How it all began...

Ange and me at her wedding day - having so much fun!

About a year and a half ago, my dear friend Ange told me she and Damien had set a date for their wedding. They had originally wanted a photographer but couldn't afford one who would capture the day the way they wanted and were choosing not to have one. I got really excited, but tried not to sound too hopeful when I said, "I really like taking photographs, would you let me be the photographer at your wedding?" When she said, "yes", I then kinda went "holy crapola, I have to get better!"

I started advertising my interest in taking family shots with friends and family so I could get better at having a camera in someone's space, but having them forget it and I was there. I took the WEA course on how to use a digital SLR with Tim (if you are looking to use your digital SLR properly on manual setting, I can't recommend this course highly enough!) and then started courses at the Centre for Creative Photography. I aim to get a diploma from CCP, but my time there is mostly to challenge me and to keep me around an engaged photographic society. I received a distinction and high distinction for my first two courses!

By the time Ange's wedding rolled around I had shot over ten family sessions and was feeling more and more comfortable behind the camera in set photo shoot situations. I had fallen in love with this profession. Each client brought a new location, new people, new weather, new light, and new experiences.

From the irreverent discovery to the loving embrace of a family's love, photography has given me an expanded view into the world and it's kindness and worth. These two pictures of the Barrow family capture this perfectly.

I have taken family shots, just kids, maternity (including belly painting), cake smash, couples, and two weddings. I have five more weddings booked between now and February. I am excited to capture the magic of birth. This has been one of the most challenging and exciting times in my life. I want to share the continuing journey here.

Ange and Damien's Wedding

Ange and Damien arrive at the ceremony together, hand in hand.

The morning of Ange and Damien's wedding the clouds threatened to rain down on their celebration, but after the sunrise, the clouds cleared and the rain from the last few days stopped. I pulled over to the side of the road as I drove to where the bride was getting ready and captured the sunrise on this glorious day.

Ange got ready at her mum's house and many of her friends, cousins, aunties, mum and her son spent the morning getting ready together, laughing and sharing in the excitement that Ange and Damien, two people so suited, were going to begin their married life together this day.

Ange and Damien arrived together at the church, this simple act defying tradition speaks volumes of their commitment to each other and the true and simple love they share. I loved walking with them down the road toward the ceremony, stopping for a moment or two to just appreciate each other and the joy of the events to unfold.

One of my vey favourites from the ceremony - beautiful boys!

What a kiss!

                                     

One child's "mess-up" another photographer's treasure. Love.

Because we'd been a bit late starting the ceremony, we only had a limited time for family and couple photos - the list of family photos to be captured kept growing and we only ended up with about fifteen minutes for photos of Ange and Damien. This didn't end up mattering a bit, because of the natural ease with which they interact and the love they share. 

On the way to the reception I pulled over to enjoy the sea air and the magnificent day we'd been blessed with.

And we laughed and cried during speeches, chatted, ate and basked in the glow of a match perfectly made and a family's love.

 

 

                                         

I have never had so much fun at a wedding, bar my own, and as my first wedding as a photographer, I think I've found something I love. Thank you to Ange and Damien for allowing me to be such a special part of this magnificent day.