From rooftop bars to garden ceremonies in the Dandenong Ranges: Melbourne has it all.
Melbourne weddings are anything but one-size-fits-all. One weekend it’s a stylish rooftop party in the city, the next it’s an intimate backyard dinner during Burns Week, or a misty garden ceremony in the Dandenong Ranges.
This city is a patchwork of styles, traditions, and personalities, and no matter what your day looks like, the most unforgettable weddings are always the ones where people feel free to be fully themselves
1. When the Photos Feel Off
You might have seen it in someone else’s gallery—or even in your own. The photos are technically beautiful, but the couple looks slightly… disconnected. The smiles are perfect, but they don’t quite feel real. Something is missing.
That “something” is often you—your essence, your quirks, your connection as a couple. It’s not that the day wasn’t full of emotion. It’s that the camera didn’t quite catch it.
So many couples tell me they don’t want stiff, overly posed images. They want to look back and feel the joy, the nerves, the tenderness. But when a wedding is photographed like a styled shoot, those in-between, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments can be lost.
“The photo’s are technically beautiful, but the couple looks slightly disconnected “
2.The Magic is in the In-between
What makes a wedding day unforgettable isn’t the perfect timeline or flawless details—it’s the small, unrepeatable things. The hand squeeze just before the vows. The shaky laughter during speeches. The subtle glance exchanged when no one else is watching. Your Nan’s hands signing your registry.
As a wedding photographer working often in Melbourne, I’ve come to believe this: the most powerful photos are the quietest ones. They’re not always the most Instagrammable, but they’re the ones that make you feel something real.
This kind of photography is about presence, not perfection. It’s about noticing. Feeling. Waiting. Being ready when something honest unfolds.
A perfect example of this is the moment captured below when Jason (Groom) burst out laughing as one of his groomsmen exited the bathroom in his jocks exactly when I entered the room 🙂 Instead of looking away, I captured that moment, and it’s one of my favourites.
3. How to get the photo’s that reflects the real you
If you’re planning your wedding in Melbourne and want photos that feel true to who you are, here’s what I’ve seen make all the difference:
- Find a photographer who gets you, not just your vision. Look for someone who doesn’t just take beautiful photos, but who makes you feel safe, seen, and comfortable. That connection shows up in your gallery.
- Choose a style that feels aligned. Whether it’s documentary, editorial, or something in between, pick a style that matches not just your aesthetic but your emotional priorities.
- Let go of perfect. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are weddings. And that’s the point. If it rains, if the cake leans, if your hair comes undone—those are your moments. Embrace them.
- Trust your team. You’ve chosen them for a reason. Let go a little, be present, and let them work their magic while you live your day.
“In the end you don’t need perfect wedding photos, you need honest photos that reflects you as a couple “
Whether it’s a high-rise celebration or a barefoot gathering in the Dandenong, what matters is that your photos feel like you. Not a version of you performing for the camera—but the real, connected, beautiful, wildly-in-love you.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Melbourne who captures the heart of the moment, not just the surface, I’d love to hear your story.
Make sure to find a photographer that captures “you”
Still looking for your Wedding Photographer?
Hello & Welcome
I’m Tanya Strauss, a documentary wedding and lifestyle photographer who lives for the little moments that make your story *yours*. The tear-filled glances, the belly laughs, the wild dance moves, and the quiet, unscripted moments in between. I’m loud, bubbly, and originally from South Africa, so you can bet I’ll bring all the energy and heart to your wedding day!
I’m so glad you’re here and really appreciate you taking the time to check out this article about the
PHOTOS THAT FEEL LIKE YOU: BY A MELBOURNE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
I hope it’s sparked some inspiration and helped you find *the one* (Photographer, that is!).
With over 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, I’ve had the honor of documenting so many unique love stories, and I’d love to hear about yours too! If you’re still on the hunt for a wedding photographer who’s just as excited about your big day as you are, let’s chat.
LET’S CHAT
Feel free to explore more of my portfolio HERE
Thanks again for stopping by—I hope you enjoy browsing my site, and may your wedding journey be full of joy, love, and unforgettable moments!
Love Tanya
