Photo: KIMBERLEY LEE WEDDINGS
The question has been popped and you obviously answered with a ‘Heck yeah!’. Congratulations to you and your beloved, this is the beginning of your next chapter in life and love!
But let’s be honest here, planning a wedding can be a daunting task. But with enough time, and a little bit of help, preparing for your dream day will be like a piece of cake… wedding cake, that is!
So… Who am I?
So who am I exactly? My name is Kim – it’s lovely to e-meet you! I’m a wedding photographer and lover of those big feeling moments. The first thing to know about me: I LOVE love. From first dates, to the ‘I dos’, and the ump-teenth anniversaries… I am all about capturing all of those big and little moments that make up your story.
For the past little while, I’ve collected all the information you need to plan your ultimate wedding in Brisbane. So whether you’re newly engaged (congrats!), getting ideas, or ready to ‘lock it in, Eddie!’ this is the guide for you.
Choosing your season
I personally find that summer invites a more ‘soiree in the garden’ feel (think sun dresses, picnic rugs and garden games, spritzers on the lawn). It’s also the perfect season if you’re planning an outdoor wedding; the longer daylight hours mean that there’s plenty of time for you and your guests to enjoy the sunshine.
However, there’s something incredibly intimate and heartwarming about winter weddings. Maybe it’s all of that love radiating through the air? Wintertime weddings pair perfectly with sit-down dinners and formal affairs. It’s an opportunity for the gentlemen to dress up in their finest suit jackets (and ladies, to borrow them when the night gets too cold).
You might even be lucky enough to find a venue that allows for a bonfire or firepit; now talk about romance!
The most popular months for weddings in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are March to April, and August to November. It’s common to find that weekend dates are booked up to two year in advance for some venues and photographers!
Photo: KIMBERLEY LEE WEDDINGS
The best wedding venues in Brisbane
Here are my favourite wedding venues in Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs. Each venue has incredible staff and venue managers that will help take the stress away from planning your fairytale wedding!
- Did someone say adventure?!
- A short ferry trip from Brisbane City
- Destination wedding at a fraction of the cost
- Perfect for interstate and overseas guests looking for a getaway
- Fun for all the family pre and post wedding
- Beachside ceremony with all the trimmings (sunset, bonfire, cocktails on the beach? Check, check, check!)
- Live out your forest princess dreams in this gem!
- Stunning sunsets and greenery. Plus the venue has a hidden field and swing that’s perfect for your couple photos
- Incredible choices of ceremony and reception locations
- Plenty of parking for your guests
- A blank canvas for you to create your dream wedding
- Plenty of space for a dance floor
- An easily accessible, central location for your guests
- Bring on the after party! You have an endless choice of hotels and bars close by to continue on into the night!
- Hello Hamptons!! HSW’s function areas are all about that heavenly chic feel
- Arguably the best city views in all of Brisbane
- Indoor and outdoor seating options
- Perfect for a relaxed or formal affair
- A well known, and well loved classic location
- Beautiful river views and stunning sunsets all year round
- A blank canvas for your ceremony
- Many options for reception venues, all in close proximity
Photo: KIMBERLEY LEE WEDDINGS
OK, I’ve booked my venue. So what’s next?
Book your photographer, videographer and celebrant in that order.
Why? Venues and photogs can only cater to one wedding a day. Celebrants (although they have the magical powers of binding you together in everlasting love), only have so many hours in a day as well!
Then, your accomodation, catering and decorative flowers.
Booking these in advance means that you have the most time-sensitive vendors sorted!
Details, details, details!
If you ask any photographer what makes your big day truely unique, it’s all in the little details. Now, don’t get me wrong, the details are not the be-all-end-all of having a spectacular wedding… but they do give you and your partner the opportunity to share your personalities and love languages with your guests for the night.
This is a pretty long list, so don’t feel like you need to check off every single item!
Details Checklist
- Invitations for your guests and wedding party members
- Bridal bouquets and buttonhole flowers
- Hair and makeup artist (or artists, depending on the number of people requiring hair and makeup)
- Shoes, jewellery, veil and perfume for the girls; shoes, cufflinks, belt, ties, socks and cologne for the boys
- Snacks and drinks for each side of the wedding party, as they get ready
- Gifts for your wedding party members, parents and siblings
- A note to your partner (separate from your vows) for them to read before saying ‘I do’
- Transport arrangements to and from the ceremony and reception
- Hand fans if you’re planning a summer wedding
- Confetti, flowers, rice or bubbles for your walk out of the ceremony as newly weds
- Refreshments, nibbles and entertainment for your guests during pre-dinner drinks
- Place cards for guests to find their seats at your reception
- Tributes to family and friends in memory
- A wishing well for cards and congratulatory notes
- Polaroids or a photo booth for some take home photos
- Wedding favours for your guests to take home as a momento from the day
Brisbane’s most stunning wedding photo locations
With all of the venues mentioned above, you won’t have to venture very far to capture those Vouge-esque wedding photos. But if you need a few more ideas, and potentially some ideas for an engagement photo session, these are my favourite spots in the Brisbane area for those extra snaps.
- The top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs
- Wynnum Jetty
- Shorncliffe Pier
- Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm Park
- The Great Court at the University of Queensland
- Brisbane City Hall
Photo: KIMBERLEY LEE WEDDINGS
Wedding day timelines – three popular choices
Here are three examples of wedding day timelines from a photographer’s perspective. Your venue manager will help you with the official timing of the day, but typical weddings look something like this:
Example 1: Full day of photography (10 hours)
- 2.0 hours – Getting ready with the groom & groomsmen
- 1.5 hours – Getting ready with the bride & bridesmaids
- 0.5 hours – Ceremony setup & guest candids
- 1.0 hours – Ceremony
- 0.5 hours – Formal group photos
- 1 hour – Couple & wedding party photos
- 0.5 hours – Informal group photos during pre-dinner drinks
- 3.0 hours – Reception (candids, speeches, cake cut, first dance, dance floor candids)
Example 2: Half day of photography (6 hours)
- 2.0 hours – Getting ready with the groom & groomsmen
- 1.5 hours – Getting ready with the bride & bridesmaids
- 0.5 hours – Ceremony setup & guest candids
- 1.0 hours – Ceremony
- 0.25 hours – Formal group photos
- 0.75 hours – Couple & wedding party photos
Example 3: Half day of photography (6 hours)
- 0.5 hours – Ceremony setup & guest candids
- 1.0 hours – Ceremony
- 0.25 hours – Formal group photos
- 1.0 hours – Couple & wedding party photos
- 0.5 hours – Informal group photos during pre-dinner drinks
- 2.75 hours – Reception (candids, speeches, cake cut, first dance, dance floor candids)
Hang on, why do you recommend 2 hours for the groom and groomsmen getting ready? The boys often have many more little details in their suits! Ties, suspenders, cufflinks, boutonnieres (which are a real challenge to pin on). Now times that by the number of groomsmen in the party! I like to give a little extra time to the groomsmen just in case we run into trouble with those little things.
Photo: KIMBERLEY LEE WEDDINGS
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your day!
As a wedding photographer, I’m incredibly honoured every single time a bride or groom asks me to document their wedding day. There’s absolutely nothing more special than those smiles, laughs, crazy dance parties, heartwarming speeches, and unforgettable moments.
This is a once in a lifetime event. This is the first chapter in your happily ever after fairytale.
Enjoy the moment with you, the love of your life and your nearest and dearest!