Sunday’s are meant to be a day to kick back and relax. Not for Jo! You could tell that she was so nervous. She was worried about little things that could go wrong, but the girls were on hand to help calm her nerves. The girls were getting ready at the Scarborough Beach Resort - wear the views were gorgeous, and the weather was hot!

Heat was probably the last thing on John’s mind as he waited for his bride over at Cupid’s Garden at Burpengary. The limo arrived and a now extremely nervous Jo emerged, but as she walked down the aisle, it was as though the nerves started to lift the closer she got to John.

It was a lovely ceremony under the rotunda, with all of John & Joanne’s friends looking on. We then had a few photo’s around the gardens. I don’t think that John & Jo are used to all the attention, but they pushed on through!

Then we headed on over to the Woody Point waterfront for some more shots in the afternoon light. After some frolicking in the sand, it was time to get back to the Belvedere Hotel for the reception.

What can I say about Brent & Madonna!! They have been booked in with me since March of 2006, and referred one of my favourite couple’s of all time Joel & Anna. Brent & Madonna might just take that title away from them!! Either way, it seemed hard to believe that the day was finally here!

The wedding took place in Toowoomba, so early in the morning, Poo and I made our way up the range, to the hairdresser where Madonna and the girls were looking glamorous! From there we went back to Madonna’s parent place for lunch (thankyou Julie!), and then it was down to business.

Over to the boys, and the fella’s were all looking pretty darn fabulous. We reassured Brent that he was definately the best looking groom we’d had all day! Brent & Madonna met 10 years ago at the Uni Club on campus at USQ in Toowoomba. It was at this point that we worked out that Brent, Madonna, and I were all at that Uni at the same time - although I never met anyone who was husband material at the Uni Club!!

I really enjoyed the church service. The sermon that the Father gave was very thought provoking, and was really relevant to marriage in this day in age. It challenged my way of thinking.

Afterwards we stopped traffic in Russell Street, and then went out to one of the last places you’d imagine - The Toowoomba Showgrounds. At this time of year, especially with Carnival of Flowers going on, everyone goes to Queen’s Park (yawn!). We played a little bit around the showgrounds, before going out to a random paddock that Brent & Madonna had come across, and had asked the owners if they minded us comandeering their land and their shed!

We shot until well after sunset, and then the happy couple made their way back to the reception at Lords function centre (slowly) in the ‘55 Chevy. Once we were back, we put the camera down to hang out for a while. Poo and I had such a blast hanging out with the entire bridal party, they were an absolute pleasure to be with, and we enjoyed every minute of our day with them! Want to do it again next week??

This week marks one year since the opening image on my official website was shot, and as much as I love the image of that little girl, it’s time to move on. It’s over to Brent & Madonna to carry the torch!

I couldn’t say no to a glass of champagne once we’d finished. Thanks guys xx

I have just got back from a mad crazy trip to Melbourne. I spent a bit over 24 hours there (26 to be precise), and managed to cram in a haircut, some shopping, and an e-session (more on that later in the week). But the pièce de résistance, the main purpose of my trip, was to see Mr Mark Seymour play live last night at The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda.

Why go all the way to Melbourne? Why not! It was a special event for a new live DVD recording, and given my admiration for this man’s music, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I cannot describe how much I love seeing him perform live. His music has been, and continues to be such a big part of my life, and to hear those songs come alive right there in front of you, is awe-inspiring.

As usual, I don’t go far without a camera, so I went with a very basic kit to get some snapshots as I didn’t see a need to bring out the big artillery. Just a 30D, a 50mm 1.4, and my 85mm 1.8. They are my absolute favourite lenses for low light conditions, but unlike the previous gig, there was kick-ass lighting which made life easier.

Here are a few of my happy-snaps. He is a tremendous artist to photograph, and performs with such expression and intensity. As a “people” photographer, I get so much satisfaction from shots like these…

The set list…

I met up with a few guys from the Mark Seymour forum before the show. From left: Stu, John, Me, and Nathan…

Nathan came all the way from Colorado in the USA just for the performance…

And a photograph that needs no introduction (perhaps just some liposuction on those cheeks of mine!!!)…

Probably what I got the biggest kick from (besides what you see in the above photograph) was meeting Annie Maver. People who know me really well will know the obsession I had, and in many ways still have, with the D-Gen’s “The Late Show”. Annie was the Floor Manager/2nd Assistant Director on that show (and many Working Dog productions since), and was heading up the film crew there to film the show. The moment I saw her I said to the guy next to me “That’s Annie Maver”, and during a break we called her over for a photograph…

Annie was very gracious (and genuinely suprised!), and was very nice to chat with me until it was time to go back to work!

After a debrief with the forum crew, I arrived back at my hotel around 1.30am, and slept very soundly, and happily!

I had been looking forward to Andrew & Sam’s wedding all year. Sam & Andrew are one of the cutest couples you could ever hope to meet, and have been really excited about their photo’s in the leadup to the wedding. I absolutely love couple’s like these two, because they will do pretty much everything I ask them to!

We popped in to see Sam at the Medina. In my opinion, this is the absolute best place anyone can choose to get ready. Sure, it’s not as flash as the Stamford, or the Mariott, but all I have to say is location, location, location. The sweeping views of the bridge, and the river are spectacular, and can’t be matched by any other city hotel.

When we walked in, Sam was literally squeeling with delight! You couldn’t take the smile from her face, and she was bouncing around the room. She was accompanied by her “bridesmaid” Jordan. Now, we know he’s not a girl - but when your best friend in life is a guy, whatcha gonna do? Jordan made a fabulous bridesmaid, although it did confuse one member of the public later in the afternoon when she couldn’t spot any women in the bridal party!

With a late 4pm ceremony, Andrew & Sam decided to do their formal photo’s before the ceremony. The couple had their first meeting in the foyer of the hotel. While went out to shoot Andrew’s reaction, I could still hear Sam squeeling in the lift just busting to come out and see her man.

So out into the midday sun we went, but thankfully we had a lovely overcast day, so the light was not as harsh as it would usually be. We visted the usual haunts, as well as some new ones. The whole time Andrew & Sam were on cloud nine, and were having a fantastic time.

We finished up over at Kangaroo Point. Every time we go there we become a bit of a spectacle with busloads of foreign tourists, but this time we just seemed to go off! There was a ton of tourists standing around watching and taking photo’s, and everytime Andrew & Sam leaned in to kiss, a cheer went up from the crowd. Andrew & Sam were overwhelmed with all the attention, and made a lot of people happy when we gathered around for a group photo!

Sam & Andrew headed back to the hotel, whilst Andrew & Best Man Brendan went home to relax for an hour or two ahead of the ceremony. Poo and I went over to Eve’s On The River, and had a nice relaxing lunch across the road at the London Bar/Cafe. When Andrew & Brendan arrived over at Eve’s we headed over to catch up with them, and await Sam’s arrival.

Home boy Mike Gordon was on hand to perform the ceremony, and to stay on as a guest! Sam arrived and was walked down the aisle by Andrew. Even hanging out for a few hours earlier in the day didn’t make them any less nervous. Once they were man & wife, we got a few more photo’s around Eve’s, before finally they were done for the day, and it was time to go.

Andrew, Sam, Brendan & Jordan were so amazing, and remained focused and upbeat even with our massive workload for the day. Sam was just adorable to be around, and her excitement and joy was infectious. I loved every minute of hanging out with them, and thank them for being so damn HOT!!! Enjoy Fiji, and be careful of that sand!!!

Mikey & I…

If I fall, save the camera - I can be repaired…

Showing Andrew how it’s done…

A Toni sandwich…

The crowd we attracted at Kangaroo Point…

Laying down on the job…

When you walk into a hotel room, and are greeted by a beaming bride with a huge hug and a kiss, you know you’re in for a great day! Jo can only be described as happy-go-lucky. Even as she sat and ate her lunch of fish and chips off her lap, with a glass of champagne, she was a picture of happiness. We were having a hilarious time getting photo’s with the girls, but we needed to give the boys a bit of attention too!

The ceremony was held at St Stephen’s Cathedral in the city, and Andrew & Jo hold the record for the longest recessional I’ve seen to date. They were having such a great time greeting their guests on the way out of the church that the music had long stopped, and the lights had been turned off on them!! We then had to deal with a random stranger who had made their way into the church, and then proceeded to join the congregation on the steps for a group photo! Fortunately he must have realised I was onto him, and he quietly slipped away.

We had just literally taken the last family photo, when we had to hastily retreat to inside the church from the rain. I made Andrew & Jo brave a few spots to go back outside and grab some shots, before we got into the cars to head to our first location. A storm came across, but didn’t last for long, and we were able to get back to the job at hand. There were easily 5 or 6 bridal parties in the gardens, it was literally wedding central, but we all made sure we left with the same people we came with!

The sun went down, and we headed back to Quay West for the reception. Andrew & Jo were such a gorgeous couple, and made it such a pleasure for us to spend their day with them!! Thanks guys!!xx 

It was at this point that the rain started pouring. Instead of retreating to the safety of the hotel, we waited it out, and got these shots in the dingy doorway of an office building…

and then it was back to work once the sky cleared…

The girls enjoying lunch, whilst still keeping themselves nice!…

A note to my insurance company. It is perfectly safe to do this over the 13th floor balcony…

..just as it is safe to lie down in the middle of the road…

A shot with the kids…

With Lisa & Scott, whose wedding I’ll be doing in February…

And my October 2005 bride Merinda…

Friday weddings are always popular in September. I can’t think of a better way to get the weekend underway, than to hang out with cool people on the happiest day of their lives!

Cheryl was super quiet when we arrived at her house earlier in the day. She wasn’t giving much away, but you could tell she was nervous. Lucky for her we all had a great time entertaining her niece, Kayla, which may have helped to take her mind off things!

Over at Cherbon Waters, the boys rocked up in an absolutely classic vintage car. The ceremony was highly amusing, and as soon as it was over, Cheryl immediately looked at ease. We hung out on the grounds taking photo’s by the lake, sometimes in the lake, before heading into the city to get some night time shots of the Story Bridge just before the ceremony.

A big thanks goes to Neal & Cheryl for my souvenir personalised stubby holder, that they gave to their guests. I’m getting quite the collection going in my office!!

Poo looking dashing…

I ran into former couple David & Angela…

We have mutual friends, so we still see a bit of eachother around the traps, but it was nice to catch up…

Yesterday my best friend came over, and we went down to our “local”, The Fernvale Pub, for lunch. Of course the Millypede was in tow, so I took my camera with me for a few pics.

We then met Toby (yes I realise there’s laws against animals being present where meals are provisioned, but this is Fernvale after all!!)…

Milly has a fascination with everything at the moment, and today it’s bottles…

Then it was cuddles and playtime with Mummy…

Phil & Belinda first met in high school. And life, being one big journey of swings and roundabouts, brought them back together. And it couldn’t be more perfect.

Belinda is the sister of one of my previous brides, Katrina. It was a very early start, arriving at Belinda’s at 7.15am. But I think that Belinda would look amazing whatever time of day it was. She photographs so well (even if she doesn’t know it!). The mood was very upbeat. Funny, considering early there was serious tension when Katrina’s zip broke, and it didn’t look like we were going to get it back together. I took to the zipper with a pair of scissors, hacked a few of the teeth away, and bob’s your uncle.

His excellency Mike Gordon was the celebrant extraordinairre, and it was a ceremony filled with laughter. Phil & Belinda are hilarious, and the ceremony and the whole day infact, was a reflection of that. They both just had to so much as look at eachother, and they’d be bursting into laughter.

The ceremony and reception were at the Old Courthouse Restaurant at Cleveland, and was an early 10am wedding. We shot up to the Lighthouse to grab some quick pics, before being back at the Courthouse in time for lunch. We ended up staying on for the speeches, and Phil gave the most beautiful speech which nearly made me tear up!

I’m lovin’ these pics and the looks between Phil & Belinda which says it all!

This is Phoenix, Belinda & Phil’s nephew, and he is the cutest little thing!!!…

Me, relaying the story of Katrina’s wardrobe malfunction to Phil…

Me & Mikey Boy…

Off-camera flash anyone? I don’t think you have to be a photographer to know, that that ain’t how it’s supposed to look!!…

There’s something about a Friday wedding. I don’t know exactly what it is. Maybe it’s because as you drive from location to location you see people in business suits going to or from work, and you just think to yourself - SUCKERS!!!Work was the last thing on Ron & Charmaine’s mind today. Charmaine looked so regal in her absolutely exquisite custom made gown. The girls wore a beautiful, yet unusual shade that can only be described as a cross between peach and watermelon. Either way, it complimented Charmaine perfectly.

Ron was a little nervous, but he came alive once I started taking his mugshot, and started to relax. When the London Taxi Cabs rolled up outside St James at Coorparoo, it was show time. As Charmaine walked down the aisle, she was beaming as she saw Ron at the other end.

Afterwards we fought the Friday afternoon traffic, and headed to the Powerhouse. We had all of about 25 minutes to get the shots and get out of there. The whole crew were so great to work with, and put up with me pulling them into line. Hopefully I redeemed myself by saving the day with my trusty corkscrew, and Poo doing a mad dash in traffic to deliver it to the bridal cars while we were stopped at lights!

We made it back to Victoria Park in time to give Ron & Charmaine some mingling time with their guests, and to get a final shot with the city lights.

There’s a little game that’s been floating around the photographer world at the moment. If you get tagged, you have to share 8 things about yourself that people may not know. I got tagged by the amazing Kelly Munce. How are those plans for Vegas working out Kel?

1. I have identical twin sisters. People often ask if they look like me. They don’t. They look like eachother if that helps?

2. I can say the alphabet backwards in 2.57 seconds.

3. I have a major thing for Glenn McGrath. Oooh Aaah.

4. When I was 16, I went to see Barry Manilow in concert, and when he sang “I Write The Songs”, I cried.

5. I am a twirler. I am constantly twirling my hair in my fingers, so much so that it drives my family insane.

6. I once strapped a saddle on, and then tried to ride one of my cows. Only, I didn’t ask her permission. It did not end well.

7. I found my date to my high school formal by asking every customer who came through my checkout at Woolies if they knew someone I could go with.

8. My best friend once took a photo of me mooning the camera. I then signed that photo, wrote the inscription “I’ll kiss you on both cheeks anyday”, framed it, and gave it to another girlfriend for her 18th birthday.

I don’t see why this game has to just be for photographers, so I’m going to tag Sarah-Jane from Cake That. Show us what you got!