In Conversation with Wedding Photographers Calla Lily
Calla Lily was founded on a desire to capture weddings with honesty, intimacy, and a sense of timeless grace. Their photography blends documentary authenticity with an editorial eye, finding beauty in the small, often overlooked moments that make each celebration unique. Every image is a testament to connection, family, and the quiet, heartfelt details that define a day.
What inspired the formation of Calla Lily, and what does the name signify to you?
Calla Lily was born out of a desire to document weddings in a way that felt deeply personal and honest—capturing not just how a day looked, but how it felt. I saw many weddings in the early days of my photographic career that were these overly staged, inauthentic events, and that came out within the gallery. To me, Calla Lily represents a deeper connection, a raw and authentic display of love. The calla lily is also my favourite flower, and it’s a flower often associated with new beginnings and timeless grace—values we carry into every wedding we document.
How would you describe your photography style, and how has it evolved over time?
Our style is a blend of documentary and editorial. Which can sound a little counterintuitive. But, it all comes down to feeling. If we're able to give you a piece of imagery and evoke some sort of feeling, that's what we do. We gravitate toward real moments—unposed and raw—but with a refined eye for composition, light, and emotion.
Over time, we’ve become more intentional in how we balance instinctive shooting with subtle direction, allowing our couples to be fully present in the moment and natural in front of the camera. In 2025, we place more of an emphasis on timeless imagery that you'll look back on in years to come
Can you share a memorable moment from a wedding you’ve captured that encapsulates your approach?
There isn't a particular moment that stands out to me, actually, but rather when I look back, there's a culmination of little moments that come to mind. A FaceTime during prep between a groom and his mother, who wasn't able to be there. A group cuddle between siblings during cocktail hour. A 30-second dance that a bride had with her grandma on the dance floor. These are some of the small moments that make up every single wedding, and we're so blessed to be able to capture it.
What draws you to documentary-style photography with an editorial flair?
I think it's the perfect balance of heart and beauty. Our documentary focus allows us to tell an authentic story—truthfully and without staging. The editorial flair allows us to honour the aesthetics of the day: the fashion, the light, the thoughtful details. Together, they go hand in hand to create a visual narrative that’s both emotionally resonant and artful.
How do you ensure that the genuine, unspoken moments are captured during a wedding?
I think it all comes down to our approach and ability to let moments be 'untouched'. By being fully present and deeply observant. When a photographer blends in, the pressure to perform for a camera is lifted, and an environment for natural moments is created. We constantly are interacting with guests, scanning the room for subtle moments and just looking for any little detail that could give us more of a story to tell. It's about our approach and the trust that the couple put into us.
n what ways do you believe your work contributes to the legacy of the couples you photograph?
We have a big emphasis on family. To us, it's everything. And while a wedding day is about the two humans becoming one, it's one of the few times in a life that everyone will be under the same roof. So to us, we are always keeping an eye for family members' interactions, with the couple, with each other, and on their own. I think that really adds to the legacy of our couples so that they can look back in their gallery and go 'this is us', 'this is mum laughing', 'this is dad crying'.
How do you balance the spontaneity of a wedding day with the need for structured shots?
We try to structure the day as little as possible. We keep a plan in place for those family portraits and key moments, but with every runsheet we try to leave a little room for the unexpected. The best stories are told in those little moments in between. And for those little moments, we're creating an environment for them to breathe.
What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have they shaped your collective’s philosophy?
I think one of the biggest challenges we've faced is finding our philosophy. During the post COVID years, we squeezed that many events into one-two years that our 'why' became a bit blurred. We ended up finding burnout, and the pressure to create 'Instagram bangers' as opposed to something that really mattered. When the years slowed down a bit, we reflected and brought it back to its simple core - our couples. And that philosophy has given us the answer to every question since.
How do you stay inspired and continue to find the unseen in each celebration?
Nothing is the same, and no two stories are the same. With each celebration, we look for what makes our couples unique. There's always something, and that makes it feel new for us. We are also delving into the world of analog currently, which is a fun and exciting time. Inspiration is everywhere when you stay curious and open.
What advice would you give to couples seeking a photographer who values authenticity and timeless imagery
Trust your gut. Look for someone whose work makes you feel something. Have as many honest conversations with each other and make sure you feel seen, heard, and understood. Your photographer will be with you throughout the planning, all day and afterwards too. You want to be able to connect with them. And in turn, that creates some beautiful imagery.
Visit callalilycollective.com.au
Instagram @callalilycollective
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
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