Regular blog readers will be all too familiar with my “it” couple of 2007, Kim & Dusan. Over the course of the last two years I’ve come to love them and their families like my own, having also shot various friends weddings, participating in family celebrations like their son Kristian’s christening, and just generally being invited round for dinner “just because”.

I was down at the snow last year when Mira, Dusan’s sister, rang to tell me she had FINALLY gotten engaged, and wanted to work her wedding date in with my availability. We went back and forth on a few dates, until May 10 was finally locked in!

Serbian weddings rock my world. The culture, food, traditions, food, music, dancing, food, the sense of community and family… and did I mention food? They know how to turn on a party, and nobody EVER goes hungry, I’m telling you I was fit to burst by mid-morning on the beautiful sweets and savouries that were in abundance.

Nice and early we dropped around to George’s house to see what he was up to. I’ve never seen so many boys running around like mad women, getting ready, and making sure everything was in order! We grabbed some shots of the boys and then got away to go and see what Mira was up to.

Mira looked a-mazing. Would you expect any less when you’ve got Beautiful Images By Toula on your side? We pottered around upstairs getting photos of the girls, while the party was in full swing downstairs. Now this is something I wish would catch on with all my weddings. The guests were already assembeled, and plenty of eating, drinking, and dancing was going on. Then it was time for the traditional “buying of the bride” where Dus drove a hard bargain for his sister.

The ceremony took place in the Serbian Orthodox Church at Wooloongabba, my first wedding in the new church. Straight afterwards we got away to UQ for the location shoot. I am so proud of George & especially Mira with how well they powered though the photos. I know Mira wasn’t thrilled with being in front of the camera, and it can’t have been easy, but she went along with everything I threw at her all day and came out the other side unscathed, and looking gorgeous!

It was then over to Hillstone St Lucia where the real celebrations were only just beginning. George & Mira flew in two bands from Sydney to play at their wedding, a Serbian & Lebanese band, to reflect both their heritage. When they entered their reception, as is Lebanese tradition, George & Mira were lifted onto their guests shoulders as the dancing ensued.

Everyone danced the night away, and as usual there was never a dull moment. We even got to go home with a doggie bag of sweets (that for the record lasted until about midday the next day!!). George & Mira, it might have been a totally exhausting day, but it is always an honour and a pleasure to spend time with you and your families!

My.biggest.slideshow.ever…

I’ve already apologised in advance to George for this one, but a groom using a GHD just has to go on the internet….

Dus proudly shows off the bag of potatoes he got in exchange for his sister!…

Dus & George - the kings of wedding spreadsheets….

One of my favourite little families in the world…

I’m thinking this is a new record for me. With my 4 brides Kim, Dana, Mira, and Anita….

And with George & Mira….