Wedding Articles
Celebrity Wedding Photography on the Morning Show
5 December 2011
Check out the Morning Show on Channel 7 tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 9:50am to see our principal photographer, Graham Monro, talking about Celebrity Wedding Photography.
Some of our celebrity clients include Guy Sebastian (Australian Idol), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast Titans), Ada Nicodemou (Home & Away), Lizzy Lovette (TV & Radio Presenter), Luke Wilkshire (World Cup Socceroo) and Sonia Kruger (Dancing With The Stars Host & TV Presenter). To see their weddings go to our Celebrity Wedding Photography page here.
Kristy & Ben
18 November 2011
We love Kristy’s gorgeous gown by Pallas Couture. Her beautiful wedding with Ben, as styled by The Style Salon, took place at McKell Park, Darling Point with their reception at Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour. Menswear by Gucci & Givenchy, flowers by The Style Salon, cake by Faye Cahill, stationary by Alannah Rose, cars by 7th Heaven Wedding Cars, entertainment provided by Jorge Campano on Spanish guitar & The White Tree at Fort Denison. Celebrant was Pauline Fawkner. Photography by gm photographics.
If you like Kristy & Ben’s ceremony location, McKell Park is a great choice. It is a small and private park tucked away at the end of Darling Point road between Rushcutters and Double Bay. It has a quiet aspect but a wonderful position right on Sydney Harbour. Most couples have their wedding ceremony down the end of the park near a circular area.
Chen & Denis (Balmoral Beach)
11 November 2011
We absolutely love this wedding! Chen & Denis’ gorgeous album includes so many beautiful images taken at one of our favourite Sydney locations – Balmoral Beach. The lovely couple were married at the NSW Marriage Registry which provided a unique backdrop for us to play with our creativity and capture their intimate ceremony in a modern and photojournalistic way. The following week they held a classic reception at Bathers’ Pavilion, which followed a comprehensive location shoot at Balmoral. Chen wore a gorgeous Collette Dinnigan gown and Denis wore Emporio Armani. Cake by Faye Cahill and flowers by Susan Avery. So beautiful.
Celebrity Photographer Graham Monro is interviewed by Career Confessions
10 November 2011
Here is a recent article written by Monica Kade on Career Confessions
Celebrity Photographer – Graham Monro
Graham Monro is a Sydney based professional photographer and the founder of Australia’s leading wedding and portrait studios gm photographics.
Graham has shot the likes of Brooke Shields, Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. gm photographics was also the chosen wedding photographer for many Aussie celebs including Guy Sebastian, Lizzy Lovette and Ada Nicodemou.
A Canon user from the beginning, Graham has recently been granted the elite title of Canon EOS Master, winning numerous awards from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).
After one career as an advertising, design and editorial photographer, Monro now heads up Australia’s premier wedding and portrait studio gm photographics.
Graham is a prolific photographer with work published extensively throughout Australia and internationally.
Graham’s extensive career has seen him gain many accolades including:
• Master of Photography II Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP)
• Fellow of Photography New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP)• NSW AIPP Landscape, Advertising and Wedding Photographer of the Year
• Rated in top 4 Best wedding Photographers in CAPTURE Magazine 4 years running.
• Finalist in 2009 Head on Awards for Australian Portraiture
• Finalist in Fresh Milk International
• Photos published in nearly all major Australian magazine titles
With passion and enthusiasm Graham gives back to the photography industry and has been commended for his work in many of the professional organisiations including Elite ACMP Collections, the AIPP and NZIPP.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Fun, energetic and enthusiastic.
What is your life motto? I’ll be there soon. This is based on if you keep at it you will get there, it’s just a matter of time. Keep plugging away at what you love and you will succeed.
When did you start pursuing your career and how long did it take to become successful? When I was 14 I had my first photo published and by 16 was the Sydney rep for a little known motorcycle newspaper called AMCN. I used to catch a train all the way to Liverpool from Killara and then hitch hike to Oran Park or catch a train to Pennant Hills and hitch to Amaroo Park depending on race day. The next day would wag some lessons at school and print photos in the school camera club darkroom, write the story in the library and express post it to Melbourne for Tuesday night’s deadline. I was so keen that I would have paid them to publish my photos. Seeing my photos published was a huge buzz. I feel it was ten years later in my mid twenties that things really started rolling for me in professional photography.
How many hours did you dedicate to pursuing your dream? All hours. I have been extremely fortunate that photography was my first love and my hobby. If I weren’t working so much on the business, I would be doing more photography – definitely shooting more and doing the less of the business stuff.
Describe how difficult the business really is? Photography is extremely competitive. When I started it was film days (unlike today where everything is digital) and many people thought photography was difficult and very technical. Nowadays every one has a camera; but I think all that is irrelevant. If you really want to do something just do it. It’s as simple as that. You can make whatever excuse you want to not do something and of course you never will. In all businesses the ones at the top do well by doing what they love and working really hard, the ones in the middle spend too much time competing with each other rather than just going out and winning clients and the ones at the bottom are too cheap, drive themselves broke and undermine the industry. So you need to decide which one you want to be.
What is the mistake that taught you an extremely valuable lesson? Early in my career I wanted to get sponsored for a trip to Outer Mongolia. I pitched to the company’s second in charge and he then went to the big boss for me. It failed. He did not have my belief or enthusiasm. Motto: Always pitch to the big boss!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given to date? “Go with your gut” – A great photographer, Greg Barrett said that to me in the late 70s. I was his assistant at the time. Your gut instinct is your best advice. Listen to others but most of all go with your own instincts. Whenever I have gone against it I was wrong.
In your mind, is formal training essential? I was not formally trained at art college or photography college but today I am always going to seminars, workshops, lectures and seeking advice and education from my peers. Photography and the creative fields (like all fields) require ways to improve yourself, and as you get older they keep you inspired and invigorated. Otherwise doing the same ol’ same ol’ gets boring.
However if I was starting out today I would go to PSC or RMIT in Melbourne and I would have a part-time job in photography. Formal training is a great way to ensure you develop a good technical understanding. Photography and cameras have developed to the point where there is not as much difference between an amateur and a professional due to the auto functions of cameras and the availability of great software. However, a professional should be able to produce results that their client’s cannot do for themselves.
The great thing with photography is you can always shoot. Too many wannabes sit around talking about doing things rather than actually doing them. Talk is cheap.
Do you think having a mentor is important? How would you go about getting one for this industry? Having a mentor is great! I have several heroes in photography and with the internet you can keep up with them very well. But nothing beats meeting up face to face and listening! Peter Eastway is a photographer and publisher and many other things too and I often seek advice and mentoring from him. Many times you can think that you are the only one with a problem but so many of your peers have had these problems and even worse than you. It’s when you talk to others and communicate openly that you learn a lot. This comes from being in your industry associations and I am in the AIPP in Australia.
If I wanted a new mentor I would just look around and find who I liked and approach them. Be generous when you seek people out for advice, do something for them. Many possible mentors are sort by others too so think of what you can offer them to pay you attention. Take them to lunch, write a letter (not an email; a letter). Enthusiasm, honesty, humility and respect usually always wins someone over. Dare to be different when you approach them.
What are some steps emerging talent can take to start/further their career? Get published. Get your work out there.
Pursue work experience with a great photographer who is also a great businessperson. Give your time for free if necessary to gain the valuable experience. Have great technical ability first and then develop and hone your skills creating your own style – there are so many photographers you want to stand out from the crowd.
Photography is all about personality and making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Ensure you are always well presented and engaging when working with your clients.
What kept you going when you felt like giving up? The thought that I will get there soon. Often when you are pushed against the wall you come out fighting hard. It is amazing what you can get done in a day if you really try. Refusing to give up and trying different ways of solving problems is good. Once I was doing a difficult job and it keep failing. After the third reshoot I went to the lab to check the film and I was not impressed with it. The film technician offered some advice as to how to correct the rest of the shoot and I went with it. Two hours later after clearing my head by going to yoga I returned and all was good. I also realised after that yoga session that I needed to chill out more and change my thinking and deal with certain clients in different ways.
Do you believe that ‘making it’ is about luck and being in the right place at the right time? Sometimes it is, but most of the time you make your luck by putting yourself in the right place at the right time with the right people. Working hard and working smart are the two things to combine then add in fitness and time to have a life and take time out to appreciate the things you have in your life already like family and friends and love.
For more on Graham, check out www.gmphotographics.com.au and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmphotographics
Celeste & Robert
9 November 2011
Couture Wedding Planning styled Celeste & Robert’s beautiful wedding. Here’s their stunning album layout. Their ceremony was held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mosman, with reception at Sergeants Mess in Chowder Bay. Celeste’s gown by Abbey Bridal, menswear by Hornsby Tailors, flowers by Divine Events, cake by Mancuso Cakes, cars by Mosman Wedding Cars, videography by Untitled Film Works.
One of gm photographics favourite wedding venues opens it’s doors for Breakfast & Lunch
7 November 2011
DUNBAR HOUSE OPENS GLAMOROUS WATERFRONT CAFE
One of gm photographics favourite wedding venues opens it’s doors for Breakfast & Lunch
Dunbar House, one of Australia’s oldest standing buildings, has opened a sophisticated, fully-licensed café that boasts million dollar harbour views, excellent service and a chic daytime dining menu offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Located just 30 metres from the shores of Watsons Bay, the stunning heritage building, originally built in the 1830s, re-opened earlier this year after a major refurbishment transformed it into one of Sydney’s most impressive event venues. Now, due to its increased popularity as a landmark destination, the venue has expanded operations to include a waterfront café, expected to become a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Dunbar House is operated by Grand Pacific Group, of acclaimed Sydney venues – The Tea Room QVB, The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks and Sergeants’ Mess. With a reputation for transforming historic Sydney buildings into unique event and dining venues, the new café features all the elements of the Group’s signature touch – beautiful interiors, breathtaking views and world-class dining.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8am, guests can dine outside on the deck, or inside one of two rooms where William Morris wallpaper sets off custom-made furniture upholstered with colourful Missoni fabrics. Meanwhile, whimsical pastel-coloured Wedgewood china tea cups, saucers and stands from the Harlequin collection make the venue’s afternoon tea service a delight.
Breakfast at Dunbar House includes traditional favourites such as eggs benedict and bircher muesli through to delectable temptations such as buttermilk pancakes with caramelised banana and maple cream and waffles with honeycomb butter. The lunch menu is fresh, seasonal and high in flavour with a focus on quality local produce and simple presentation. A simple high tea will also be available from 10am until close. The kitchen is headed by Irish-born chef Keith Murray, who joins Dunbar House from The Tea Room QVB and brings more than 14 years of experience including twice working in Michelin Star restaurants in the UK.
Dunbar House is located at 9 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay. The upper level of Dunbar House is still available for exclusive hire seven days a week. For more information on Dunbar House visit www.dunbarhouse.com.au.
Bride to Be Magazine features Emma & Ben
31 October 2011
The latest issue of Bride to Be Magazine is on stands now. It features one of our lovely couples, Emma & Ben.
Photographed on their big day last November we had a great time capturing amazing shots in Melbourne.
Emma wore a hand-beaded, silk georgette gown from Amaline Vitale. The vintage theme was inspired by Coco Chanel and was carried throughout the details of the day.
The couple exchanged vows in Melbourne’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church followed by a reception with 100 guests in the modern surrounds of the Persimmon Room at the National Gallery of Victoria. Vases of white peony roses
and hydrangeas on mirrored boards decorated the tables. ‘We had a lot of black and white with splashes of green from the flowers that highlighted the polished floors and steel coloured walls of the building,’ the bride says.
To see more gm photographics destination weddings click here
Lizzy Lovette & James Wicks
25 October 2011
Earlier in the year we photographed TV Presenter and Radio Personality Lizzy Lovette’s wedding. She married hotelier James Wicks in an intimate ceremony at St John’s Church in Wollombi. Lizzy wore a gorgeous Steven Khalil gown, with bridesmaids wearing Carla Zampatti and menswear by MJ Bale. Cake by Faye Cahill. Their beautifully styled reception was held at Roberts Restaurant in the Hunter Valley.
Here is their gorgeous final wedding album. Enjoy 
Anthony Del Col from Staging Connections wins coveted award
14 October 2011
Recently we photographed the beautiful wedding of Kuvesh & Vyda.
Working along side the gm photographics team on this wedding was Anthony Del Col from Staging Connections.
Each year The Academy of Wedding and Event Planning hosts The Australian Event Awards. The evening saw 450 of Australia’s top event professionals. The Australian Event Awards is the pinnacle awards program for the events industry in Australia.
We are pleased to report, last Thursday Anthony was awarded one of the coveted awards ‘The Academy of Wedding Planners Best Private Event’ for his work on this amazing wedding. This was a hotly contested division with some amazing events in the running.
Here is some of the images from this stunning wedding.
Congratulations Anthony!!!!
A romantic touch at Opera Point Events – Isabella & John
24 August 2011
A sneak peak at the wedding of Isabella & John last week.
Dressed in Vera Wang and amongst friends and family in the Opera Point Marquee, Isabella played a beautiful piece for her husband on a grand piano.
We can’t wait to showcase the rest of the images from this fabulous wedding…so keep checking back here.
To see more Sydney weddings click here