After 20 years in the wedding photography game, I’ve seen it all—grand ballroom receptions, backyard weddings with the family dog as the ring bearer, and even a couple who said “I do” on a paddleboard (true story!). But there’s something truly special about a simple, intimate wedding. Stripped back to what really matters—love, connection, and celebration—these weddings have a unique charm that makes them an absolute joy to photograph.

The Beauty of an Intimate Wedding

Intimate weddings have been on the rise, and honestly, I love them. There’s a relaxed, heartfelt energy that you don’t always get in a massive, 200-guest extravaganza. Whether it’s a private elopement or a cozy gathering of close friends and family, these weddings focus on the moments that truly count. Less fuss, more feels—that’s what it’s all about.

Shooting a Small Wedding: The Photographer’s Approach

Photographing a small wedding requires a slightly different mindset compared to a big, traditional one. It’s more about blending in, reading the room, and capturing those raw, unfiltered emotions. Here’s how I go about it.

1. Keeping it Natural

With a smaller crowd, there’s nowhere to hide—no massive guest list, no elaborate distractions, just pure connection. I always opt for a documentary-style approach, capturing moments as they unfold rather than forcing overly posed shots. When a couple is surrounded by just their nearest and dearest, they tend to be more themselves, which leads to the most authentic images.

2. Embracing the Location

Perth is home to some incredible wedding locations, and intimate weddings make the most of them. I’ve shot elopements in Kings Park, beachside vows in Cottesloe, and charming vineyard weddings in the Swan Valley. With fewer guests, couples have the flexibility to choose unique locations that might not work for a larger crowd.

3. The Magic of Natural Light

One of my favorite things about shooting smaller weddings is the freedom to chase the best light. Without the tight schedules of bigger events, we can take our time, find the perfect golden-hour glow, and create images that truly shine. Perth’s sunsets? Absolute gold. There’s nothing better than a couple bathed in that warm, dreamy light as they celebrate their love.

The Dream Team: Suppliers Who Make It Happen

A wedding, no matter how small, is never a solo effort. Over the years, I’ve worked with some amazing suppliers who help bring these intimate celebrations to life.

• Celebrants – The heart and soul of any wedding ceremony. Legends like [Celebrant A] and [Celebrant B] have a way of making every couple feel special, personalizing vows in ways that make even the toughest guests shed a tear.
  
• Florists – Even a small wedding deserves stunning blooms! I’ve seen [Florist X] and [Florist Y] create magic with just a handful of carefully chosen flowers, proving that sometimes less is more.
  
• Planners & Stylists – Whether it’s a backyard wedding or a private elopement, planners like [Planner A] and [Planner B] know how to make a space feel like a dream come true.
  
• Makeup & Hair Artists – Keeping things natural yet polished is an art form, and artists like [MUA A] and [Hair Stylist B] know exactly how to achieve that effortlessly beautiful look.
  
• Caterers & Bakers – Just because the guest list is smaller doesn’t mean the food should be! [Catering Company X] and [Cake Designer Y] always deliver incredible bites that make the celebration feel extra special.
  

Why I Still Love What I Do

After 20 years of photographing weddings, I still get the same buzz every time I step behind the camera. Whether it’s a 10-person elopement or a 300-guest party, the joy, love, and raw emotion of a wedding day never get old. It’s the little moments—the way a couple looks at each other when they think no one’s watching, the quiet tears from a proud parent, the laughter shared over heartfelt speeches. Those are the moments that matter.

Shooting intimate weddings has only deepened my love for this job. They remind me of why I started—because at the end of the day, photography isn’t about fancy venues or elaborate décor. It’s about storytelling, about freezing those once-in-a-lifetime moments so couples can relive them for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The wedding industry has changed so much over the past two decades, and I love seeing how couples are redefining what a “perfect wedding” looks like. There’s no right or wrong way to get married—whether it’s an elopement in the Perth hills or a simple backyard ceremony with a BBQ after, the most important thing is celebrating love in a way that feels true to you.

So, if you’re planning an intimate wedding and want a photographer who knows how to capture those unguarded, beautiful moments, you know where to find me. Let’s create something magical together!