Big weddings are better than small weddings aren’t they?

No! Not necessarily. Yes, certainly, I have performed – and been a real part of – some incredibly beautiful bigger weddings. Some that moved me to tears. Some that had me skipping away in absolute delight….. and some that felt more like there was only 3 of us in the room.

But I have some amazing memories of smaller weddings. Some that were performed at home with family members only. Some that were so intimate that there were only five of us there, and we were all moved to tears – and laughter – and tears again.

A small wedding gives you the opportunity to celebrate in a more intimate way. You can say and do things that you might not feel comfortable doing in front of a large group. If the only people present are truly your closest friends or immediate family, you have nothing to hide. They know your secrets, and they love you for them.

Being invited to a small wedding is an honour. Your guests will feel important. They know their invitation comes from the heart. They know you really want them to be a part of something really, really special. Not just a spectator.

I once performed a wedding on the side of a cliff in a national park, at dusk, with only five people present. The waves crashed and the wind howled and we moved through the ceremony, hand in hand, each taking our turn to speak. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

Another small, immediate-family-only wedding, in the couple’s own garden was one of the best ceremonies I can remember. Because every guest was very, very important, we were able to speak to them directly, to stop and take it all in. Their wedding ceremony was a love-letter to their relationship, their family, and their future – and very, very romantic. Less people means less costs. Less fluff. But it doesn’t have to mean less love in the room. In my experience, it’s usually the opposite. It’s gorgeous.

This “breakfast” wedding was shared with 40 fabulous guests. Bride, Rebecca, kept her numbers low so she and brand-new-husband Casey could style everything beautifully and really enjoy the individual company of their guests. In response, the ceremony was light and friendly and full of in-jokes that only their closest friends and family  would know. The attention to detail was incredible, but the most important thing was definitely the way it made us all feel. Happy.

Photography by Bird & Bee Studio

Ms Gingham says: We love intimate, small weddings for all the reasons pointed out in this article!

Robyn Pattison says: “I am quite possibly the happiest marriage celebrant in Sydney! Weddings are my thing! Nothing makes me happier than a really happy couple – every time.”

Read more wise words by Robyn here.

No related posts.

Image by Brent Lukey via Rosy and Tim’s Festive Melbourne Wedding

We do love seeing fresh ideas, ones that inspire with their creativity and flair, and keep their guests talking. There’s nothing wrong with being different as long as it has meaning and purpose. This is the truly the best way of giving your guests the most unforgettable experience.

Don’t pull together a random selection of ideas from your favourite blogs, and handmade vendors. For example, ice cream carts are great in the middle of summer on a gorgeous day, but they’ll hardly work at your outdoor ceremony in the middle of winter – and will leave your guests with very quizzical looks on their faces.

Don’t be different for the sake of it. There are no “rules” when it comes to weddings, but think carefully before you make your guests sit on blankets for pre dinner drinks in their 10 inch heels and glamorous after 5 gowns… just because you want a picnic vibe.

Do over deliver on your guest’s expectations. Most guests will remember the food and beverage service, and the entertainment. They will also remember details if they are unbelievably bad (like an officiant who gets the names of the bride and groom wrong!) Choose your reception (and your vendors!) carefully, I’ve always had more success with clients who make their guest size smaller and increase the budget per head, rather than compromise on the quality of the food and beverage service.

Do have professionals for your formalities. Speeches that go on for too long, an MC who has no experience behind the microphone, or relying on an iPod for your entertainment can be a buzz kill. You really notice the difference when you have professionals doing the work for you, and I’m always amazed at how often these things are overlooked.

Do be yourself. Guests will appreciate and notice your efforts if they are a reflection of you, as a couple. For example, a groom who is a horticulturalist gave out sunflower seeds in little sachets with personal messages. A bride at another wedding surprised her groom after her wedding speech with an African drumming group, because that’s where he proposed. These are the memories that will be lasting for your guests, and the same memories that will make your event unforgettable.

Ms Gingham says: I think this is such a valid post and great advice for everyone planning their wedding. Before you start ordering things to include in your wedding, sit down with your partner and agree on a theme and feel and then practice restraint! Remember, less is more and make sure it all ties in together and makes sense!

Sarah of Girl Friday Weddings likes to think of herself as your Personal Assistant, ready to take on any job that will assist you, or take on any job that you don’t want to do. With a range of services on offer from your wedding day co-ordinating to personal shopping, she is the go-to girl to save your sanity!

Click here to read more about Girl Friday Wedding’s industry knowledge.

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The 2012 Australian wedding photographer of the year went to Ryan Schembri! Ryan is Australia’s youngest master photographer who speaks with photographers around the world sharing his knowledge. Based out of XSight Studios, Ryan remains one of Australia’s most sought after wedding photographers for his individual eye and intense photography.

Also worth a mention (as are all the talented photographers!) are two faces you might have seen before on Polka Dot Bride.

2012 AIPP Australian Travel Photographer of the Year was awarded to Queensland photographer Todd Hunter McGaw.

Matthew Ebenezer (of Matt & Katie) took out the 2012 AIPP Fusion Award. The still really doesn’t do justice to the beautiful piece Matthew put together, so keep an eye on his blog so you can see it when he releases it!

The 2012 Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year went to Adam Pretty- although I’m not sure we will see Adam’s name on Polka Dot Bride any time soon (unless he decides to foray into weddings!) I had to share his stunning sport captures.

A big congratulations to all the award winners! May your photography continue to bloom and inspire us!

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1. Favourite Supplier of Ribbon & Trim: EM Greenfields

A family run business of 3 generations that stocks the most impressive selection of ribbons and fabric trim.

2. Favourite Photographer: Evoke Photography

An amazing photographer that always captures the moment beautifully.

3. Favourite Venue: Royal Automobile Club

Alive with elaborate glass and stonework, the Club is every inch the vintage wedding venue you have always dreamed of.

4. Favourite Ceremony Location: Vaucluse House

Your guests will be swept away to another time in these picturesque gardens with the magnificent house as the backdrop.

5. Favourite Wedding Coordinator, Venue Based: Toni Byrnes from RACA

Toni is passionate about every bride’s special day which makes her an absolute pleasure to work with.

Ms Gingham says: Another great collection of recommendations to help you plan your wedding.

About Blond Flores: At Blond Flores we buy and design exclusively for the wedding and event markets and are passionate about hand-picking the best the market has to offer.

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Today we’re joined by the owner of leading Sydney photography studio gm photographics. Founded by Graham Monro, gm photographics has long been a favourite of mine with the elegant, beautiful photography the studio produces. I’m honoured to have Graham join us today on Polka Dot Wisdom so we can learn a little about him and his love of the lens!

Did you grow up with a camera in your hand, or did photography develop as an interest later in your life?

My dad Jim gave me my first camera when I was 12. I had my first photo published at 14. At 16 I was getting stories and photos published regularly in a motorcycle newspaper. I started off with action photos then into lifestyle photos and design, advertising and magazine photography. Then I got in to wedding and family portraits. So photography has always been my first love and hobby and life.

Where and how did you learn your craft?

I assisted lots of advertising photographers and then the best one was Greg Barrett a great fashion and lifestyle photographer. Greg was a spontaneous shooter, well prepared and really fresh and engaging. He was a quick thinker and very adaptive with light and chaos on a shoot. He taught me to shoot with instinct. I continually go to photography seminars, enter awards and go to exhibitions. I get my photographers to do this too.

Do you have a mentor, or someone who you admire who has influenced your work?

Photographers Greg Barrett , Simon Harsent and Yervant , my studio manager Lauren Bootland and my  designer Nicole Santos.

What is your mission statement for gm photographics?

To give our clients the best photographs and experience and customer service possible. To really capture the story of their lives.

Are you known for a particular style of photography? Do the members of your team shoot in the same style, or do you encourage them to have their own styles? How do they differ from your style?

We have a fresh photojournalistic style of photography with a hint of glamour! We all tend to have a similar photo style and tell a complete story of the whole wedding day and couple portrait photo sessions.

What sets you apart from other photographers?

Couples often tell us how much fun they have with us as their photographers. They are amazed at how many photos we take and that we capture so much of their day that they can’t even remember or did not see. I think it’s that we work so hard at a wedding capturing all the details and family and friends and then so many good shots at the location shoot that become big blowups in their wedding album and framed art prints for their home.

Where do you find inspiration to keep your photography cutting edge and your interest in it fresh?

By going to lots of art exhibitions , buying heaps of photography books , trawling through Polka Dot Bride’s blog and on my days off finding new locations to shoot at.

Do you have a ‘feeling’ about each bride you photograph and then plan the photo shoot accordingly?

Yes every bride is different and we listen to what they love and locations of where they like. We encourage them to bring in printed tearsheets of photos that they love that could be from wedding blogs and mags, fashion mags or old family photos . Anything that is a visual record of a feeling or emotion that they love.

Is there a special ‘Australian’ quality about brides from this country?

Actually yes there is – it would be their ability to have fun and let themselves go on the wedding day. Our photo shoots are always filled with laughter and love. And it’s amazing as so many of our couples are from so many diverse heritages and customs.

What services do you offer brides?

We offer a Portrait Couture session that is photographed by Hair and Makeup/Photographer Simona Janek in her studio and a couples portrait shoot on location with our main photographer Simon Gorges. With wedding photography collections we offer beautiful fine art albums, parent albums, thank you cards and framed art prints.

How can a bride look her best in front of the camera?

Either do a portrait Couture session with Simona or do a couple’s portrait shoot with Simon. It’s a great way to learn how to be in front of a camera and it’s a great opportunity to get photos in more casual attire at such a wonderful stage in their lives as they are moving towards their wedding day.

What does Graham Monro like to do when he doesn’t have a camera in his hand?

Hang out with my family that’s number one. See my friends, go kayaking, go mountain biking and wander the city streets with my camera.

What is your dream for gm photographics?

To bring fantastic photographic memories to all our clients and to be their photographer for life as the move through the wedding day buildup to the wedding then pregnancies and children and life’s many celebrations. Maybe my children and my photographers’ children can photograph their children’s weddings!

 Thank you for joining us on Polka Dot Wisdom today Graham! Visit the GM Photographics website to see more of Graham’s work!

Image of Graham Monro by Robert Piccoli All other images from GM Photographics

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