Andrew & Claire’s wedding was exciting for so many reasons. It was my last wedding before I left for New York, and unofficially it was my last wedding for the year. Technically I did have one more to shoot in December, but I kind of thought of that as being my first wedding for 2010. In any case, I was determined to go out with a bang, and Andrew and Claire stepped up to the plate.

From the leadup to Andrew & Claire’s wedding, it had become very clear that we shared a very similar sense of humour, and that our day would be spent in fits of laughter. What I love most about Claire is her no nonsense, no bullshit kind of attitude. Plus, she’s cheeky. So of course we got along like a house on fire. Claire didn’t flinch when I suggested fixing a wardrobe issue by hacking at her underwear with a pair of scissors. She let me in there with those babies, and I went to town. Yes, Claire rocks.

Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. He would have to be one of the most hilarious people I’ve ever met. He had me in stitches right from the word go, and the quips and wisecracks didn’t stop for the rest of the day. But that’s Andrew. Always the class clown, but a huge heart underneath, you just can’t help but laugh around him.

The wedding was held at Pacific Harbour at Bribie Island, on what was a perfect November afternoon. It was rather an intimate gathering, made even more interesting that both Andrew’s brother, and Claire’s sister are married to eachother. It was then I realised just why the day had that close-knit family feel.

We then headed out onto the golf course for some fun and hijinks, before heading down with Claire & Andrew to the waterfront where we were treated to a spectacular sunset (I think they ordered it specially!)

I had the great pleasure of getting to kick back and enjoy the reception, and experience Andrew & Claire’s heartfelt hospitality (Poo is still talking about the Scotch you guys kept sending him!). By the end of this day, if I didn’t already know Andrew & Claire, it became abundantly clear that these guys are very special people, so kind and giving, and very generous to people close to them.

And lets not forget FREAKIN HILARIOUS!!!! Love you guys xxx

Andrew & Claire organised a fireworks show to kick the festivities off for the evening…

Check out the slideshow…

This was our take on that god awful “groomsmen holding up the bride shot”. It failed. And there’s a good reason for that. The photo is ridiculous and anyone still shooting it should be embarrassed for themselves….

This party was crankin’!!!!….

Judging by the look on Claire’s face, I call this one “Get off my chair, bitch!”…

Andrew cracked me up all day…..

A year ago I was invited to a Christmas party of a friend of mine. At this Christmas party I sat next to a lovely girl called Louise, who upon hearing about what I did for a living, asked me if I could fix her camera as all of her photos were coming out blue. And so I did.(I’m no tech, but turns out that switching WB from Tungsten to Auto will stop people looking like smurfs!). 

What I didn’t know was that after that meeting, a little less than a year later, I was going to get to spend an amazing day photographing the wedding of two soul mates.

Natalie and I headed up the coast to Louise’s Mums house where the girls had been enjoying a very relaxing morning getting ready for the day ahead. Louise would have to be one of the most calm, relaxed, stress-free brides I have ever had the pleasure to be around. If she was nervous, she definately wasn’t showing it. She looked absolutely radiant, which was totally obvious through the lens.

Chris and his boys were a bloody cheeky bunch!! You really had to keep an eye on them! They were, however, nothing short of hilarious - never missing the opportunity to make a joke at someone elses expense. My kind of people, really. Chris was adorable though, wanting to make sure that I got some photos of him looking hot! (Standard answer - yes Chris, you’re smokin’!!).

The wedding took place at the Novotel Twin Waters, where most of the guests were staying, which made for a really relaxed fun feel to the day. Weddings in locations such as this let guests feel like their on a holiday, even just for a weekend, and adds to the festive mood.

After the ceremony it was on to the golf buggies, and straight out to the beach, where the wind was blowing a gale. Despite being self confessed “amatuers” in front of the camera, Chris & Louise shone just by being themselves. They are both two of the most down to earth people you could hope to meet, and have such a beautiful connection that is obvious to anyone around them.

It was then time to get back over to the Novotel for the reception at Lily’s on the Lagoon. It was an all dancing entrance for Chris, Louise & the bridal party, which set the scene for the rest of the evening. This crowd knew how to party. There wasn’t a moment when the dancefloor wasn’t completely packed. Even at midnight, the guests had to almost be kicked out of the restaurant by the staff.

Chris, Louise - thank you for having me along for the ride. I can’t ask for more than to get to spend an amazing day with such kind, genuine, and selfless people as yourselves. You really helped make the end of the year go out with a bang! xxx

Such a lovely little slideshow….

I have three words for you boys…….on.the.internet….I warned you!

Whenever I see this photo I can’t help but think…..”Welcome to the Starlight Ballroom ♫♫ fly me to the moon ♫♫…..”