Max and Abby’s Forest and Sea Pre-Wedding Shoot

Max and Abby came to Margaret River ready to make a day of it. Not rush through a checklist of photographs. Not bounce between five locations. Just get dressed up, have some fun and see where the afternoon took us.

We began beneath the towering karri trees of Boranup Forest and finished with the wind coming off the ocean at Sugarloaf Rock.

Abby brought a flowing gown, a white veil and a native flower bouquet filled with soft pinks and whites. There was professional hair and makeup, a hairstyle change between locations and plenty of planning behind the scenes.

But once the cameras came out, none of that was the main story.

The main story was Max and Abby laughing their way through Margaret River.

Getting Ready for the Forest and Coast

Abby’s makeup was created by Bridget from Soma Makeup Artist, with hair by Lydia Fattore Hair. I have worked with both of them on several South West shoots, so the preparation felt calm and well coordinated from the beginning.

For Boranup, Abby wore her hair up with a flowing white gown and veil. Before we reached the coast, Lydia changed the styling, giving the Sugarloaf photographs a noticeably different feel without requiring a second outfit.

Abby’s bouquet brought everything together. The soft pink and white flowers added colour among the pale karri trees, then stood out beautifully against the darker rocks and open coastline.

If you are organising your own styling, my Margaret River pre-wedding hair and makeup guide includes trusted South West artists and advice on timing your appointments around the best light.

Laughter Beneath the Karri Trees

Boranup Forest was where Max and Abby stopped thinking about the camera.

They arrived playful, bounced easily off each other and laughed through almost every prompt I gave them. My job was mostly to point that energy in the right direction and be ready when the good moments happened.

The tall karri trees gave us scale and stillness, but Max and Abby brought the life. We created a mix of wide forest portraits, movement and quieter frames without forcing the afternoon into anything too formal.

The result felt romantic without becoming overly serious. Very much them.

The official Tourism Western Australia guide to Boranup Forest provides more information about the karri trees and scenic drive through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Two Locations, Two Completely Different Moods

That is what I love about pairing Boranup Forest with Sugarloaf Rock.

In the forest, everything feels sheltered and still. At the coast, the landscape opens up. The wind picks up, the ocean becomes louder and suddenly the photographs have a completely different energy.

We did not need to race through several locations to create variety. Two carefully chosen settings gave Max and Abby everything they needed: soft forest portraits, rugged coastal landscapes and a gallery that felt like one complete story.

Abby’s hairstyle change and veil helped mark that transition, but the landscape did most of the work.

My guide to the best pre-wedding locations in Margaret River explains how Boranup, Sugarloaf Rock, Injidup and other South West settings differ.

Chasing the Final Light at Sugarloaf Rock

By the time we reached Sugarloaf Rock, the energy had shifted.

Max and Abby were still laughing, but the final light gave us space for something quieter too. They stood closer. The veil caught the wind. The coastline became moodier as the sun dropped.

I did not need to control every movement or manufacture a grand romantic moment. Sugarloaf already brings enough drama. Max and Abby simply had to be present with each other.

We finished with a collection of coastal photographs that felt softer and more intimate than the forest, while still carrying the same warmth and humour they had brought all afternoon.

The official Explore Parks WA guide to Sugarloaf Rock contains more information about the location and its environment. Visitors should follow the designated paths and never attempt to cross towards the rock.

The Forest and Sea Team

• Photography: Moments by Naz
• Hair: Lydia Fattore Hair
• Makeup: Bridget from Soma Makeup Artist
• Locations: Boranup Forest and Sugarloaf Rock

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Experience Take?

Max and Abby’s session ran from approximately 12:15 pm until 5:30 pm.

This included hair and makeup preparation, a hairstyle change, travel and photography across both locations.

The exact duration will depend on your preparation, outfits, chosen locations and sunset time.

Can We Change Our Hair Between Locations?

Yes, when enough time has been included in the schedule.

A hairstyle change can help the second location feel different without requiring another complete outfit. It should be organised before the shoot so the additional preparation time does not take away from the best light.

Should We Bring a Bouquet?

A bouquet is optional, but it can introduce colour and texture to the photographs.

Max and Abby chose a natural arrangement with pink and white flowers. It suited the forest while still standing out against the darker coastline.

The bouquet does not need to be as large or formal as wedding-day florals.

Do We Need to Know How to Pose?

Not at all. Most couples arrive saying they feel awkward in front of a camera.

I’ll give you clear direction and simple prompts, particularly at the beginning. As you settle into the session, the direction becomes lighter and your own connection starts doing most of the work.

You never need to arrive knowing what to do with your hands. That problem belongs to me.

A Margaret River Afternoon Worth Remembering

By 5:30 pm, Max and Abby had travelled from towering karri trees to one of Western Australia’s most recognisable coastlines.

There had been professional styling, a hairstyle change, a veil determined to catch every gust of wind and a bouquet that somehow survived the entire adventure.

But the photographs I love most are the ones where none of that is demanding attention. Max is making Abby laugh. Abby is leaning into him. They look completely comfortable being themselves.

That is what a pre-wedding shoot should give you. Beautiful photographs, certainly. But also an afternoon together that was genuinely worth dressing up for.

Planning your own Margaret River pre-wedding shoot? I’ll help you choose the locations, build the timing around the light and create an experience that feels like the two of you.

Explore my Forest and Sea pre-wedding experience or get in touch about your Margaret River session.