grew from that place, from a love of honest moments and a desire to preserve them with care and intention.
o o e o o o e ood ed e o ee o en e o on nd connec on
Having children reshaped the way I see the world. I wouldn’t have picked up a camera again without them. Motherhood brought with it a deep awareness that time is borrowed and that moments are fleeting and unrepeatable. That perspective carries strongly into how
I photograph weddings. A wedding is one of the rare times when all of your favourite people gather in one place; that alone makes it sacred. My approach is the same as when I photograph my children, to honour the moment as it is. Connection matters. Details matter. The laughter, scrunched noses, deep breaths, tears, embodied presence and love. They’re the things we want to remember about our people and about the day itself.
Was there a turning
o n e e
photography shifted
o o e n o
o ed n o o e n
o ne o
n ed o e
o e on
creatively and emotionally; it opened up whole new worlds of opportunity that felt deeply aligned.
o o d o define o o o c e
Over time, it became my happy place because it grounded me. It gave me a way to be present, creative and observant, even when life felt full.
I never really set out with the intention of photography becoming a professional role. It seemed to snowball organically, starting with taking photos of friends, being offered branding opportunities, and eventually being trusted with people’s most sacred moments. Eventually, it became clear my weeks were filling up with shoots, and I realised I needed to pursue it more intentionally. It filled my cup
My style is emotive, natural and storytelling driven. I lean into soft light, earthy tones and movement rather than stiff posing, and I want my images to feel timeless rather than trend-led, photographs that feel like memories rather than performances. While my approach is largely unobtrusive, I am very comfortable offering guidance and gentle direction when it is needed. Whether that is helping couples settle into a moment, move naturally together, or feel confident in front of the camera, my aim is always to create imagery that feels relaxed, honest and true to who they are.
do o en o o o c n co e edd n d
I love witnessing two people choose each other,
I’m deeply drawn to the intimate moments of a wedding day, private vows before ge ing ready, first looks shared with loved ones, whispered words of love and pride, quiet tears.
and being invited into a day that is entirely about them, their story, their people and the life they are building together. A wedding is one of the few times in life where couples are given space to celebrate their love openly, to hear it reflected back to them, and to have it named and honoured by the people who know them best.
Alongside the ceremony and celebration, I am drawn to the quieter expressions of love, the nerves, reassurance, laughter and tenderness. It feels incredibly special to document those moments so they can return to them long after the day has passed.
o oce e o e fi conversation through to the wedding day itself?
My process is designed to feel considered, personal and unhurried. We begin with a call, followed by a relaxed meet and greet where we talk through priorities, expectations and the rhythm of the day. An engagement shoot is
included, allowing us to build familiarity ahead of the wedding and giving me insight into how my couples like to be seen.
In the lead up, couples are supported with timeline refinement and practical coaching around key moments, so nothing feels rushed or uncertain on the day. While I am generally unobtrusive, I am calm under pressure and confident guiding when needed. From timeline breakdowns to dress malfunctions, I am there to support far more than the photographs themselves. I’m the photographer and the quiet carrier of the emergency kit. Tissues, needle and thread are just as essential to me as my gear. That preparedness allows the day to move with ease, even in the unexpected.
Are there particular parts of a wedding day o find e ec o n o o o
I’m deeply drawn to the intimate moments of a wedding day, private vows before getting ready, first looks shared with loved ones, whispered words of love and pride, quiet tears. I am also mindful of the moments where couples honour the people who are present in their hearts but no longer able to stand beside them.
Just as much, I love the joy and lightness of the day. Laughter spilling out during speeches, spontaneous dancing, kids underfoot, warm embraces. Those moments of celebration and connection bring balance, and together they are what make a wedding day feel full, alive and unforgettable.
What advice would you give couples choosing a wedding photographer?
Choose someone whose work makes you feel something, but also someone you trust implicitly. Your photographer needs to be emotionally attuned, but they also need to be technically prepared. This is a day you cannot redo.
Ask about backup equipment, weatherproof gear and contingency plans in case of technical issues. Knowing your photographer has systems in place allows you to relax fully and be present, and that peace of mind is just as important as the images themselves.
e e c n e find o o e o e n touch?
ou can find me through wallflowerandwildphotography on Instagram or via my websitewallflowerandwildphotography.com.
I would love to connect, hear your story, and see if we are the right fit.
Thanks Elise.
At The Garden Bar, every element harmonises to orchestrate your most magical day. Picture exchanging vows in the timeless embrace of The Old Shed, followed by a waterfront reception in our charming restaurant. From delectable cuisine to pictureperfect settings, every detail is curated to transform your dreams into reality.
Love Story YOUR UNVEILING
at The Garden Bar & Kitchen
Nestled within the historic embrace of Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory, The Garden Bar is more than just a venue; it’s the backdrop to your enchanting love story.
With panoramic river views and an ambiance steeped in history, we’re not just hosting weddings; we’re crafting unforgettable moments in the tapestry of your life.
FOR BOOKINGS OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Weddings@thegardenbar.com.au (02) 6566 8864 | thegardenbar.com.au @frederickton_weddings
The Old Cheese Factory, 1 Remembrance Way, Frederickton, NSW 2440
HANDIHIRE
Everything You Need to Bring Events to Life
When it comes to creating memorable events on the Mid North Coast, HandiHire has become a trusted name for quality, reliability and local expertise. Specialising in comprehensive event hire solutions, Handi-Hire offers everything needed to bring celebrations of all sizes together seamlessly.
From elegant weddings to large-scale community events, Handi-Hire supplies
marquees, tables, chairs, glassware, catering equipment and cool rooms, ensuring every detail is covered. For couples planning their big day, the team also provides lighting installations and generator hire, helping to create the perfect atmosphere while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Handi-Hire works closely alongside its sister company, Dump’n’Pump, to deliver premium event toilet hire and servicing. This partnership allows clients to access a complete event solution from one reliable local provider,
whether they’re organising weddings, street festivals, markets, sporting events or private celebrations.
As a proud local small business, Handi-Hire is passionate about supporting the community and keeping events local. With bookings filling quickly, it’s clear there’s excitement for celebrations and gatherings of all kinds. Handi-Hire is thrilled to be part of that momentum, helping bring people together once again with professional service, quality equipment and a genuine commitment to making every event a success.
What inspired you to turn your passion for food into a business?
Food has always been my love language. I’ve always been the one hosting, creating spreads, and bringing people together. I realised that what I was doing for family and friends could actually bring joy to others on a bigger scale, and turning that passion into a business just felt like the next step.
You juggle motherhood, fulltime work, and a business, how do you make it all work? It’s definitely a juggle, lots of planning and late nights. I try to be intentional with my time and kind to myself when things don’t go perfectly. My kids motivate me every single day, and showing them the value of hard work and passion makes it all worth it. This year, I’m stepping back from full-time work to pursue my business more, which excites me so much.
What do you love most about creating platters and grazing tables for people? I love knowing that my work becomes part of someone’s special moment. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding celebration, or just bringing people together, being able to create something that people gather around and enjoy together is incredibly fulfilling. What has been the most rewarding moment since starting your business? Seeing repeat clients and receiving messages about how much people loved their platters never gets old. Knowing that people choose me again and recommend my business to others is incredibly rewarding. Where can people learn more about your business? Grazing by Kanisha on Instagram or Facebook. I regularly share event setups, special moments, and all the services we offer. Alternatively, you can give me a call on 0437 476 009
KANISHA LEHR
GRAZING BY
B&K
WEDDING FILMS creative celebrant
The most meaningful moments are real, raw and filled with joy. I focus on creating ceremonies that celebrate your marriage, not just the wedding day. It’s about the marriage you’re choosing and the life you’re stepping into together. our ceremony should celebrate the story you share, the values you hold, and the commitment you’re making together.
Whether it’s a barefoot beach elopement in Coffs Harbour, an intimate garden gathering, or a big celebration with everyone you love, I’ll help you create a ceremony that feels natural, relaxed and deeply meaningful.
Based in Coffs Harbour on the Mid orth Coast of SW, it’s a privilege to help couples and families mark the moments that matter most.
Something special in the pipeline…
A beautifully curated, all-inclusive elopement day - June 26, 2026. Six couples. One stunning location. Every detail thoughtfully taken care of, from styling and hair to photography and flowers.
A Ceremony That Feels Like You
Relaxed, heartfelt ceremonies for weddings, new beginnings and meaningful goodbyes.
• Legal, Elopement, and Full Wedding Packages
• Celebration of Life
• Vow Renewals
0403 071 757
amanda@amandamartincelebrant.com.au www.amandamartincelebrant.com.au
B K Creative is an award-winning wedding videography business led by Bardi Kelsey, creating cinematic wedding films across the Mid orth Coast and beyond. With a relaxed and unobtrusive approach, they capture weddings as they naturally unfold, focusing on genuine emotion, meaningful connection and the moments in between.
From intimate elopements to full-day celebrations, each film is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the couple’s story and preserve how the day truly felt, not just how it looked. Their style is timeless, emotional and story-driven, allowing couples to relive their wedding day for years to come.
B K Creative recently placed 2nd in Australia for Wedding ideographers at the 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Awards, recognising their passion, professionalism and commitment to creating films that are designed to be revisited and cherished for generations.
Watch our love stories:
Family-owned and operated team, our mission is to capture the essence of your special day, creating timeless videos filled with meaningful moments and candid emotions.
www.bkcreative.com.au 0431324758
@bk__creative bkcreativefilms@gmail.com
COFFS COAST WEDDINGS
CORRIE WADE
MUSIC ACADEMY
We fi
dance such a e n n of a wedding day?
A wedding is made up of fleeting moments, but the first dance is one that really lingers. Long after the flowers fade and the cake is gone, couples still remember how that moment felt together.
o do o edd n d nce e on o co e
They’re not about perfection or performance. They’re about confidence, connection, and creating a moment that feels personal. My role is to help couples move from nerves into ease, and turn music into something meaningful.
c n co e e ec o e dance?
Every dance is shaped around the couple, their song, personalities, and wedding
Corrie Wade Music Academy o ers wedding dance lessons designed for real couples, not performers. With a calm, intuitive approach, Corrie helps couples transform nerves into confidence and music into a deeply personal moment. Each dance is shaped around the couple’s song, personalities, and timeline creating a first dance that feels natural, meaningful, and unmistakably their own, and that's where your first dance becomes a moment you’ll never forget. We cha ed with Corrie Wade about wedding dance lessons and the magic behind them.
timeline. Whether it’s simple, playful, or quietly spectacular, the goal is a dance that feels natural and authentic, so when the music starts, they can relax and enjoy being together.
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They’re for real people not just dancers . Most couples come in saying some version of, We don’t dance, or We’re nervous , and that’s completely normal. ou don’t need experience, rhythm, or confidence to begin, that’s what we build together. Some couples want something beautifully understated, others want fun, flair, or even a surprise element. The common thread is that they want to feel comfortable, connected, and proud when they step onto the floor.
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I offer many styles, but I often let the music lead the way. Music naturally suggests movement, timing, and mood. Sometimes couples arrive with a clear idea, and sometimes
the style reveals itself once we start working with the song. It becomes a very organic process rather than forcing a dance style onto the music we let the music shape the dance. n co e e e o n edd n on Absolutely and I encourage it. our song carries your story. Whether it’s a classic love song, something modern, or a little unconventional, working with music that matters to you makes the dance feel more meaningful. The choreography grows out of the song, not the other way around.
How many lessons do couples usually need?
There’s no set number. Some couples feel ready after just a few sessions, while others enjoy a longer creative process. Together, we design a lesson plan that suits your goals, availability, and comfort level. The aim is never to overwhelm, it’s to support you in feeling prepared and relaxed.
Weddings
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Around a month or two before the wedding is ideal. That timing gives you space to learn, practise, and settle into the dance without pressure. That said, even with shorter timelines, we can still create something beautiful. It’s about meeting couples where they are.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, all wedding dance lessons are private. This creates a relaxed, supportive environment where couples can laugh, make mistakes, and grow in confidence at their own pace. There’s no audience, no judgement, just time and space to enjoy the process together.
Do you work with other wedding dancers
Together, we design a lesson plan that suits your goals, availability, and comfort level. e aim is never to overwhelm, it’s to support you in feeling prepared and relaxed. too?
ery much so. In addition to first dances, I regularly work with father–daughter and mother–son dances, wedding party routines, and special group moments. I’m proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, and I tailor every experience to honour the people, relationships, and stories involved. Every love story deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels right for the couple.
After 25 years of doing this work, what still surprises you?
One theme comes up again and again - couples are surprised by how easy and fun the process is. They often arrive expecting stress or awkwardness, and instead they leave smiling, connected, and genuinely enjoying themselves. The experience of creating the dance together
becomes just as memorable as the dance on the day itself. That always delights me.
Wedding dance lessons are just one part of a much broader creative practice, what makes Corrie Wade Music Academy different?
We take a creative, non-traditional approach to music education for children, teens, and adults. Students are encouraged to play first, building confidence and musical instinct before focusing on reading or theory.
What results do you see from this approach?
Students progress quickly and develop real confidence and joy in playing. Music starts to feel natural rather than pressured. At the heart of it all is the belief that creativity is innate it just needs the right environment to unfold. o c n co e nd den find o more?
They can explore my website corriewade.com email me - info@corriewade.com or call me on 0401 096 079.
Thanks Corrie
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LOvE LETTERS PHOTO SHACK
The PhotoShack is proudly owned and operated by husbandand-wife team Daniel and Hannah. Hannah has been running The PhotoShack since 2014, with Daniel and Hannah officially purchasing the business together in 2016.
In 2017, they expanded their wedding services by adding Coffs Coast LO E Letters, perfectly complementing their Photo Booth business and allowing couples to create even more memorable celebrations. Clients can hire either service individually or take advantage of discounted package deals by booking both together.
always on hand to run the Photo Booth, ensuring everything runs smoothly so you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Couples can choose from a wide range of stylish backdrops and customise their own Photo Strip design. In addition to photo strips, 6x photo prints are also available as an extra service.
Daniel and Hannah are passionate about delivering high-quality photos, unlimited prints during each hire, and exceptional customer service.
Daniel and Hannah are passionate about delivering high-quality photos, unlimited prints during each hire, and exceptional customer service before, during, and after every event, something they are consistently complimented on. A friendly and professional attendant is
This year, Daniel and Hannah are excited to continue being part of many special days and helping couples bring their wedding dreams to life.
The PhotoShack has proudly won the Mid orth Coast Brides Choice Awards three years in a row. ou can be confident you are in excellent hands when choosing The PhotoShack and Coffs Coast LO E Letters for your special day.
Jukebox