A Cute British Wedding at St Mary’s Church in Stowmarket Followed by a DIY Marquee
Jess and Jack’s Underwater Wedding in the Crystal-Clear Waters off Pt Noarlunga in South Australia
The moment we laid eyes on Jess and Jack’s breathtaking underwater wedding photos from South Australia, we were completely blown away. Naturally, we had to feature them on Bespoke Bride! So, we reached out to Steven Duncan of Svenstudios to uncover the story behind these mesmerizing shots. And once you’ve soaked up their magical journey, stick around for some tips and inspiration for planning your own underwater wedding adventure.
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
“When Jess and Jack first shared their story with me at White Hill Estate – South Australia, I knew their wedding would be unforgettable. Their vibrant connection and shared passion for free diving inspired the idea of an underwater “wreck the dress” shoot, perfectly blending their adventurous spirit with my love for creative photography. The day after their wedding, we brought this vision to life in the crystal-clear waters off Pt Noarlunga.
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
Before diving in, we captured playful moments along the shoreline. Jess’s flowing gown caught the waves, creating dramatic, otherworldly shots, while Jack’s full suit added a romantic vibe. Their laughter and energy were infectious as they splashed through the surf, with moments like Jack tossing Jess into the shallows epitomizing their fun-loving nature. Pt Noarlunga’s golden sands and rugged jetty provided the perfect backdrop for candid and romantic portraits.
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
Once in the water, the magic truly unfolded. The sun, hidden on their wedding day, now illuminated the ocean, creating stunning underwater clarity with the world-famous ‘dodge tide’. One of only 2 places in the world that cater for this phenomenon. With the guidance of a skilled dive team, including Diana Fernie, Jess and Jack transformed into natural, their graceful movements like an underwater dance. Jess’s gown flowed like liquid poetry, capturing the essence of elegance against the serene blue.
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
This shoot wasn’t just about the photos; it was about celebrating their bond in a setting that felt deeply personal. The ocean, their shared sanctuary, became the stage for a breathtaking testament to their love. Despite the chilly water, Jess and Jack’s warmth and joy radiated through every image.
From beachside fun to surreal underwater moments, this “wreck the dress” session was a true reflection of Jess and Jack’s adventurous and profound love. For any other daring couples looking to create something extraordinary, let’s dive in together!”
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
SvenStudios and Ocean in Colour
Credits
Photography: SvenStudios
Ocean in Colour and @oceanincolour
Diving Into Dreams: Tips for Planning an Underwater Wedding Shoot
Have you ever thought, “What if I could capture my love story beneath the waves?” An underwater wedding shoot, like the one above, isn’t just breathtaking—it’s downright magical. But let me tell you, it’s also like juggling starfish: beautiful, slippery, and full of surprises. Here’s how you can turn your aquatic dreams into stunning reality.
Choose the Right Location (It’s Everything!)
Not all waters are created equal. Think Maldives, Bali, or even a crystal-clear cenote in Mexico. Murky ponds? Hard pass. During one shoot I styled in Bora Bora (yes, I still pinch myself), we chose a lagoon with visibility so pristine it felt like being suspended in liquid glass.
But beware—ideal conditions can come with crowds. Early mornings or weekdays might mean fewer curious snorkelers photobombing your romantic bubble trail.
💧 Pro tip: Research the underwater terrain. Sandy bottoms reflect light beautifully, while coral reefs add texture. Just don’t step on them—they’re alive, fragile, and deserve respect.
Your Dress: Flowy, Not Heavy
Underwater, your wedding attire becomes alive, like it’s in its own choreographed ballet. The fabric swirls, ripples, and dances around you. But here’s the catch: heavy fabrics (or horror of horrors, tulle) can transform into soggy anchors.
A bride I worked with once chose a gown with an ethereal chiffon skirt. Watching it billow around her like a jellyfish was pure magic. She looked like a mythical sea queen—until her veil decided to wrap itself around her groom’s face. Lesson learned: test your outfit underwater first.
💧 Pro tip: Opt for lightweight, breathable materials and ditch the long veil unless you’re ready for an underwater wrestling match.
Hair and Makeup: Waterproof or Bust
Let’s talk makeup. Regular foundation won’t just fail you—it’ll fail spectacularly. I once witnessed a bride emerge from the water looking like a Picasso painting. Stick to professional-grade waterproof products or embrace the natural, dewy look.
Hair, on the other hand, is a wild card. Loose waves float beautifully, but saltwater can make it behave like it’s auditioning for a shampoo commercial gone wrong. Braids or updos tend to hold better under pressure (and waves). For more hair style ideas underwater – check this Pinterest page.
💧 Pro tip: Keep coconut oil handy to prevent your hair from becoming a tangled seaweed imitation.
The Symbolism of Water
Water is life. It’s fluid, ever-changing, and powerful—just like love. Planning an underwater wedding shoot feels like paying homage to the very essence of partnership. When I helped a couple shoot in the Andaman Sea, they described the experience as cathartic, almost like a vow renewal with nature itself as their witness.
But let’s not romanticize it too much. Water can be unpredictable. Your love may withstand anything, but will it survive a rogue jellyfish or a mouthful of saltwater?
Equipment and Photographer
Here’s where the stakes rise. You need a photographer who knows their way around underwater shoots—not someone who’s “pretty good at pool selfies.” Their equipment should be professional-grade and waterproof, and they’ll need a knack for capturing light in an ever-shifting, aquatic realm.
Once, we had a diver-photographer who could hold his breath for what felt like an eternity. He caught the bride blowing bubbles into a heart shape—a moment that still gives me goosebumps.
💧 Pro tip: Communicate every detail with your photographer. Will they use natural light, or are they bringing artificial strobes? These decisions can drastically alter the vibe of your images.
Safety First (Yes, Seriously)
You’re not just battling currents and buoyancy—you’re also holding your breath and trying to look blissful. Talk about multitasking. During a shoot in the Red Sea, I had to wrangle a very determined groom who thought he could dive deeper for “the perfect shot.” Spoiler: he didn’t last ten seconds.
💧 Pro tip: Hire a professional dive team. They’ll ensure you’re safe, calm, and not accidentally photobombed by a passing manta ray.
Final Thoughts
An underwater wedding shoot is pure enchantment—but it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and yes, you might choke on a little saltwater. But you’ll also create memories that ripple through your lifetime.
And remember: love, much like water, adapts, flows, and finds its way—no matter the challenges. So, take the plunge. Literally.
