I feel another one of my disclaimers coming on!! I’m sure everyone’s heard it a million times by now, but here’s a recap. I like kids (they taste like chicken). But I’m not good with them, so I avoid photographing them wherever necessary. If you want some awesome kids portraits, go see my good friend Kym Berry, she will blow your mind!

After a chance meeting back in June 2006, Rick Faulks has become not only one of my occasional second shooters, but also a good friend. He’s been an amazing colleague, and provided a supportive ear when I’ve needed it, and I hope in some small way I’ve been able to teach him a thing or two over the years. I’ve seen him grow from a photographic enthusiast, to small business owner, who is starting to see reward for the effort he has put in.

Considering I hadn’t shot any family portraits for Rick since way back in November of 2006, I was humbled when he asked me to have another go. Rick knows my aversion for working with children, and no matter how hard I protested, he trusted me to do a good job. With Megs, and twins Bella & Griffin in tow, they came out to my place one late Saturday afternoon, and we had some fun down by the cow sheds. It was HARD work. I have a reasonably short attention span (ooooh shiny thing) and as it turns out, so do kids, but we got there in the end!

And a little slideshow…

In July, Rick is taking on the mammoth task of cycling from Cairns to Brisbane to raise funds, and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland. To learn more about Rick’s charity cycle, or to donate to this worthy cause, please visit the website for more information.

When I think about Bec, there are four words that come to mind. Cute as a button. Mind you, I don’t really understand that phrase - are buttons really that cute? Either way, Bec is. Her smile is enough to light up a room, and her giggles and laughter are truly infectious. When you’re around her, you can’t help but laugh too.

Andrew & I rocked up to the apartment the girls were getting ready at, where Bec had just arrived back from having her hair and make-up done. Bec’s Mum swung into action and laid out an awesome spread of food for all to enjoy. Food is my friend. I always make sure my girls have a very full tummy - and to make sure they eat, I tuck in with them (ummm, it helps with creativity - yeah that sounds good!). Then it was game on. All of Bec’s bridesmaid were so much fun, and we laughed so much getting up to no good during the photos.

Over at St Stephens Cathedral, Michael was tense, but was slowly starting to loosen up as 3pm drew near. Just as Michael and his new wife emerged from the church, it started to rain. St Stephens has plenty of shelter, so it wasn’t a problem. True to form, once we were ready to go, the rain cleared, and never bothered us for the rest of the afternoon.

We stopped off down in Abbot Street for some shots with the wedding car from Continental Wedding Limousines. I can’t remember the drivers name (was it Bruce??) but he was just an absolute sweetheart, and nothing was too much trouble for him. I’d work with him again any day.

After a bit more tomfoolery, we headed on over to the Powerhouse for a little bit more. It was one of the most hilarious afternoons I’ve had in a long long time, as the whole bridal party just seemed to “click” and we all shared a similar sense of humour. Once we left there, we stopped off with Bec & Michael just over the road from their reception, Eve’s On The River, for a few last photos with the happy couple.

Even now, almost a month later, I have loved working through these images. They just make me laugh all over again, and remind me why I do what I do. Bec & Michael - you guys were fabulous, and I loved every minute of hanging out with you on your day! xxx  

When we got out on location, Bec had a bit of a moment where I think the reality of the day really caught up with her. She just stood there laughing saying “Holy crap! We’re TOTALLY married!!!”.

Yay for Andy, who snagged these ripper shots:

Brides beware - pull a stunt like this, and I WILL put the photo on the internet!!! (love you Becs)…

A to prove I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself either (it IS what I do best!!)…

Nothing like shooting a wedding on Valentines Day! Gary & Cristine were another one of those couples who booked me entirely over the phone, and I hadn’t met them until just a few weeks before the wedding. Even so, I was excited to get to shoot their wedding, as they share a really touching and unique love story.

Cristine and the girls were getting ready at the fabulous Palazzo Versace, which was my first time to shoot in the hotel. It certainly didn’t disappoint. Cristine looked so so beautiful in her red Leonard Derecourt gown, which she helped to design. The rain earlier in the morning had been just horrendous, but as Cristine was getting ready, miraculously the rain cleared.

We got over to the church to see Gary and the boys who were playing it cool. But the smile on Gary’s face said it all as Cristine made her way down the aisle on the arm of her father. From that point the smiles didn’t really stop!

We were able to get down to the beach for some photos, which only a few hours earlier, we didn’t think it would be possible. We had an awesome time hanging out on the beach, before we got back to Versace where the reception was being held.

Thankyou Gary & Cristine (and your families) for a truly lovely day spent celebrating a wonderful occasion. xxx

A photo with the happy couple…

My second shooter Christopher Thomas …

…making himself useful….

…and proving popular with the ladies. Two weeks later Christopher and his lovely fiancee Michelle were married in Brisbane. Congratulations guys!!

Two weekends ago, I had the opportunity to exhibit at my very first bridal expo. And being the exhibitionist that I am, I thoroughly enjoyed putting my stand together, and then getting to talk to hundreds of brides (and the occasional groom) as they wandered around the expo.

Even though I had to shoot a fabulous wedding on Saturday, my stand was left in the ever capable hands of my good friends Richard Faulks, and Courtey Taylor who did the most amazing job. Courtney was thrown right into the thick of things on Friday evening when I didn’t arrive until an hour into the expo due to horrendous traffic. When I got there she was entertaining prospective brides, showing them albums, and talking packages. Time for me to go to the drawing board and see how I can bring Courtney on for a more permanent role! Also, big thanks to Mark & Ashlynn Newman for hanging out on my stand, and helping with the pack down on Sunday.

This is how my stand looked… 

My album stands that Poo knocked up for me based purely on an idea I had. I really do have to thank him for how this stand looked, as he’s the one that made it all happen, and made all the trips to Bunnings for me. My Mum gets credit too, for her exemplary sewing skills on my table covers and album stands…

My cousin Nea, who gets married in August, dropped in to say hello…

You know me, any opportunity to get in front of the camera…

Thanks to all those who attended, and even the blog stalkers who came along and said hi! I learnt a lot of things from this Expo. Mainly that a 40″x60″ canvas does not fit through the boot of a Mazda 3. Who’d of thought?