Taelar & Thomas' Pre-Wedding Session at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

There’s something special about the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, especially when you’ve got Taelar & Thomas taking their first steps in front of a camera. The gardens gave us quiet corners, soft sunlight, and plenty of greenery to help them settle in and forget about the world for a bit.

This was their very first photo session, and you could feel the nerves at the start. But as we wandered along the shaded paths and found pockets of light, Taelar & Thomas eased into the moment. They brought along a photo inspiration board, so they already had a clear idea of what felt right for them. With each new spot, they grew more comfortable, laughing, hugging, and even dancing under the trees. By the end, arms were wide open and so were the smiles.

Both Taelar & Thomas are naturally on the shy side, but they approached the session together, supporting each other and letting their personalities show. It was a genuine joy to watch them go from unsure to relaxed, simply enjoying each other’s company among the trees and gardens.

The real difference showed on their wedding day at Sandstone Point. When I arrived for bridal prep, Taelar greeted me like an old mate, not just a photographer. Both of them were calm and knew exactly what they wanted from their photos. It’s proof that a pre-wedding session isn’t just about practice shots,it’s about building trust and feeling at ease, so the big day feels a bit less daunting.

Looking back, their time in the gardens was more than just a photo session. It set the tone for a relaxed, connected wedding day, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.