Abbey Cobaki- Scott & Sarah Reading

It’s that evident thing about love, the way it wraps you in its grasp, the tangible feeling of not wanting to let go even if you could. We all are destined to find our other halves, a particular part of us that we tirelessly search the world for. To have someone that was under your nose the whole time, it's a rare experience alone. Childhood friends, and now two people that want to spend the rest of their lives together. I don’t know what could be more captivating.

The J’adore team consisting of Rob, Jessica and myself found ourselves at one of the bride’s maids house. Family had gathered around to prepare for Sarah’s finishing touches, while also corroborating their own little twin pre dress outfits.

After we managed to accrue a few pre wedding shots, it was time for Sarah to put on her dress. With a mesh back incrusted with jewels that collaborated with embodied jewels on the front of her bodice. Her hair was pinned up in a bun with small curls intricately framing the sides of her face. The bridal party accentuated Sarah’s princess themed attire with navy blue, bodice floor length gowns. 

Located 12 minutes away from Coolanagatta and Tweed Heads, The Abbey Cobaki creates something diverse and new to exceed expectations. The romantic chapel is located on the rivers edge, with a fountain clear in its backdrop. The Abbey Cobaki offers a offer various food, and beverage packages to cater for a wide selection of tastes and budgets to any value.

 As Sarah descended down the aisle, it was evidently clear as to why Scott picked her as his person. Sarah had one of those infectious smiles on her face as she grasped her pale pink and white bouquet to her chest. One of the best parts about the start of ceremonies is watching the Grooms reaction as he finally see’s his soon to be wife, it was all worth it as Scott managed to get a little tear; not even he could hide the tears from the cameras as Sarah in all her glory was right infront front of him.

The photo section was like no other, as a team we always like to provide our clients with new and anomalous memories. Sarah and Scott Reading wanted to put their own twist on their day as golf balls played a special part in these adventurous photos. From the Groom and his men goofing around with one and another to Sarah and her party playing the ‘colour game’, it was infectious the laughter with this fun crew.

Upon reaching the reception, the fantastic part about Abbey Cobaki is the picturesque outdoor areas that look out over the hills. The venue opens up into a refurbished and rustic style experience with both Scott and Sarah, putting their own finishing touches in the room.  From the little memory board of the many adventurous encountered to the personalised notes you could provide from the party. 

One of my favourite parts about being apart of weddings, is gaining a third persons perspective on the day. Being apart of Sarah and Scott’s biggest day was a journey in itself.  With each wedding we gain a new perspective on love, and where people met and how they came about finding this path.  To go from the ‘Friend zone’ as Scott clearly put it in his earlier years with Sarah.

Written by Natarlie Weller. 

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Maliheh & Mahdi Hosseini's wedding film and photography

On the 4th of October 2015 J'adore had the enjoyment of shooting a traditional Afghan wedding. Cultural weddings are always an experience to shoot as it gives us an appreciation for the cultural values the world has to offer.  

Towards the afternoon the team travelled to Beenleigh to shoot the soon to be bride and groom preparing for their exciting adventures ahead.  As the bride couldn't be exposed to the other men aside from her husband, Jess the photographer and I rose to the challenge of creating a timeless scene in the brides bedroom. Maliheh accentuated her strapless bridal gown with a silver cape she draped over herself. 

Mahdi Seeing Maliheh for the first time was an experience to capture on both video and camera. To visually see his eyes widen as he took in his beautiful bride was a remarkable time to capture such an intimate moment.

Broadbeach at the Marina Mirage was our next location as we travelled back to the gold coast to shoot an exciting moment. The best thing about being apart of the team, is the new and exciting opportunities always coming up. J'adore rose to the challenge when asked to film/ photograph the pair taking off on the Gold coast helitours.

Before the party ventured back to the reception, candid shots were taken of Maliheh and Mahdi  embracing each other along the pier. Between making sure no male saw her exposed skin with the silver cape off to switching up the photo/ video is was a busy afternoon as the sun was setting down, creating the most intimate and personal moments. 

The reception at the Beenleigh convention centre was intense as Jess and I battled to catch every moment. We had our work cut out for us as by custom the males and females were segregated. Everyone was dressed in the most colourful schemes as they all traditionally danced without their hijab's on; because of this we understood their need to not be captured.  

By the time the team of four arrived. The girls  arrived, the festivities were ready to begin. The night started by traditional thankyou's and blessing's on the girls side as Maliheh settled down in the traditional seat 'the Kosha' (two seats in front of the guests). The crowd rose from their chairs and throughout the night said their prayers for a prosperous future in wake for both Maliheh and Mahdi. 

It was a challenge for the J'adore team, as one photographer and videographer each had to be on separate sides for the traditional occasion.  Still we rose to the challenge and followed the cultural ways. It's always fun being able to be apart of a different and cultural wedding with traditions that aren't usually captured. 

The night was filled with more traditions as the money dance was conducted, this followed through with a conventional Arabic dinner. 

As the material was tied around both Maliheh and Mahdi waist, capturing that moment was an experience. The wedding was winding down and it was cementing in that Maliheh and Mahdi would begin their lives as husband and wife. Their were brief moments as they tied around their waists where they couldn't stop looking at each other, too inwrapped with these small enriching moments to notice the sea of guests surrounding them with joy. 

Chantal & Ricky's wedding photography

Every wedding has certain elements to obtaining the perfect day. whether it be traditional or casual, every small aspect plays a part in one of the most important days of your life. On October the 2nd 2015 J'adore had the Privilege of shooting in the heart of the Gold coast hinterland of Mudgeeraba at Boomerang farm. The wedding venue features a fully furnished vintage style barn with an old rustic theme that perfectly complimented the two personalities that were Ricky and Chantal. 

Before the ceremony J'adore travelled to Broadbeach to shoot the bride getting primed with her wedding party. Between three photographers Chantal's Bohemian Bridal composition came to life as she flawlessly accentuated her vintage styled lace wedding dress, with babies breath and lavender flowers. It was a beautiful day outside, so we were able to capture exquisite and sentimental moments of the Chantal's father seeing her for the first time. Chantal's bridesmaids collaborated her bohemian theme with knee length lace dresses and simple yet sophisticated flats.

The ceremony was positioned out in the natural light. Beyond the deck and passed the gully laid a remote treehouse. It created the perfect setting out under the tree top canopies as Chantal and Ricky made their vows surrounded by the natural elements. 

The Boomerang farm has some exquisite spots for photos.  The wedding group gathered with us to capture memorable moments as we toured the many areas. From the entrance way between two ponds the light was perfect for seizing some great photo's. The bridesmaids felt a little spontaneous as they were adamant on getting the rustic theme photo in the shed. It was a fun filled afternoon catching the hilarious group as they shared jokes in between with gleeful appearances. 

As the sun was starting to go down, we decided to take Chantal and Ricky away to the venues most intimate spots. From out in the open on one of the holes of the golf course, to the visually beautiful tunnel under the tree top canopies. 

The reception was glistening with fairy lights that hung along the ceiling. Small vases of babies breath flowers were situated around the venue.  Drinks were poured around as delicious salads and wood fired pizzas by Crusta Woodfired were delivered throughout the night.

By nightfall it was time for Chantal and Ricky to take their first step together as husband and wife on the dance floor.  The upbeat sound of Riptide written by Vance Joy surrounded the outdoor dance floor. The drums were beating, and it seemed like they were in their own world of pure bliss as they laughed, it was such an enriching moment to capture as these two carefree souls came together to create something special. 

Capturing Chantal and Ricky was more than pleasure. Their vibrant and laid back nature let the J'adore team create something sentimental.  Capturing two people coming together on one of the most important days of their lives is more than a job. We are experiencing a day where family and friends gather to join in on a blissful encounter. 

Nicole & Brett's Wedding Photography

Finding a love like Nicole and Brett is hard. Marriage requires commitment and honesty, we were able to capture this through this hilarious family. On the day of the rehearsal we officially met the charming couple. I instantly took a liking to their fun and loving filled nature. After we went over the finer details, Nicole and Brett left to attend to their adorable baby boy Harrison. 

Everything was slowly setting in motion. When the time came the J'adore crew made it to  Royal on the park in Brisbane. It was here that we were able to capture the Groom, groomsmen and his family sitting around and talking about 'The good old times' with a couple of beers. Brett's family was a pleasure to shoot, they kept me laughing and we were able to obtain some spectacular shots. I could see where Brett got his humour from as towards the end comedic jokes were being thrown around by the grooms mum. It turns out playing the spoons at her sons wedding was on her agenda.

The Stamford Plaza was yet another adventurous location. Upon getting their we were pleased to note that Bride had a brides 'man of honour' in the bridal party. It's always a pleasure capturing couples that set a different trend with their wedding and excitingly the 'man of honour' is becoming all the poor popular. It was infectious the happiness that surrounded us, this engaged my further to move Nicole into some positions for the photos. Their were a few different personalities we encountered at the brides location, alongside her bridesmaids Layla and Nia were wearing floor length dresses to accentuate Nicole's timeless look. The hair and makeup stylists from 'The Powder Room' did a superb job as her bouquet from The Lynch flower market collaborated well. When it was finally time to leave Nicole's single life in the past, the Somerton Limousines pulled up to get the party started

The Cathedral of St Stephen  in  central Brisbane was where the ceremony was held. Built of limestone, the cathedral reaches 107 metres long with the longest isle. Capturing moments in such a beautiful church was a surreal experience for me. From the high roof tops to the enormous windows that reflected down to help create the perfect light.

Brisbane is full of a wide variety of close and intimate places. After the ceremony, I requited the family and bridal party to the Royal Botanic gardens to start the photo section. Ironically enough we had to battle to get the best locations as we were not the only bridal party. Still we managed to snag the stamford plaza stair case. Nicole and Brett never ceased to not have a genuine smile on their faces throughout the whole ordeal. Even while there was also a wedding going on at the time; it was full filling to know two different groups of people with different themes could co-exist happily. one of the most hilarious moments throughout this though was where the groomsmen were star troopers, fun and comedic one liners were used such as  " these are not the droids you were looking for". 

We then decided to change sceneries to Eagle street. The Pier is an iconic waterfront precinct that showcased the beautiful views of the Brisbane River and story bridge. This exquisite setting allowed me to capture the couple along the water as the sun was setting in the sky. 

The J'adore team travelled next door from the gardens to the reception at Restaurant 2. The food was amazing, the ambiance was in focus was the twinkly lights. best man made a funny pun " thanks for restaurant 2 being available after restaurant one wasn't everyone was busting out the jokes.  Some great music was filling their atmosphere by Ronnie Walker. 

Nicole and Brett's lavish wedding was proudly correlated with a three tear cake spread with white chocolate, caramel fudge and dark chocolate with peanut butter fudge. This expensive cake not only looked exquisite but tasted just as warm and comforting. It's always such an enjoyable experience being able to see new and different theme's. Following the cake cutting, the bouquet toss was commencing, luck was on the bridesmans side as his stunning girlfriend caught the flowers in mid action with a gleaming smile. It was plainly obvious he was exceptionally proud and nobody needed to tell him that he had to lock her down. Unfortunately as the night was looming to a close, there were few regrets, one being the mother of the groom not getting the chance to play the spoons, still the night went perfectly. The team managed to get some great shots with an amazing setting and people to help capture a beautiful moment.