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When I first met with Scott & Suzanna, there was no doubt in my mind we were a perfect match. Cheeky, with a wicked sense of humour, and never short of laughs, it was a wedding I couldn’t wait to be a part of. I always love when couples plan small, intimate affair, as you know the mood on the day will be full of love, laughter, and lots of celebration!

Scott & Suzi’s wedding took place up at Maleny. Suzi & the girls were so relaxed when they were getting ready. Completely laid back and ready to enjoy what the day would bring. Suzanna was an absolutely amazing bride, and looked nothing short of stunning. She also loves to laugh. And we wouldn’t really stop laughing. All. Day. Long!

The setting was the Little White Wedding Church where an emotional Scott & Suzi exchanged their vows in a delightful ceremony. There might have been a couple of tears, but those smiles were back the minute they stepped outside the chapel.

We then headed for some photos where we had an awesome afternoon. The bridal party were the funniest bunch of people I have seen in a long time. It was funny, naughty, and a million shades of hilarity all rolled into one. They rocked that hillside for the afternoon, before we took the party back to Maleny Reserve Restaurant.

Where these guys really rock, is that they treated their guests to a six course degustation dinner for their reception. I’ve become quite the fan of partaking in this kind of exquisite dining - and its definitely a very special way to celebrate your wedding!

Thank you Scott & Suzi for so many laughs, and for making me smile all the way home. xxx

And here is the slideshow…

So I tell Scott, “yes, you can keep your drink, as long as you hide it behind Suzi”. I think Scott enjoys bending the rules to see just how far he can push it!!…

We had some issues getting the gate open - but that didn’t stop Suzi who just went up and over…

Even trying to get our photo taken, we couldn’t keep a straight face…

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Joe & Rachel. Seriously one of the most sweetest couples you could hope to meet. And adorable in every sense of the word.

Rachel and the girls got ready at the Stamford. Rachel was a little shy when the camera was first turned on her, but she soon warmed up in no time. I always help out as much as possible by showing my brides what I want them to do beforehand, and I think they figure if she can do it, then so can I! In any case, Rachel really showed me up, and took to being in front of the camera like a professional! The bridesmaids made the atmosphere fun, and kept Rachel giggling all afternoon.

The ceremony was held at Broadway Chapel, and was one of the most heartfelt, and uplifting services I’ve seen. From the tears welling in Joe’s eyes as Rachel walked down the aisle, to their personal vows to eachother, and the absolutely beautiful singing by Rachel’s girlfriends - it warmed your heart and reminded you that this was what marriage is all about.

From there we headed up to the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and then down to New Farm Park. The stormy conditions provided some awesome dramatic sky, and whilst it got dark early, we stayed out amongst it and had a lot of fun with such a cute couple. Once it was dark, we got back to Customs House for the reception. Joe & Rachel had us stay on to capture the reception, dancing, and to help clean out their candy bar. I was only too happy to oblige!!!

Joe & Rachel’s fabulous Eiffel Tower wedding cake in honour of where they got engaged…

Time for the slideshow…

The awesome Anne Campbell officiated the ceremony….

In The Booth provided the Photobooth at the reception which was a huge hit!…

Umm, enough said…

Poor Luke. I was calling him Edward from the moment I met him. But do you blame me? The resemblance is uncanny…

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Anthony & Jo are a lovely couple who planned a very intimate gathering to celebrate their nuptials at Sirromet Winery earlier last month.

It could only be described as a perfect winters day for the ceremony by the Laguna. Anthony & Jo only invited their very closest friends and family, so there was a close-knit feel amongst the guests who were so happy to be there witnessing them tie the knot. After some kisses and cuddles we then set about getting the crazy kids out for some photos.

We spent an hour or so getting around the grounds of Sirromet in the limo, making the most of the time we had. The reception was held in the private dining room adjacent to the barrel hall, which was the perfect spot for dinner with their guests. Jo asked me to stay on as a guest, and I was honoured to share in their first meal.

Have a stickybeak at the slideshow…

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Last month Poo and I headed to Toowoomba, to shoot the wedding of Clinton & Sarah. Sarah is the sister of one of my previous grooms Michael, so I expected a pretty awesome day. What I wasn’t expecting was one of the COLDEST days that I have ever had shooting a wedding. I’m not just talking cold. By Queensland standards, it was FREEZING!! Even in my long sleeve winter uniform, I was near frozen, and at times I wondered how my fingers were even able to change shutter speed and focal points. But if it was bad enough for me, spare a thought for Sarah and the girls in their sleeveless gowns. Fortunately goosebumps do buff out in photoshop!!!

Sarah got ready at Vacy Hall, where she donned her unique lemon yellow wedding dress that was handmade by her mother. For the most part we enjoyed the warmth indoors, but we couldn’t escape going outside to see what Toowoomba had in store for the day. Turns out it was cold and windy. But the girls got on with the job and did what they had to do.

The ceremony took place in the old church attached to Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre. Clinton’s face lit up as he saw Sarah coming down the aisle, and the tears I’m sure I saw welling in Sarah’s Dad’s eyes melted my heart. After enjoying some time in the sun greeting their guests, it was time to head off for some photos.

Being very much country folk, it was only fitting for Clinton & Sarah to have photos on a friends farm just outside of town. We froze as the wind blew straight through us, played in the long grass, and got black soil all over our shoes - but the entire time I didn’t hear one complaint. Everyone was still able to laugh and make the best of the situation, which goes to show what an awesome bunch of people they are.

It must have been a relief when we headed back to town to the Empire for some photos inside the theatre, before they were then able to relax and enjoy their reception where it was toasty warm!!

Despite the cold, it was a lovely day spent with my kind of people who share my no nonsense attitude, and a desire for awesome wedding photos. Thanks Sarah & Clinton, you guys rock!! xxx

A lovely little slideshow…

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Earlier this month I had the priviledge of shooting the wedding of a dear friend of mine, Konrad. I have known Konrad since before I was born, as his parents were the godparents of my twin sisters. We spent a lot of time together growing up, and I look at Konrad as the older brother I never had. He is a very special human being, and I was thrilled to be able to document their wedding day for them.

The ceremony was held at Broadway Chapel at Woolloongabba, and was officiated by the always professional Geoff Mazlin who did a lovely job of the service. As Konrad & Iris proceeded back down the aisle, they were joined by their beautiful daughter Emily who was all grown up acting as flowergirl!

We then tried to beat the rain and headed to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and then to Captain Burke Park for some photos, before we got over to Carina Leagues Club for the reception. As this was very much a family affair, both my Mum & Dad were there to celebrate, as well as my other half, Tony.

It was such a lovely day, and we were all very proud to help celebrate! xxx

And now for the slideshow….

Tony & I together with Konrad & Iris…

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It was two years ago that I was booked to go to Hamilton Island to shoot the vow renewal of a wonderful couple, Kevin & Kay. It was their daughter, Julianne, who arranged for me to be there to capture their day - and that week that her life changed forever.

It was up there, on Hamilton Island, where Julianne was celebrating with her family, that she met the man she would marry exactly two years later. I remember talking with Julianne on the island about being eternally single, and how things were never likely to change. The universe is a strange place sometimes.

Justin & Julianne tied the knot near their home at Currumbin on the Gold Coast. The day had a very easy-going, laid back, and party atmosphere which suited the couple down to the ground. They had both waited a long time for the right person to come along, and were going to celebrate in style.

We were graced with the perfect day, and the most unusual cloud formations I’d seen in a while. After the ceremony we headed out to the beach where there was the most gorgeous golden afternoon light. There was no shortage of laughs and jokes as everyone enjoyed the afternoon - even if the girls were a little cold.

It was back to the Currumbin RSL where we were invited to stay on and enjoy the nights festivities as real guests, with real seats, at a real table. It was quite the novelty (and a refreshing change from eating off your knees in a back room!!)

Thank you Justin & Julianne for including me as one of your family, and allowing me to help celebrate this wonderful occasion. xx

And here is the slideshow…

The lovely Vanessa joined me again to second shoot…

With Julianne….

And one with Justin…

Matt & Jacqui may look familiar from their e-session we had last year at UQ. Finally their big day had rolled around.

We first headed on in to see Jacqui and the girls getting ready in the city. The girls from The Powder Room were just finishing up on the amazing job they did on the girls hair and make-up. I love working with friendly and efficient professionals! Jacqui was so pumped to get her day rolling, and there was no doubt she was so excited to be getting to the church to see her man.

It was a short walk down the street to Albert St Uniting where the ceremony took place. I think Matt was quietly nervous, but that all disappeared once Jacqui appeared at the end of the aisle. Very shortly after they were married, and stepped outside to be greeted by their family and friends.

We then spent the best part of the afternoon walking all over the Brisbane inner city. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but like most girls, I’m sure Jacqui was cursing her high heels before too long. This didn’t stop her from having a HUGE smile on her face all afternoon. It’s so beautiful to see a bride without a care in the world, and thoroughly enjoying herself and taking everything in. Once the bridal cars met us a few blocks away, we headed on over to New Farm, and then for the second time in a week we were back at Mirra in the Valley to get some photos inside the very unique reception venue.

But there was still some time to kill - so we all headed on up to the Story Bridge for some night shots. It was starting to get cold, but it didn’t seem to bother the bridal party who were in full on party mode!

The reception at Mirra got underway, and these people can party like you would not believe. We headed off shortly before 10pm and the band was rocking the dance floor, and the guests were all having an awesome time. I hazard a guess there were some sore heads the next morning!!

A big thanks goes to the always popular couple Tarrant & Melanie for sending Matt & Jacqui my way! xxx

Check out their slideshow…

With my two gorgeous brides, Jacq & Mel…

Kisses all round…

Poo & Mel…

One in, all in….

I have this disgusting habit of performing a little thing I call “chocolate teeth” whenever I’m around chocolate mud cake, (and especially around this cake of Sarah-Jane’s). Matt & Jacqui will go down in history as the first ever couple to join me…

Its rare that I get actually invited to weddings these days. And when I do, I’m usually still shooting it anyway. One of the advantages for my friends and family to know a wedding photographer I guess. Last month I left Poo at home for the day, and headed out with my new friend Vanessa, to shoot the wedding of my friend Juvena.

Jevy and I went to highschool together, and is pretty much the only person I keep in regular touch with over the last 14 years. A little while ago, this guy Damien popped up on the radar, and now here they are tying the knot.

The day started nice and early at the Emporium with Damo & the boys for their pre-photos, before getting upstairs to see how Toula was going making the girls beautiful.

Damien & Juvena elected to see eachother before the ceremony for their photo shoot, where we spent a couple of leisurely hours heading over Brisbane taking lots of photos. Once we got back, we gave the girls a quick rest, and headed over to St Stephens with the boys.

The great thing about already having the photos out of the way, is that we were able to head straight over to the reception at Mirra in the Valley, and get the party started. I got to work putting together the same day slideshow, but Juvena’s brother-in-law Matt, and my boyfriend made up for my absence from the table by proceeding to drink Mirra’s entire supply of red wine. Well, they tried. Thanks for an awesome night guys!! xxx

More in the slideshow…

Vanessa caught this shot. Thanks for coming out with me Vanessa. I promise I won’t keep calling you “Vanessa the Undresser”…

Last month, Luke & Tanya’s wedding saw Poo and I trek out to the back of Beaudesert, to a little place called Darlington. One of the most picturesque parts of the Scenic Rim, Tanya got ready at the Worendo Cottages nestled out in the middle of nowhere with amazing views of the mountains of the Lamington National Park.

With such an amazing setting, it was only fitting that the ceremony take place at the historic Tamrookum Church, set upon a hilltop overlooking the valley. The dark storm clouds were gathering and menaced us to no end. But everything went off without a hitch and Luke & Tanya were married, and enjoyed taking their time mingling with their guests outside afterwards.

We then headed back across towards Darlington to the Lost World Valley, and had lots of fun taking photos, and toying with Tanya’s sister with all the strange and wonderful Australian creatures she may encounter when she walked into the long grass!

Luke & Tanya’s reception completely blew me away. Held on Luke’s parents property in one of their sheds, it was nothing short of perfect. I’ve seen a lot of “country barnyard” receptions on websites and blogs, some done well - some not so much, and this setting looked like it stepped out of a magazine. It was an amazing effort on Luke’s parents part, and they ought to be congratulated.

It was then time to turn Luke & Tanya back over to their friends and relatives, and I’m told the night went off amazingly well!

More in the slideshow…

I loved this little guy. He was so curious about what was going on, and came right up to the cottage to check it out…

I will never forget the day I met Jenna. It was the first time I’d ever met a prospective client and sat and cried together. As Jenna described the close relationship she has with her father, it was like holding a mirror to my own life. When she spoke about her feelings about her dad, and the wedding, and her dads role in the wedding, I felt like it was all happening to me. I could totally, and completely picture myself where she was right now. It was both beautiful and scary at the same time. I will also not forget the advice she gave me that morning. I didn’t know at the time it was going to happen a few months down the track, and she was absolutely 100% right. A few hours later as Jenna walked out the door I think I told her that I was shooting her wedding, and there wasn’t anything she could do about it!

Nathan & Jenna’s wedding day took place up at the always beautiful Maleny Manor. Bec Narvaez was responsible for Jenna’s stunning make-up - I love when a bride uses my recommended suppliers. You don’t have to worry about anything, you just know it’s going to be amazing.

Jenna picked a perfect day to get married. A day when it rained. I’ve never known a bride to actually WANT it to rain on her wedding day, but Jenna couldn’t wait for the clouds to roll into the valley and provide the beautiful romantic backdrop that Maleny is known for. And she got her wish. Very shortly after her Dad walked her down the aisle, the heavens opened. It didn’t just rain, it POURED. As if right on time though, as fast as the rain arrived, it disappeared and allowed us to get out in the, albeit very soggy, open.

Just as we were on our way to the most photographed cow paddock in Maleny, we rounded a corner and came into some of the most beautiful light I have ever seen. The setting sun, combined with the after rain mist was just magical, and one of those “right place at the right time” moments. It only lasted around 45 seconds and was gone, and we all just looked at eachother not believing how lucky we’d been. We then spent some time hanging out with the cows, which suited Jenna down to the ground. You can take the girl out of Coonabarabran…..

Back to Maleny Manor where the reception got underway, and I stuck around just to see the father-daughter dance which Jenna and I pretty much picked out together that first day in my stoffice. To this day, I still couldn’t listen to the whole song on my ipod in the car, but that night I didn’t shed a tear. Maybe because now it’s a happy song. xxx

Slideshow….

“Daddy” used with kind permission from Kendall Payne. From the album “Paper Skin” - available on iTunes.

Officially the coolest cake ever….

Poo was back to his old tricks hiding in the bushes - stealth mode….

My turn…

This one is just for Nathan. He thought Jenna would look really “classy” with a beer in her hand. Hate to break it to him, but she actually makes it look a bit posh…

Exhausted, but having a great time…