Gemma Clarke Photography Blog

Belinda and Ryan’s Portrait Session – Sydney University and Victoria Park

gemma — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:54:12 +0000

Belinda and Ryan are such a sweet couple and when I suggested they personalise their session by bringing props Belinda starting thinking about their travels, having a picnic and Sydney University. It was great to shoot a session where Belinda had studied and also the most beautiful university grounds in Sydney (this is coming from someone who attended UTS a.k.a the big ugly tower building uni hehe). I absolutely loved Belinda’s coat – very classy and sexy!

They also brought along little cupcakes and tried to feed them to each other which ended in a tame food ‘smushing’ match. The picnic photos were taken in the neighbouring Victoria Park. To end the session they put on the jerseys of their favourite rugby league teams and posed for the camera! True Love can conquer all Belinda’s hair and makeup was done by Victoria from Beautify Me (one of my highly recommended wedding vendors!)

This is Belinda and Ryan’s favourite photo from the session so I thought you should be able to see it here

Having fun ‘smushing cakes’ in each other’s mouths – so cute! this is my favourite photo from the session

Rebecca and Ryan’s Wedding – St Luke’s Church, Revesby and The Sebel Resort and Spa, Hawkesbury

gemma — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:27:16 +0000

Bec and I went to East Hills Girls Technology High School and we spent time together in advanced maths class (Bec was a year below me so she was super advanced!). I remember her to be a mature, friendly and very giving person and nothing has changed – she was a stunning bride and I agree with what everyone said that makes her shine – her Million Dollar Smile! She has found her match in Ryan. I wish you all the best for your married life.

Please enjoy the gorgeous photos from the day but especially from the Sebel Resort and Spa in Windsor – one of my new favourite locations for photos! And thank you to my assistant Alex for capturing some of these great moments

Fiona and Garth’s ESession – Coogee Beach

gemma — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:53:14 +0000

Fiona and Garth love the beach and grew up around Coogee so it was a natural choice for their engagement photos. They came prepared with a change of clothes so they could reveal their true nature in their boardshorts. Fiona and I didn’t allow Garth to change his shirt again as we both love red hehe Although we had to get up very early for this shoot it was very worth it and we were all giggling and having a great time. One of my favourite shots was when Garth was seducing Fiona on the rocks – I felt like they were on some deserted tropical island – it was very very hot!!

Lauren and Mark – E-Session – Georges Hall

gemma — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:35:52 +0000

Lauren and Mark work very hard in their professions and they haven’t had much quality time together lately so it was great to capture these moments where they could relax and just enjoy each other’s company (and mine haha). They asked me to suggest a location so I picked a spot where we could do some lovely romantic photos by the wharf and amongst the trees and then some fun photos on the play equipment. I was impressed by how much Lauren and Mark embraced the play equipment and abadoned traditional poses to play up for the camera! Yay! See you at the wedding and I promise I will try to be a guest for at least 5 minutes on the wedding day

Elyse and Shrek’s Wedding – Loxley on Bellbird Hill, Kurrajong

gemma — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:06:36 +0000

Shrek and his princess, Elyse were a load of laughs last Saturday when they tied the knot at the gorgeous property, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The temperature was 20 degrees, the sun was out, Elyse and her bridesmaids were ready on time, the boys were ready, everything was perfect! I was… amused when Elyse giggled with nerves throughout the ceremony, she was so excited! Elyse and Shrek’s little girl Eden was very well behaved the entire day and when it came to the big group shot and everyone had to put their hands in the air, Eden raised hers – not bad for a baby! The service from the staff at Loxley was excellent as well as the food, I highly recommend it!

Carlo and Suzie’s Wedding – Riverwood Family Home and Sergeant’s Mess, Chowder Bay

gemma — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:39:51 +0000

After spending a month in Europe photographing brides for a small part of the day it was a change of pace to take a Macedonian wedding (and mixed with more modern celebrations). From 9am we were kept on our toes until we left at 10.30pm! There was continuous music and dancing throughout the day – I don’t know how Suzie did it in her heels!

When Suzie and Carlo first came to me they had been searching for a photographer who could be flexible to their needs and someone who would fit in well with everyone so they ould get a good record of the day as it happened! And that is what I specialise in – I want everyone to be relaxed, to be themselves and enjoy the day so we can capture real moments! There were so many memorable things that happened August 8 including a photo with scuba divers that were strangers. This is very random but they were there at the spot we were doing photos and Suzie and Carlo are up for my crazy random ideas! Also, should be noted that one of my favourite photos from my own wedding day involved scuba divers

Carlo is somewhat connected to his phone

Carlo and Suzie made personalised labels and gave the adults a bottle of wine. And I loved how unique Carlo’s ring was with the different lines.

Suzie and her boyfriend!

Carlo wore a tie for many hours for his bride. This is the moment it was time for it to come off! he also encouraged others to rid themselves of their ties!

And the dancing continues!

Satu and Tero’s Wedding – Kouvola, Finland

gemma — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:16:38 +0000

Anna and I were required to cover the Bride’s getting ready photos and formal portraits for this wedding in Kouvola before we headed back to Helsinki to photograph Paivi and Jukka’s Wedding at the Lutheran Cathedral. What I loved about Kouvola were all the rich yellow crop fields – just a shame we couldn’t get close enough to one so they could ‘frolic’ through the over abundance of colour! They were able to secure a 1948 Mercedes-Benz 170V for their wedding car. Satu’s dress is from Ladylike Wedding Gown Boutique and the medallion attached to her bouquet with the photo of her father was made at Milla Noora – Website is only in Finnish.

Satu has the cutest smile I have seen on a bride and you can see Tero is absolutely bowled over by his bride. The feeling to this wedding day was relaxed and everyone was having a lot of fun. Satu and Tero were happy to play in front of the camera which brought out their devotion to each other.

The Finnish will understand the sign on the right

Seeing each other for the first time. Satu starting shedding tears and it made me do the same too! Lucky I could hide behind my camera

Päivi and Jukka’s Wedding – Helsinki, Finland

gemma — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:47:28 +0000

Anna Jarske and I had the privilege of photographing Päivi and Jukka’s Wedding which took place at the famous landmark, Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral. After trying to avoid the tourists (it was a beautiful summer’s day) we were able to take some photos around this spectacular building. The reception was held at Katajanokan Kasino and had a lovely outdoor entertaining area and cosy room for dining. All the guests were in great spirits, partying inside and outside as the night progressed. Päivi’s beautiful dress was made by Swedish company, Nixa. If you are interested in seeing their engagement session we photographed before the wedding day please visit my blog post here.

Laetitia and Cedric’s Wedding – Paris, France

gemma — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:07:41 +0000

In the suburbs of Paris we took photos of Laetitia and Cedric and their bridal party in their wedding attire a few days after the wedding. The session was done at the Chateau d’Auvers Sur Oise in the Val d’Oise in the north of Paris where they had their reception. The property is now a museum for the Impressionists period. The Trash the Dress session was done at a nearby river. Thanks to Laetitia and Cedric for being so much fun and also for the yummy iceblocks by Mr Freeze …it was hot hot hot!! And a special thanks to Emilie Gerard for asking me to come along to take photos

Laetitia’s dress was by Spanish designer Pronovias and her pink shoes are Aurelia from Cosmo Paris.

http://www.chateau-auvers.fr/en/index.php?PHPSESSID=8ed231a7d0c2549eb6819ef429d344cb

Nina and Timo’s Wedding – Hämeenlinna, Finland

gemma — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:59:30 +0000

Finland is an incredibly beautiful country in summer with lots of green and bright yellow fields and wildflowers everywhere. There are many potted colourful flowers everywhere – in the town centres and on window sills so you can’t help but smile when you are in Finland

I met with Nina and Timo the night before there wedding at 11:30pm and because of all our emails it felt like we already knew each other. Nina told me she was nervous about the photos and couldn’t see how they could look like the couples from my previous work. I told her all we needed to do was to relax and have fun and that is exactly what happened! There was so much laughter and romance that I wondered seriously what Nina was worried about. I am sure you will be able to tell from the photos that they both look great!

The ceremony and reception were held at Katajiston Kartano which had incredible service and food – I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a beautiful location and great entertaining for any special occasions! They also have cabins that your guests can stay at which remind me of the traditional Finnish Summer Cottages.

We did the portraits before the ceremony at the incredibly beautiful Aulanko Park which has its own castle and is only just across the road from the reception. The bride stayed at the Rantasipi Spa Hotel which is also just across the road from the park and the castle!

And lucky me, Nina and Timo surprised me with a kiss