Kelly Luker Photography

Sssshhhh! We're eloping......

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 10:26:00 +0000

It's time to reveal the elopement couple from last week. It is the gorgeous Aimee and Craig, who eloped during the week, then had a party on Saturday night to announce it to friends and family.

Aimee and Craig opted for an intimate elopement. Their wedding was officiated by the fabulous Amanda Knapton from A Celebration Day. She told their story beautifully.

Two years ago on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in Nelson's Bay, the two first met. Craig and Aimee, both share a passion for country music and independently made the journey to the Country Music Festival. They ended up sitting at opposite sides of the same table, and the instant their eyes locked they both grinned at each other from ear to ear.

From the beginning the two just clicked and they immediately felt comfortable in each other's company. Spending time together they discovered how well they complemented each other.

Their relationship flourished. In the years they have been together, they have become more than a couple - they have become each others half and best friend.

After a few false starts, and in true country style, Craig proposed to Aimee in the back of his ute just as the stars were coming out over the valley.

Aimee and Craig decided to have an intimate elopement, and celebrated their commitment and absolute love and respect for each other with their parents and Craig's sister.

The night before the ceremony Aimee became an Australian Citizen, so it was a double celebration. And you couldn't have asked for a better setting than Observatory Hill.

They were so much fun to photograph. We had a ball. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek at your images and I look forward to providing you with your album shortly.

Eloping is certainly becoming a very popular option. Eloping is fun, affordable, simple and stress free and something you’ll remember forever.

If you're thinking of eloping please call either Kelly or Amanda to discuss. We prepare and perform your ceremony with all the legal stuff taken care of. You’ll walk away with their beautiful signature keepsake album, memories forever and best of all money in your pocket.

What did Aimee and Craig say?
Thank you so much for a such a lovely ceremony yesterday! You had such a great combination of professionalism and fun, and we cannot imagine a better ceremony or celebration of our relationship. Thank you for your thoughtful words and light style. It was a fantastic experience, and I will definitely recommend eloping with you and Kelly to all my friends!

What a great way to get married while remaining sane! Thank you again X

Clementine & Rose - Wedding Bouquets

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 07:35:00 +0000

--> What girl doesn't love flowers?

I have the absolute pleasure to know Lauren and Lyn from Clementine & Rose & The Epping Florist Centre. They create the most beautiful, unique wedding bouquets and arrangements and have the cutest darn shop you've ever seen - I love visiting them, you walk in and you are instantly happy.

A few weeks ago, as Lauren was getting ready for a bridal fair, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat to her about all things wedding and flowers.

How long have you been a florist?

7 1/2 years

How long have you run your own business?

5 years

You have just rebranded your wedding side of the business - Clementine & Rose. What made you decide to do that?

We wanted to give our growing wedding business its own identity which allows us to give more attention to our lovely couples and also give our wedding business its own marketing and website. This makes it easier for clients to view our wedding work and get questions to us.

I love the name, where did it come from?

Mum and I were tossing a few names around, she's very good at thinking up those things. We looked up a whole heap of flower names and other names that sound a little bit quirky but also traditional and came across the names "Clementine" and "Rose" we knew we had our name. Thy work so well together and lend themselves beautifully to our new branding.

What is the latest trend in wedding floristry?

There are always people who want to break away from the trends with their weddings and stand out from the crowd but the most popular look at the moment is soft, rustic charm. It includes a lot of natural fabrics, lace and wooden items in the decoration of venues and is influenced by a vintage element. The flowers themselves are less structured and there has been a return to foliages with brides choosing more greenery and even herbs to their bouquets. This style allows for bolder colour combinations, which is always fun.

What is the number 1 tip you give to brides when picking flowers for their wedding?

Where possible have an idea of what you like when you go and talk to your florist. Pictures are great, it's a quick and easy way for your florist to understand your style. If you haven't found what you want yet, a list of your favourite flowers helps. Your florist can then advise you on the seasonal flowers that suit your style and theme. The advice they give you is really important, they don't want you to be disappointed when the flower you have spent a lot of money importing doesn't arrive or has been damaged during transit.

What should a bride consider when picking their florist?

Look for someone who is professional and who you find easy to talk to. You definitely want someone who understands your style but is also versatile - this versatility will mean that they can give you suggestions that you perhaps hadn't thought of. It also means the can come up with creative ideas for your style and budget.

Any tips for putting on men's buttonholes? I know as a photographer, I do a lot of them and seem to do it differently every time.

Every buttonhole is different but my general rule is to look for the main flower, typically a rose or something similar, and put your first 2 pins directly into the head of the flower at about a 45 degree angle. The buttonhole should now be secure but I always put an extra pin in, to be sure.

Last tips

It's never too early to start talking to florist about your wedding flowers but it can sometimes be too late. Autumn weddings are becoming increasingly popular along with Spring and many brides are taking advantage of the nice Australian weather and choosing to get married right though winter. Once you have your date start approaching florists along will all your other wedding suppliers.

Thank you so much Lauren. Lauren did about 15 bouquets for the Bridal show at the Epping Club - everyone she pulled out instantly became my favourite.

Even if you are not getting married do yourself a favour and visit the Epping Floral Centre to purchase your next bunch of flowers - you will not be disappointed.

www.clementineandrose.com.au
Clementine and Rose (in conjunction with Epping Floral Centre)
48 Oxford Street, Epping
Phone: (02) 9869 1014
Email: lauren@clementineandrose.com.au

Amazing people.....

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 05:52:00 +0000

The world is full of amazing people and I was lucky enough to spend my Saturday morning having breakfast with about 100 of them. It was the Cherrybrook Pink Ribbon Breakfast organised by Amanda Whittingham and her fabulous family and friends.

It was held at Oliver Brown at Cherrybrook, the chocolate waffles were delicious (and of course the fruit was too).

There was plenty to entertain us, comedians Kristin and Christina kept us laughing, the raffles and auctions kept us spending and the fashion parades made us want to spend some more.

Ladies fashion from Collage Boutique, Cherrybrook

Tweens fashion from Pavement United Brands, Castle Hill

Lots of money was raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and a good time was had by all. I look forward to seeing you all next year!

Stay fabulous and check those breasts!

www.sbcf.org.au

Patricia and Sam get married.... finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:47:00 +0000

Almost 10 years to the day they met, Patricia and Sam finally tied the knot. A fun day was had by all, we enjoyed it so much it really didn't feel like work. Patricia was one of the most relaxed brides I had ever met and the boys were so relaxed we weren't sure they were going to be dressed in time!

Enjoy the sneak peek, see you soon to collect the rest.

Apparently bridal parties like to jump and I think these guys must have been practicing look at that timing.

Well done - lots of fun.

Prince Charming marries and gets two Princesses!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 03:52:00 +0000

It had been threatening rain all week but the weather gods shone on this gorgeous couple as they celebrated their love for one another in the beautiful Tamburlaine Estate in the Hunter Valley. Everything was perfect, Matt looked on adoringly as Amy was walked down the petal strewn aisle by her daughter, the beautiful Miss Charlotte. The ceremony was emotional and oozing with love as not only Matt & Amy became husband and wife, but the three of them became a family.

Here is the long awaited sneak peek, so many more to come! You are all just too damn good looking!

I wish you all many, many years of happiness!

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

Eight Days Young....

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:48:00 +0000

... and already a supermodel with attitude! Just look at these first couple of photos.

Cheeky, bored, really bored!
But she then really worked the camera.

She is just beautiful and gave me my baby fix. Thanks to Mum and Nanna for letting me gate crash their first girly day - first of many, I bet. I look forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks for the full family shoot with big brother and Dad.

Happy Monday!

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:35:00 +0000

How many times have you or your Mother said, I would just love a beautiful family portrait? Well it is time to stop talking about it and just do it. Book in for one of our Mother's Day Mini Sessions.

Find the details below:

See some of the images that were captured last year!

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Stay amazing!
Kelly

The Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:49:00 +0000

It has been an interesting, hectic, sad, exhilarating, enlightening, challenging and exhausting few months, but now I finally feel like can breathe. A lot of that has to do with this place, my "Retreat" the place we now call home.

I look forward to many happy times here with the friends and family who have really supported me over the last year - I really can't thank you enough.

Here's to a fabulous 2012!

Like chicken nuggets and tomato sauce....

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:04:00 +0000

Apparently they go together like chicken nuggets and tomato sauce?????, according to the best man. Well I don't know about that, but I could tell love was definitely in the air.

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing one of my "baby" cousin's weddings. The family told me I wouldn't be able to get him to smile, but I think they forgot he was marrying the girl of his dreams, quite frankly you couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

Louise, you looked stunning and Ryan you didn't scrub up too badly either (although you still only look about 12)

I hope you guys are having a great time in New Zealand and I look forward to sharing the rest of your photos with you on your return.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day - it really meant alot to me.

Fabulous Family Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 07:35:00 +0000

Nothing like a rainy Sunday to catch up on some editing and long awaiting blogging. So hopefully you will be seeing a bit from me over the next couple of days.

I had great fun with this fabulous family. These kids are so gorgeous and the girls could not ask for a better big brother, he was great.

Just love the one of Dad getting squashed!

Gallery will be up soon.

Happy school holidays everyone!

And the winners are!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:04:00 +0000

These guys won a session voucher at last year's Bears of Hope ball and luckily we managed to hook up before this year's ball. It was great to meet them and we had lots of fun.

However this blog post is long overdue, my apologies to the fabulous J family your gallery will be up very soon! But I did promise you a sneak peek so here are a few of my favourites so far.

Isn't he gorgeous - a super model in the making.

Just look at those eyes!

But when Mum and Dad look so good what do you expect!

Thanks for a fun session guys. I look forward to seeing you at the Bears of Hope ball in a few weeks. Your gallery will be up soon.

I wanna be a super model!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:18:00 +0000

And this one could be. I didn't have to wait for her to warm up to me or get used to my camera, she was ready and raring to go. She has the looks and the moves. Makes my job so easy.

If you look below, she obviously gets her looks and her moves from her gorgeous mum!

These guys are another one of the wonderful Bears of Hope families. In fact Toni is one of those amazing people on the executive committee who works tirelessly to raise money for this great organisation. They brought along their bears and their angel babies' quilts, allowing us to create some beautiful images to put in our Bears of Hope book!

And lastly a gorgeous "couple" shot that miss cheeky pants managed to get in!

If any other of Bears of Hope families wish to have a photo shoot, please do not hesitate to call me.

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek, gallery to follow soon.

Live your dreams!

Kelly

http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

The Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:01:00 +0000

I had the best time on Saturday afternoon - the weather gods were good to me and I got to photograph a fabulous family. In fact, if I wasn't so fond of my own family I would probably try to get myself adopted by this one.

Firstly, they made me traipse down the gully to the rock and although I took a (rather graceful) fall it was worth the hike. A fantastic location to shoot, I completely understood why they wanted their photos taken there.

Then as I was taking photos of the "kids" they asked if they could do the "blue steel" - fantastic, love it.

Just to top it off, one beautiful toddler (with the biggest blue eyes) and a puppy! And they thanked me, I really do have the best job in the world.

Thank you Welch family, I hope you enjoyed your preview, there are many more to come!

Self Portraits - I wish!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:12:00 +0000

It is important for a photographer to keep learning and pushing themselves, there are a number of different ways we can do this but one great way is to sign up for various workshops. Not only do you learn heaps from your tutor but you get to meet great photographers and share ideas.

Last week I did just that. The fabulous Peter Coulson ran a fantastic workshop through Mentem Inc. Here are a couple of the shots I took on the day. As I said in the title - these are self portraits, well, this is what I look like on the inside (deep, deep inside).

This is the gorgeous Tara!

This is the stunning Natasha.

This one is my favourite from the day!

I had a great day, learnt a heap and met some great people!

A Beautiful Family and their Angel!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 08:21:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful family yesterday afternoon. Amanda (Mum) is part of the executive committee for Bears of Hope, where she works tirelessly to support families who have lost a child through miscarriage or still birth.

As you can see from the images below although she and her husband have suffered a loss, they have also been blessed with two gorgeous sons and a beautiful daughter.

The kids were so good together and so easy to work with - I like to think we all had fun.

Bears of Hope will be having their annual ball on Saturday 24th September, if you would like to go please act quickly as tickets are selling fast. Visit http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

The Boys, The Bride, The Couple, The Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Last week I had the privilege of being part of a truly beautiful union. Melissa & Jim came over from the States to tie the knot on the fabulous Sydney Harbour!

Jim & Melissa were joined by Melissa's boys, so not only was this the bringing together of a wonderful couple, but the union of a family. Here are a few shots from their great day. Let's start with the boys!

Melissa just oozed with happiness, love and gorgeousness - the bride!

They make such a fabulous couple!

And an even more remarkable family!

Thank you for a fun afternoon cruising around Sydney Harbour (tough job, but someone has to do it). I look forward to catching up with you this week to relive the moment through your photos. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by the wonderful Sarah from Your Occasion Celebrant www.youroccasion.com.au

We cruised around the harbour on Aquabay 70 from Aquabay Charters www.aquabaycharters.com.au These guys were fabulous.

Melissa and Jim had a beautiful suite at the Four Seasons Hotel www.fourseasons.com/sydney/

Celebrating Haven

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:28:00 +0000

I had the joy of photographing a great couple who despite their recent loss still manage to keep smiling, even if sometimes it is through tears.

Their gorgeous little girl, Haven was with them for a short 47 hours, but will be looking over them forever now.

Hayley, Shane and Haven are another of my Bears of Hope families it was an honour to take their photos and hear their story.

I am looking forward to seeing them and the other Bears of Hope families at their annual Charity Ball on 24th September. If you are interested in coming along and supporting a great cause please visit their website http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/ for more information.

An Amazing Bears of Hope Family

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:51:00 +0000

I had the privilege and fun of photographing another amazing Bears of Hope family a few weeks ago. (Yes, they have been very patient waiting for their blog post, the gallery will be up today also).

Adrian and Kylie experienced the still birth of their daughter Sophie on 14th December 2008 and since then have been supporting Bears of Hope organisation. To read more about their fantastic work and Sophie's legacy please click here http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/a/195.html .

Bears Of Hope offers support and guidance for parents who experience the loss of their baby during pregnancy, birth or infancy. http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

A Garden Full of Princesses and one Handsome Prince

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:59:00 +0000

These girls were just a delight to photograph and they seemed to love my magic garden as much as I do. It is photo shoots like these that make me glad it is the parents job to pick the images they invest in, rather than me.

They loved having tea parties. Who doesn't enjoy a good cup of tea?

And here is our Prince with all his beautful princesses, what a lucky man.

Hope you enjoyed your preview, there a many more to come on your gallery which should be up soon.

Happy Friday, hope you are enjoying a nice wine or two.

And they said he wouldn't smile

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:09:00 +0000

Mum and Dad didn't think I would get a smile out of him, but obviously their bribery paid off. Who could resist that grin.

Of course you can't be good all the time!

And his sister was a super model, we couldn't stop her from smiling....

And laughing!

Of course these talents come from their parents, who don't take a bad picture either!

Enjoy the sneak peek. I look forward to getting the rest of your gallery up soon!

Happy Wednesday!

First of the Mother Day Session Sneak Peaks

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:45:00 +0000

I had a ball last weekend doing our Mother's Day Mini Sessions. It was a great opportunity to see some faces from the past and meet some new ones.

This first family, I had photographed about two years ago - they were gorgeous then and are just as beautiful now.

Master T is just has protective of his little sister as he was two years ago, even though she does rough him up every now and then. I just love this series of images.

Mum and Dad bought their Mum's along - what a great idea for Mother's Day.

So they all snuggled on the rug for a group shot.

I just had to put in these last two, I couldn't resist.

Wonderful kids like these two, just make me realise how lucky I am to do what I do.

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peak, there are many more to go on your gallery - should be ready soon.

Happy Monday!

Mother's Day Mini Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Email me at kelly@klukerphotography.com.au to reserve your spot!

Cheers

Kelly

Family T - First Bears of Hope Family Photo Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:44:00 +0000

Introducing the Thomas Family with the gorgeous Master Declan, just too cute.

Isn't he just adorable!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jen & Nick at the Bears of Hope ball last year. After speaking to the fabulous team at Bears of Hope we decided we would photograph some of the Bears of Hope families for a book they are hoping to publish this year. These guys are the first of the families, so they bought along their Bear of Hope for the photo shoot.

I think Declan knows how special it is.

And Mum & Dad definitely know how special Declan is.

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek guys, your gallery will be up soon!

Bears Of Hope offers support and guidance for parents who experience child loss during pregnancy, birth or infancy. This includes loss through miscarriage, genetic interruption, multiple loss, stillbirth, neo-natal & infant death. To learn more about them go to http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

Love is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:16:00 +0000

How gorgeous is this couple? Recently engaged and soooo in luuuurve! Amy and Matt are planning to get married early next year and rumour has it that there is more bling to be added to that already fabulous ring!

Matt certainly is one lucky man, he doesnt just get one beautiful woman in his life, he gets two!

Amy's daughter, Miss Charlotte came along for the engagement shoot and she was a super, super model. She is a stunner, just like her mum.

They were all great sports, despite the heat. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek, there are heaps more to come. Your gallery will be up soon.

Happy Australia Day, everyone!

Introducing the beautiful Master W

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Luker) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:40:00 +0000

This morning I had the pleasure of photographing the simply gorgeous Master W. He is so cute I almost took him home with me and soooo well behaved. I will start with one of my favourites. I can't decide if I like it in colour or black & white so I will let you decide.

As I mentioned he was very good, but he didn't want to miss any of the excitement - no sleeping for him. He did however fake it for me for a few shots.

As you can imagine Mum and Dad are a bit besotted - I love this one of him and Mum.

I hope you enjoyed your sneak peek there are many more to come in your gallery. I do have a confession to make I think he may be permanently scarred - he may always have a fear of teddy bears!

Sorry couldn't resist!