I certainly picked the best wedding to go back to work for. As I’ve said before, technically December is my month off, and I really had to think about whether I wanted to work on the last weekend of the year. But when Beth said she was the sister of one of my former grooms, Alex, then I just had to say yes. I’m so glad that I did. 

Daniel & Beth would be one of the most unique couples I have met. I love hearing stories from my couples, especially about how they met. From getting to know Beth & Dan, I discovered that they both had a passion for bird-watching, and met through a local bird-watching group. They are also super smart, both having Phd’s in their respective fields, and have a love of nature, and the outdoors.

So it was no suprise that they chose to have their wedding in the Bunya Mountains on the Darling Downs. Poo and I made the trek (just over 2 hours from our house), and arrived to a gorgeous crisp day, with no sign of any of that bad weather we’d been promised. We arrived to find Beth a little nervous, but as the champagne kicked in, she seemed to unwind. Once she spotted a bird through the window while she was getting her makeup done, I knew she was going to be ok!

The wedding was held a couple of doors down at the Camelot Function Centre, out amongst the Bunya pines on the side of a hill, surrounded by rainforest. The highlight for me was a beautiful poem that Beth read to Daniel, that even had me with tears in my eyes. You just knew that these two were perfect for eachother, and the whole day reflected that.

To keep in with the laid back theme of the day, I only kept the guys away from the reception for about 45 minutes.  I don’t think I’ve laughed so much with a bridal party before. Daniel’s entire family live in Ireland, and both his brothers and his sister were in the bridal party, so there was plenty of Irish jokes and paying out on the differences between the Irish and the Aussies.

The guys then wandered back over to the reception to hang out with their guests for a good old fashioned Aussie BBQ. A perfect way to end a perfect day.

Dan & Beth, I cannot thank you enough for having us share your day with you, and your families. It’s people like you who make me so grateful that I do what I do. xxx

 

The wedding cake was topped with Dan & Beth’s furry & feathered children…

Even on their wedding day, they still found time to indulge their passion…

Toni Sandwich….

Now if Beth would hurry up and finish her mouthfull….

Then I can get a photo with my two brides, Ami and Beth…

I spent a leisurely Friday afternoon hanging out in the city with Kris & Amanda for their E-Session. They’ll be getting hitched in July, and what better way to get comfortable in front of the camera then workin’ it in less formal circumstances and surroundings. If today was anything to go by, they’ll be smokin’ come July.

I picked up the kids, and headed to my first location, only to find out that it was closed over the Christmas/New Year break. Not to worry, we popped on down the road to the Powerhouse where we sat down for a coffee. Then we got to work. Kris & Amanda are naturals. They seemed at ease together straight away, and it was very easy to capture them being themselves.

From there we dropped into the Chinatown Mall, and then wound up under the Story Bridge to finish up. Kris & Amanda are such a fun relaxed couple, and shooting their wedding is going to be a blast!

Also Kris wanted me to tell the world that he is really really ridiculously good looking, and he can do other stuff good too.

Kris being generally brave and handsome and helping me back over the barrier…

I cannot believe that 2007 is drawing to a close already. In one way it seems like it has gone so quick, and in another way I look back and realise…I did a bloody lot of work this year!! 65 weddings later, and still one more to go (I’m going to put them into next years count!), I kind of wonder where the time went.

This has been a massive year for me. Professionally, I have achieved so much. Personally, well I probably have a few less friends (some people don’t “get” the sacrifices you make to do this job, the ones that do stand by you are gold), and I don’t get out much, but you know what…..I’m happy. Every week I get to be taken into peoples lives and get to share in their journey that lasts long after the photo’s have been taken, and the albums are delivered. But more importantly, I’m doing something that I love.

I don’t know where I would have been this year without Poo. This was his first full year of being my sidekick. And despite those few weeks here and there I gave him time off to go overseas with Mum, he was with me every step of the way. I’m so proud of my Dad, he’s my hero. (For the record, my Mum is equally as awesome, and she never fails to have some extraordinary culinary delights prepared for us when we get home from a hard days shooting!!) 

Here’s some random information… Want to know what the most popular groom’s name was this year? It was a tie between Brett & Steve. Bride’s name? It was a three way tie between Lauren, Amy, and Anna.

Normally I would have sent an annual Christmas card out this year, but trying to fit 65 couples onto a card wasn’t going to be logistically possible. So instead I put together a special compliation of all this years weddings into one special album. When I sit and watch this back I feel totally blessed to have such amazing clients who are willing to give me so much of themselves.

Relive the year that was here.

So, 2008?? I’ve got a full dance card booked for next year - which means heaps more weddings to feature. I’m finally taking a holiday (my first in 3 years) so stay tuned for more reports from the streets of Las Vegas & New York. Mum & Poo are doing a little more travelling next year, so my reserve second shooters standby (or if you’d like to be on my reserve second shooters list get in touch).

Happy New Year!!

  

I love Christmas Eve Eve. It just makes the whole lead in to Christmas that little bit extra special. Or maybe it’s all those Long Island Iced Tea’s that Poo keeps feeding me. Either or, it’s all good!

Both my sisters rocked up today, and Cherie brought the newest addition to her family, 12 week old Kimba…

My other sister also has two Samoyed’s of her own. My parents bred these dogs for many many years when we were kids, so seeing the three of them bounding around our house today was a familiar and welcome sight.

We also had an old friend of my sisters, Tracey, arrive with her husband and children. The odd thing about Tracey, is every time I’ve seen her over the last ten years or so, she never gets any older. I really don’t know how she does it…

 

Poo & I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and very merry, and safe Christmas. I hope Santa is extra good to you, and maybe you score some decent sheepskin seat covers! Merry Christmas!

I love getting news like this!

Clients of mine, Mick & Mandy, have welcomed a new addition to their family, their son Cooper Michael. Cooper was born on December 9, and weighed in at 7lb 5oz. Mandy emailed this picture of the little guy through this morning….

Congratulations guys!!

I think I’d waited all year for this wedding. Technically, December is my “month off”. But when one of your dearest friends tells you they’re tying the knot during your holidays, whatcha gonna do?

I’ve known Steve for a number of years now, since he came to work at Telstra as an 18 year old. It’s such a cliche, but over the last 7 years, we’ve all watched him grow into the man has become. I know I couldn’t of been more proud of him than I was today.

We kicked off at Amy’s parents house, where I finally got to see her wedding dress creation by Darb. It was certainly one of a kind. I didn’t really know what to expect with the vivid description Amy had given me - but you know what, it just worked. It suited Amy down to the ground, and she carried it so well.

As we left to get to the church, Amy said to me “Say hi to Steve for me”. I reflected on that on the way over to Corpus Christie, and I think she was the first bride ever to say that to me. Even here, on her wedding day, she was still thinking about everyone else but herself!

Amy arrived at the church, and headed down that aisle to her awaiting groom. One of my favourite moments was when Steve & Amy’s nephew, Jack, made his way down the aisle. He cause sight of his uncle waiting at the end of the aisle, and shouted a big “STEVE!” which made the whole congregation laugh audibly.

Once the ceremony was finished, we made our way to the Powerhouse for a very quick photo shoot. It would be safe to say that Amy absolutely detests having her photo taken. We both compromised and I shot a bit more “fly on the wall” than I would usually, and Amy humoured me when I needed her to work it for me.

We made it back to Eve’s On The River in record time for the reception, where the guys made a quiet entrance and began mingling with their guests.

I don’t have another wedding until the end of the month, so I’ve included a few more photo’s than I would normally…

No pain no gain. When it comes to the veil, if it doesn’t draw blood - it’s not in hard enough!!!

You can always rely on Grandma to bribe you with the goodies to keep you quiet during the ceremony…

Probably my favourite shot…

The candy bar is open!! In lieu of bonbonierre, the guys had a candy bar where you just filled up your little bag full of whatever you liked! It was a huge hit - don’t believe anyone when they tell you it’s only kids that like this sort of thing!!

Off The Clock

Steve & Amy were really strict on us putting our cameras down at the reception and being real guests. This is Poo demonstrating that it’s quite possible to do both…

My friend Chris & I…

Chris & Ben are moving to Sydney, and I’m going to miss them so much…

She’s been my bride, a bridesmaid, my assistant, but most importantly friend, Melissa…

The Guest Book

I made Steve & Amy a guest book featuring pictures from their engagement session. I first got the idea from one of my favourite U.S photographers, Jessica Strickland. I made one for my friends Richard & Courtney, and it was a big hit. It makes a lovely personal keepsake, and the guests have a great time checking out the pics. I tried to make sure the album did the rounds for everyone to sign…

I couldn’t resist this last one. There’s always a joker…

and the joker is me…

I’ve made no secret in the past about my love of Beautiful Images by Toula and her team of amazing hair and make-up artists. Over the years I’d often heard her name mentioned by my brides, and the one consistant thing was how good their make-up was. Then about a year or so ago I finally met Toula, and found what a genuine, warm, and engaging person she was as well. She loves what she does, and her unbelievable talent is what makes her a leader in her industry.

What I love most about Toula’s skills, is what she does with the eyes. To me, eyes are the most important feature, and boy can she make those babies stand out!

I put an album together of all of the weddings that we have worked on together this year, for Toula to show off her amazing talents to her clients. Thank you Toula, for making my job easy - and for making by brides (and me!) look amazing!

To see the album, click here.

Now before you get all excited, there’s no need for applause, because it’s nowhere near as exciting for you as it is for me!

In September I flew down to Melbourne, for the taping of a live DVD recording featuring Mark Seymour. It was an unreal concert, I got some great pics, but all this time I’ve been waiting patiently to see if my ugly mug was going to make it in the the DVD somewhere (I was in the front row, how could I not be!!).

On Saturday, my prayers were answered. The DVD was released on Saturday, and I got myself into JB Hi-Fi to pick up my own copy. From there it was straight over to my best friend’s house to watch the DVD on the big screen in the media room.

We only had to get past the first 3 songs before I made my first cameo, and that was followed up by another couple of quick grabs throughout the rest of the feature. All in all, I’m reasonably happy with my performance maybe it’s not my best angle though. Kelly reassured me that the camera does add 10 pounds to which I complained “but they’re only using one camera!”. She also made another nasty jibe that this will be really exciting for me and the 4 other people who buy this DVD. All I’m going to say is she was very lucky she was holding a baby at the time!!!

So here it is, my lame attempt at a screen capture documenting my 3 and a half seconds of fame….