WOODLANDS STYLE

images by Willow & Finch Photography

"Narelle and I chose Fingal Head for its remote, unspoilt beachscape and our inspiration for the boho style of the shoot was drawn from the natural surrounds" Monique - Willow & Finch Photography

Are you are considering a rustic beachside or outdoor Wedding reception feast set in the stunning far Northern Coast of NSW/Gold Coast region? Then prepare to have your Wedding planning dreams inspired because this shoot is for you! Monique from Willow and Finch Photography tells all about the inspiration behind achieving such a bold, mystical and earthy ambience throughout this incredible collaboration of talented Wedding professionals.

"As a Wedding photographer, I have always been intrigued by the styling of and composition of photos but more so the reaction of the intended audience. As such, I love to work with like-minded professionals in the industry and appreciate the beauty of being able to bounce ideas off each other and be inspired by a mutual vision.  When I met my stylist Narelle, I quickly realised that we had the same appreciation of and affinity for the visual aesthetics of photoshoots. We immediately clicked and decided to join forces making a team of 2 designing the photography and styling. We scouted potential locations and settled on Fingal Head due to the remoteness of the headland and the unspoilt beachscape. Our inspiration for the boho style of the shoot was drawn from the natural surrounds - We wanted an elegant but a raw look and realistic feel."

To achieve this, we focussed on a neutral palette, with rustic and bohemian elements such as rattan, carved wood and crystal. The juxtaposition of mixed metals and the exquisite lace of the gowns made for powerful photos that spoke to the theme. We imagined three styled sets of a Wedding arbour, a low casual table encompassing a grazing platter and a fully set reception feasting table adorned with elaborate stemware and bespoke floral arrangements that was traditional in nature but with a bohemian twist. To complete the look and composition of the photos we added custom made bamboo tipis draped with rustic style Edison outdoor lighting components.

The incorporation of the American Indian Headdresses was a gateway to highlight the untraditional aspect with the traditional and create a point of difference and impactful statement. Overall the vision was achieved with boldness and a clarity that all involved were pleased with and continue to be inspired by. The most unique element to my mind though is that as a photographer working with a stylist we can create only what our imaginations limit us to!

The whole afternoon was pretty magical, we sourced a great group of local business women who aspired to a similar vision and style genre to collaborate with for the shoot and enhanced the visual effect by just letting everyone’s creativity flow. It was amazing to be able to bounce ideas off everyone and create this unique shoot and style. It’s funny because I had a certain spot chosen for the shoot and when we arrived on the day it was so windy we had to change location, then I picked another great spot until our custom made table arrived on location and we were told that it weighed close to 160kg! I then had to scout another location and decided to put everyone smack bang in the middle of the entrance to the beach. The best thing about styled shoots is that nothing ever goes to plan….. I know what you’re thinking, how is that a good thing? It allowed me to get as creative as possible with the help of everyone around me.


Boho-film 1 from Ellie Feiss on Vimeo.

My favourite moment of the day was standing back and seeing everything come together. Myself and Narelle (Stylist) planned this epic shoot in just under 3 weeks. From the breathtaking bamboo tipi down to the gold-plated cutlery. When you look closely, the attention to detail is in the table setting, the way the lights drape and fall, these are the things that make a shoot go from good to outstanding.

I’m the kind of photographer who drags you to the top of mountains to chase light, when I'm out shooting my mind is always ticking over and I'm visualising every shot. My style is natural and raw, I don’t get my couples to stand there and pose I get them to tell me the funniest story they have shared together and I capture these moments that follow that story, the real emotion. I have always known I wanted to be a photographer - This isn't some job for me to earn a living. I live and breathe this, this is my passion and I wouldn't want to do anything else." Monique - Willow and Finch Photography

Willow and Finch Photography

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Photography + Styling: Willow and Finch Wedding Photography @willowandfinchphotography
Videographer: Raw Muse Weddings @rawmuseweddings
Wedding Gowns: Tutta Bella Gown @tuttabellagown
Elizabeth De Varga Couture @elizabethdevargacouture
Shanna Melveille @shannamelville
Suit: John Harris Gentlemans Outfitter @gentlemansoutfitter
Florist: Bohemia Flora @bohemianfloragoldcoast
Flowers by Ola @flowersbyola
Over the Rainbow Weddings @overtherainbowweddings
Makeup & Hair Artist: Carolina Viera @cv_mua
Lyndsey Ann Moody @lyndz_makeupink
Models: Morgan McDougall @cosmoscompanions
Tahnee Pinches @hoggingfrogs
Nicole Whitehead @nicolewhiteheadd
Bela Marques @bela_carpenter
Platter: Conk and Co Cake @conkandco
Oma and Eve Cake Studio @omaandevecakestudio
Celebrant: Married by Hannah Lea @hannahlea.co
Couture Jewellery + Headpieces: Redki @redkicouturejewellerybridal
Invitations: Designs by Eliza @invitationdesignsbyeliza
Styling: Steelwater Styling @steelwaterstyling
Table: Gypsy May @gypsy_may_