In a few weeks, I’ll be returning to Life Instyle, and it feels like I’ve come full circle.
This October marks ten years since I took the leap and started Wild Romantic Photography.
Before that, I worked across stationery, homewares, apparel and jewellery because I wanted to understand how great brands were built. I was fortunate to work behind brands exhibiting at Life Instyle in both Melbourne and Sydney. Even then, I always hoped I’d return one day with a brand of my own. I just didn’t know what that brand would be.
Photography had always been my greatest obsession. I wanted to spend my life telling stories. After photographing hundreds of weddings, I realised I couldn’t find an album that combined beautiful design with a price that felt accessible. So I built what I wished existed.
This year, Wild Romantic was accepted as an exhibitor at Life Instyle. I was excited until the planning began. That’s when I realised how different it feels when you’re no longer representing someone else’s brand. Every decision now carries my name, and it affects my team, my clients and my family. It’s exciting, but it’s also incredibly humbling.
Over the past year, I’ve watched Wild Romantic quietly find its way into people’s lives. One customer bought an album to propose to his girlfriend. Another bought our Mama album as a gift to herself during her pregnancy. I’ve also read the notes that come through with each order. Different stories, different reasons, but they all point to the same thing. People are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the people they love and the moments that matter most.
I’ve realised I wasn’t the only one looking for this.
As we prepare for our very first trade show at Life Instyle, I’m incredibly excited to share what I’ve been fortunate enough to witness firsthand. This isn't just an idea I believed in, it's something people are to help celebrate life’s biggest moments.
If you're attending, I’d love for you to come by Stand 22 to say hello and reconnect. We’ll be there from August 6 to 9. For those following along from afar, I’d love you to step inside and explore the Wild Romantic World.
It’s been a massive lead up to get to this point, and I’m feeling all the nerves and excitement in equal measure. Wish me luck! x
