So, having kids is not very high on my “Things To Do” list. The older I get, and the more firm in my convictions I become, I notice that the general reaction I get these days is one of two things. The most common reaction is an inability to understand - as if I’ve just said that I don’t care to breathe in and out anymore, quickly followed by their assertions that I WILL change my mind one day (thanks, but I won’t). And the second is that I must be some kind of cold hearted, child hating monster.

Children are a LOT of work, and I just know that I’m not cut out for that. I do, however, love the children I have in my life as if they were my own. I get cuddles, I get kisses, I get to push the pram - and when they start screaming I get to high tail it out of there and go home to some peace and quiet. And I’m 100% happy with that decision.

I haven’t posted shots of Milly in a while. She’s at that age where the world is full of curious wonder, and will not sit still for longer than about 2.35 seconds. Seeing patience is a virtue that I don’t seem to have (hence why I’m not a childrens photographer), photoshoots these days with her are few and far between. I went shopping last week with Milly and her Mum, and after a trip to Pumpkin Patch, I knew I’d be pulling out the camera when we got home.

Here are a few shots of a beautiful little angel by her Aunty Toni - who is definately not a monster!

It was city meets country when Angela married her main man, Jamie, a few weeks ago at Boulevard Gardens.

We first headed off to catch up with Jamie and the boys as they sat around drinking Vodka & red cordial (a unique combination considering they are ”boys from the bush”!!), waiting to get ready for the big day. It would seem that the camera immediately took a liking to Jamie, even though Jamie probably didn’t know it. Those wide eyes, and kind smile really shone the minute you looked at him through the lens.

Then it was over to the girls, where everyone was very relaxed, and looking forward to the day ahead. Angela is very much my kind of girl. Low maintenance, and very eager to get in there and get the job done. Did I mention that she could also turn it on for the camera like never before?

I think there may have been a few tears as they were pronounced husband and wife, but it was all smiles from there on in. After being warmly greeted by family and friends, we quickly headed over to a nearby park to get some photo’s of the bridal party. The entire bridal party ensemble was so well matched, and everyone was just having a ball. We laughed pretty much the whole afternoon, and everyone was very very relaxed.

But soon we had to head back over to Boulevard Gardens to deliver the troop to the reception. I have no doubt in my mind the party that night would have been one to remember.  

Can’t work out which I like best. Poo as a Cowboy….

Or Poo as a Brokeback Mountain Cowboy….

It wouldn’t be complete without a little horseplay with the bride…

K-K-K-Katie, beautiful Katie. She is certainly one of a kind! One of the most vibrant brides I’ve know, it’s pretty rare to catch her without the biggest smile on her face. She’s also a remarkable young lady. Originally from England, she met her Australian prince charming in a pub back home, and followed her heart thousands of miles across the globe to be with the man she loves.

Michael & Katie’s wedding was held up in Buderim, where Katie got ready at Michael’s parents house, ably assisted by Michael’s sisters. We did nothing but laugh ourselves silly, and captured some beautiful photos of Katie, with that infectious smile.

It was a very intimate, very family oriented day, and you could feel it. Michael’s mother and sisters are extremely accomplished musicians, and played as Katie walked down the aisle, and through the ceremony.

Luke from Retro Rides was on hand to look after transport, which meant photos with that stunning blue Chevy, before they all got into the car and we headed down to Harry’s Restaurant for the reception. After heading into the rainforest, and getting eaten alive by mozzies, Michael & Katie were finally able to relax and enjoy their evening!

Showing off my blue steel…..

And my TV Week pose….

My Daddy-Poo remembering how I was this cute once….

Mornings & Toni Snell are not a good combination. Talk to anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you I’m pretty much useless before 10am in the morning. But fortunately for Hayden & Nicole’s wedding, Poo was back from overseas and was able to drag me out of bed at 6am!

With a 10.30am wedding ceremony, it was an early start for Nicole and the girls. We all met up over at Nicole’s parents house, where before anything got underway, we all sat down to a massive BBQ breakfast. Once we were all full, it was showtime, and Nicole got into her dress and turned it on for us.

The wedding was held at Gainsborough Greens, and was officiated by the always amazing Anne Campbell. Then it was time to get into the golf buggies, and zip around the course briefly, before getting everyone upstairs for the lunchtime reception.

Hayden & Nicole had us stay on to enjoy their reception with them, which was a double celebration as it was also Nicole’s parents wedding anniversary. I just hope everyone remembered to vote later that afternoon!!!  

And a shot with the happy couple…

I’ll often be found helping brides get dressed from one week to the next. But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that one day the bride I would be dressing would be my own sister! Nor for that matter did I ever think I’d be shooting my own sisters wedding. In any case, I took the opportunity to really stick that knee into her back as I laced her up “Scarlett O’Hara” style…

Last Sunday, my sister Lisa & her now husband Graham, got married up at Palm Cove in far north Queensland. We flew up Saturday and got back in Tuesday afternoon after what was a whirlwind 4 days of social gatherings, and in some cases (mainly mine) waaaaay to much alcohol. However, the opportunity to celebrate a Snell girl getting married, is one you take with both hands and make the most of - because chances are we won’t see the likes of those days again!!! 

We had the most amazing few days, spent with fantastic people, and best of all I got a new brother out of the whole experience! We adore Graham, and are very proud to welcome him into our family!

Even though she is my sister, I can’t queue jump Lisa’s photos ahead of the 4 other weddings I have to blog, so stay tuned for some images from their beautiful day!

Around a month ago, I stepped out very VERY early, to head down to Bilinga to shoot Basil & Laura’s e-session. Whilst I always prefer to shoot in the late afternoon, Basil & Laura’s work schedules were not co-operating. So we switched tactics, and decided to do an early morning shoot to take advantage of the beautiful soft light at that time of the day.

So down on the beach at Bilinga at 6.30am, Basil & Laura rocked their e-session. Basil, the quintessential male, was really not into having his photo taken. As I will tell any couple, the first few images are usually a write-off, until they both relax and find their groove, but it didn’t take them that long. In fact they did so well, we had the session wrapped up in around 45 minutes which made Basil very happy!

Not only was the light perfect at that time of day, it was also rather overcast which resulted in some gorgeous dramatic sky. Made the 4am wake up call well worth it!

And of course, a slideshow!….

Mike & Susan would rate up there as one of my favourite ever couples. And that’s not just because they took me out to the Brisbane Lion’s Dinner last year to see Mark Seymour play - they’re just pretty fabulous all round.

I love, love these two. They are so much fun to be around, and have an energy and enthusiasm that would put couples half their age to shame. They really do live up to the adage of being “young at heart”. They simply don’t let an opportunity pass them by, and they relish every single moment.

Being the second time round for both Mike & Susan, it was really important for them to celebrate the day with their friends and family, so we arranged to take their photographs before the wedding. This left them able to truly enjoy their ceremony and then cocktail hour with their guests, instead of disappearing for an hour and a half before the reception.

Andy and I arrived to Mike & Susan’s apartment at Admiralty Towers, to find the place buzzing with excitement. Once it was time for Susan to get dressed, we had to keep Mike in a separate room so he couldn’t see his bride before the big “reveal”. Later on, down in the foyer, Mike waited to see his bride in her beautiful Wendy Makin gown for the first time. To say Susan was radiant would be an understatement. From that point, you couldn’t take the smiles off either of their faces.

It’s always a gamble when you take photos right on midday, but on these occasions I always seem to be blessed with the most perfect overcast day. The only thing we had to dodge, were a few drops of rain. We wandered around down around Admiralty Towers getting some gorgeous photos, and just made it back inside before the rain started to fall.

We then followed Mike over to Brett’s Wharf where he began to greet the arriving guests. There, under the late afternoon sun, Susan then arrived and was escorted to her grinning husband-to-be, on the arm of her very proud son. The service was performed by Dawn Louise. I’d heard such wonderful things about her from industry colleagues, and she didn’t disappoint.

After a relaxed afternoon of drinks and canapes on the lawn, everyone moved inside for the reception. Mike & Susan had me stay on as their guest, and I was so touched when Mike mentioned me in his speech as not only their photographer, but also their friend. Moments like that make you feel special, because essentially you’re brought into these peoples lives and paid to do your job - but to be appreciated for more than that is an honour that words really can’t describe.

There was good food, good company and speeches from both Mike & Susan’s kids that brought the house down! We partied on into the late hours, and then I headed back to get some night shots before calling it a night. I got a flat tyre earlier in the day, and after a visit from the RACQ during the reception, limped home on a spacesaver doing 70km an hour (and when you live 60km from Brisbane, it’s a long drive!!). It was 1am by the time I got home, but I’d had such an awesome day, I didn’t seem to mind!!!

Anyone who thinks that doing your photos before the ceremony will ruin the “moment” when you first see eachother, check out when Mike & Susan first saw eachother. You just don’t get to have a “moment” like this when you get to the end of the aisle…

Some great shots from Andrew….

Mike, I warned you pull stupid faces, and it goes on the internet!…

Me with the gorgeous bride….

My poor car’s flat tyre…..