Melbourne Bridal Elegance
For me, seeing one of our photos on the cover of Melbourne Wedding Magazine is one of those moments in a creative career that serves as a reminder of why we do what we do.
South Melbourne Town Hall was the first image that sprang to mind when the editor requested a cover photo with a strong “Melbourne feel.” It is a place of intimacy and grandeur. We’ve frequently used it as a backdrop, and each time it provides us with classic frames with stunning architecture.
The last picture the magazine chose has all the things I love about wedding photography: graceful movement, emotional stillness, and a sense of place. The large pillars of the Town Hall, a vintage car, and a long veil blowing in the wind. Although every detail was carefully considered at the time, the scene seems to be from a movie and is simple to understand.
The editor’s feedback?
“The South Melbourne Town Hall shot is a standout.”
It was a moving experience to see this picture on the cover of Melbourne Bride Magazine, not only because I was chosen by the magazine’s editorial panel but also because it confirmed my beliefs about wedding photography, that it can be both creative, cinematic, and intensely personal.
What Makes an Image 'Editorial' ...or Cover-Worthy?
When people hear “editorial wedding photography,” they often think of dramatic lighting or fashion-forward styling. And yes, that’s part of it. But more than anything else, editorial photography is about what you want to do. It’s about making an image that tells a story with purpose, style, and clarity.
A picture that is good enough for a cover needs more than just looks. It needs a story. A strong piece of writing. A moment that invites curiosity. That’s the kind of frame that feels timeless — not trendy — and it’s exactly what I strive for with every couple I photograph.
This picture maintained that balance between the architecture supporting the scene and the bride’s veil flowing like a sculpture. It is very special to me and the couple whose story is now being discussed at weddings in Melbourne to see it honoured as a cover feature.
We are grateful to Melbourne Wedding Magazine for the feature and to all of our couples who entrust us with telling their story first and editorially.
We create the way we do because of you, our couples.
Behind the Image - A Study in Movement and Stillness
The contrast between the bride’s poised, quiet confidence and the flowing veil’s energy is what makes this frame so striking. The wind caught the movement at the perfect time, and it was completely natural. I chose to embrace the chaos rather than try to control it, letting the veil filter light through the scene.
This is where technique and equipment selection become crucial.
The Technical Breakdown
Lens Selection: To accentuate the drama and sense of space, a decision was made to use 14mm wide-angle lens. It enabled me to photograph the entire veil’s sweep and incorporate the architectural details of the building without distorting the bride’s figure in the centre of the frame. The image’s sense of grandeur was created by shooting low and slanting slightly upward.
Camera: I was able to get both speed and accuracy with the Nikon Z. The motion of the veil, caused by the wind, could not be repeated twice, so I had to work fast. Both the delicate highlights in the veil and the deep shadows in the background were handled flawlessly by the camera’s dynamic range.
Monochrome Finish: The final image was purposefully presented in black and white. The shapes, lines, and textures that make up the composition’s core would have been overshadowed by colour. The interplay of light and shadow, which is a defining characteristic of classic editorial imagery, takes centre stage in monochrome.
Editorial Meets Wedding
My goal is always to elevate wedding photography into something more — to treat every frame as if it were meant for the pages of a magazine. On a wedding day, we’re not just capturing moments; we’re crafting visual narratives that celebrate beauty, connection, and style.
On A Personal Note
It was a moving experience to see this picture on the cover of Melbourne Bride Magazine, not only because I was chosen by the magazine’s editorial panel but also because it confirmed my beliefs about wedding photography, that it can be both creative, cinematic, and intensely personal.
To future brides reading this, if you’re drawn to imagery that feels intentional, emotive, and elevated… if you’re dreaming of wedding photos that wouldn’t look out of place in a fashion editorial or on the pages of a magazine, then that’s the story I’d love to tell for you.
This isn’t just about capturing what happened on the day; it’s about creating photographs that become a legacy.
More images from the iconic South Melbourne Town Hall
