This week for ‘Behind the Door With…’ I visited freezing, yet sunny, Canberra to meet with Kelly and Dan of All Grown Up Weddings. Kelly and Dan are both wedding photographers who decided to create All Grown Up Weddings as a space where other local photographers could work together and meet with clients in a cool urban space. Originally rivals, Kelly and Dan found they made perfect business partners, and along with six other photographers are dominating the Canberra wedding scene.
Located in Braddon, arguably Canberra’s most “hipster” suburb, you can’t miss the neon sign from the street as you look up at the funky brand new building. “When we first got the space it was an empty industrial shell” says Dan “We had to start from the ground up”. This meant putting in the polished concrete floor, framing the walls and dealing with multiple trades to get the work done. “It was such a big project” says Kelly “It was a very stressful yet rewarding time”.
When it came to fitting out the space Kelly and Dan turned to trusted local companies such as Boy and Girl Co. to design custom furniture and interiors. The “Monster Desk” is a standout feature and the industrial lights create a warm feel. Comfy couches are perfect for client meetings and there is a framed gallery display on the walls for favourite pieces of work.
Dan and Kelly love Braddon and both worked in the area previously before they found the new space. Once an industrial area filled with car yards, the area has completely changed in the last few years and now is home to an eclectic selection of cafes, designer stores and creative businesses. Couples can make an appointment upstairs at All Grown Up Weddings and then pop downstairs to cult florists Moxom and Whitney to chat wedding flowers.
Due to the nature of their work Dan and Kelly are often travelling for weeks at a time so it is important to them that the space is multi functional. “We don’t just photograph weddings” says Dan “So the space can work as a gallery for our personal work as well”. The large deck space out front and the giant glass windows make the space perfect for parties and functions and all the furniture can be moved to suit.
One of the biggest surprises since opening the studio for Dan and Kelly has been the “work, life balance” that it has helped to create. While both have worked from home at different times, they love the environment and professionalism that the new space provides. “It forces you to concentrate at work, which makes it easier to switch off at home” says Dan. “We also love the vibe the space creates” says Kelly “We find our prospective clients come to us”.
Images via All Grown Up Weddings
Ms Chinsoiserie Says: Congratulations All Grown Up Weddings; you have created a really creative, inspiring space for brides and grooms to meet and discuss “all things photography”; definitely a buzz place for Canberra!
About Amelia Waddell of Make Your Day Wedding Styling: I’m a wedding stylist and proud store owner who loves to chat weddings with everyone and anyone! I love to talk shop with other business owners (particularly over some chocolate cake!) and am the first to try and have a sticky beak behind the scenes of any event. My free time is spent ‘investigating’ new cafes, stores and events.
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