Stories by Joshua Mikhaiel
Your guide to Southern Highlands wedding suppliers for 2027
Southern Highlands
Building a wedding team that suits you
The people you choose to help with your wedding will shape both the planning and the day itself. Start with the kind of celebration you want, then look for suppliers whose work and way of working fit that vision.
This guide brings together practical questions and a selection of businesses to research. Confirm current services, travel, availability and written quotes directly; an old recommendation is not a guarantee of a future booking.
Choose the venue first
Your venue may provide catering, furniture or coordination, or it may require particular suppliers. Find out what is included before booking the rest of the team.
Ask who handles setup, pack-down and the wet-weather changeover. Clear responsibilities make the day easier for everyone.
Ceremony spaces
For a church ceremony, speak to the parish about its requirements and availability before planning the reception timeline. For an outdoor ceremony, check permission, access, seating and a rain alternative.
Visit the ceremony space with comfort and light in mind. Shade, sound and access matter just as much as the background in your photographs.
- St Francis Xavier, Berrima — contact the parish for current arrangements.
- St Jude’s, Bowral.
- St Patrick’s, Sutton Forest — contact the parish for current arrangements.
Photography
Look through full galleries and ask how the photographer works throughout the day. A few striking portraits do not show you everything about family groups, speeches or evening coverage.
Meet before booking if you can. You want someone whose presence helps you relax and whose approach fits the amount of direction you would like.
Alex Olguin is one photographer whose work I have admired.
You can also explore my wedding stories and talk to me about your plans.
Wedding films
Ask how the film team captures sound, how much direction they give and how they work alongside your photographer. Share the same timeline with both teams.
These businesses appeared in my original shortlist. Explore their current work and confirm who would attend your wedding.
- Bloom Films
- La Lune Cinema
- Til Death Do Us Party
Celebrants
For a legal wedding in Australia, you need an authorised celebrant. That includes appropriately authorised religious celebrants. Check the official register and speak to your celebrant about the legal requirements.
Beyond the paperwork, look for someone who listens carefully and can help you make a ceremony that feels like your own.
Ask about the planning process, ceremony style, sound equipment and what happens if the celebrant cannot attend.
These are names from my original shortlist to explore and contact directly.
Flowers
Choose a florist whose portfolio reflects the kind of work you love. Share your priorities, budget and any seasonal preferences, then ask what is realistic for your date.
A smaller number of considered arrangements can be just as effective as a room full of flowers. Think about where they will make the most difference to your experience and photographs.
Check whether delivery, installation, relocation between spaces and collection are included.
Aisle of Eden is a starting point from the original list. Check availability for your date and ask to see recent work.
Catering
If your venue allows outside catering, ask what kitchen facilities and equipment are available. Discuss dietary requirements, staffing, service style and pack-down with your caterer.
These businesses appeared in the original guide; request a current quote for your venue and guest numbers.
Music
- The Vintage Stylus — explore the current DJ offering and discuss the music you love.
- Nyssa and Alex — explore their live music and event options.
Styling and coordination
A stylist creates the visual setting; a coordinator manages the running of the day. Some businesses offer both. Confirm exactly what is included, who is responsible for each task and whether the venue already provides part of that service.
Ask your venue for a current supplier list and compare recent work, communication and written proposals.