December 18, 2011

Yes I know we promised this post over 3 weeks ago but what can i say - Christmas took over the inbox...introducing Lauren & Tim (one of our favourite weddings)...
When Lauren & Tim came in to meet & discuss their wedding day it sounded like a charming event and just the type of work we love to work on. Real Weddings Magazine ran a lovely story on their day in their 2010 issue and finally we are featuring an extended series of our photographs on the SugarLove Blog.

Lauren was a stunning bride. Her breathtaking bespoke dress was by Adam Dixon and featured a corded lace bodice & cut out detailing on the low back.

Lauren's sister Sarah was the key to the fateful meeting between Lauren & Tim. We were also lucky enough to work with Sarah on her own wedding day in 2009.

The bridesmaids all wore different coloured dresses by Rose & Ruby with accessories by Alannah Hill and carried bright bouquets of hydrangeas, dahlias & roses by The Flower Store.

The couple chose a love poem throughout the service called "The Anniversary" by English Poet, John Donne in tribute to Tim's late mother, Lorraine.

The area surrounding Athol Hall, Mosman meant there was no travel required by the bridal party & couple to enjoy some photographs together. A simple stroll down the hill to their own private beach on Sydney Harbour was the perfect getaway.

The picture was a funny & fortuitous moment to capture on film. In the background of our last couple shots our Photographer, Bradley noticed surfing champion Layne Beachley coming out of the water in goggles & mask proudly holding her lost engagement ring in hand. Layne had lost her engagement ring during fitness training with the Manly Police 2 days earlier so with the help of some diver friends and what she described as "the luck of our SugarLove wedding nearby" Layne magically found her ring at the bottom of Sydney Harbour during the middle of our photo shoot!! Jumping for joy and celebrating with a fun filled portrait & a toast of champagne was the perfect end to such a magical moment.

The guests were entertained by a jazz trio on the lawn whilst enjoying entrees & drinks before the evening celebrations moved inside Athol Hall.

Lauren had a large chandelier brought in for the middle of the room which was surrounded by hanging ferns/florals created by The Flower Store.

In keeping with the casual garden party theme the couple chose a dinner buffet with a variety of delicious options which proved very popular with the guests.

My Little Cupcake designed the wedding cake which was a tower of pastel treats to savour along with the extensive dessert bar.

Fairy lights lit up the deck at night underneath dozens of hanging lanterns in bright summery tones. The balcony was a lovely area for guests to enjoy on a balmy summer night.

The couple enjoyed their wedding dance to Etta James "At Last" and the guests enjoyed dancing the night away to a latin funk band.

It was a pleasure to work with a couple with such great natural style & elegance and a perfect synergy to our philosophy that less is more at SugarLove. Wishing Lauren & Tim a lifetime filled with happiness and a Merry Christmas to all of our loyal blog readers....with love, Leigh & the team x

How did you start your business?
SugarLove Pictures was started by my husband (Photographer/Director BRADLEY PATRICK) & I in January 2000. We spent the first few years focusing on his commercial work within the Arts & Entertainment industries and worked regularly between Australia & the US. It was via the request of many high profile clients in these areas to cover their weddings that we saw the growth of SugarLove Weddings.

What is your style?
Timeless, emotional & spontaneous moments captured in a relaxed unobtrusive style is often the way our work is described by SugarLove clients. Our personal business approach combined with a high level of ongoing support and "love" that starts from the very first meeting to the final collection of albums is widely regarded as one of the added joys of working with SugarLove.

What is your business and/or creative philosophy?
Our philosophy is based on integrity, passionate client management & an appreciation of being invited to share one of the most important days of your life with our clients. An all encompassing love for the art of making beautiful images "both still & moving" drives the SugarLove & White team.

What sets you and your work apart?
There are many things. We dont feel couples should have to purchase an album to be able to book the very best photographers in the business. For the majority of clients, our packages with albums are fully inclusive so there are no hidden extras after the honeymoon. We keep the business & creative sides of wedding photography separate for clients at SugarLove. Each couple are working one on one with their own account manager to ensure no detail is missed prior to the day, the photographers can then concentrate on what they do best (capturing the amazing images we are hired for) and our clients are overjoyed to receive their images anywhere from 2-6weeks after the event instead of 3-6mths.

What is the process for a bride and groom to work with you?
We would suggest the first step would be to have a good look through our websites SUGARLOVE WEDDINGS & WHITE DESIGNS. Our blog is also a great place to find out more about how we work, where we work and who we are as a team. Next step would be to either phone or email with your wedding date and location information. We can then either send you our packages to consider via email, set up a skype chat (if overseas/interstate) or make a meeting time in our stunning 2storey showroom in the picturesque Woollahra located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

What advice would you have for engaged couples?
Please contact us early. We are often booked up to 18mths in advance. Have a clear idea about the style of photography / videography you like before narrowing your search to a top 1/2 studios. Do lots of web research, mag research and ask friends/family of any recommendations or tips that might help you choose the best studio for your day.

December 12, 2011

With only 12 days to go until Christmas we wanted to remind you about our Charity Water Campaign....thank you to all the wonderful clients who have booked us for a family portrait shoot already!! We are inviting you to celebrate this Christmas with a stunning family portrait taken by Celebrity Portrait Photographer/Bradley Patrick and we will donate 50% of all SugarLove fees to Charity Water.

Charity Water is a non-profit organization bringing clean & safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects. Just $20 can give someone access to clean safe drinking water. Help us reach our goal of donating $5000 by 31st December 2011 to Charity Water. For all enquiries on shoot fees, availability & how you can get involved in our campaign simply email us at leigh@sugarlovepictures.com

December 2, 2011

Just realised we have never done a full behind the scenes post on one of our favourite weddings (Lauren & Tim) which was published in a recent issue of Real Weddings Magazine. The wonderful thing about SugarLove & White is that we get to work on some gorgeous client weddings & lots of them in peak spring/summer season but we missed sharing this one....as a tribute to summer days ahead - Lauren & Tim will officially appear online over the next week...happy summer days x

November 25, 2011

Like Briana & Richard I have always loved the idea of a family wedding celebration...very Father of the Bride i know!! When we met to discuss the plans for their day it sounded so classic, timeless & sentimental and the outcome was exactly that. Real Weddings are featuring a 4 page story in their current Style edition and here is a lovely behind the scenes peek at some of our favourite moments captured by SugarLove Weddings.
The bride wore a stunning strapless couture gown with matching bolero by Steven Khalil

I love these church photos, the lighting & leadlight has a yellow cast which is interesting for photography & video coverage. The whole feeling of the church was very regal, perfectly suited to the style of Briana & Richard's day.

The couples photo shoot & all-white reception to follow took place at a private family residence in Darling Point. Briana's aunty arranged the magnificent fresh flowers.

The locations for our shoot were endless...manicured gardens, private harbourside sandy beach, historic house. It truly was a paradise lost in time and a divine place to shoot.

Simple was best outside with the natural stone urns and archways embellished for the occasion with most areas left a la natural.

Briana's Dad looked after most of the preparations and planning for the private reception. Described as a dynamo and the only person who could capture the vision of the couple, the result was breathtaking.

The bride enjoys a brief moment with one of her bridesmaids pre photo shoot. The weather was picture perfect.

White roses & candles everywhere - simple & classic!

The dining room is dressed for small groups & guests start to arrive. The canapes are served & groomsmen enjoy a laugh on the harbour.

One of my favourite SugarLove shots of Briana from the day.

The couple & their bridal party outside one of the historic buildings.

The delightful Briana & Richard share some private moments together for our team.

As the sun went down and the lanterns were lit it was time to party under the stars.

Even the little ones enjoyed a dance under the moonlight.

Briana & Richard enjoy their first dance together as husband & wife. Our video team at White Designs also covered the day in Signature DSLR style.

We really enjoyed being a part of your day Brie & Richard and congrats on the birth of your baby girl on Valentines Day this year. Another sweet beginning to what we are sure will be an incredible life together x