Our Philosophy
We believe in capturing moments as they happen—candid, real, and unscripted. On your wedding day, we blend seamlessly into the background, coordinating with vendors and allowing you to stay fully present. Our cinematic and documentary-inspired style is designed to remain elegant for decades to come.
Based in Sydney, Australia, we’ve documented over 1,024 weddings in our 17+ years of experience. Along the way, we’ve been honoured with 14+ industry awards, a testament to our commitment to excellence and the trust our couples place in us.
Message from John Poulakis - founder
When I founded Cinemotive, I wasn’t just thinking about cameras or artistry. I was thinking about connection. For me, life’s most precious moments are when people come together to celebrate love in all its forms—between a couple, within a family, and among lifelong friends.
There’s something profoundly beautiful about a wedding day. It’s not just the vows or the first kiss as newlyweds; it’s the quiet, meaningful glances between parents, the laughter of childhood friends reunited, and how love radiates through everyone present. A wedding reminds us of what truly matters—the relationships we nurture and the people who shape our lives.
I created Cinemotive to honour those moments. To me, a wedding is a microcosm of life’s most cherished values: love, connection, and celebration. Capturing these fleeting moments is not just a job; it’s a privilege. It’s about creating something tangible that lets couples and their families hold onto the essence of their day forever. Weddings remind us of the core of life—the union of love and the bonds that form around it.
At Cinemotive, we strive to tell those stories authentically so that whenever you revisit your photos or films, you’re transported back to the joy, laughter, and love that brought everyone together. This is why I do what I do—to celebrate what marriage represents and to preserve the moments that remind us why love is at the heart of everything.
Meet Our Team
Teamwork makes the dream work
The Production Team
John Poulakis
Founder, Cinematographer, Photographer
John Poulakis founded Cinemotive with a passion for capturing love and connection through storytelling. With a background in Graphic Design and Communications, his work reflects the emotion and essence of life’s most cherished moments. A devoted family man and former musician, John’s creative vision and personal experiences inspire Cinemotive’s commitment to excellence in preserving timeless memories.
Kristy Power
Production Manager
Kristy Power, Cinemotive’s Production Manager (or as John jokes, his "real boss"), ensures every project reflects our signature style. With the support of our skilled in-house editors, Kristy brings John’s vision to life, driving the creation of the unforgettable stories that define Cinemotive.
Alex Dona
Senior Video Editor
Alex Dona is our in-house video editing expert, blending creativity and precision to craft captivating short social media reels and beautifully edited long-form documentaries. With over 8 years of industry experience as a writer, director, producer, editor, and actor, Alex brings a wealth of storytelling expertise to Cinemotive. His ability to weave emotion and artistry into every project makes him an invaluable part of our team.
Simon Gorges
Photo Editor
Simon brings extensive expertise in photo editing and wedding studio production management, gained from his experience as a lead photographer at some of Australia’s top studios. Now at Cinemotive, Simon serves as Principal Photographer, where his deep knowledge of editing processes and systems ensures every image meets the highest standard of quality and artistry.
Hayley Onikul
Senior Video Editor
Hayley Onikul elevates every Cinemotive wedding film with her meticulous attention to detail and expert storytelling. With over 5 years on our team and extensive experience in both wedding and commercial editing, Hayley’s passion and creativity shine in every frame. As a close collaborator with our production manager, Kristy, she ensures each project exceeds expectations.
The Photo + Video Team
Simon Gorges
Principal Photographer & Photo Editor
Simon brings a wealth of experience from his time as lead photographer for some of Australia’s top studios. Now at Cinemotive, Simon serves as Principal Photographer, where his expertise has elevated our photography style. Known for his joyful personality and infectious sense of humor, Simon brings a light-hearted energy to every wedding day, ensuring smiles all around while capturing stunning, timeless moments.
Gabriel Machado
Principal Photographer
A founding member of Cinemotive, Gabriel is more than a photographer—he’s a mentor, leader, and storyteller. His stunning imagery, warm personality, and next-level communication ensure every couple feels at ease while their love story is beautifully captured. With his personal care and attention to detail, he creates timeless memories that couples cherish forever.
Raj Sing
Lead Cinematographer
Raj Sing is the creative force behind the lens at Cinemotive, serving as Principal and Lead Videographer. A key figure since its inception, Raj’s discreet, “fly on the wall” approach has been instrumental in shaping Cinemotive’s signature style. A trusted friend and mentor to founder John Poulakis, Raj’s artistry and expertise elevate every project, capturing authentic, cinematic moments with quiet brilliance.
Tim Harris
Principal Photographer
Tim Harris is passionate about capturing the truth through his photography. With over a decade of experience, he focuses on telling real, honest stories without relying on heavy post-production. Tim’s ability to document genuine moments as they unfold has made him a favourite among couples, while his vibrant personality and dedication make him a vital part of the Cinemotive team.
Mikey Phan
Principal Photographer
With his edgy, modern style, Mikey Phan adds a distinctive flair to Cinemotive’s signature photography. A long-time member of our team, Mikey’s warm personality and passion for storytelling make him a favourite among couples. Whether capturing unforgettable moments or arriving in style in his red Mazda MX5, Mikey’s energy and expertise are truly unmatched.
Raffie Tarakjian
Lead Cinematographer
For over 9 years, Raffie Tarakjian has brought his expertise in audio and multi-camera setups to Cinemotive, delivering cinematic wedding films that exceed expectations. With a background in commercial film production and a deep passion for storytelling, Raffie is a trusted team member and a dear friend, dedicated to preserving life’s most beautiful moments.
Andres Prochuk
Principal Cinematographer
Andres Prochuk’s creative flair and storytelling passion make him an essential part of the Cinemotive family. With years of experience in both wedding and commercial cinematography, Andres captures every moment with precision and artistry. His kind-hearted nature and unobtrusive style make him a favourite among couples and a valued member of our team.
Johnny Lay
Principal Photographer
Johnny Lay has been an integral part of Cinemotive since its early days, bringing over a decade of wedding photography experience to the team. His ability to seamlessly blend creative artistry with a documentary-style approach makes him a standout talent and a vital asset to Cinemotive. With his seasoned expertise and passion for storytelling, Johnny consistently delivers stunning imagery that captures the heart of every celebration.
The Cinemotive Crew Unveiled: Where Quirky Meets Clicky
Step into our world behind the scenes, where our team’s quirkiest moments meet the click of the camera. From coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions to hilarious mishaps, get ready to chuckle and see the fun side of Cinemotive!
