Renee & Dean | Married
When you know everything about someone; when you know how they’re feeling even when they don’t say a word – that’s the kind of relationship Renee & Dean have. A love of basketball, bunnies (Dean really is a softie- shhhh, don’t tell anyone) and fishing. These two have built a strong base for their marriage.
To be invited to share their day before family and friends and observe such joy was a privilege. The nerves, laughter, delight, friendships, glee (from the little ones), eagerness, anticipation, joy, love and affection – these are emotions that show we have lived.
This family is about to celebrate their daughter’s second birthday. Before she turns two, they had a very quick little photo session on a chilly winter’s morning by the sea.
This session was all about Ady.
She was happy to jump in puddles and explore her world. She was trying her best to tell me how old she would be holding two tiny fingers up to show me. You might also catch a glimpse of her dog Watson in the background too.
Family sessions are about joy, they’re about laughter, they’re about every day. Renee is a super-special, beautiful friend of mine who shares a passion for capturing the every day. Her husband Jed had actually requested this shoot so Renee could be a part of it (us photogs do not get in front of the camera enough) so I knew when we did this session that it would be fun.
Renee and Jed made a sea change a few years back and now are fully entrenched in their seaside community. Afternoon walks on the beach, nippers, paddle boarding…
This is where they live.
It’s where they belong.
They’ll always have a place in their heart for where they grew up but have created a loving home for their little family and can’t imagine life any other way. What better place to have our session than their local beach. The place they know; a place that has special meaning and memories to them.
Celebrating Motherhood
In the lead up to Mother’s Day this year I was lucky enough to photograph some inspiring women who absolutely adore their babies.
These are working mums who juggle motherhood with a pinch of passion on the side. We all have something we love, whether it’s bohemian clothing, meeting people, providing people with something they need or maybe dabbling in some photography. For me, I’m passionate about all of these things!
Here’s some of these mums with their beloved little humans. To see the work their mummy magic pop over to Bella Boheme or drop into their Springwood, NSW store. 💕
When I arrived at the hotel where Meredith and her best friends, her bridesmaids, were getting ready. There was a sea of family in the tiny room – all there to help Meredith in any way. Meredith’s exquisite hand-beaded peach coloured dress was magnificent and worthy of it’s feature on Season 1, Episode 2 of ‘Say Yes to the Dress Australia’. I watched in trepidation as her bridesmaids delicately cut around the beading of the bodice and anxiously photographed these little moments that are often overlooked. I’ve never seen scissors quite so close to a wedding dress before! After a sigh of relief, Meredith was ready to make her way to the ceremony.
Scott + Meredith were married in an intimate ceremony in the courtyard of the historic Mint, the oldest public building in Sydney. After travelling the world, Meredith returned to Sydney where she met Scott. They now live life overlooking the harbour but dream of a little cottage in the Blue Mountains. Both a little shy, they opted for just a few family and close friends to share in the celebration of their day. Wishing the happy couple all the best for a wonderful life together.
“What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” – George Eliot
Two things were very clear after photographing Shaan and John’s wedding in the picturesque Blue Mountains. Shaan is a humungous Jon Bon Jovi fan (let’s consider her new hubby’s name a moment)… and John is a mad cricketer. Their wedding truly represented both their personalities in the little touches that they included in their day; the songs that were played, the cuff links of the groom and his groomsmen and the incredible playlist that created an electrifying atmosphere on the dance floor just to name a few. Read More
On a cool, rainy weekend in August, I attended the most inspirational workshop with wedding photographer James Day and his team of generous people for Daylight Learn. James was one of the most amazingly generous, warm & friendly people I have ever met. His workshop was full to the brim with information to help make stronger connections with you – the people who want beautiful emotive images of your special day.
Covering many different aspects of a photography business including branding, albums, packaging and health, the workshop provided me with all the tools to improve my business and in turn allow me to continue to create beautiful images that will provoke emotional memories in years to come. I also met some of the most wonderful and inspiring people on the day. It’s so great when you met people who are as passionate about their craft as you are. I’m sure we could have all quite easily spent a week or more together just talking and creating!
There were also a handful of amazing people who generously used their skills to create gorgeous hairstyles, makeup, bouquets, floral arches and THAT cake. And did I mention the food? I think Michael of Como Kitchen was trying to keep us warm and cozy with his delectable home style cooking that tasted as amazing as it looked. Thank you to those of you behind the scenes too who made us feel at home.
I’m so excited to put some of this information into practice. Something that we will all be proud of. We photographed some loved up couples who so graciously gave up their time over the two days so that we could use our new found techniques on them. Here are a few of my images from Sunday’s styled shoot.
Brad & Kylie’s wedding was like a dream come true. To be asked to travel to one of my favourite places in the world and capture this beautiful wedding was a very special. I still can’t believe that people ask me to take photographs at their wedding.
I loved that Brad & Kylie spent the lead up to their wedding and the few days afterwards with their family and friends who had travelled from Australia and around New Zealand to be a part of their special day. They went jet boating, tobogganing, golf and a few great nights out at the local pubs.
The best man gave me a little more information about how Brad had captured Kylie’s attention. Apparently the key to Kylie’s heart was ‘biscuits’. While Kylie was living in Sydney she missed a few things from home in New Zealand other than family and friends. So at the time Brad was trying to win her heart, he travelled with some mates around New Zealand and at each stop he purchased these biscuits to take back to Sydney with him. They kept asking him why until he crumbled and admitted they were for a girl he liked. From that point forward, his friends and family affectionately called her ‘biscuits’.
Brad & Kylie’s wedding was so romantic. Beautifully put together by One Fine Day Weddings in Queenstown, NZ with floral arrangements to die for and a gorgeous location at The Winehouse by the famous AJ Hackett Bungy bridge. The beautiful turquoise water, the mountain backdrop and two people in love, surrounded by family and friends. Perfect.
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What I love about photography is storytelling. Every now and again I get the opportunity to tell a story for Bella Boheme. It’s all about weekend getaways, enjoying time with your friends and exploring the outdoors. Here are some images from one of our latest shoots. Read More
Continued learning is such an important part of my life. I love to learn more about photography and improve my skills. Finding inspiration amongst other photographers, the beauty in nature and the emotions of the people around me.
With the rain in Sydney this weekend, I’m dreaming of beautiful warm winter afternoons in the sun. Beautiful blue skies. Fields of gold. Family and friends. Some of the most beautiful days in the year. Read More
