Weddings, Families & Local Inspiration
Sunshine Coast Photographer Blog
Hi there! I’m Lou O’Brien, a professional Sunshine Coast photographer capturing life’s most cherished moments - from the magic of your wedding day to the love and laughter of family portrait sessions.
Welcome to my blog, your go-to spot for wedding planning tips, family photography advice, and inspiration for your special moments. You’ll also find spotlights on amazing local Sunshine Coast businesses and plenty of ideas to make your wedding or family session truly unforgettable.
So grab a cuppa, have a scroll, and let’s make your Sunshine Coast memories even more special!
What to Ask a Sunshine Coast Wedding Caterer
Planning a Sunshine Coast wedding and wondering what to ask your caterer before booking?
This expert guide breaks down the key questions every couple should be asking, from food styles and dietary requirements to timing, logistics and who runs the show on the day. Drawing on real-world experience and insights from one of the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted wedding caterers, this resource helps couples feel confident, prepared and calm when choosing their wedding catering. A must-read for anyone planning a backyard, marquee or non all-inclusive wedding on the Sunshine Coast.
Planning a Destination Elopement to the Sunshine Coast: Expert Tips from Elope to Sunshine Coast
Planning a destination elopement to the Sunshine Coast? This blog shares expert tips from local wedding planner Sheryl van Heerden of Elope to Sunshine Coast, plus my own insights as a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer. From choosing the right location to building a trusted local team, this guide will help you plan a relaxed, beautiful elopement from anywhere in the world.
2026 Sunshine Coast Wedding Predications: What’s In, What’s Fading & How to Plan Your Day Your Way
Is this your year to get married? In this post, I share the biggest wedding predictions for Sunshine Coast weddings in 2026, what trends are in, what’s fading, and how to plan a relaxed, meaningful wedding that feels like you. With expert insights from Sunshine Coast wedding planner Kristy Aitken of Vow Haus and my own observations as a local wedding photographer, this guide is packed with inspiration and practical tips for modern couples.
Top Groom Tips To Feel Relaxed, Confident and Actually Enjoy Being Photographed on Your Wedding Day
Looking for expert tips to help grooms feel confident, relaxed, and natural in front of the camera on your wedding day? In this blog, I chat with fellow Sunshine Coast wedding photographer Antonio & we share insider advice for every type of groom - from camera-shy to photo-loving - covering groom prep, engagement shoots, posing, and how to make your wedding photos effortless, fun, and unforgettable.
Are Wedding Expos Still Relevant in 2026? Julie-Ann Says Absolutely. Here’s Why.
Planning a Sunshine Coast wedding and wondering if wedding expos are still worth it in 2026? I sat down with Julie-Ann Brown from Sunshine Coast Wedding Showcase to chat all things expos, real-life styling, meeting your dream vendors face to face and why in a world full of Pinterest boards and AI images, nothing beats the real thing. If you want to plan smarter, feel inspired and get the inside scoop from one of the Coast’s wedding powerhouses, this episode and blog is your new go-to guide.
Sunshine Coast Wedding Venue Weather Tips: Plan for Rain, Wind & Shine.
Planning your wedding day weather backup doesn’t have to be stressful. In this blog, I chat with Priscilla from Caloundra Power Boat Club about how to create a calm, stylish and stress free wet weather plan. From venue options to timing tweaks and clever setup ideas, these expert tips will help you feel prepared for anything the Sunshine Coast skies throw your way.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Cake Baker - Sunshine Coast Wedding Cake Tips with Vicki from One Sweet Moment
Planning your wedding cake and not sure where to start? In this episode, Sunshine Coast cake maker Vicki from One Sweet Moment shares her top tips for choosing the right wedding cake baker. From planning for coastal heat to must ask questions and budget friendly ideas, this guide helps you feel confident, prepared and excited for your dream wedding cake.
How to Make Your Wedding Hairstyle Last All Day
Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint - and your hair needs to keep up! In this blog, Alyssa from Keighley Collective shares her expert tips on how to make your wedding hairstyle last all day in the Sunshine Coast heat. From prep to touch-ups, you’ll learn how to keep your locks looking flawless from “I do” to the dance floor.
What’s Included in a Sunshine Coast Wedding Venue Hire Cost.
Booking your dream wedding venue can be exciting, but also a little confusing when it comes to what’s actually included in the hire cost. Do you get tables and chairs? A coordinator? Set-up time? In this post, I chat with Nik from The Prideaux Estate to unpack the details and help you understand exactly what you’re paying for (and what you’re not!) so you can plan with confidence.
How to Plan the Perfect Sunshine Coast Wedding Drink Service Timeline
A great bar can truly set the tone for your wedding day! In this post, I chat with Trish from The Little Bar Cart Sunshine Coast to get her expert advice on how to plan the perfect wedding drink service timeline - from post-ceremony bubbles to the final champagne toast. Discover her top tips for keeping your guests refreshed, your bar team running smoothly, and the good vibes flowing all night long.
How to Choose the Right Sunshine Coast Hair & Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day
Finding your perfect hair and makeup artist isn’t just about looks, it’s about feeling confident, calm, and radiant on your big day. Sunshine Coast makeup artist Marlies Tamis shares her expert tips on what to ask before you book and how to choose a beauty team that truly gets your bridal vibe.
The Legal Side of Getting Married - Sunshine Coast Celebrant Tips
Thinking of tying the knot? Before you book anything, make sure you understand the legal side of saying “I do.” In this episode of Pop the Question, I chat with Stacey Morris, Sunshine Coast celebrant who shares everything you need to know about marriage paperwork, timelines, and the one form that can make or break your wedding day plans!
So… What Does a Wedding Planner Actually Do?
What does a wedding planner actually do - and do you really need one? In this Pop the Question episode, I chat with Sheryl from Dream Weddings Sunshine Coast about how a planner can take the stress out of your wedding, keep everything on track, and help you enjoy your dream day from start to finish.
SUNSHINE COAST SURF CLUB WEDDING VENUES
Whether you're dreaming of a cozy elopement or an intimate celebration with a handful of your nearest and dearest, or if you're looking for a dedicated wedding function venue to accommodate a bigger bash, I've got you covered. This blog post unveils my top 9 Sunshine Coast Surf Club Wedding Venues, each with its unique charm and capacity. Not every surf club caters to large weddings, but fear not, this guide will help you catch the perfect venue for your guest list size.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR SUNSHINE COAST WEDDING
Whether you are planning a small, intimate wedding or a large, extravagant celebration, The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Sunshine Coast Wedding offers practical advice and tips on how to plan your destination wedding.
ELOPE IN 2020
Eloping is the new black. This year has seen alot of weddings cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 and in turn, this has seen a rise of elopements in 2020.

