I just wanted to give a plug for the “Pride In Policing” March which is happening on Sunday August 12. The march leaves QPS Headquarters (Roma Street) at 11am, and proceeds down George Street to Parliament House. Members of the public, friends and family of Police Officers are encouraged to line George Street to show their support.

So if you’ve got nothing else to do, pop into the city for an hour or two Sunday week, to lend your support to the men and women who work so hard to protect all we hold dear. In light of recent events, the QPS now more than ever need to know they have the respect and support of the community they serve.

As a side note, my webstats have shown me that a lot of people are landing on the blog after searching for the “Mad World” song used on the recent QPEU advertisement. The video is no longer available on Youtube, but I did manage to download a copy of the song from the Union’s website before it disappeared. You can download a copy here (You have to right click and choose “Save Target As”).

ETA You can also get a full version of the song (as performed on the Donnie Darko soundtrack) on Itunes by a guy called Gary Jules. Totally skip the original Tears For Fears version, because it’s waaaay to 80’s.

I’m back from Newcastle, and ready to share some pictures from Saturday’s wedding.

David & Raelene have both found love the second time around, so their day was not only about them coming together, but two families also becomming one. Both Rae’s daughter, and Dave’s two sons were in the bridal party to support their Mum & Dad in their new journey together.

It was an early morning, getting up early for the drive up from the Hunter Valley to Moriset, north of Newcastle. I tagged along with the girls to the hairdresser, and once we got back, time just seemed to fly by. It was a mad rush at the last minute to get them ready!

The wedding was held at St Luke’s at Wallsend in Newcastle, a beautiful old historic church. Rae kept Dave waiting for a good half an hour, but I’m sure Dave will agree it was worth the wait! The ceremony was simple, yet lovely, and was over far too quickly!

Afterwards, seeing we were short on time, we just had time to get over to Civic Park in the city for some photo’s. Once we wrapped up there, it was over to the Old Courthouse at Minmi for the reception. For a small group of people, they sure knew how to party!

Here are some shots from the day I picked out on the flight home over a can of Johnnie Walker…

Rae & Dave hired the most amazing one man band for their reception, Stuart Hamilton. This guy is seriously talented, and an awesome entertainer. He’s also a bit of alright! (I figure I can say that. The bloke is in another state - like he’s ever going to find out !!!)

What a view to wake up to!!

I spent last night at the Pokolbin Hill Chateau Resort. I’m down here for my clients Raelene & Dave’s wedding today, north of Newcastle. There was a little chill in the air this morning, but its shaping up to be a glorious day!

I flew in last night to Newcastle on Jestar, my first time flying with the airline. All in all it was a pretty good flight. They make you walk on the tarmac to the plane. When I climb those stairs up to the plane, I cannot resist the urge to turn around and wave (at who I do not know), but it makes you feel like a movie star. Same thing getting off the plane. Its like you’re the president stepping out of Air Force One! Oh, and for the record the hosties do NOT do star jumps in the aisles like they do on the tv ad - very disappointing!!!

I’ll tell you tomorrow…

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the newest member of my family…

The as yet unamed infant was delivered by way of Photo Continental (aka The Mothership), weighing in at 1lb 12 1/2 oz. Both Mum and the little one are doing well.

Big thanks must go to Deb Amsler for her kind words of encouragement this morning. I believe it was something along the lines of “Do it. Do it NOW!!!!”.

On a side note, while I was at The Mothership, I ran into another talented young photographer from Armidale NSW called James Day. I’ve been reading his blog for a while now, and was really suprised to see him here in Queensland. The smart thing to do would have been to say “Hi James, I’m Toni. I’ve been following your blog for some time, and I’m a big fan of your work”. But what do I do instead? Say “James? What are you doing in Queensland?”. Can you say STALKER!!! The look on the poor guys face was priceless as he tried to figure out where he knew this strange woman from.

That’s the power of a blog. You put a little bit of yourself out there, and people feel like they know you, even when you haven’t met. Here’s hoping James see’s it that way too, and doesn’t opt for a restraining order instead!

If you would like to make an enquiry, please click here to be taken to the online contact page.

Today wasn’t just a wedding for me, it was an experience! It was a 12 hour day for Poo and I, but it occured to me as we drove home that I didn’t feel tired, or worn out. It was like spending the day with family, and I came away with a renewed passion for what I do.

I relish the chance to work with brides and grooms from different cultures and backgrounds. I love getting to see customs and traditions practiced that are so far removed from what I know, and finding out the meaning behind them. I got to learn so much today.

Our day started early at Sameera’s house for the beginning of the Nikkah (wedding) ceremony. As is tradition with Muslim weddings, the bride and groom are not together when they are married. In a ceremony surrounded by her family, Sameera acknowledged her intent to marry Ameen. A short while later, a similar ceremony is held at the mosque for Ameen, where he then acknowledges his intent to marry Sameera. I remained with Sameera, whilst Poo went to photograph Ameen, and we listened into the Nikkah via mobile phone. The emotion on Sameera’s face as she heard the voice of her groom, made me want to cry. There were a few tears shed, but I know they were tears of joy - especially afterwards when Sameera announced to everyone “I’m married!!”, you could tell she was so happy!

We eagerly awaited Ameen’s arrival at the house, where after some friendly bargaining with Sameera’s sister, he gained entrance to the home, and got to see his bride! After we all sat down to lunch, there was a quick exchange of wedding rings, and then it was time to get Sameera into her wedding gown.

Ameen, Sameera, Poo & I headed into the city for photo’s. Ameen had been so nervous up until this point, I didn’t know how he would go being a model for the afternoon. I really needn’t have worried. The moment he and Sameera stepped out he was completely at ease, but then Sameera does have a calming effect on people! Just the way they would look at each other, you could tell how much in love they are. Several years, and two continents couldn’t keep these two apart - so you just know they are meant to be!

We then kicked on at the reception which was held at the Greek Hall at Mt Gravatt. Rochelle & Shane from Lumina Video did a great job of capturing the nights festivities. My most sincere thanks must go not only to Sameera, but her parents Fayyaz & Khadija for their warm hospitality, and taking Poo and I into their home and making us feel like family.  

Sameera and I showing off our mehndi…

One of my clients, Sameera, is getting married this weekend, and invited me to her Mehndi Night last night!

A Mehndi Night is an Indian tradition, where women gather to celebrate the upcomming marriage. I guess you could say its similar to a hens night. There was amazing food, and Indian dancing, and all of the ladies present were having a great time! I loved the colour that was all around, as there were so many beautiful sari’s everywhere I turned.

Here is Sameera, our bride-to-be..

And some detail of her gorgeous outfit…

And some of the other details I found…

Later in the evening, Sameera had her “mehndi” applied, which is traditional art painted on the skin with henna..

I also had mehndi applied to the inside of my forearm, and I just love how it looks!! I’m so looking forward to spending Saturday with Sameera & Ameen, and their families!

With so many weddings on my plate, I don’t tend to do portraiture anymore. I’ve even removed that section from my website, because I just don’t have the time. I still continue to do e-sessions, intimate sessions, maternity & families etc, but pretty much exclusively for my wedding clients, or for people who know me.

My friend Stevie-Poo’s fiance, Amy, put me in touch with her sister, who is expecting her second baby and was after some maternity portraits. So last week, I popped over to their house to shoot Melissa’s baby bump.

But when I got there I discovered one pretty good looking family, so we turned it into a maternity come family session. Their little boy Jack is just so cute, and really photographs incredibly well. Given the good genes this family has, their next baby is going to be a stunner!!

Jack has an enormous amount of energy, and we struggled just to keep him still..

And likes talking to his soon-to-be little brother or sister..

So then we got down to business and got some shots of Mum & Dad…

…and all was good with the world.

Well, smiled or farted, one of the two. I’m going to go with smiled.

Being a supermodel is oh so tedious…