The Weather
Once you have decided on a date for your wedding day, you will have a much clearer picture of the elements such as temperature, amount of daylight hours, sunrise and sunset times and likely rainfall. Whilst none of us can control the weather, (try as we will!) the season you have chosen to celebrate in will have a big effect on the day. Good planning is essential for maximising the beauty of the light and sky, and getting the most from each of your chosen locations- indoor and outdoor. Serendipity recommend creating a shortlist of dream locations (this could be in addition to the ceremony and reception venue) that are appropriate for your chosen season, as well as some flexible options if there is an unexpected downpour. Location planning might seem a little bit complicated at first, but remember Serendipity have shot over 2000 weddings at all parts of the year, facing all types of weather (!) We are pleased to offer you our experience to helping you craft the perfect wedding photography location schedule.
Sunrises & Sunsets
In our 22 years of experience capturing weddings, we continue to be inspired by what many photographers refer to as the 'golden period' of the day. The spectacular range of colours that harmonise in the sky during the beginning and end of each day, provide much more than a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding day photographs, the light which emulates as the sun gently meets the horizon is as fleeting as it is beautiful. Good planning and good timing on the is the key to catching those very best moments. If you're planning a early morning location shoot, or an evening reception, why not take advantage of this natural phenomenon - the daily ritual where the sun transforms the pattens of foliage into richly etched patterns or descends to kiss the sea?
Sunsets can be enjoyed in the heart of the city as well as more open spaces such as beaches. Many couples like to ring the changes and have some traditional classic buildings, and some beautiful natural backdrops and perhaps a more contemporary look. At Serendipity Photography we consider sunset the perfect time to capture exquisitely romantic wedding day photographs. While sunrises and sunsets become iconic for their overwhelming beauty, like each new day and the individuality of every wedding, each sunset and sunrise is entirely distinct. From the soft pink which rises to meet the fading stars of morning light, to the vibrancy of yellows, oranges and even purples during twilight, the glow which fills the sky provides a breathtaking range of options for wedding day photography. Bask under the ambient light which gives complexions a subtle rosiness, or feel enchanted by the silhouettes which are beautifully achieved against the changing sky.
Knowing the angle and path of the sun can be very helpful in finding the right patch of shade in a harshly lit summer's day, while being able to calculate sunset, and working back to allow that little bit of extra time to be right there feeling good when the light is just perfect, will be another helpful factor in facilitating a large range of moods and colours in your wedding location photography!
It looks like Rain
Even if the light dims and the rain falls, don't worry - some of our most famous and well loved images come from the most difficult of days. Chrissy braved one of the worst days in ten years for this stunning image with her arms outstretched against the rain. It was shot in a brief 5 minute window of sunlight (with water still descending) on a wildly wet and cold day!
There is a saying in Italy that a wet bride is a lucky bride, but if you're spending thousands on a wedding dress and jewelry and a photo shoot you might not feel so lucky. Don't worry, with a little planning, some understanding of local location photography possibilities, and being a little flexible on your day (in Melbourne it tends to rain in short patches for most of the year) your wedding shots will have the clean colours, reflections and dramatic skies we love on showery days. Serendipity photography have a wealth of understanding and experience with all kinds of weather, and know how to work with all kinds of light. So if it rains on your wedding day, rather than just waiting for your luck to turn the weather around it can be a good opportunity to move fast and get some fun, quirky photos outdoors as well as the big drama from skies and clouds, not mention as well as some warm cozy shots indoors.
Being prepared is essential, bringing towels and umbrellas in important, but also planning your shoot. Umbrellas can be fun, choose toning pastels, or lolly colours or classic black and white... Think towels and flatter, non-fabric shoes for locations, coats to snuggle into in the car, and warm thermoses to hold. Make sure you can maintain a reasonable level of dryness, for instance by using drive in locations like Kerford Rd pier rather than, say, Lagoon Pier: or driving up to South Melbourne Town Hall and dashing into the columns under welcome cover while the photographer shoots past the car; rather than insisting on the usual bridal party group next to the car way in front of the columns. On rainy days our advice is to keep your dress lifted off the floor or ground while you are walking. At Serendipity Photography we are experienced in working on the move on damp days - most brides are able to drape their dress and veil gracefully over one arm and move on their own, without the dress dragging on the ground. This allows beautiful shots of your walking together, looking at each other - one of the best ways to celebrate love can be a short dash through a few raindrops, laughing with your faces uplifted in front of massed clouds caught in a sudden shaft of light.
Summer rain is sporadic, so being able to get in and out of a location quickly is important. Choose locations that are easily accessible: for instance we suggest the Melbourne Museum for it's mix of covered and open areas, and it's easy access with cars. If the rain clears temp0rarily you can also choose to walk through the lovely Carlton Gardens. A wet day makes the different greens shiny and lush, and photographing over reflections in wet paths or pauddles can look superb. Flowers on wet days can contrast and brightness, and most parks have a rotunda or pergola or two, where with a little trickery, you can have your park scenery without the immediate consequences of inclement weather.
Of course the city lanes and arcades offer many ways to avoid precipitation. The steps and classic colonnades of the GPO are one of the best wet weather Melbourne wedding photography locations; Block Arcade and Block Place are hard to top for Victorian ambience, and brides breathe again twirling and swishing over the black and white tiles against copper framed window panes rather than tripping into the puddles outside. Coffee is also at hand in very many picturesque little bars and cafes.
Summer Weddings
The warm summer months are the perfect opportunity to celebrate alfresco, the clear skies, warm air and long days are the ideal climate to hold the outdoor ceremony you've always dreamed of. Brides will be able to relax and move freely in stunning summer gowns. The vibrant colours and soft pastel tones of the golden season, will provide exceptional aesthetics and effortless glamour in wedding albums. Many weddings held during this period have a relaxed, distinctly Australian feel- a style Serendipity love! Set off natural colours and details by holding your celebrations in one of Melbourne's array of wonderful beaches and gardens, such as St Kilda Beach, Ormond Pier or the Royal Botanic Gardens. Mosquito repellant, sunscreen and plenty of water are a cruicial, though often overlooked detail!
