Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Gungahlin Wedding Photos
A parish church of 2007 on Burdekin Avenue, serving the new suburbs on Canberra’s north side
Holy Spirit Catholic Church stands on Burdekin Avenue in Amaroo, beside Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School, about fifteen kilometres north of the Canberra city centre. The parish opened to the Gungahlin community in 1993 and the church building itself went up in 2007, so this is a modern church rather than an old stone one. It serves a wide run of suburbs across the Gungahlin district, from Amaroo and Bonner through to Taylor and Throsby, and is one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese.
Veri photographed Mia and Nathan’s ceremony here before the day moved across town to Pialligo Estate for portraits and the reception. That is the usual shape of a Holy Spirit wedding: the Mass or ceremony in Amaroo, then a drive to a garden, winery or hotel venue closer to the lake or the airport side of the city, with the family groups done on the forecourt before anyone leaves.
How to prepare for your wedding photos (without overthinking it)
Seven small things that make a real difference on the day — learned across hundreds of weddings. None of them involve practising poses.
In motion, unposed · FR 15A1. Be yourselves — that's where the magic is
You don't need to perform or worry about what you look like. The best photos come from real moments: a glance, a laugh, a shared breath. Let go a little — we'll guide when needed, and the best unfolds naturally.
2. Build buffer time into your timeline
A little breathing room between getting ready, the ceremony and couple portraits makes all the difference. It gives us space for spontaneous shots — and gives you time to soak it all in.
3. Choose locations that feel like you
A quiet lane, an open field, a textured wall — we love meaningful or interesting spots. Trust us to find great light, but if you've got a place you love, let's work it in.
4. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Phones can distract from the emotion (and your photos). Asking guests to be fully present makes for cleaner frames and a more heartfelt atmosphere.
5. Get ready in calm, light-filled spaces
Clutter-free rooms with natural light are a photographer's dream, and calm energy in the morning sets the tone for the day. Keep the space tidy — or assign a friend to do a quick sweep before we arrive.
6. Keep a drink and snacks nearby
Especially during portraits — hydration and a little sugar go a long way in keeping energy and moods high.
7. Trust the process
We've worked at hundreds of weddings and we're here to make you look and feel amazing. Trust us with the light, the angles, the pace — we've got you.
Photographing a wedding at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
A church built in 2007 rather than the 1870s generally gives even interior light and a straightforward aisle, so the processional and the vows can be covered quietly without flash. The forecourt and the school grounds next door give room for the group photographs straight after the ceremony. Allow real driving time to Pialligo or the lakeside venues, and keep the couple’s portraits for the second location, where the light is better late in the day. The gallery below follows Mia and Nathan from their ceremony here to Pialligo Estate.