Erin & Mat’s Perth Wedding

Sometimes the best gigs come from the most unexpected places. There was no formal request for this client. it was both assumed and expected. Small catch: it was in Perth, and I’m in Melbourne.

“We’ll fly you over for four days,” Erin said. “Make a proper trip of it.”

How do you say no to that?

Here’s what I love about the roller derby community – when they decide you’re one of theirs, that’s it. You’re family. Erin and Mat didn’t just book a photographer; they invited a mate to be part of their biggest day. The four days they put me up weren’t just about the wedding – they showed me their Perth, their favorite spots, made sure I felt at home 2,500 kilometers from my own backyard.

And here’s the thing – it was my first time to Perth, and there’s something about that city that got under my skin in a good way. Maybe it’s the light, maybe it’s the way the city sits right there on the edge of the continent, but Perth has this energy that’s hard to describe. It feels like a place where people know how to live well, how to take their time with the things that matter.

That’s the thing about photographing friends’ weddings. The pressure’s different. It’s not just about getting the shots (though you have to nail those). It’s about being part of their story, being trusted with their memories. And when your friends happen to be as generous and genuine as Erin and Mat, well, that makes the whole job feel less like work and more like an honour.

Some couples spend months trying to figure out what their wedding should look like. Not these two. From the moment we discussed their day, it was clear they knew exactly who they were and how they wanted to celebrate. The first look was one of those moments you live for as a photographer. All that anticipation, all those nerves, just melting away the second they saw each other. Pure joy, right there in front of my lens.

Then we headed to Fremantle for the bridal portraits. Now, I’ve shot in a lot of places, but there’s something about Fremantle’s light and those historic buildings that just works. Combined with Perth’s whole vibe, it felt like we were shooting somewhere timeless. Erin was absolutely glowing, and the old port town gave us this perfect backdrop that felt both classic and totally suited to their personalities.

The ceremony and reception at The Old Laundry was something else entirely. The venue has this incredible character – all exposed brick and industrial charm – but what really made it special was the energy Erin and Mat’s people brought to it. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings, and you can always tell when the couple’s friends and family are genuinely excited to be there. This crowd? They were ready to celebrate. The ceremony had that perfect mix of heartfelt and relaxed, and by the time we got to the reception, the dance floor was calling.

And man, did they answer. I spent half the night trying to keep up with this crew as they absolutely tore up the dance floor. The energy was infectious – you know those weddings where even the photographer wants to put down the camera and join in? This was one of those nights.

Flying interstate for a wedding isn’t something I do often, but this trip reminded me why sometimes you’ve got to say yes to the bigger adventures. It wasn’t just about the wedding day itself – though that was incredible. It was about being welcomed into someone else’s world, seeing how they live, meeting the people who matter to them. And discovering a city that somehow felt like it had been waiting for me to find it.

Erin and Mat didn’t just hire a photographer; they brought a friend along for one of the most important weekends of their lives. That trust, that generosity, that’s something you don’t take lightly. The photos turned out beautifully – the light in Perth was gorgeous, the venue was perfect, and this crew gave me so much to work with. But what I’ll remember most is how it felt to be part of it all. To document not just a wedding, but a celebration of two people who know exactly who they are and aren’t afraid to show it.

That’s the thing about photographing real friends – you’re not just capturing their day, you’re preserving a piece of your own story too. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.

RICHARD

THANK YOU!!

We’ve had a first look through and are absolutely blown away by every photo. Your attention to detail, the creative spark and they way you captured the love and laughs of our day have absolutely moved us beyond our expectations.

Thank you so so very much for the love and exceptional gift of your friendship but also the treasured images we now have of the best day of our lives.

Love you xoxo 

Now, I couldn’t leave Perth without providing a few images for the happy couple, especially after all they had done for me. Here’s what Erin and Mat received via USB the following day when we met for lunch.