Couple shoots are so much fun – and I especially love it when we combine a photographic session with an idea that means a lot to the couple, is something that inspires them or is just plain fun. This portrait shoot was for Amy & Jeremy – a beautiful couple who are engaged to be married very soon. For their session we wanted to do something a little different – so we chose the movie ‘Chocolat’ as a starting point – not a pure imitation but just an inspiration. We combined Amy and Jeremy’s natural love story with some features from the movie – like a stone staircase, a red jacket (and red lips), intimate kisses, pretty crockery, delicious chocolates and a lot of playfulness. It was heaps of fun and I can’t wait to capture their wedding later this month!

For those who know me best, you will know I’ve always had a very quick thinking, creative brain – full of ideas… I often wondered why I had so many ideas (for everything!) and it’s only now in the last year or so that I’ve realised how perfect it is for creating unique settings and capturing memorable moments for the people I meet. So, if you’ve got your shoot booked with me and would love something a little different – but are a little stuck – email me a few thoughts on what you love or what inspires you and I will no doubt be soon sending back a list of wonderful ideas!!  Fun times ahead …

Friday afternoon was perfect for a sun filled engagement session, featuring a vintage theme and a big grassy field.  Alice had been collecting beautiful props over the months leading up to her and Rob’s session and it all came together beautifully. I really love that there was a mix of pretty things – some Alice had gathered recently, like fresh flowers and home made cupcakes, as well as long loved romantic antiques and items given to her from family that tell their own story. What a gorgeous couple and so much fun to capture their growing love.

Erika and Andrew’s wedding story was so much fun to capture. It was quirky – with details like the boys boutonnieres (with cute McGregor buttons), the playful poses and some very cute reception/ceremony details. It was romantic – there were flowy vintage dresses, heritage jewellery, and gorgeous flowers (put together by Erika’s talented mother). And it was meaningful – a day filled with those they love most and personalised with features such as a family brooch hidden on the bride’s dress and photos of their parents (at their weddings) with them to share their day.  The ceremony was held in gardens of Indigiscapes with photos at the grand old Whepstead House (where Andrew’s parents were married many years ago!).  A reception at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Cleveland was the end to a perfect day.  Now they are off to travel the world and begin their married life together – I can’t wait to show them the rest!

Larissa and Drew were married on Saturday, a day filled with sunshine, family and friends – and a rather grand bridal party … of seventeen! There was the beautiful bride, the handsome groom, a best man, five groomsmen, a maid of honour, five bridesmaids, a flowergirl and two very cute page boys!  Yet they were all so relaxed and fun that it hardly felt like a big group at all and was a beautiful story to capture. The wedding ceremony was held at the grand old Nudgee Boys College (where Drew went to school) with photography chosen for New Farm Park and the Powerhouse (which Larissa loves) and then a reception at The Pavillion.  They had many traditional aspects to their day and wove them with beautiful creative ideas and special touches to remember those that were no longer with them. They are now off enjoying their honeymoon overseas but I promised to share a sneak peek online for them. Enjoy!

I had a lot of fun with this lovely couple, Richard and Lauren. Flying up from Melbourne a few days before their wedding, they were hoping for a bit of Queensland sunshine, but it wasn’t to be. Yet despite the continuous rain, we found many beautiful backdrops inside picturesque Newstead House. What a gorgeous old home and this couple were perfect for some fun images, stepping into the role quite perfectly! Lauren wore a gorgeous vintage style Collette Dinnigan dress with makeup by The Powder Room. Their reception followed at Brett’s Wharf with delightful table arrangements (and the girls bouquets) by Green & Bloom Wedding Flowers. A gorgeous romantic vintage wedding. Beautiful.

See their teaser image on facebook here

How cute is this little girl? Big blue eyes and hair of gold. It was only appropriate that we had a golden princess chair and a sun-lit field of grass in the background for her mini shoot. She and her mum are deciding whether to give her hair a trim… so this could be the last look at her hair so long. With a daughter of my own, I know it would definitely be some work looking after it, but it’s oh so gorgeous!  Thankfully they now have these pretty memories to keep and look back on, what a sweetheart she is.

Headband :: Grace Designs// Vintage Chair :: Peak Crossing Antiques

Many parents I meet, love the idea of a portrait shoot with their young children, but think having them behave perfectly during a set hour is another whole idea.  Our conversation often turns to how I am able to capture great imagery with unpredictable kids – and I tell them my secret is just to play. Pure and simple. We all know it’s what kids do best and we’ve all seen a tantrum or tears disappear in seconds when there is something fun to do.  So I always encourage parents to bring along some fun (or I will!).  On last weekend’s shoot, this cute family juggled, played catch, blew bubbles, had piggy back rides and floated a rainbow of balloons in the afternoon breeze (of which one got away..!). It was fun. It was play. And it made for some beautiful moments that they now have forever.