It was about a year ago when I first heard from Colleen & Colin, and at that stage they weren’t even in the country! In that time they managed to come home to Brisbane, before heading to Melbourne to live. Colleen did a marvellous job planning a wedding from overseas, and then interstate, and it went off splendidly!

Colin & Colleen were married at St Paul’s church at Spring Hill. Colleen looked so elegant as she made her way down the aisle to her man. These two are just so cute together, and are so much in love. It took them 7 years, and living apart in different countries for a lot of that time, to make it to this day, and they were loving every minute of it.

From the church we went on a whirlwind tour of the city. We hung out in Howard Street, and then headed up to Parliament House. I never tire of shooting inside that building as there is just so many beautiful photo opportunities. A little more hanging out in George Street, before going up to the Kangaroo Point lookout - this time without the foreign tourists!

Once we got over to the River Room at Southbank at the reception, immediately after Colin & Colleen made their grand entrance they launched straight into their bridal waltz, which was a suprise for all the guests. They had been taking special dancing lessons in preparation for this day. Their performance was worth of a Dancing With The Stars berth. It was spectacular!

Colin & Colleen’s wedding was another one of those days where you feel lucky to get to do what you do. Every weekend I get invited into people’s worlds to share the most significant day of their lives to date, and couples like this make it all worthwhile!

I know Colleen is a huge fan of black & white, so I’ve included a few more of those than I usually would - just for her!

Before I post the pictures from Colin & Colleen’s gorgeous wedding, I thought I would share a collection from their E-Session we shot last month in Melbourne. Colin & Colleen live down there, so seeing I had the afternoon to kill - we got in the car and hit the town.

It was almost like a sight-seeing tour at the same time, as I took in the sights of Colin & Colleen’s neighbourhood, got all hoity-toity in the streets of Toorak, and lived it up in the CBD.

We had a great afternoon, and it was great practice for them in the leadup to the wedding. These two are so cute together, and I just love the way Colleen looks so adoringly at her man… 

Yet another early morning for Bernie & Melanie’s wedding at Sirromet Winery. This wedding was all about simplicity, and no fuss. A simple, elegant Friday morning wedding, no bridesmaids or groomsman, and no elaborate photo shoots.

We arrived just before the ceremony to catch up with Bernie, who was looking sharp, and feeling calm. Melanie arrived at the cellar door, and changed into her wedding gown. I got a few quick shots of her, but she was raring to go! She just wanted to get down to the Laguna to see Bernie.

There were a few tears for Mel during the ceremony, but afterwards there was no wiping that smile off her face. I remember at one point asking for her serious “attitude” face, and she said through laughter “I can’t, I’m just so happy!!”.

Melanie was adamant from the day we met, that she didn’t want a big formal shoot after the wedding. Just 5 minutes to get an obligatory headshot, and then straight into the reception to spend time with their guests. Fortunately for me, 5 minutes is more than enough to get what I need. So on our drive back up the hill we stopped off in the vineyard, and then headed straight up to the reception.

It was a very fast day for us, only two and a half hours after we arrived we were on our way - but it was exactly the day that they wanted.

I was pleasantly suprised when Milly and her Mummy dropped in for a visit, and to bring me lunch. I think that Milly knew my Mummy was away camping this week, and didn’t want me to go hungry!!

Milly’s latest trick is now being able to put her foot in her mouth…

This is Ryder. He lives across the road from me. His interests include eating, sleeping, pulling funny faces, and being cute as a button.

Early mornings are not my forté. Sometimes though, you gotta do what you gotta do. Poo had me up early with a hot breakfast (he also packs my equipment and loads the car!), and we got on the road to Amanda’s house!

Amanda was tired, but eager. She sat on the dining room table (I’m talking literally on the table), in her slippers, as she had her makeup applied - and then promptly got in trouble for talking to me and messing up her lipstick!

The wedding was held at the Mount Cotton Rainforest Gardens, at an early 11am. Amanda arrived in the awesome Chevy Bel-Air courtesy of Retro Rides. Down by “Betty’s Brook”, Tim & Amanda were pronounced husband and wife in front of their closest family and friends.

Not being big into having tons of photo’s taken, we stole the bridal party away for barely half an hour for some quick pictures. The Chevy provided some great photo opportunities. After a quick stroll around the grounds, it was time for the guys to sit down to lunch and relax.

I have my Poo back!! Mum and Dad landed in Brisbane last night, and Poo was up early this morning to come out with me. I love shooting with my stand-ins when Poo is away, but there ain’t nothing like the real deal! For Poo and I, it’s much more than shooting, it’s getting to hang out together for the day as well, and have a great time!

We headed into the Treasury Hotel to see Kali. There was a little panic setting in, which was to be expected. The girls did a great job at calming Kali’s nerves, as she settled into her new role as the centre of attention!

Brett was waiting patiently at the church for the arrival of his bride. There were tears all round as Kali glided down the aisle on the arm of her Dad. The ceremony was performed in record time, thanks to a priest who maybe had a little riding on the Caulfield Cup, and wanted to make it home in time to watch the race!

It was off to Pandanus Beach for some sitting on the beach. The wind started to get up, and as we made our way back to the limo, I spotted the ice-cream truck! Brett & Kali didn’t really feel like having an ice-cream, but I still wanted some shots anyway. Even if my ulterior motive was so that Poo and I could get to eat the ice-creams!!

We then headed around to Lota where Brett & Kali had found this awesome spot full of old boats and boardwalks for some down and dirty rustic shots. Once we were done, it was back to the Grand View Hotel at Cleveland for a rockin’ reception!

I was also pleasantly suprised to run into Terry & Nicky, whose wedding I will be shooting in March next year just two days before I fly out for the States…

I had some out takes from Richo & Courtney’s wedding, that I simply had to share.

First things first, a word from our sponsors!!! Here’s me with awesome hair and makeup artist Toula…

And the DJ, Peter…

Courtney & Nat trying their hand at checking in guests at the hotel reception…

Richo & Courts have this thing with pulling stupid faces, and they do it ALL the time…

And Nat giving it a go…

I’m still unsure as to exactly what Courtney was doing at the time to get a reaction like this…

Blue Steel anyone?…

Some of me in action…

Partying with the girls…

With friends, Nat & Doug…

And the happy couple…

And of course…

The day finally arrived. Richard & Courtney, my friends, my star couple, and my first couple to do their Trash The Dress session BEFORE the wedding, became man & wife in front of their closest friends and family on Sunday, at Riverside Receptions at New Farm.

I’ve known Richard & Courtney for quite a few years, from my days working at Telstra. If you had of told them five years ago that they would be getting married, nobody would ever have believed you!

Courtney & Nat got ready at the awesome Emporium Hotel in the Valley. This is my new favourite hotel, and I got to do it over, yet again! Courts has had ample practice in front of my camera, so made light work of the whole process. They both looked absolutely stunning, with thanks to Beautiful Images by Toula, and just simply for the fact that they’re HOT!!

Richo was grinning from ear to ear all afternoon. He had been waiting for this day, when Courtney would finally become his wife. I turned to see him looking so proudly up at Courtney as she emerged to walk down the aisle. I brought tears to my eyes, which I can tell you, makes it really hard to take photo’s!! The service was held by the river under a jacaranda tree that was in full bloom. It was funny, and light hearted, yet still very moving. They were both so so happy just to be standing next to eachother.

After the ceremony, we jetted off to Abbot Street, and then to the Powerhouse. Most of my weddings are like hanging out with friends, but this was the most fun I’ve had in a single afternoon. When your friends get married, most of them feel bad about asking you to take the photographs. They want you to relax and have a good time, and not feel like you have to work. Truth be told, I’d rather be working. Getting to create these images for any of my couples is a reward, but to do this for people you love is even more special.

Once we were back to the reception, we settled in for the party. I hooked Richo & Courtney up with an awesome DJ, Peter from Paramount Events, who did a fantastic job at keeping the party going!

My big thanks goes out to Rick, for coming out with me to fill in for Poo. We missed Poo terribly, but Rick did his best to make up for his absence. Groomsman Mick also made up for one of Poo’s best talents - being the “wind” behind the veil.

Courtney & Richard, I am so happy for you both. I couldn’t think of two more wonderful people who deserve the happiness that you both share. It has been an honour, and a priviledge to share in your wedding preparations, as well as documenting your day. I love you guys. xxoo

There was something familiar about Amanda that I couldn’t put my finger on. It took me well into the first hour before I realised I’d been seeing flashes of Delta Goodrem in her. Amanda was stunning. A little shy, but cute as a button.

The ceremony took place at the Redcliffe Uniting Church, where beforehand, the boys took their chances with a swooping magpie. Like most boys, Justin hates getting his photo taken, but he was an absolute sport all the same.

After the ceremony was all went down to Sutton’s Beach at Margate for some afternoon frolicking in the sand. Justin & Amanda also had some very cool cars (don’t ask me exactly what sort, I’m such a girl when it comes to cars). We finished up at the Redcliffe Golf Club for the reception. 

A big thankyou goes out to Andy (aka Grasshopper) for saddling up to come out with me today with Poo still away in Vietnam.