WEDDING of Shane Kitchin & Kelly Vinson

How did they meet?  Through work, he was her manager, he eventually proposed after a muse concert in Olympic park blvd!

The Ceremony:  was at 2:30pm was performed by our pastor Steve Mayo , Church was Grace Bible Church,  Kingswood ( Shane’s grandparents church) http://www.hotfrog.com.au/Companies/Grace-Bible-Church_946486

The Look:  Bride’s Dress: Stella Bridal http://www.stellasbridal.com/ Veil & Gloves: Bridal Center http://www.penrithbridalcentre.com.au/  Hair & Makeup: Vera Feghali.  Bridesmaids: dresses by Harts http://www.westfield.com.au/penrith/directory/detail/store?retailer=24751 Shoe’s: Sandy Bay Surf Shop http://www.westfield.com.au/penrith/directory/detail/store?retailer=26447 Groom & Groomsmen: All Suit attire Bridal Centre http://www.penrithbridalcentre.com.au/  Groomsmen Ties: Elite Menswear  http://www.blacktownshopping.com.au/elite-menswear-144.html  Flower Girls:   Myers &  Blue Sky    http://www.westfield.com.au/burwood/directory/detail/store?retailer=37162 Blue Dress Sashes: Harts. Grooms Ring: Grooms Ring Prouds http://www.westfield.com.au/mtdruitt/directory/detail/store?retailer=5128  Brides Ring: Family Heirloom.  The Flowers: Pollen Palace http://www.findmeflowers.com.au/florists/st-marys-pollen-palace/

The Photo Shoot: Started at Tench Reserve, Nepean River http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?id=4452

Then when the light got low we headed off to the reception for sunset shots

Then our photographer made us stop on the way to the reception as the scenery was so beautiful!

The Reception:  Mulgoa Valley Reception In Mulgoa. Stunning gardens! Reception Service was nice and friendly and the food was amazing http://www.mulgoavalleyreceptions.com/page2.htm

Did we mention they have their own camel!

 The Cake:   was created by the owner of the reception Cameron , we were having a beach theme and he came up with this unique wedding cake !

The Entertainment:   We had a live band and it created a wonderful atmosphere , the band can be hired through the reception.

The Photographer: Collections Photography www.collectionsphotography.com.au  Sonia at Collections Photography was absolutely amazing to work with , and she turned our day into a fun experience and her photo’s simply are beautiful she is truly an expert at what she does.  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.208174245910803.51550.107502469311315 Video:   My Uncle offered to use our cam corder to record most of the day and he did a wonderful job .

Brides Tips & Advice for other Brides:   Don’t let drama get in the way of you enjoying the lead up to your wedding , because at the end of the day it will only bring you unnecessary stress!  Summary: Overall we had a really great time and this day could not have been possible without help from alot of people and for that we are so appreciative ! The Honeymoon:   Surfers Paradise Q1 Resort & Spa … http://www.q1.com.au/home56.html a truly relaxing experience for us both & a lovely time to spend together. So professional & open to requests. We  had a daily cleaning service so it gave us a chance to not worry about anything.

To VIEW more images of Kelly & Shane go to our facebook page & press LIKE at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.208174245910803.51550.107502469311315

WEDDING of Olivia & James COLLAGUAZO

How did Olivia & James Meet? James and Liv were introduced through a mutual friend at Bronte Beach. There was instant attraction there (both confessed years later) but nothing happened at the time.  2 years later when they met up again at a friend’s house a lot of flirting happened and several months later, they hooked up after a few too many drinks! Very quickly they both realised they were becoming better people, they brought out the best in each other & fell in love. James proposed 4 years later.

How did James propose? ….. it’s a long one!!!He proposed in the most unexpected way, it took 4 years & I had no clue it was coming.

Our priority was to buy a home first, it took all our savings & we couldn’t afford to get married so I forgot about it. The morning of my birthday I woke to find my favourite orange tulips & card with a beautiful message & a BIG set of instructions. To start with I had 1 hour to get ready before my chauffeur turned up (I had to pack an overnight bag also!). I spent the day following a set of clues given throughout the day (based on how well I knew our relationship) which led me all around Sydney. I also collected throughout the day orange envelope’s that said “DO NOT OPEN” but bring with you. I was jumping up & down with excitement all day, I love surprises!

These clues finally led me to Rushcutters Bay and there was James, greeting me with a drink!.  I could finally relax, it was a hot day & he talk me for a walk along Rushcutters Bay park for about 10 mins with my overnight bag in hand (I was slightly annoyed)! Finally, we got to the car… he took my hand & walked me onto an amazing white shiny boat. He said “surprise darling, Happy Birthday”! Off we went, I was gobsmacked, … the perfect gift! It was all there, scattered roses, Bollinger, oysters, lobster, perfect weather & a sunset, I was in heaven! Our captain then docked our boat, left us alone for the evening with a beautiful seafood dinner.

Finally I was able to open my parcels, each to pieces to a jigsaw puzzle that formed our favourite photo (the night we met). “Very creative!” He then took the puzzle and turned it over & on the back were numbers in random order, I was instructed to peel the numbers off in sequence order … I saw letters appearing … Will you marr… I cried & there he was on one knee with a very large sparkling rock, I wrapped my arms around him & said “Yes yes yes!”

… I asked him “Is this real?” “Of course it’s bloody real” he said. He has not let me live that question down since. Ha ha!

Olivia & James Wedding Theme: Funky Modern Vintage with a splash of Orient. Our colour scheme was Orange, black & whites.

Brides dress: Sue Liaw Couture (Kogarah) www.sueliaw.com.au The dress was designed by the bride. Liv wanted to blend Chinese culture into the dress, there were  different panels of Chinese brocade fabrics across the top part of her bodice. She loves the vintage look but wanted to modernise it and make it look funky so she used different laces throughout the corset inspired bodice and on bottom layers of the dress, & this was against bright splashes of orange. The bottom dress layer of the dress comes off so Liv hit the dance floor freely in a short dress at the reception. Also there was a change of dress to a modernised Chinese ‘cheongsam’ at the reception for the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony.

The Shoes: Wanted Shoes www.wantedshoes.com.au Vintage style, off white colour from Wanted Shoes

The Bridesmaids: Sue Liaw Couture (Kogarah) www.sueliaw.com.au Millie & Sally’s dresses were also made by Sue Liaw Couture. The 2 dresses were different styles emulating the Funky & Oriental look. They had matching fabrics from the bride’s dress, wore different hairstyles, white shoes and vintage pearl jewellery. They were dressed differently to reflect their own style and personality.

The Men’s suits: SABA Suits: www.saba.com.au Herringbone Shirts www.heringbone.com.au Lacoste Shoes: www.lacoste.com.au James and his groomsmen Damien & Dave wore Beige and white pin striped Saba Suits, Herringbone orange striped shirt, Lacoste white leather sneakers, custom-made skinny ties and white braces. Their look was funky vintage inspired.

Brides Hair: Elly’s Place (Bexley North) Ph 9150 0124 Liv wore a vintage headpiece custom made by Sally Z.Grooms

Hair: To Fred (Petersham) www.tofred.com/

Makeup: Kesty Munoz kestymunoz.com/

The Rings: Antonio Garcia. The bride & groom’s rings were custom made.

Liv wore all vintage style jewellery & headpiece custom made by SallyZ.

Flowers: Bouquet: SallyZ. Rose Petals: Bexley North Florist www.admireflorist.com.au/

The bouquet was custom made, orange rose petals were from Bexley North florist. Instead of flowers to decorate the reception tables they used lanterns with candles.

The Ceremony: Carlton Kogarah Baptist Church (Carlton) www.carltonkogarah.org.au/

We had our ceremony in the garden of our Baptist church

Transport: www.kombiclub.com.au Orange kombi van was sourced through an online forum and we used a water taxi also.

The Reception: Sanders Waterfront Restaurant at d’Albora Marina (Cabarita) www.sandersrestaurant.com.au/ We had a small intimate reception with 47 guests.

Stationery/ bonbonniere: (online) www.ojcelebration.com.au

The Lollies: Sticky (The Rocks) www.sticky.com.au/ 

Wedding Inviation:

Decorated Chinese noodle boxes filled with fortune cookies which contained the website link (ojcelebration.com.au) to their online wedding invite on the message.

The invitations was designed & made by the bride & bridesmaids.

The wedding favours were mini bamboo steamers filled with ‘thankyou’ lollies from Sticky.

Cake: Faye Cahill Cakes (Dulwich Hill) www.fayecahill.com.au/

Four tier cupcakes in orange, black & white were custom made.

Olivia & James describe their day: 

“People say parents would do everything to give the best for their children.

We both believe that our heavenly father gave us the most beautiful day we could have ever asked for.

The weather was amazing, all was smooth, we laughed all day, everyone had a fabulous time… its was the most happy & fun filled days of our lives”.

 Bride’s advice for brides to be:

Have fun and enjoy the journey as well as the actual wedding day… and take in EVERY moment on the day because it just fly’s by too quickly!

Honeymoon: Borocay Island (Philippines)

www.boracayisland.org/; www.boracaybeaches.info/

The bride surprised the groom with a week to Macau to meet her extended family where they had a 2^nd reception organised by her family, and then she took him to Boracay Island in the Philippines for a romantic & relaxing week away.

The Photography:   Collections Photography (Zetland) www.collectionsphotography.com.au  

Here is a sample of our wedding album : see bigger pics online at: www.collectionsphotography.com.au then go to weddings, albums, stylised & see olivia & james album there. enjoy!

CHRISTENING of Baby Natalia

The Church:  Proud parents Tina Gavros-Fiorinotto & Sam Fiorinotto christened their baby Natalia at the St Nicholas, Greek Orthodox Church, 2-3-207 Livingstone Road, Marrickville on Sunday.

The Reception: By the water at Nineteen by the Bay Golf Club, 551 Lyons Road, Canada Bay

The Photographer: Collections Photography  www.collectionsphotography.com.au

The Testimonial: Thank you so much for the beautiful photos.  We absolutely love them.  They are amazing.  Thanks for being so easy to work with on the day as well.  You were fantastic.  We’ll be in touch again soon for more pics at Natalia’s next milestone.

View more images of the CHRISTENING of Baby Natalia at our facebook page &  LIKE us : http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.201908279870733.50338.107502469311315

PORTRAIT of Josh (& the Boys)

We had plans of photographing Joshua at Terrigal Beach

we were having a lovely time

….. and then he saw his friends

turned out to be quite a wild day…

sorry mums, boys got a bit wet !

To VIEW more images of Josh & the boys

visit our facebook page & press LIKE:

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PORTRAIT of Taren, Marthese & the boys

Beautiful day shooting at Centennial Park with the boys, lots of fun to be had :- )

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WEDDING of Tiffany & Joshua

The Preparation: at home

The Ceremony: St Lukes Church, Miranda

The Transport: Hummer

The Reception: Blackwater Restaurant, San Souci

To VIEW more photos of Tiffany & Joshua see our facebook page & LIKE us: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.184671558261072.47328.107502469311315&type=1

PRE-WEDDING shoot of Claire & Craig JACKISON – Maroubra Beach, Sydney

See MORE shots of Claire & Craig Jackison – go to facebook & LIKE us (link below):  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.200100820051479.50046.107502469311315

Angela & Paul - Wedding on 22nd August - Collections Photography

How did Paul propose? 

It was a big surprise for the bride even though the date was cliché – Paul proposed on New Year’s Eve 2009/10. But it was a quirky location – in the kitchen of his brother’s house- where he proposed over a magnum of Cape Mentelle.  Angela was left wondering if it was at all real? However, as soon as Paul woke up on New Years Day he got down on his knee and proposed again to ensure the bride new he meant it.

Paul & Angela - Collections Photography

The Ceremony – Sergeants Mess     

It was an early August Sunday afternoon when we were married. The relaxed ceremony was held in Sergeants Mess ceremonial perched on the cliff in national park with magnificent views across Sydney Harbour’s shipping channels out to Camp Cove, Rose Bay and the military heads. As the bride was fussy about her appearance, the idea of awkwardly alighting a classic car did not appeal, instead Angela opted for a casual entrance from the ceremony venue itself- patiently waiting for all the guest to arrive and walking out to a flamenco version of ‘here -comes-the bride’ by flamenco guitarist Chris Duff. Nature featured, beautiful panoramic views.      

The Ceremony of Paul & Angela James - Collections Photography

Angela’s Look

Her Ring – Berjani Jewellers (Chatswood) www.berjani.com.au  The emerald stone in Angela’s ring is sentimental – a gift from Paul’s recently deceased mother. Paul’s father passed on the ring. Paul’s beloved mother’s emerald ring was reset at Berjani jewellers in Chatswood. Berjani’s brought Paul’s own design to life perfectly – creating a new, modern-twist for an old art-deco ring.

The Rings - Collections Photography

The Bridal Gown – Diane Lewis Couture (Leichhardt) www.dianelewisbridal.com.au

Angela's Wedding Dress - Collections

The Bridesmaids – Diane Lewis Couture (Leichardt) www.dianelewisbridal.com.au Again Diane Lewis couture created the amazing flowy ‘mist’ coloured full-length silk chiffon bridesmaids dresses with a ruched silk chest detail centred with Swarovski crystals. They were designed to be flowy in the wind for the outdoor wedding. The dresses were complete with a small train.  Angela created the complete bridesmaid style by redesigning a French vintage apricot rabbit fur she found in an antique clothing store to create an evening fur wrap and an evening fur jacket. Angela enlisted the help of milliner Suzy O’Rouke to design the dove grey bridesmaid headpieces embellished with Swarovski crystals to polish their look.  The bridesmaids wore vintage 1920s dove grey suede shoes with pewter etching.

Angela restyled a couture Diane Lewis gown created with Ivory Valentino silk and vintage-style Swarovski crystal.  The amazing French ivory silk had French lace trim and bespoke design to create a 1920s look.  Angela styled her own look finishing off the outfit  with her design of a loose silk bolero. She worked with her milliner for the vintage headpiece.The Hair – Made in Paris (Mosman) www.madeinparis.com.auThe Make Up – Corrine Beville Make Up Artistry (Double Bay)  www.corrinemakeup.com.auThe Dry cleaning – Jim at Blue and White (Crows Nest) – I absolutely have to mention my trusted dry cleaners – they are by far the best dry cleaners in Sydney – he provided a same-day, last minute press for the bridesmaid dresses and my wedding dress due to crumpling in transit. His care and speedy precision and extra primping made all the difference- the silk looked extraordinarily fabulous!!  Tip: Ensure you have last minute back-ups for dry cleaning and repairs! Know a dry cleaner near the venue for a last minute primp, a FRESH hand press/dry clean on the day before or day can make the dress look so magnificent!!Collections Photography

Bridesmaids - Collections Photography

The Milliner - Suzy O’Rouke (Point Piper)  www.suzyorouke.com.au Phone: 0412 194 101. 3/32 Darling Point Road, Point Piper

The Flower girl – by Toni Maticevski (Melbourne) http://www.tonimaticevski.com –  The flower girl wore Melbourne designer, Toni Maticevski, flower girl dress and Suzy O’rouke created a matching headpiece.

Flowergirl - Collections Photography

The Grooms Suit -www.zegna.com; www.declic.com.au - The groom is particular about his suits, so he designed his own dark-charcoal suit tailored from premium grade New Zealand wool with a small, modern lapel and double pocket.The groom’s ivory shirt and tie were especially created by Declic. Strapping buckled Ermenegildo Zegna black shoes sharpened the dashing groom’s appearance.

Paul James - The Groom - Collections The Reception – Sergeants Mess (Chowder Bay) www.sergeantsmess.com.au Sergeants Mess - Collections PhotographyVery simple reception with 115 guests at Sergeants Mess. The elegant, new venue Sergeants Mess, was chosen as a special place near the bride's family. The natural setting and co-location of the ceremony and the reception made the venue a relaxing guest experience. =After canapés and drinks in the welcome bar area, Sergeant Mess provided fine dining menu of:Entrée: CARMELISED ONION & GOATS CHEESE TART, BITTER LEAF SALAD – or - PAN FRIED QUAIL WITH OSSAU-IRATY AND SPEC, GRILLED RADICCHIO, PICKLED BLACK GRAPESMain Course: CHAR GRILLED POUSSIN, CELERIAC PUREE, BRAISED SAVOY CABBAGE – or - BLUE EYE TREVALLA WITH CRUSHED PEAS, ANCHOVY BEIGNET,SALSA VERDEDessert: CRÈME CARAMEL, BLOOD ORANGE & MINT SALAD – or - MACERATED FIG AND FRANGIPANE TART, SESAME ICE CREAM The Flowers: from The Flower Store (Darlinghurst) www.theflowerstore.com.auThe bride had a distinct vision for the flowers- Angela was not a fan of traditional roses or white bouquet so she enlisted the assistance of her trusted florist, Vicki Kerr from the flower store, to create a more unusual, distinctive bouquet and arrangement of flowers. The brief was to create fruit and floral arrangements which reflected the colours of the surrounding national park at Chowder Bay- in silvery greens and blues along with ivory. Vicki used twigs, draping moss, branches, succulents, berries and fruits to create a stylish and elegant arrangement.The bridal bouquets included dusty miller, succulents, juniper berries and cymbidium orchids. The unusual men’s’ cumber buttons were created from juniper berries, twigs and succulents.In the reception room three large hanging budding magnolia branches were suspended from the ceiling with moss and feathers draping down to the tables. A feature wall of twigs and orchids greated guests at the entrance. Large vases covered with native bark and tied with taupe grosgrain ribbons held large arrangements of magnolia buds, flowers, orchids, bean pods and twigs in the entry foyer. The bar area and reception area featured large ceramic bowls of brown bosch pears, berries, grapes and succulents. The table centre pieces included similar flowers , pears and twigs either placed in round glass bowls or on top of a large mirrored tile. Curiously the guests feasted on some of the fruit in the arrangements!!The Entertainment – Musicland (Paddington) – www.musicland.net.au – The highlight of our day was the integrated music and guest experience. It was a real get-your-own instrument experience for the guests. Musicland pushed the envelope of musical blends, provide the entertainment of an unusual blend of DJing with beats on vinyl and live vocalists and wild percussion instruments including the bongo drums, horns and cowbells. House blends of old favourites with modern music overlaid alongside live vocals and percussions really livened up the atmosphere. Guests were able to grab percussion instruments and join with band.The Cake – Fiona Hewish at www.weddingsactually.com.au They chose a round chocolate chilli cake – this was created as Paul’s favourite chocolate is chilli dark(70%)chocolate. So Fiona Hewish, the ‘cake-maker’, created a few samples. The winning cake had fresh ground chilli mixed with couverture dark chilli chocolate with a dark chocolate ganache centre and ivory icing. The flowerstore placed an exquisite blend of fresh cascading succulents, ivory cymbidium orchids, berries, grapes and twigs.The three tiered round cake was provided by cake maker, Fiona Hewish, who was also a family friend. It was a luxurious chilli and dark chocolate mud cake, with dark chocolate ganache and ivory frosting decorated by the flowerstore with grapes, succulents, cymbidium orchids. The unusual spicy chilli cake created a talking piece with all guests commenting on the lifting twist ground fresh chilli added to the usually rich mud cake.The Cake Cutting - Collections Photography

Paul & Angela’s Tips & Advice for other Brides  Prepare – give a thorough briefing months in advance and delegate, delegate, delegate. Delegate roles and responsibilities early on. Prepare a detailed run sheet and send to every supplier possible. Also delegate someone to check on the suppliers, so all you have to do is have fun!

Don’t over-consider the wedding or get caught up in too much detail – you will miss the important part which is leaving time for catching up with family and friends as they congregate in the same location together.

The Photographer – Collections Photography (Zetland) www.collectionsphotography.com.au  

We chose Collections photography as they catered to a variety of photographic styles including artistic, stylised & candid.

When we were presented with our “wedding story” it blew us away – it was far more amazing than we could have imagined. Even more shocking was that Sonia had all the images retouched, artistically stylised to our requested requirements perfectly within seven days!

Collections comprehensive approach enabled us to understand our photographic preferences. Sonia perfectly captured artistic, stylised photography in a polite & unobtrusive manner.

I cannot thank Sonia enough for creating our wedding story & many fantastic art pieces which now adorn our walls – creating a talking piece for years to come. I recommend Collections Photography to even the most discerning couples.”

The Videographer – Accomplice (Fortitude Valley, QLD)  www.accompolicetv.com 

The Honeymoon – We were generously gifted a honeymoon by the groom’s father in a luxury resort in Fiji which was an early 6am morning after the wedding at the international airport – a small battle but well worth it- the next afternoon we were on a beach soaking the rays drinking pina colada and not worried about any post wedding items. Perfect as the time difference was minimal, there was nothing to do but relax and indulge and the weather was ‘ground-hog day’ of fine at 30 degrees.

Weighing in at 13 pounds … very healthy baby!

Beautiful little Tess - Collections Photography