Focus - Port Macquarie Wedings 2024

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Joyce REAL BRIDES 1 1 / 1 1 / 2 3

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here did you first meet? At a friend’s birthday party.

Tell us about the proposal? From helicopters to ugly crying, it had it all. Mitch organised a surprise helicopter ride around Kona, Hawaii. Our pilot dropped us at the base of a waterfall and Mitch dropped a knee. Ebony ugly cried.

Did you have a theme for your wedding day, if so tell us all about it.

The theme was a bit of an eclectic mash, but we wanted it to feel ethereal and elegant so we chose muted tones and vintage decor to achieve this. We also both chose one fl ower each to incorporate. We got married on Remembrance Day so Ebony chose black and white anemones and Mitch chose king proteas which perfectly complemented to farm aethestic.

Where were you married and why did you choose this location? Both our ceremony and reception space are quite sentimental to us. Our ceremony was held

in Mitch’s Mum’s backyard along the river in Telegraph Point. Our reception was then just a short golf buggy ride up the road to a property which has been in the family for a few generations. The tent was also placed on the top of the hill where we plan to build our forever home one day. Both locations are special because it’s where Mitch grew up. We knew we wanted something a little different for our wedding and just couldn’t pass on such a meaningful opportunity.

photobooth.

Who were some of the businesses you worked with to help create your special day? We were very fortunate to book some amazing vendors who created the wedding of our dreams.

What was your favourite part/moment of the day and why? All of them! There’s magic in all of the moments we shared.

The guys from ‘Thistle Flowers’ transformed both spaces into a wonderland of blooms.

We had ‘Char Bar’, ‘Wild Feast Grazing’, and ‘Romeo Luxury Caravan Bar’ as our caterers and our guests couldn’t complement the food and service enough. Another crowd pleaser was our carrot cake from ‘Something Sweet’ by Lizzy. The day was captured forever by ‘Lilly at Dawn Photography’ and ‘Pose it’

Margot Smith was the all important celebrant.

Sperry Tents Hunter Valley, Portable Powder Rooms and Magick Events supplied the heavy duty hire items.

Glam Squad: Sass and Co Hair, Instill Beauty, Serenity Nails.

Musicians: Simon Gudgeon and Andrew Cousins were incredible acoustics to set the perfect atmosphere.

We made sure during our planning that our day reflected ‘us’ and what we wanted, so there were so many little glimmers to appreciate and admire throughout the day.

From temporary tattoos to our grandparents doing shots, we really relished each moment.

We also loved that we made a constant effort to spend as much time together as we could which means when we look back, we share all our favourite memories together.

Looking back, the moment which still gives

Ebony butterflies is being announced as Mr and Mrs Joyce and the commotion (and confetti) from the crowd that came with it.

What did you save money on and what did you splurge on?

Save: Stationery: We used a wedding website and only had printed invitations for a few guests. Menus and name places were also simple.

Signage: We didn’t have a welcome sign, table numbers or a seating chart.

Decor: We used what we had, bought second hand and asked our vendors. We also reused florals and decor from the ceremony space in the reception space.

Favours: Guests were able to take home their photobooth strips as a favour.

Accommodation: We got ready at home and stayed there on our wedding night.

Splurge: Pyrotechnic Events; The fireworks were a magical part of the night and they kick started the dance floor with a bang!

Gloucester Horse and Carriage was truly enchanting and worth every penny.

We’ll leave the dress and shoes out of this one…

Looking back was there anything that you would do differently or We made sure during change? We loved our planning that our our wedding and day reflected ‘us’ and we wouldn’t change what we wanted, so anything. Hindsight there were so many is a beautiful thing little glimmers to and we definitely What advice do you appreciate and admire learned things, but have for couples throughout the day. our wedding day who are getting was special to us, married in 2024? hiccups and all. But Remember, it’s a day for a bit of spice, to celebrate you and we’d consider your love. Soak up every moment of your adding a content creator to capture a few raw journey to the altar and create a day which is videos to look back on as well as the photos. special for you. It can be daunting to see so They seem like a great way to capture candid many incredible weddings, especially online. snippets of the day. And maybe find time to Our advice would be to work out your non eat and drink something. negotiables and channel energy into a few

key areas instead of spreading yourself and your budget too thin.

Your vendors are crucial to the smooth running of your wedding day. Choose professionals who will work together as a team and at the end of the day, trust that they’ll do what they do best. I promise you they’re all amazing and you’ll be able to be fully present on the day. It goes by in a flash so stick to your partner like glue and take a moment to reflect on it all before you blink and miss it.

W E D D I N G S K I N C A R E PA C K A G E S N O W AVA I L A B L E at Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic

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SKIN CARE Q U E S T I O N S

O N Y O U R B I G D AY ?

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PMAC Port leading skin and cosmetic injectables clinic.

ow far in advance should I start to prepare my skin for the big day? Ideally, starting a skin care routine 12 months before will provide the opportunity for comprehensive improvements, including both skin treatments and cosmetic injectables. This helps with collagen induction, textural issues, acne breakouts, and skin tone concerns such as pigmentation.

By starting early, you afford yourself the luxury of time, ensuring a more thorough and effective approach to achieving radiant, flawless skin.

What if I don’t have a year before the wedding? It’s still possible to make meaningful improvements to your skin. We can get amazing results with patients in only a few months.

The best thing to do is book a skin care consultation so we can start your journey!

What concerns should I focus on if I have less time? Consult with your clinician who will guide you in optimising your skincare regimen within the available time. You can have cosmetic injectables up to 2 weeks before your event, however, filler should be no later than a month before.

In the weeks leading up to your wedding focus on hydration and exfoliating your skin. A pre-event peel 2 weeks before will hydrate your skin and leave you with a smooth texture for better makeup application.

What is a good home skin care routine? Starting your skin care routine with a thorough cleanse and makeup removal lays the foundation for a vibrant complexion. Use a mild AHA and BHA exfoliant serum 2-3 times weekly to refine skin texture, and a hydrating serum and moisturiser for sustained skin health. To support collagen, and reduce fine lines, start collagen peptides and Vitamin A. We recommend a B3 niacinamide for oil control, and Vitamin C to thwart pigmentation and, safeguard your skin with SPF, ensuring a radiant and protected canvas for your special day.

What do I do in the days before the big day? Maintain consistency with your existing skincare routine and reduce any signs of fatigue with hydrating under-eye patches and masks.

Be sure to conduct a patch test a month prior to minimise the risk of any adverse effects and make sure that your skin is pampered and revitalised on your big day!

HAPPILY EVER STARTS NOW! HAPPILY EVER STARTS NOW!

Rydges Port Macquarie is a stunning choice for couples who want only the best!

Rydges Signature Weddings from $124pp

Have you just started planning your wedding? Have you written your guest list and you’re now like, “What do we do next?

I can help you break the rules of tradition and create a fun and modern ceremony that suits your vibe and is exactly the way YOU want it to be.

Services

- I Do’s to the D Floor, Full wedding & MC, Coordination combo - Full Wedding ceremony - Legals only - Hire items

Rydges Port Macquarie is a stunning choice for couples who only the best!

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Book your 2024/2025 wedding reception Rydges Signature Weddings from $124pp with us before 30 April 2024 and receive the below special offer.

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Designer chairs for your reception A pre-wedding bridal room in a water view king room

Testimonials

“Besides getting married Mindy was the best thing about our wedding” “Mindy made our wedding day so much FUN” “Mindy made the whole planning process stress free and easy”

ido@marrymemindy.com.au marrymemindy.com.au

0402 437 427

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02 6589 2888

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Jessica & George

Miedecke REAL BRIDES 1 1 / 0 3 / 2 3

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here did you first meet? We met through a mutual friend and, sometime later, bumped into each other at the service station, where it all began.

The most memorable part was hearing George describe the love and friendship we’ve formed in our time together. He truly is my best friend and I couldn’t be prouder to be his wife.

When George proposed, I recognised the ring, a special piece of jewellery I’d admired since I was a little girl, belonging to my Mum’s best friend. To see this, I knew instantly George The most memorable had asked my parents part was hearing George for their blessing (what describe the love and a gentleman)!

Tell us about the proposal. The proposal was a real surprise.The weekend it happened, George was meant to be racing at Bathurst friendship we’ve formed but had some issues Did you have a in our time together. He with the car, so when theme for your truly is my best friend that didn’t work wedding day? We and I couldn’t be prouder out, he decided on a didn’t go into planning to be his wife. weekend away. With a with a theme in mind, change of plans, from a but we did have an race weekend to a last incredible Florist & minute getaway, I had Stylist, Matt & Chris absolutely no idea. There aren’t many good at Thistle Flowers. We admire everything surprises in life, but I was very happy with they do, so we left it to the experts. The this one. brief was colourful, and they brought it all

I LOVED EVERY MOMENT. THE CEREMONY HOLDS A REALLY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. ANOTHER FAVOURITE WAS WALKING BACK DOWN THE AISLE AS MR & MRS MIEDECKE - WE COULDN’T WAIT TO BE MARRIED. THIS WAS A GREAT MOMENT FOR US!

together, making it the fairytale it was!

Where were you married and why did you choose this location? The location was easy, Goonoo Goonoo Station. A friend of George’s owns it, and my parents often have date nights there. We both wanted a country wedding and it was perfect.

Who were some of the businesses you worked with to help create your special day?

Matt & Chris, Thistle Florist (and stylist) Goonoo Goonoo Station Shanice Noa, Love By Lee Photography Sue Dietrich, Celebrant Mane Events, DJ Samsara Hair & Makeup What was your favourite part/moment of the day and why? What a question, I loved every moment. The ceremony holds a really special place in my heart. Another favourite was walking back down the aisle as Mr & Mrs Miedecke - we couldn’t wait to be married. This was a great moment for us!

Looking back, was there anything that you would do differently or change?

Not a thing; I think trusting the vendors with their expertise and creative flair is what made the day so smooth and enjoyable.

(Actually - fireworks, the exact ones from the Joyce wedding, that was amazing!)

What advice do you have for couples who are getting married in 2024? At the end of the day, you’re married to your best friend. Don’t forget to prioritise your

friendship first, learn and explore the love languages, and you’ll each feel loved and appreciated. Spend time doing things together and exploring new interests and ultimately, enjoy each other’s company. It truly is the greatest thing being married to your best friend; I’m so proud to be your wife, George Miedecke - You’re the king of my heart, the man of my dreams and the absolute love of my life!

Thanks for sharing Jess.

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W d Blossoms Wild Blossoms specialises in destination weddings along the Mid North Coast and Hunter Valley of New South Wales. We are all about beautiful, seasonal blooms. Our floral designs tell a story about our client and transcends them beyond their expectations.

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ow long have you been working as a florist and where did your love for this industry start?

I began Wild Blossoms in 2020 after completing my floristry certificate at Padstow TAFE. My love of flowers and all things nature has been with me for as long as I can remember. From searching for shells on the beach at Sawtell where I grew up, to bushwalking and stopping for wildfl owers along the road as a child. It’s always been there and I’ve always found beauty in a single fl ower stem, tree or shell.

I used to draw trees in art class all the time.

Nature is beautiful.

What is your signature style when it comes to wedding fl owers?

The Wild Blossoms look is of wild elegance, with touches of whimsical and romance, enabling the fl orals to shine the very way nature intended. We love colour and of course more muted earthy tones are our thing. We specialise in weddings, luxe events, destination

weddings and bespoke design commissions along the Mid North Coast and Hunter Valley of New South Wales.

How do you approach creating custom designs that match a couple’s vision?

We are all about beautiful, seasonal blooms and our floral designs tell a story about our clients. They are impactful and we take a professional, friendly and open approach.

We engage with our clients to ensure their individual feel for their wedding is created in a unique style, keeping it simple for them, allowing us to get to know them and to bring their personal story to life.

FAQ; Where do I start?

Send us an enquiry via our website Wedding Enquiry - Wild Blossoms — Wild Blossoms Floral Co | Port Macquarie Florist and we’ll reach out to have a chat to learn about your wedding vision and what’s important to you for one of the most important days of your life.

How far in advance should I book a wedding florist?

We suggest a minimum of 9-12 months to have the best chance of availability for your preferred vendors (including us!) but we can easily work within a shorter planning timeframe.

What factors influence the cost of wedding flowers?

Flowers are a luxury item and there is so much behind the scenes effort, time, sourcing, love and looking after your flowers before they

are even designed with. We source our blooms and The Wild Blossoms foliage from all over look is of wild ceiling installation Australia and the elegance with touches or beautiful king world and they are of whimsical and tablescapes. Nothing a perishable item so romance, enabling is the same, and are freight, cold storage the florals to shine always designed with and resourcing are the very way nature the client’s vision in costly. The design intended. mind. We transform process is hands on, our clients chosen very manual and ceremony and reception unique, and we get settings into something to work everyday that are beyond their vision and dreams. with hundreds of beautiful stems of flowers.

We are very lucky and love what we do.

What is better, real or fake for the How do you handle last-minute changes or additions to the floral arrangements?

We take a flexible approach to the design process and have regular check ins with our clients, with a final chat approximately 10 weeks from your wedding day to finalise arrangements, so there is usually plenty of time to adjust things as they evolve.

Can you provide flowers for both the ceremony and reception venues?

Yes, we love creating unique and bespoke floral features whether for a ceremony entrance, a grand arbour feature, a reception

boutique toss?

Real of course! But you don’t need to go overboard with this, we usually keep these simple and cute, plus it’s a beautiful gift for the lucky receiver!

What type of flowers are best for wedding flowers?

We focus on celebrating the best of what mother nature has to offer. There are so many beautiful blooms during every season so stay open minded about specific flowers used on your big day. We have loads of favourite blooms and a list on our website that we love

working with. My personal favourite are coral charm peonies (only available for a couple of weeks in the year). Our go to’s are quicksand coloumbian blush roses, phalaenopsis orchids and king proteas.

Do you handle the setup and takedown of the floral arrangements on the wedding day?

Yes we do. We offer a full wedding floral service from our ceremony aisle runways, plinth and arbour floral installations, which do require on site set up and pack down on the day. This means you don’t have to worry about a thing, other than enjoying yourself with your family, friends and guests. We’ve got you covered.

How do I preserve my bouquet after the wedding?

There are so many options now to preserve your bouquet to ensure your memories live on after your special day. These include air drying, pressing, silica gel dip, resin, wax dip, freeze dry or artist rendition. So good!

Thanks Tane

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Our whole lives, we have been either behind the BBQ or eating off the grill during family gatherings.

It’s a way of life – there’s no doubt food brings everyone together. This is exactly why we do what we do.

There’s nothing more rewarding then sharing our family recipes with you and watching people thoroughly enjoy the food they are being served.

Not only do we provide proficient service, but also different styles of catering for absolutely any occasion.

We customise menus to suit your budget and your needs. We’re flexible and hard workers. Get the Habibiz experience at your next event and you won’t be disappointed.

We are family owned and operated. Authentic Lebanese/ Assyrian home made food including our chargrilled meats, popular sauces and fresh salads.

We cater for all events, weddings, backyard BBQs or corporate and can service the whole of NSW. Banquet, buffet and canape style.

The Barn at Hibbards is the perfect venue for all your wedding needs.

An awesome way to celebrate

Save time and money, have your wedding ceremony and reception all in the one place.

Ideal for a surprise Engagement Party/ wedding guaranteed to have everlasting memories that nobody will forget.

If your all about standing out from the crowd and going your own way, this one is for you.

Let us help you

The Barn overlooks it’s own little lake, taking advantage of the beautiful sunsets glistening over the water, surrounded by beautiful palm trees.

Talk to our team today about your Meal options.

Christie Murray | events@hibbardsp ortsclub.com.au | 6584 9276 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 36

P H I L & E L K E M AT T H E WS

Pure

Acoustic Meet Phil and Elke Matthews of Pure Acoustic, A MUSICAL POWERHOUSE BLENDING CLASSICAL GUITAR FINESSE WITH VERSATILE VOCALS AND INSTRUMENTALS. From Phil’s early days at the Sydney Conservatorium to Elke’s journey from dance to a multiinstrumentalist, their shared passion shines through in their dynamic, interactive performances.

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s sought-after wedding singers, they offer customisable packages, including MC and DJ services. After a hiatus to welcome their daughter Layla, Pure Acoustic is back with exciting plans for new songs and unforgettable live performances .

Hi guys, can you tell us a bit of your back story about how you both came to be musicians?

Phil: My journey as a musician started when I had the opportunity to attend a boarding school where I met one of Australia's greatest

guitarists, Struan Smith. He wrote a book on classical guitar, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have learned from him. While some may say I am lucky to have the talent, I say the more I practiced the luckier I got. I later studied at the Sydney Conservatorium, where I delved deeper into music theory, composition, and performance, expanding my musical horizons and refining my craft. Along the way, I had the privilege of playing guitar alongside artists like Tommy Emmanuel and working with renowned musicians like Ian Moss. One of my proudest moments was collaborating with Pink.

When it comes to vocals, I owe a lot to my

older brother, who taught me the art of vocal harmonies. We would spend hours harmonizing to our favourite songs, creating magical moments that ignited my passion for classic rock and built our extensive repertoire of songs.

Elke: My journey becoming a musician was in pursuit of a shared dream and a testament to the power of music and love. While my story may not be as glamorous as Phil’s, I have always had a deep love for music. From a young age, I dedicated myself to dance and later attended performing arts college. It wasn't until I met my brilliant husband that I truly discovered my inner diva. He has been my guiding light, giving me the tools to become proficient on the guitar, bass, and piano. With his guidance and support, I started exploring my vocal range and developing my skills as a percussionist, playing the cajon and harmonica in our duo. Together, we have created a harmonious collaboration that allows us to share our passion for music with others.

How would you describe your style of music and performance?

Our style of music and performance can be described as dynamic and versatile. We adapt our style to suit any situation, ensuring that

we create an exciting atmosphere that engages our audience.

We prioritise creating a fun and enjoyable experience for our audience, and we believe that the more fun they have, the more enjoyment we have as well.

What truly makes our performances unique is our interactive approach. We love involving the audience in our shows, creating a sense of connection and shared experience.

One of the things that sets us apart is our diverse repertoire of cover songs. We cover various genres and eras, making sure that there is something for everyone. Whether it's pop hits or rock classics, we put our own twist on each song, infusing it with our signature acoustic style and energy.

What truly makes our performances unique is our interactive approach. We love involving the audience in our shows, creating a sense of connection and shared experience. We encourage the crowd to sing along, take song requests, and make every performance a memorable and interactive event.

What are some of the most requested songs you get at weddings? Do you guys have any favourites to perform?

Over the years, we have noticed a few songs that are consistently requested at weddings.

Some of the most popular choices for walking down the aisle include "A Thousand Years," the theme song from "Princess Bride," and "Here Comes the Sun." For first dance songs, "Die a Happy Man" and "Brown Eyed Girl" are often at the top of the list.

When it comes to guest requests, we often hear songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crowded House, and INXS. However, there is a running joke in the music world that playing certain songs like "Khe Sanh" or "Horses" will cost extra. To avoid any awkwardness, we tend to steer clear of those songs as we feel its rude to ask for extra, wink wink.

You have a few different options when people book you for their wedding, whether you perform as a duo or with a band for example, which is quite unique.

What do you offer that you think sets you apart as wedding singers?

What sets us apart as wedding singers is the range of options and services we offer to our clients. We understand that every couple has unique preferences and desires for their wedding day, so we provide a variety of packages to cater to their specific needs.

Firstly, we offer different performance options, including performing instrumental solo guitar, as a duo or with a full band. This allows us to create the perfect atmosphere and energy based on the couple's preferences and the size of the venue.

We take great pride in our ability to learn and perform special moment songs for couples. We understand that these songs hold a significant meaning for the couple and their loved ones, and we want to ensure that their special

moments are accompanied by the perfect music.

In addition to live music, we also provide MC and DJ services. Elke takes charge of the event, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. She guides guests through the evening, announces speeches and special moments, and even organizes and leads fun party games to keep the celebration lively and entertaining.

Pure Acoustic has had a bit of a break over the past year as you welcomed your daughter into your family, congratulations!

What have you got planned for this year as you get back out and start performing again regularly?

Thank you for your kind words! We are indeed excited to be getting back into regularly performing this year. After taking some time off to welcome our daughter Layla into the world, we are ready to bring our music back to the stage.

As Layla grows older, we are looking forward to incorporating some new songs into our repertoire.

Where can people listen to your music, follow your journey or get in touch?

We regularly perform live across the region, to stay updated on our upcoming gigs, music trivia and musical bingo performances, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @pureacousticlive. We regularly post updates about our shows, including dates, venues, and any special public events we may be a part of. pureacousticlive.com

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Ashley Nielsen P H O T O G R A P H Y

in my early teenage years, and since then, I’ve learned to appreciate how a picture can capture emotions and preserve a moment in time/revisit a memory.

So I guess you could say that photography began as a hobby and became an integral part of my identity.

My favourite type of photo is one that captures a specific moment in time. That’s why I came up with the Adventure Session concept. It all starts with a simple question: “Do you want to go on an adventure?” Love is an adventure, and this is a great way to celebrate it.

Ashley Nielsen, the creative force behind Ashley Nielsen Photography, unfolds her passion for capturing love stories, particularly within the enchanting world of weddings. In this exclusive interview, Ashley recounts her enduring love affair with photography, tracing its roots back to her childhood fascination with film cameras and the realisation of the art’s power to capture emotions and preserve memories.

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ith a unique blend of poetic imagery and commitment to wild love, Ashley’s distinctive style has carved a niche in the world of wedding photography. We spoke to Ashley about the concept of Adventure Sessions, an innovative approach that turns love into an adventure, creating one-of-a-kind images that tell each couple’s unique story.

Hi Ashley, how did you discover your passion for photography, and what drew you to capturing weddings?

I know it may sound cliché, but my love for photography has been with me for as long as I can remember. I grew up with film cameras and enjoyed the anticipation of waiting for a roll to develop. Unfortunately, I lost my Mum

With so many different styles of wedding photography out there, how would you describe your own unique approach or style?

My work is a fusion of poetic imagery and wild love stories.

I’m passionate about capturing the essence of couples who are deeply in love. The secret ingredient to my success is my passion for what I do. I believe it’s my creativity and personal touch that sets my work apart.

What are some of your favourite types of shots or moments to capture during a wedding?

The Adventure Session - My favourite type of photo is one that captures a specific moment in time. That’s why I came up with the Adventure Session concept. It all starts with a simple question: “Do you want to go on an adventure?” Love is an adventure, and this is a great way to celebrate it.

These sessions focus on activities you love to do, whether that’s having a picnic, reading a book under a tree, or catching some waves together. Think of me as the ultimate third wheel! My goal is to create images that are one-of-a-kind and tell a love story that’s uniquely yours.

Continued over...

Every wedding is unique. Can you share some memorable moments from weddings you’ve been a part of that stand out in your mind?

Weddings are always unique, but a recent one I photographed stood out with its creative guest book concept. The couple sent blank recipe cards along with their save-the-dates and requested guests to return them as RSVP cards.

At the reception, the cards were compiled into a personalised recipe book with each guest’s recipe and signature. From grandma Sue’s famous carrot cake recipe to Uncle Bill’s breakfast burger, the book is filled with cherished memories. As a sentimental person, I notice that kind of detail.

What are some common requests or trends you’re seeing for wedding photography at the moment?

Wedding trends for 2024 are already coming into focus, and I’m loving the bold reds

and pinks in floral arrangements, audio guest books, and gelato ice cream! Additionally, I’ve noticed that couples are opting for more intimate ceremonies with personalized guest lists, rather than large 100-person weddings.

After being involved in so many weddings and special events, what advice would you give to couples about to embark on the whole process?

As a personal preference, I can’t resist a refreshing gelato or cocktail from the Kombi keg!

After being involved in so many weddings and special events, what advice would you give to couples about to embark on the whole process? *It’s worth noting that the Polaroid guest books tend to go unused and

can be quite costly - I learned this the hard way while planning my own wedding.

Where can people check out your work or get in touch?

Whether you’re looking for a photographer for your wedding, family portraits, or just to capture some special memories - I may just be your girl.

My website is a great resource for those who want to learn more about my work and read reviews/love notes!

Ashleyjnielsen.com Check out my instagram and Facebook for my latest work and behind-the-scenes! I often share stories with glimpses into my creative process. @ashleynielsenphoto Thanks Ashley.

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