Twice in the space of a week, it was back up to beautiful Montville to celebrate the wedding of Ben & Carmel.

Ben & Carmel first saw me at work at a friends wedding nearly two years ago, and had their date booked in not long after. I remember them telling me all about the venue they had chosen and how it was so “them”. Funky and eclectic, The Spotted Chook definately was the kind of venue that complimented this couple and their wedding perfectly.

This was one wedding where it really felt that the couple were having a wedding that was uniquely them. Ben & Carmel are both artsy people and this was not lost on everything from what they wore, to the details of their day. Even Ben was looking vintage, in his brown suit, complete with braces and hat.

Carmel was also getting ready onsite in the French themed cottage which provided the perfect backdrop for photos in her vintage, albeit colourful dress. Carmel was a little emotional, yet so excited to get down the aisle to be with Ben. As soon as she made it safely into the gazebo, as if on queue, the rain started to fall. But as always happens with me, it didn’t stay around for long, clearing in time to step outside for photos.

We headed over to a nearby farm for a little bit of country ambience, getting in amongst the cows, and quite a boisterous sheep. The afternoon golden light was magical, we really couldn’t have asked for more. We then made a quick dash out to a park to get some very special photos under the tree where Ben proposed.

As the sun went down, it was then back to The Chook where the festivities were already in full swing!

It wouldn’t be a wedding at The Spotted Chook without a….well… spotted chook!!!

Enjoy the slideshow…..

 

Not my best angle, but hey I’ll take what I can get…

She stalks her prey in their natural habitat…

A photo with the kids….

And also with Duncan & Tania….

BRING IT!!!

That was our motto for the day.  As Scott, Corita and I had discussed, having a half decent photographer is only part of the equation. You also need a rockin’ bride and groom to “bring it” to the table. Corita was determined to bring every damn thing she had.  And I’m glad to say that she did.

It was an early morning as we made the nearly 2 hour trek up to Montville. I’d been looking forward to this wedding for so long since meeting Corita, and seeing how excited she was about her wedding photographs. The atmosphere was relaxed, and jovial when we arrived, just how I like it. No stress, no fuss. The girls looked amazing (thanks to the awesome work by Bec Narvaez) and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the process of making some awesome images.

We then headed on over to an amazing property out at Reesville called Solothurn. This 400 acre working farm has a gorgeous purpose built chapel onsite, and the rolling hills surrounding the farm create the perfect backdrop for a romantic country wedding. Scott, looking rather dapper, looked very nervous. Not that you can blame him when you knew what would be coming down that aisle. Scott’s eyes welled up with tears as Corita walked down the aisle (I have the photos to prove it!), and they were married in front of their closest family and friends.

Afterwards we then got out amongst the farm, dodging cows (and cow pats) taking in the country air. Scott & Corita were nothing short of fabulous (the same should be said for the bridal party) and to Trevor from Suncoast Vintage Limousine’s who is always a trooper and ready to help out wherever needed. After wandering around the property, and mixing it up in the leaves in the front drive, we headed back towards Montville stopping along the way so Scott & Corita could be a bit more fabulous! As if that wasn’t enough, they then came out for some night time shots before heading into the reception.

Scott & Corita, I can’t say enough wonderful things about you guys, and how amazing your wedding day was. It was an absolute priviledge to be a part of. What are you guys doing next week, can we do it again???!!! xoxo

Slideshow time…

 

My Daddy-Poo doesn’t make too bad a bridesmaid…..

Yep, this would be how I got that grass tick I woke up with Sunday morning….

You can always tell when I’ve had a massive day - I forget to to “the thing” and wind up with a big round moon face (it was worth it!)…

I’m reaching that age where my friends and family are starting to get married around me. This year I had two family weddings. My sister Lisa, who got married in April, and my cousin Nea.

Every photographer will have their own opinions about working for family. Some say do it, some say it’s a nightmare waiting to happen. I say, providing you know you won’t f#%k it up completely, then go for it. Nothing makes me happier than to do what I do for the people I care about. They know you, they’re comfortable with you, and will pretty much do whatever the hell you tell them to. I can’t ask for more than that!

Nea & Matt were so considerate as to hold their wedding no less than 10 minutes from my house at “Woodlands of Marburg”. Well, they didn’t do that just for me, but it was a lovely coincidence!

Both Matt & Nea arrived out at Woodlands shortly after lunch, and everyone had to make sure we kept them both far away from eachother. Even without us being related to eachother, Nea was a very accomodating bride. “Whatever you want me to do Tone, I’ll do it”. And she did!

Matthew hates getting his picture taken (and apparently he still does!). But he knew how important it was to at least give it a try. I’m very grateful that he was willing to go along with me - he could just as easily have not played the game. But then by now he knows not to argue with a Snell!!!

The wedding took place down in the grotto, and the most hilarious moment of the whole day was when the priest announced the newly married couple by Nea’s last name!!! He was so embarrassed by the gaffe, but it hit our funny bone!! It’s something Matt won’t be living down for a long time to come!

Matt & Nea had planned for a winter wedding, but nobody could have anticipated a day that broke all records. Yeah, it was hot. But we pushed on through. We wandered around the grounds, before jumping in the minibus to head up the road, and then back down to the vineyard.

I always love shooting in the main building at Woodlands, except for the stories that AJ tells me, they always freak me out. It also doesn’t help that when I’m shooting my Dad likes to poke me (apparently something one of the “ghosts” does to people from time to time). Poo thinks it’s hilariously funny. Yeah Dad, I’m laughing on the inside.

Effectively I was then off the clock, and for a change I was able to drink at the reception. It didn’t stop me from taking a few more photos (maybe a little blurier than usual!), but we had an awesome party that night. Lots of drinks, plenty of dancing, and even a traditional performance of “Honey” by my Aunty Diann and I. Good times.

More in the slideshow…

 

Poo was in fine form, and packing heat….

And snagged a couple of awesome shots….

Toni Snell - Showpony Extraordinaire…

+ Poo…

My friends have been having a good laugh over this on Facebook. It’s completely gross, but to anyone who knows me well, it’s something they’ve all seen at least once in their life….

Busting a move with my cousin Ryan…

And generally busting something…

Poo and my sister, Constable Plod, trying out for Dancing With The Stars….

Brisbane’s most awesomest DJ, Peter Hearnden from Paramount Events…

Poo, Mum, Plod & Me…

This is my cousin Zoe….

….as you can see, she is extremely talented…

Thanks Matt & Nea. Love you guys xxxx

A while back I used to feature client albums on the blog, and then for reasons I can’t recall, I stopped. But I liked showing off the finished product, so in the future I will be featuring select client albums, so you can see how it all came together.

Tarrant & Melanie came over to the stoffice this week and we finalised their album. Their wedding was uber awesome, and hopefully we’ve created an album that will reflect that.

Check it out!!