wedding photographer Archives - Jo Nelson Photography

Leah and Dean’s Taree Wedding

December 19, 2018

Leah and Dean’s Taree Wedding

When I first met with Leah and Dean, they told me they wanted wedding photography that was authentic to who they are as a couple. They wanted photos that express their love and companionship in a down to earth way. They wanted to feature locations that are sentimental to them. Big smiles from me. There’s nothing more I love than photographing couples at places that mean something to them, and having them interact naturally so I can capture who they are. That’s part of why I love my job because it’s always different. I certainly don’t want a carbon copy of the last wedding I photographed. I want you to walk away with meaningful memories that are creative and beautiful, but personal. So this was perfect. Leah and Dean were married at Bowers Cafe. A Taree wedding, followed by photos with family on the grounds at the cafe. The ceremony was taken indoors because of wet weather. But they still enjoyed the beautiful country setting, as the ceremony opened up to the outdoors.

Leah and Dean chose to have photos taken in some beautiful locations both on and near their property just outside of Taree, which made it special for them. They took a walk through the most gorgeous tree plantation that I immediately fell in love with. The sun came out with perfect timing so that it could shine through the trees on queue. This made for some beautiful moments for Leah and Dean to enjoy each others company on their special day. This country setting was only made more beautiful at sunset when the clouds lit up in magical colours.

Wedding Photography in Hallidays Point

December 5, 2017

Lately I’ve had the chance to photograph some beautiful weddings in my local area. I love the opportunity to do Wedding Photography in Hallidays Point because we are so spoilt with gorgeous coastal scenery. The beaches, but also the green paddocks and beautiful trees. I wanted to share one of the weddings I’ve photographed recently here in Hallidays Point so you can see what I’ve been up to lately, and share the joy of these fantastic people I’ve been capturing memories for.

Wedding Photography in Hallidays Point

Lauren and Mitchell made the most of the stunning view from Black Head headland where they had their ceremony, followed by photos with the bridal party at some nearby locations I had picked out for them. I just love the gorgeous big fig trees that are scattered around the local area- so I was really pleased we stopped to have some photos near one of my favourite trees. We finished up at Black Head beach with photos at the rock pools as the sun was on it’s way down, before they joined family and friends nearby at Black Head surf club to continue celebrating for their reception.

Such a gorgeous wedding day, and such a pleasure to get to know these lovely people and capture memories for them. If you are planning a wedding in Hallidays Point, Forster, Taree or surrounds- contact me to have a chat about beautiful photography locations for your wedding day. In the meantime, have a look at some more of my work. Looking forward to capturing more beautiful wedding days in the future, stay tuned.

Jeraine and Nathan’s Green Cathedral Wedding

November 20, 2017

Jeraine and Nathan’s Green Cathedral Wedding was full of beautiful, dreamy moments that I have to share. It all started when I saw her in that dress, in that window light… so stunning! I could have photographed Jeraine getting ready all day! Eventually it was time to get her to the ceremony where Nathan was waiting to catch a glimpse of his bride.

The Green Cathedral has to be one of the most romantic places to say your vows, and was the perfect setting. We made the most of the beautiful palm surroundings and captured some couple photos before we headed off with the bridal party. Photos in the trees beside the lake made for some lovely relaxed photos with the bridal party. I gave them plenty of time to catch up and enjoy themselves. Being a little adventurous always makes for great photos. So we just had to put the newly weds in a lovely paperbark tree on the shore where I captured plenty of natural and romantic moments for them.

Photos near the local jetty’s were our next stop for photos. Just a stones throw away from the reception venue at Hamilton’s Oyster Bar in Tuncurry. I was in love with the magical twilight I was given as the sun went down over their reception venue. What a gorgeous day!

Jeraine and Nathan’s Green Cathedral Wedding

Wedding Photography in Pacific Palms

May 18, 2017

I just love the chance to photograph weddings in the beautiful Pacific Palms area. Wedding Photography in Pacific Palms is so much fun and there are so many gorgeous locations to choose from for photos. I recently photographed a wedding for Jade and Matt with Allure Film Productions. I just have to share some of the photos with you!

Blueys Beach was a magical location for the girls to get ready, at a beach house right on the sand. The girls looked stunning in their ice blue dresses, don’t you think?

Wedding Photography in Pacific Palms

Jade and Matt exchanged vows with family and friends in a picturesque location, on the grass beside the lake at their reception venue, Sundowner Tiona.

A convoy of four wheel drives led us to Janeys Beach for some photos with the bridal party. Followed by some romantic moments on the jetty at Elizabeth Beach. I love the adventurous spirit of these two! There were no limits when it came to photos with the bridal party, so some amazing moments unfolded. It was such a privilege to capture the joy and affection of this beautiful couple. I get so much joy from seeing the personality and life of each couple come alive in their wedding photos, just as with Jade and Matt. Enjoy this glimpse into their wedding day!

Green Cathedral Wedding

February 27, 2017

Green Cathedral Wedding- Joanne and Roy

Joanne and Roy were married on Saturday 25th February 2017, with an intimate Green Cathedral wedding ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. With their gorgeous children celebrating alongside them as their bridal party, it was a beautiful thing to witness and capture. The joy and love that they share amongst them was easy to see from behind the camera. We went from the Green Cathedral in Tiona to One Mile Beach in Forster for some photos with the bridal party. We stopped briefly along the way for Joanne and Roy to attach their special lock to the fence at Bennetts Head Lookout. Such a great local tradition!

After some fun with the bridal party and plenty of kissing photos just to annoy the kids, we arrived back at the Colonel’s Cafe on the lake in Forster and they continued celebrating with their guests at this magical location. It truly was a pleasure to photograph this special time in their lives- enjoy the sneak peak!

Photographer interview with Focus Magazine

October 15, 2016

I am so pleased that the Manning and Great Lakes Focus Magazine made contact with me to be their Behind the Lens Photographer for an interview in the October 2016 issue. When I was answering the questions for the interview, it what a great chance to reflect on all the things I love about my work as a photographer. And also all the things I love about our life here in Hallidays Point. I love getting to know the people and places of the Forster and Taree local areas. I really enjoy working as a wedding and portrait photographer in such a beautiful part of the world.

Here’s one of the questions from the interview:

Your love of photography began playing with your father’s Pentax camera and developing your own photos. What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned through this more labour-intensive style of photography?

It was a great way to start learning about photography. My dad’s Pentax SLR camera didn’t actually have an in-built light meter, so I was experimenting with light all the time, writing down my exposures, and then developing the film to see the results which was always an exciting part of the process. I learnt the value of each part in the photographic process for creatively shaping an image, and the value of a single frame. That one instant could be completely different to another, and create a totally different impression, even though they are side by side. The only way to see if you had captured the moment and creative vision you saw in your minds eye, was to develop the film. This especially taught me to be more precise in my technical ability, such as when judging exposures.