studio.cora_

by tessa

the studio

A little more about me

I’m Tessa (No, not Cora I just really like that name!) — I’m equal parts organised, energetic and always ready for a good time.

I’ve spent a lot of years working with people on both their hardest days and their very best ones, and somewhere along the way I became pretty good at reading a room. I know when to step in, when to disappear into the background, when someone needs a little reassurance and when it’s time to turn the music up and get everyone moving.

After hundreds of weddings as a celebrant and MC (my husband is also a DJ), I’ve also seen what makes a wedding day work. I know the timelines, I know the traditions, I know many of the brilliant people working behind the scenes — and I know that sometimes the plan goes completely out the window. That’s usually when the good stuff happens.

Photography, for me, is about finding the balance between looking incredible and actually having an incredible time.

Of course I want to give you the frame-worthy portraits. The good light. The Vogue moment. But I don’t want to steal you away from your wedding for hours to create them.

I want to know you well enough that being photographed doesn’t feel like a performance. Give you direction when it helps, make you laugh when things feel awkward, then step back and let the real moments take over.

The champagne spill. The look across the table. Your best friend losing it during the speeches. Grandma on the dance floor. The quiet five minutes together when nobody else is around.

The polished stuff and the wonderfully imperfect stuff.

Because you only get one go at the day.

Let’s make the photos incredible — and have a bloody good time getting them.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a black sequined dress and white high heels sitting on the floor against an exposed brick wall, holding a glass of wine or cocktail, with a bottle on the floor beside her.
Let's Begin

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Fashion editorial meets documentary chaos.

    What does that mean?

    It means I create images through posing and light that have that ‘vogue’ inspired look. This is often during a couples shoot when we have time to get creative and make something uniquely you.

    During the day, while you’re with your people and enjoying yourself I take a step back and capture moments that would otherwise go unnoticed: the crazy, the fun, the weird: the best bits!

    The amount of time or focus you want to put on couples portraits is absolutely up to you and I can guide you through it to make it fun - not a chore.

    At the end of the day, I’m there to capture memories and the best way to do that is if we have fun!

  • Absolutely. I have found that it’s a great way for you both to decide if I might be the right fit to capture your wedding day as it gives us the opportunity to work together and for you to see my work.

    If you decide to book The Full Story after the engagement shoot in 2026 the cost is deducted from the full amount.

    Engagement shoots are offered within 30 minutes of the Adelaide CBD and I can guide you on locations and styles if you’re unsure.

  • I think the biggest thing is my calm under pressure. I found my calling in the wedding industry after working as Police Officer for 10 years.

    I worked in the industry as a celebrant and MC for several years alongside my husband who is a DJ and fell in love with it (and him some more).

    What that means is I’ve watched weddings happen for years and from all angles. I understand how to create time and space for you to be present in the day and I know how to handle stress (oh boy, do I!).

    I use all of that knowledge to create photos that are authentic, glam, fabulous and that don’t make you feel like you’ve spent the day trying to figure out what to do with your hands.

  • Not ordinarily, no.

    I will work with you to create a timeline that allows me time to capture the day however if you would like to see things from multiple angles then I’d be happy to discuss the need for a second shooter.

    Based on the style of the day (and you both) I can find someone who suits.

    This will, of course, come at extra cost as all good things do.

  • Investment starts at $3000 for an 8 hour wedding.

    If you enquire via the website I will send you an information and pricing document with more information.

    I’ve tried to make my pricing approachable but also reflective of the experience, equipment and dedication I bring to the day.

    Also: this is how I feed my pups.

  • If you are thinking about having me document your biggest day then (firstly) I am touched!

    Secondly, I would absolutely love to shout you a coffee or watch you drink a coffee over a Teams meeting initially to see if I am the right fit.

    What you see if what you get. I’m straight forward, passionate about what I do and genuinely invested in providing you with memories to treasure.

    I work with you, not for my own interests. I’m good at picking up when people are comfortable or stressed and I am very good at making things run smoothly.

    And above all - I’m like a netball played ‘Here if you need.’

  • Not presently, however I can recommend some incredible vendors who can create magic for you.