ABIA Bridal Awards – Photographer of the year finalist

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#ABIA #awards #wedding photography #Queensland #industry recognition
ABIA Bridal Awards – Photographer of the year finalist
From Madison & Brendon

Recognised as ABIA 2018 finalists

We are genuinely thrilled to share that She Said Yes Photography has been named a finalist in the 2018 Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) awards for wedding photography in Queensland.

For those unfamiliar, the ABIA is a nationally respected body that rates and recognises wedding vendors based on one thing: real feedback from real couples. There are no paid entries or industry panel votes. Finalists are determined entirely by the reviews that couples submit after their wedding day, which makes this kind of recognition feel deeply personal to us.

When we opened the notification, our first thought was not about the award itself. It was about every couple who took the time to share their experience. Every kind word, every five-star review, every message telling us that we captured something meaningful on their wedding day, that is what put us here.

Bride Krystal and groom Brandon sit on wooden steps at Sandstone Point Hotel during their couple portraits session, with Krystal in a white wedding gown and Brandon in a dark suit.

What this means to our studio

Over the past decade, we have photographed more than 500 weddings across Queensland. Each one has taught us something new about storytelling, light, timing, and the quiet moments that couples remember most. Being named an ABIA 2018 finalist is a reflection of all those lessons and the trust our couples have placed in us.

One of our couples summed it up beautifully when they told us that we made them feel completely at ease, that they forgot the camera was even there, and that the images brought back every feeling from the day. That is exactly the experience we aim for. Not posed perfection, but honest connection.

We have never chased awards for the sake of a logo on our website. What we have chased, consistently, is the feeling a couple gets when they open their gallery for the first time and it all comes flooding back. The fact that pursuing that feeling also led to industry recognition is something we do not take for granted.

Looking ahead

This nomination fuels our commitment to keep growing. We are investing in new techniques, refining our editing, and continuing to prioritise the experience our couples have from the first enquiry through to the final delivery.

To every couple who reviewed us, recommended us, or simply trusted us to show up and tell their story, thank you. This ABIA milestone belongs to you as much as it does to us.

The bride Jacquelyne and groom Arran stand close together by the water at Sandstone Point Hotel during their couple portraits session. Jacquelyne wears a white wedding dress and a pearl headpiece, looking up and smiling at Arran, who is dressed in a light blue suit.
Bride Aria and groom Antony share a kiss under the bride's lace veil at Queensland Parliament building during their couple portraits session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABIA and why does it matter?

The Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) is a national body that recognises excellence in the wedding industry. Awards are based on verified feedback from real couples, making them one of the most trusted benchmarks in the Australian bridal sector.

How are ABIA finalists selected?

ABIA finalists are chosen based on ratings and reviews submitted by couples after their wedding day. The process is independent and relies entirely on genuine client experiences.

What category was She Said Yes nominated in for the 2018 ABIA awards?

We were finalists in the wedding photography category for Queensland, reflecting the feedback of couples we had the privilege of working with throughout the year.

Does an ABIA nomination affect how you approach weddings?

Recognition like this reinforces what matters most to us: listening to our couples, capturing honest moments, and delivering work we are proud of. It motivates us to keep improving without changing the personal approach that earned the nomination.

How can couples check ABIA ratings for wedding vendors?

Couples can visit the official ABIA website to search for rated vendors by category and region. Each listing shows aggregated scores from verified post-wedding reviews.

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