Hello, lovely couples! Today, I'm thrilled to guide you on preparing for an exciting part of your wedding journey: the engagement session. An engagement session, or pre-wedding session, is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other before your big day. It's a time for us to build a rapport, for you, the couple, to get comfortable in front of my lens, and for me to capture your love in a relaxed, casual setting. I want you to walk away from this session not only with stunning photos but also with a sense of confidence and excitement about your upcoming wedding. When I was a young, wide-eyed artist with a camera, I never imagined that I would have the privilege of being a part of so many couples' love stories. Now, I am living my dream as a wedding photographer on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Each engagement session is a new adventure, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with you. Choosing the Perfect Outfits Choosing what to wear for your engagement session can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. Remember, these photos are about capturing your genuine connection, and that's harder to do if you're not comfortable. Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and the mood of your session. If you're going for a relaxed and casual vibe, jeans and a cute top or a casual dress might be perfect. If you're aiming for a more glamorous look, a chic cocktail dress or a smart suit might be the way to go. Don't shy away from colors, patterns, and accessories. They can add a pop of personality to your photos. When it comes to coordinating outfits, complementing each other is key. You don't have to match exactly, but your outfits should work together. Think harmonious colors, similar levels of formality, and complementary styles. Selecting the Perfect Locations The location of your engagement session should be meaningful to you as a couple. Perhaps it's the coffee shop where you had your first date, the park where you had your first kiss, or just a beautiful spot that you both love. As an artist who draws inspiration from the world around me, I can tell you that the right setting can provide a stunning backdrop for your photos. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Urban landscapes, rustic barns, or even a home session can create a unique and personal setting. Posing Ideas Don't worry if you're not sure how to pose. That's what I'm here for! I'll guide you through a variety of poses and capture those candid moments in between. Remember, the goal is not to look perfect - it's to look like you. Try to forget about the camera and focus on each other. Hold hands, share a laugh, whisper something sweet into each other&rsquo;s ear. These genuine moments often result in the most beautiful photos. As we work together, I want you to feel confident and excited about your engagement photos. I am here to capture your love story, in all its romance, authenticity, and joy. It's a journey, an adventure, and above all, a celebration of your love. Just as I fell in love with photography all those years ago, I have no doubt that you will fall in love with your engagement photos. I look forward to creating beautiful, lifelong photographic memories with you.

How To Prepare For Your Engagement Session

When I first moved to the stunning Mornington Peninsula, I was instantly captivated by its natural beauty and charm. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of photographing countless weddings in this beautiful corner of the world, and I've come to discover some truly unique venues that offer something a little bit different for couples on their special day.
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First up, we have the enchanting <a href="https://stillwateratcrittenden.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stillwater at Crittenden</a>. Nestled among the vineyards, this venue provides an idyllic setting for a romantic wedding. The best time to get married here is in autumn, when the vine leaves are a vibrant mix of red and orange hues. The venue is perfect for intimate weddings, where you can celebrate your love surrounded by close friends and family.
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Next is the charming <a href="https://tanglewoodestate.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tanglewood Estate</a>. With its rustic barn and picturesque surroundings, it's perfect for those seeking a country-style wedding. The venue shines brightest in the spring, when the apple orchard is in full bloom. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a larger celebration, Tanglewood Estate can accommodate your needs.
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Third on the list is the elegant <a href="https://www.portphillipestate.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Port Phillip Estate</a>. With its modern architecture and panoramic views of the vineyards and the ocean, this venue is truly breathtaking. It's particularly stunning in the summer, providing a warm, sunlit backdrop for your vows. This venue is best suited for larger weddings.
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The fourth venue is the unique<a href="https://montalto.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOorxuYeVBXR3cb5kux9UMOl2cMnW853EyDmBpuH-bKmRA2hnJ_hM" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove</a>. Set amongst rolling hills, this venue offers a serene and tranquil setting for your wedding. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of year to get married here, with the vineyard's rich colours providing a stunning backdrop. Whether you're planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Montalto can cater to your needs.
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Last but certainly not least, is the romantic <a href="https://allsmiles.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All Smiles Sorrento Ocean Beach</a>. With its modern design and spectacular views of the ocean, it's the perfect venue for a beach wedding. The best time to get married here is in the summer, when you can have your ceremony on the beach and dance the night away under the stars. This venue is ideal for any size wedding, with several spaces to choose from depending on your guest count.
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Each of these venues holds a special place in my heart, and I feel privileged to have been a part of so many couples' special day. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect venue for your own dream wedding in the Mornington Peninsula.

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in Mornington Peninsula

Weddings are momentous occasions, filled with joy and love, and the memories made on this special day are ones that you will want to cherish forever. This is exactly why the significance of hiring a professional photographer cannot be understated. Firstly, let’s talk about the actual photos that professional photographers deliver. With their trained eye, they know exactly how to capture the essence of the day, from the bride's radiant smile as she walks down the aisle to the groom's emotional reaction when he sees her for the first time. Professionals know how to use lighting, angles, and photo editing programs to create jaw-dropping, beautiful photos that you'll be proud to display. They are also well-versed in different wedding photography styles, from traditional and photojournalistic to fine art and fashion, ensuring that the photos align with your personal aesthetic and vision for the day.But the benefits go beyond just the final product. A professional photographer also brings an invaluable sense of calm and order to the potentially chaotic day. They have the experience to handle large groups of people for family photos, ensuring everyone is in the right place at the right time. They can soothe a nervous bride or groom, making them feel comfortable in front of the camera, which results in more natural and genuine photos. Additionally, professional photographers understand the flow of a wedding day and can seamlessly blend into the background, capturing candid moments without being intrusive. This allows you and your guests to fully enjoy the day without feeling like you're constantly under a microscope. In conclusion, while it may be tempting to cut costs by asking a friend to snap a few photos, the benefits of hiring a professional photographer far outweigh the costs. Not only do they provide high-quality, stunning photos, but their presence also adds a layer of ease and comfort to the day. So, for a day as important as your wedding, investing in a professional photographer is an investment in preserving precious memories.

Why Hiring a Professional Photographer for Your Wedding is a Must!

If you are looking for a professional photographer. I highly recommend!

David Forte

Ross has an artistic eye for unique shots, his photography captures moments that tell a story and provoke emotion.

Melissa Mawby

"Creative and passionate wedding photographer!"
"Ross Forte boasts an artistic eye for stunning compositions, a natural, candid style, and impeccable quality. Focused on the small, intimate details, Ross visually retells your wedding day in a vibrant, moving way."
— Easy Weddings

Partner A & Partner B

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With Package 1, I’ll be there to capture every beautiful moment of your wedding day, from start to finish. With two photographers and 8 hours of coverage, I ensure that no detail is overlooked. You’ll receive a collection of high-resolution, beautifully edited images that truly reflect the spirit of your day. These images will be delivered digitally through a private online gallery, making it easy for you to share with family and friends. I’ll work closely with you to create a flexible schedule tailored to your unique timeline, and a pre-wedding consultation will ensure everything is perfectly planned. My goal is to provide you with lasting memories, beautifully preserved in every shot.

PACKAGE 1 (8 Hours, 2 Photographers)

Package 2 offers a more intimate yet comprehensive photography experience, with 1 photographer dedicated to capturing the essence of your day. I’ll be with you for 4 hours, ensuring every special moment is beautifully documented, from the pre-ceremony preparations to the key moments of the celebration. You’ll receive unlimited high-resolution, professionally edited images that are ready to print and cherish. These images will be delivered digitally through a private online gallery, making it easy to access and share your memories. I’ll also work with you to create a flexible, personalized schedule and provide a pre-wedding consultation to make sure everything aligns with your vision. My goal is to tell the story of your day in a way that’s uniquely yours.

PACKAGE 2 (4 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Package 3 is the ultimate wedding photography experience, offering unlimited coverage with two photographers dedicated to capturing every moment, no matter how big or small. With no time limits, I’ll be there to document your entire day from start to finish, ensuring that every emotion and detail is preserved. In addition to a stunning collection of unlimited, high-resolution, beautifully edited images, you'll also receive a 5-minute highlight video to relive the magic of your day in motion. Your images will be delivered digitally in a private online gallery, and I’ll tailor the schedule to fit your unique vision. We’ll also have a pre-wedding consultation to ensure everything is perfectly planned. My mission is to capture the full essence of your celebration, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

PACKAGE 3 (Full Day, 2 Photographers)

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Forte Photography | Elegant Wedding Photography in Mornington Peninsula & Melbourne

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You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me.

"When I decided to pursue art and photography at a young age, I had no idea where it would take me. A few decades later, I am living and loving my dream as a wedding photographer.

I live on the beautiful and visually inspiring Mornington Peninsula in Australia with my wonderful wife Nella. I am inspired by music, morning walks on the beach and world travel.

We have dreams of continued Adventures, sharing our skills in wedding photography to capture lifelong photographic memories of couples in love all over the world.

Our work is personal, recording a major life event as it unfolds before us, capturing moments that will be cherished for generations to come. 

There is a feeling of pride that comes with being a wedding photographer, and immense satisfaction in being able to produce romantic and authentic wedding images for a couple."