A few months ago I received an enquiry though my website with the subject "secret squirrel." Some Darwin friends were wanting to split their wedding into three parts; a romantic elopement on the Darwin harbour, and two massive parties in their home towns of Australia and Ireland.
Emily + Liam
The wedding of Emily and Liam.
The day started off with beaming rays of sunshine, but Melbourne lived up to its reputation by rolling in a massive storm when we were meant to leave to the gardens for the bridal shoot. So we made do in the foyer of the spectacular warehouse apartment block that they were getting ready in, and then drowned the remaining sorrows at the pub over the road. That's a joke. No one was sad. Nothing could wipe the smiles off the faces of these two. They didn't even care that it was bucketing down. Liam just thought a quick beer on the way to the ceremony wouldn't go astray, it wasn't like the wedding could start without them. I may have been the one to point that out...
It was a treat to photograph these two. The love and respect they have for each other is second to none, and it's inspiring. The entire crowd was stoked to be celebrating their official union, and these photographs tell the story. So much fun.
is Lisa good at making play dough?
Happy Birthday Lisa. You are many amazing things, and play dough maker is one of them. And these days, that is a critical thing. Also, Sarah Wilson has got nothing on your skills and good looks in the kitchen. She is a mole, and you are a legend.
The baptism of Despina
I was invited to document the Baptism of Despina. This is up there with one of my favourite photographic opportunities to date. I love documentary photography of people, culture and emotion. This was all of those things and much more. Stepping inside the Greek Orthodox Church in Darwin blew my mind. It feels like you have been transported halfway across the world. My family (and work colleagues) also appreciated the massive trays of Greek baklava and other treats that I brought home for them to eat.
amy + josh
Amy Bowen is a great friend of mine, so it was a total win to be her unofficial fourth bridesmaid and document the wedding of her and Josh Davis. Amy is one of the most hilarious, gorgeous and interesting people in the world. Josh is suitably a legend and her total match. They also have two amazing little children who almost succeeded in stealing the wedding show. Almost.
irah quinn
My beautiful friend brought home her third son, Irah. I stole a few moments to get some photos of the two of them whilst the older brothers were out burning off some energy. I can't wait to get the three boys together in a few weeks. In the meantime, here are some quieter moments....
sophie + scotty: mount bundy
A decade ago my sister made friends with this legend of a woman, who soon found this legend of a man. Their wedding took place at Mt Bundy Station; a nexus of deadly Territory outback and station charm, including a bull that likes to be patted, and join you by the campfire. The outback life brought on an insatiable thirst in the guests, and the wedding of the century ensued....
Little Coco
I was eagerly waiting the news of this babe’s arrival, as I was hoping to photograph her birth… At that point, we didn't know she was a she. But she stayed put until I was safely in another state before arriving in the world. I am not about to hold that against her.
kira + sam
The wedding of Kira to Sam was so beautiful; a ceremony in the botanical gardens and the reception in their family home. The house was hand crafted by Kira's Dad, and brought up to scratch with the blood, sweat and tears of Kira and Sam in the months before the big day.
On the day, Kira was so organised that she was ready 2 hours before she needed to leave to the ceremony, everyone stumbled over her multi syllable name in the vows, she climbed into a tree to be taller than her husband and let her dogs climb on her wedding dress when she arrived home.
2 years + 365 days
In the morning, Matisse will be 3. Each time I remind her this, she reminds me that “I am still two and a half” - right up until tonight when she was technically 365 days past 2; one bonus leap day from becoming three. I put Elspeth to bed, and snuck out with Matisse to play in the bush for the sunset on her third year of life. I love this girl more than I could have ever envisaged possible.
annie + joel
The wedding of Annie to Joel was so beautiful.
When I started doing wedding photography, my Mum told me that I would end up crying in the vows. Not me, I thought, I'm too tough. This one nearly put me over the edge. I said nearly.
the craigs
On the weekend I had to resist some of the strongest kidnapping urges I have felt to date.
I went to visit my old high school mate, Haylee, her husband Nans and their two daughters Elise and Charlotte, the tiniest little three week old who has inherited the size three million feet of her mother.
christine + darren
Christine asked me to be her wedding photographer before I realised I wanted to be one. They got married on their block at Bees Creek, and the river bed in these photos is their backyard - an absolutely magic spot.
Everything was handcrafted with love by these two, their family and friends; including a multi tiered cake stand that the groom whipped up that morning, and vats of homemade rum.
MAGGIE LOU (5 WEEKS OLD)
It was such a pleasure to visit Kye and Louise and meet little Maggie Louise; who is an absolute sweetheart. Louise was one of my first friends when we moved to Darwin at the age of 10, and we were besties for a number of years. It is a treat to watch her grow such a beautiful family. x
CAMERON + LOREN (HUNTER VALLEY)
After ten years, and two kids, Loren and Cameron decided on a wedding in the Hunter Valley. I was invited as a guest, so I took my camera as a date so I could document the day for them. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the speeches were second to none, I was laughing so hard I could barely take photos. Here is a selection of my favourite photos from the day. Warning: despite my best intentions, this did not end up being a small selection.