It’s not often that one has the opportunity to shoot in an art gallery, let alone at a stunning one like the Art Gallery of NSW. But for Tyler and Benjamin’s wedding I got the chance. My fashion editorial background influenced how I shot their portraits, a request too from the couple, while still allowing them to naturally interact with each other. The result? Some truly beautiful and intimate moments captured between them.

They chose The Old Courts for their portraits which was the place of their first date, and somewhere very meaningful to them.

For their cocktail reception they held it at Our Golden Age Cinema and Bar. Their whole wedding day was emotional, heartfelt (I had many moments of tears myself!), joyous, outrageously beautiful AND a complete reflection of the couple. Their day was original and unique.

I encourage more couples planning a wedding to be true to yourselves. You don’t need to follow others around you or what you see on Instagram, make your wedding YOU.

5 Tips ON making your wedding uniquely you

1. Outfit: Don’t be conventional when it comes to your outfit. Look at fashion magazines for inspiration. Brides: Choose another colour other than white, ivory, bone etc like Tyler has done here for her wedding dress. Wear a suit, a jumpsuit, a cashmere sweater and ball gown skirt. Choose accessories that show your personality, whether it be a bow, hat or statement jewellery. Choose an outfit that is uniquely you and you will feel comfortable and like yourself on your day which is important.

2. Venue: You don’t have to follow the wedding trends/crowd/social media/your friends when it comes to which venue you book. You could host your wedding at your favourite restaurant or space. While everybody wants their guests to enjoy themselves, remember that this is your day. So if you want to host at a location a few hours away, do it, or in an unconventional place, don’t be afraid to plan your wedding how you want to experience it, not just for your guests.

3. Couple portrait duration - it’s your choice! Another reminder that it’s your day so if you don’t want to be spending hours away from your guests having portraits, let your photographer know. So that you still have time for portraits (I recommend 45-1.5 hours depending on how many locations and travel time), a First Look is always a great way to still have time to capture some beautiful intimate couple shots but not to take away from your party time!

4. Ceremony - Perhaps walking down the aisle being “given away” isn’t your thing, you don’t like the thought of everybody looking at you or you would prefer it to be only close family in attendance at your ceremony? Do it your way. Whether that’s walking down the aisle with your partner, or having an intimate ceremony with immediate family and then a party with all of your guests after. You don’t have to follow traditions if you don’t want to. Create your own traditions.

5. Prioritise what’s important to you, not everyone else - Spend more on what means a lot to you. If a beautiful meal and drinks are what matters, put more spend there. If photographs are your number one thing, don’t skimp on a photographer, pay for the one that resonates with you most. If wedding cars don’t mean a lot to you, see if you can borrow someone’s nice car. Wedding favours not important to you? Skip them and put more into flowers.

   Do things your way and you’ll enjoy your day entirlely.

Photography: Lei Lei Clavey Photography

Gown: J Andreatta

Suit: MJ Bale

Make-up/hair: Kim K Pham from The Future Mrs

Flowers: Bess Paddington

Ceremony & portraits: Art Gallery of NSW

Reception: Our Golden Age Cinema and Bar

Getting ready location: The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale, NSW