When I graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree at UTS in 2000 I never thought I would be running my own business in Wedding Photography 7 years later. I knew I would always be doing something people-related. It was firstly human resources and then public relations/marketing. I worked many years in not-for-profit marketing/PR at the RSPCA, MS Society and Girl Guides. As they could not afford professional photographers, I was doing a lot of the photography for media campaigns from 2003. I love helping others and making them happy.

In 2007 my sister asked me to photograph her wedding and there was no turning back – I was hooked. Providing people with memories of the happiest day of their lives – what a rewarding experience! As I got more and more experience in wedding photography I realised that my personalised style was what people were recognising and demanding – my ability to connect, to understand, to make people feel comfortable and also to be cheeky to get the laughs!

I call myself an ‘emotional photographer’ (as opposed to a technical photographer) – I love capturing and anticipating moments – it is these types of photos that I find my clients cherish the most. I spend time getting to know my couples and how they have planned their big day so I can look out for unique details and moments that represent what is important to them.

This year I will be photographing my 100th wedding (including my 10th Internationally) and I would like to celebrate by offering free wedding photography worth $3500 for one lucky couple.

Each wedding is different; it is personal and unique to who you and your fiancé are and what you want on your day. This competition is about finding the couples who want to show how their wedding is unique. Please refer to the rules below for how to enter.

Examples of some personalised weddings I have photographed recently:
Jane and Aaron’s Wedding on a property in the Blue Mountains
Hannah and Cam’s Vintage Road trip/1950s Country Fair Wedding
Erin and Nathan’s VW, Parramatta Eels, Etsy Vintage inspired Vineyard Wedding

What you WIN:
1. Eight hours of coverage on your wedding day.
2. Edited full-sized high resolution wedding images on disk.
3. Portrait session before the wedding day so you can be comfortable in front of the camera and also so we can get to know each other.
4. Online gallery for you and your guests to view and enjoy.
5. A meet-up before the wedding day so we can get to know each other and discuss details.

The RULES:
1. Couples must be getting married in 2011* and have not already booked Gemma Clarke to photograph their wedding in 2011. You can be anywhere in the world to enter – please read the other conditions.
2. Weddings must be within a 2 hour drive of Sydney however weddings outside of this area will be considered if you are willing to pay travel costs including weddings in other states and overseas.
3. How to Enter: Please send details about you and your wedding including the following – how you got together, the proposal and 3 quirky/unique/unusual things you love about your fiancé (please include answers from both bride and groom). Details about your planned wedding locations, how is your wedding personalised e.g ceremony, invitations, your theme, special guests, music items, clothing etc. You can include pictures of your inspiration if you like. Please include a recent photo of you and your fiancé. All these items must be addressed to be eligible to enter. There is no word limit. Selection of the finalists will be based on the information you provide.
4. Email the above information and photo to info@gemma-clarke.com. This must arrive by 11:59pm Sydney NSW time on Tuesday April 5, 2011 to be eligible.
5. Finalists will be selected by Gemma Clarke and then featured (your photo and some details) on Gemma Clarke Photography’s Facebook page by Tuesday April 12, 2011 (http://www.facebook.com/sydney.wedding.photographer ) People who are fans/likers of the GCP FB page will be able to vote for their favourite couple. The couple with the most votes at 9:30pm Sydney NSW time on Monday April 18, 2011 will be the winner. An additional Gemma Clarke Photography blog post will direct people to the Facebook page to vote.
6. Finalists (those that do not win) and other entrants may be offered discounts and special deals by Gemma for their wedding photography.
7. Please note that by entering this competition you are allowing Gemma Clarke Photography to use your photo and some information about your wedding for purposes of the competition including uploading to Facebook and use on the GCP blog.

*Subject to Gemma Clarke’s availability. In addition to weddings, renewal of vows and special anniversary celebrations are included.

When you have the right dress it seems everything else falls into place! Lou originally had a princess dress and it just didn’t feel right to her so she designed her own dress and had it made and she just looked so confident and so stylish! The whole day was about being relaxed, having fun and spending time with the guests. Macquarie Links Golf Club offered superb service and were very accommodating to the bridal party during the location photos.

Ceremony, Location Photos and Reception Location: Macquarie Links International Golf Club /   Bride’s Dress: Louise design it and a friend made it / Hair Artist: Kim and Jess from Fringe Connection in Ingleburn / Celebrant: Family friend who is based in Brisbane – Christine Kimmings / Shoes by RMK / Bridesmaid Dresses from David Jones / Stationery: The Paper Factory - Louise put it altogether herself / Cake made by a friend, Sue Eschbank.

Alison was very relaxed the morning of the wedding just enjoying the whole experience of being a bride and this continued throughout the day despite the rainy ceremony. I am very lucky to have clients who are happy to accept the day as it comes. They will not let the weather ruin their day and at the beginning of the reception Alison said to me: “Gemma, thanks for everything, we have had the best day so you just go off and do what you do best, capture those candid moments.”

Ceremony: Camellia Gardens, Caringbah.

Reception: Summersalt Restaurant, Cronulla.

Simple elegance and highly emotional describes this wedding. Jane and Aaron are so open and honest about their feelings in front of everyone and as we found out later, this encouraged the guests to do the same. I sometimes call myself an emotional photographer  – I love being a part of all these moments – it is such a blessing but also a huge responsibility and I welcome it with open arms! LOVE is my drug This wedding was held at Jane’s parent’s absolutely breathtaking property in the Blue Mountains.

Dress: Wendy Makin – Penrith Bridal Centre

Flowers: The Little Flower Shop, Wentworth Falls – highly recommended!!!

Hair Artist: Janelle at Sunshine Hair Studio

Make-up Artist: Trish Carnall, at Patricia’s Place

Celebrant/Minister: Tina Marie from Sassy Ceremonies

David’s suit is from Tarocash.

Stationery: We made all our invitations and placecards/thank you cards, most of the items were from Spotlight.

The cake is from Your Exquisite Cake.

Please enjoy the gorgeousness that is Jane and Aaron ♥