YAY…You chose Caitlin Amy…
…and I couldn’t be happier. I will endeavour to make this experience as enjoyable and relaxed as possible. So here are a few tips for what to expect along this journey.
So you have secured your date and the fun begins.
Tips
Your date is now reserved, WOO!
It’s time for us to have some fun. Together, we’ll create beautiful, natural and joy-filled photos that genuinely reflect you.
My focus is always on authenticity, capturing the real moments as they unfold, while gently guiding you so you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I know having your photo taken can feel unfamiliar for some people, so I’ll step in with as much or as little direction as you need during your session.
Choosing your vendors plays a huge role in the overall visual outcome of your day. Florals in particular can make a big difference. I always encourage couples to think carefully about their ceremony setup, as this is where the most impactful images of the day are created.
That said, if you’re planning a simple elopement with no florals, no fuss and no extras, that’s absolutely perfect too. There are no rules here.
It really comes down to your values and what matters most to you. Once you’re clear on that, it becomes much easier to decide what you truly need and what you simply don’t.
Choose your wedding team
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Hair + Makeup
Caitlin Miller Makeup
Madison oram Makeup
Brie - Blanc Hair
Michelle Jackson Hair
White Hair + Makeup
Boss Hair + Makeup
Makeup By Stevi
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Suits + Gowns.
Chosen By Khya
Karen Willis Holmes
Anna Campbell
Runde Tailoring
Lilygrace Bridal
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Film
The Design Patrol
Morelife Films
Hunter Valley Video
Bonnie Lass Films
La Lune Cinema
Amico Films
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Styling + Decorating + Hire.
The Wedding Designers
Henry + Audrey
Whimsical Fox
A Beautiful Occassion
Isn’t It Lovely
Love Glows
The Event Artists
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Celebrants
Jaya Bargwanna Celebrant (By far my fav, and a dear friend of mine).
That Altar Guy
Monty King
Hitched In The Hunter
Wed By Kez
Weddings With Jules
Wed By Jade
Married By Meredith
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Music
Silent Shout
Nick Read
Cam Hughes
Kylie Jane
The Junos Music
Jerome O’Connor
Stevie Lee Music
The Freetones
Tre Soul
Baker Boys Band
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Stationary + Signage + Printing.
Ink + Snow
Wish Boutique Stationary
Dear Little Darling
Life Is Peachy Invites
Pixel + Ink Design
The Corner Shop
Light Up Newcastle
BB Collective
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Florals
Petal Bang
The Naked Florist
Pushing Pansies
Botanica Bird
Trille Floral
The Posy Post
Annie Lou The Florist - Wow Flowers
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Sweets
Dragonfly Cakes
Sweet Poison
Sweet Custom Cakes
I Baked A Cake
Hello Naomi
Michelle The Cake Chef
Elopements
I’ll be there to capture your elopement for 1 to 2 hours, documenting everything as it naturally unfolds.
If you’re a WED + SNAP couple, both Jaya and I will be in touch in the lead up to your day. I’ll send you an email to gather any special requests and get a feel for the flow and vision of your plans. If you have family attending, we can discuss the possibility of family photos and what that will look like not the day.
On the day itself, we’ll keep things relaxed and in the moment. I’ll gently step back so you can fully soak it all in, capturing your ceremony and those beautiful post ceremony snaps authentically and naturally, just as it felt.
Having your photo taken
So many couples tell me they feel awkward or apprehensive about being photographed.
I completely get it!
For weddings and elopements, my focus is on helping you be yourselves and connect with each other. After all, your elopement or wedding isn’t about the photos, the photos are about your day. I’ll tune in to what you need and tailor my guidance to suit each couple individually. No intense posing, just gentle guidance with an emphasis on natural, candid moments.
Wedding Day Timeline
For elopements, each timeframe is different, but generally coverage starts with the ceremony, followed by photos afterwards. You may also choose to reverse this, having your photos taken before your ceremony.
For wedding, putting together a run sheet that flows, doesn’t leave guests with too much spare time between the ceremony and reception, but still allows for any delays, is super important for smooth sailing.
I generally recommend working backwards from sunset as a starting point for the ideal ceremony time. As a photographer, one of the most important aspects is working with the best available light. About 1.5 hours leading up to sunset is generally the nicest time for photos. However, other factors, like the surrounding landscape and cloud cover on the day, also come into play.
Questions to ask yourself while planning your timeline include:
Will there be enough time before sunset to take photos?
How long will it take to travel to your photo shoot destination?
Is your bridal party large, and how will this affect logistics and timing?
Is there natural light available at your preparation location?
Have you left enough time for people to congratulate you and for family photos after your ceremony?
Leaving enough time.
For weddings with more than 20 guests, please keep in mind that after your ceremony it can take around 15 minutes for guests and family to offer congratulations, and 20 to 40 minutes for family photos, if that’s something you choose to do.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions as you plan. I’m happy to help and offer suggestions about timings, lighting, and how these factors may affect your photos.
CONFETTI
Photo-ready and eco-friendly: Go for products that pop in photos and won’t harm the planet.
Check it out here.
https://www.bioconfetti.com.au
ENGAGEMENT SESSION TIPS
Couples sessions are such a fun way for me to get to know you both and a perfect excuse to hit pause on wedding planning and just focus on each other.
While the photos are all about you, the location can really set the mood. I usually shoot around inner-city Newcastle on weekday mornings or afternoons, keeping weekends free for weddings and family. I love capturing moments at the beach, in the bush, open fields, or even in the heart of the city — anywhere that feels like you.
Think about spots that are meaningful to you — maybe where the proposal happened, a favourite picnic spot, or somewhere that always makes you smile. If nothing comes to mind, don’t worry, I’m full of ideas! And if your special spot is a little outside Newcastle, that’s totally fine — we can chat about a small travel fee and make it happen.
Shoot Details
What to Wear
The most important thing is to feel amazing in what you’re wearing. It’s always a good idea to coordinate with each other when it comes to colours, think neutrals, tans, browns, and pastels, or go bold with bright, vibrant shades. Try to avoid visible logos where possible.
If you have something quirky or fun in your wardrobe that shows off your personality, go for it, it can make your photos really POP! The key is to be consistent with each other, so your outfits complement one another.
Time
A pre wedding session usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour and the best time will depend on the spot that we choose.
Book It In
Engagement session time slots can be limited during peak wedding season, so it’s best to book in advance to avoid missing out. Midweek sessions tend to be more readily available, making it easier to find a time that works for you.
Teamwork. BOOM!
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Locations
Choosing a place to get ready before your ceremony can be tricky, as there are a few things to consider. If possible, selecting a space with nice light and character, rather than a small hotel room, can make a huge difference in your photos. Of course, it’s all about you, not your background, but having a charming spot can give your images that little extra something.
It’s also a good idea to get ready close to your partner when possible. This keeps transport simple and reduces travel time for everyone, making the day’s logistics much easier.
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Working Wth Your Vendors.
You will likely be co-ordinating timing with multiple different suppliers such as make-up, hair, flowers and cars. What time are the flowers arriving? What time does hair and make-up need to be completed? There can be a few things to juggle and the vendors you are working with will have some great advice for you. Please let me know if I can help with any thing regarding photo times in relation to other vendor timings.
Please email me with any questions as you are going along and I can help you and make suggestions
about timings and lighting and how these may effect your photos etc.