heidi + james

More about these two beautiful people soon…but we met one stunning Sunday afternoon for their engagement session in the hills near Williamstown at Grand Crus Estate which you must visit because of a) great hosts in Peter and Roz b) beautiful setting c) p-i-z-z-a-s cooked in a wood fired oven. Need I say more? Yes. d) great wines especially Rozzie’s Giggle Juice. :)

So this is a LATE entry because of tooo many excuses..bla bla. More on that later but this completely relaxed and fun couple are now blissfully married and have returned from their honeymoon in India, which I can’t wait to hear about. Not sure if anyone else sees this but I can see a little Maria Carey in Heidi…

Wedding photos will follow shortly along with lots of other sessions I have yet to blog and also a house reno update. Yes we are finished except for the odd thing here and there but OMG we are still getting over it all!

Back soon, I promise.

xox

sarah + dave | pre-wedding, pre-baby, pre-pare...

  Ok. Try not to focus too much on Dave’s very fit body girls. It’s all about the beautiful bump (that was!). Sarah and Dave welcomed ‘Matilda Sarah’ on 9th June and all are doing well. I can’t wait to meet this new little person in a week or so. I am also looking forward to the wedding later in the year where the reception will be at one of my most favourite places in this state. So excited…leaving you hanging now!!  One of my favourite photos from above is the one where S & D are sitting on the seat and you just see their backs. I can see them still snuggling up like that in 50 years (watching the grandies???). What’s the movie with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts where you see them sitting on the bench in a park and Julia has a perfectly little round bump? Yep, that one. It reminds me of that scene.

So. Back to my mess. Stay warm.

xox

why im here but not really...

PART 1 (Actually there are soooo many more parts prior to this - as friends and family will attest - we have been ‘renovating’ for over 12 months now but are only now starting to see some changes. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A SIMPLE LITTLE RENO WOULD TAKE THIS LONG……….as a result, my advice to would-be renovators is…

1. It takes 10x as long as you think.

2. It takes 3x as much money as you think. Think of this time as a great time to diet. You will need the extra money.

3. It is as stressful as you have been warned.

4. It is exciting also.

OK.

The demolition begins. And there was no way we were going to let the builders have all the fun. So the kids DEMOLITION EXPERTS and I attacked the laundry taking off all the tiles and generally bashing things until we hurt.

We have put in a pool. Rather than make our inside living area bigger out waterbabies needs will be met with a BIG sheep trough out the back. Does that mean we can claim it?

Our kitchen is being updated somewhat and Anthony’s office (bottom right) are pictured above. My office is also being revamped with some bookcases and a paint. More on that later.

Bella’s room is being updated also. She IS 9 now…so pink is no longer acceptable.

The place is being re-carpeted and new timber floors into the living area. New tiles to the laundry.

Some doors and windows replaced with sparkly new ones in timber…LOVE.

Rendering to the outside walls.

And so on and so forth.

Apologies for boring you all. But at least you can see why I have actually not done lots of other work this year! I am really looking forward to next year when we can sit back and appreciate it all. And work out what else needs doing.

AND next year I will be able to do lots more photog and I am really looking forward to that. :) Yorke Peninsula Field Days are coming up in September so I am hoping to still be on my feet then.

PART 2. soon.

xox

emily + scott | say i do

Firsts are always a little stressful but I am grateful that Scott & Emily trusted me enough to photograph their wedding despite my natural light only inclination. It was a big thing. There is nothing better than having to think outside the square/step out of a comfort zone to make the blood pump a little faster. A great experience. Some definite favourites amongst these photos which include a couple of happy accidents!

Emily and Scott please check your inbox for details of your gallery which can be viewed here for guests!

Billy's Farm

Lots of my work lately has been around couples and weddings which is such a contrast in many ways to family sessions. I love both. Kids are so natural in front of a camera - when we stand back and let them be. No forced smiles or awkwardness. They just go about the business of being a kid. The gorgeous Billy made me reflect on the toddler stages of our own kids and how much I enjoyed their curious natures. Everything is fresh in the eyes of a toddler. Don’t get me wrong I am happy to move forward, but I did love (most) of those days. For Robert and Kate. And Pauline! x

twins + 1 = not necessarily 3

I say this because Edwina, the third child, can at times, make up for the twins. Can you see it in the cheeky, cheeky grin. Love it! These beautiful kids belong to my sister in law which many of you already know. I believe there is room in tha big house of theirs for many more. Moving quickly on. ;)

Lots to blog in the next week or two. Renos have begun now, which is perfect, because we are in the middle of a mouse plague of sorts. (sarcasm is my strength, just in case you hadn’t worked it out) AND seeding has started, I think?? So that will make for some interesting times in the next few weeks/months. However I am completely prepared and not at all stressed about any of it. (more sarcasm) Actually bring it on. We have waited for a long time to do this. Pics soon.

Don’t forget to laugh. Just sayin’.

Have a great weekend.

xox

courtney -&- aaron | sevenhill | clare

The main word that comes to mind when I think back a month or so about this wedding is GOOD TIMES. I actually wanted to stay the night. Thank you Courtney and Aaron for inviting me into your world for this one, it really was one of the funniest weddings I have ever been too. Your families are gorgeous, friendly, loving people.

Wedding - Sevenhill

Reception - Clare Valley Country Club

 

Guests can view the wedding images and order your prints here.

emily+scott | engagement session | adelaide oval

Emily + Scott are getting married at Adelaide Oval at the end of this month. The place has significant meaning for them. So we wandered around and even had a beer and watched the cricket for a while. I think we spent more time chatting and less time photographing which generally happens at engagement sessions … :/ …! I love getting to know new couples. Emily is a friend of the family so i have known her a um…. quite a long time now. So cool to be photographing your wedding Em - I am really looking forward to it. hope your plans are falling spectacularly into place. After the session we three went and saw Arj Barker in town. Ahh the perks hey Scott! Thanks so much for inviting me to tag along! GREAT way to end the session. x

News just in.

My sample album from here has just arrived. Soooo excited. Pics soon. In the last few weeks I have been designing a PDF for brides and am now able to show proof books and albums to couples interested in my wedding coverage. Email me for details.

In other news.

My new website is up and running so pop on over and check it out fellow travellers.  Feedback is appreciated but not necessary! :)

We will FINALLY be renovating (GOD WHAT A SAGA!!!!) mid May onwards so things may take a bit longer than usual. Just giving you the heads up but I am anticipating going underground for a couple of months to concentrate on that. Those booked in or have already had their sessions will be my priority but I won’t be taking new bookings until probably July-ish. Once back…there will be some great things to look forward to - other than a new bit of house - with the Yorke Peninsula Field Days where I will have a display.

Most importantly. KU (Keith Urban for the non-educated) played Rod Laver on the weekend. SUCH an AMAZING concert (with Lady Antebellum providing awesome support) especially when shared with the most bestest sister whom I will now plug. GARDEN DESIGNER extroadinaire. She has designed a garden for me which I will photograph - once it is all growed up - and share. Talented girl can present your garden design in watercolours and will help you select appropriate plants. the considered garden (no website yet!!!) is based in Launceston but she will travel where possible and practical. Comes highly recommended and no job is too small!!!

REALLY looking forward to a pre-baby session tomorrow with Sarah and Dave who are also allowing me the privilege of photographing their wedding later in the year. Great times ahead. So off to bed to catch up on some sorely missed zzzzs over the weekend.

xox

it's march. already?

Where did that time go? Ummm… welcome to 2011!

A busy year ahead has required much planning and then some more planning. I am now ‘planned out’ and just want to get on with it.  Some photography would be nice. Some renovations would be (uncomfortable and messy but never-the-less) nice. We have had to change builders - not our choice - but our last one lost too many clever people to Queensland…’tis ok. Queensland needs them more. We have made changes to our plans, for the better. Insert big smiley faces here.

Last year I finally felt ‘ready’ (read: reached an appropriately high level of insanity) for weddings. And I do love thee - actually. They are, however, incredibly tiring and a teeny bit scary.  It’s OK. I like to live on the edge… pffft.  I managed to fit in three last year and I loved each and every one. I loved working with big people who didn’t run flat out in the opposite direction (actually some tried) and I didn’t have to make fart noises (actually there was one time…) or pull stupid faces or dance like an idiot to get a real smile. Come to think of it there isn’t much difference between doing a wedding and a kids session - but I enjoyed them anyway!  In 2011 I will do a few more, but I have decided to keep them few and relatively far between so I can manage the rest of my life without the need for valium or steroids or both.

This year I am lycra clad and bound by law to attend the gym two times every seven days. This is a good thing. I can have coffee with friends after. And a muffin. I am also determined to make the children eat quinoa three times a day. What the hell is quinoa anyway? We will be healthy and fit and healthy. Won’t we.

I am involving myself in school again this year helping to organise a Learning Assistance Program at Bute. Looking forward to it. We have a great group of volunteers already and are really keen for more. It’s great to be involved in a constructive way without having to write reports again!

Seriously.  I am sending love to Christchurch. We were there 2 months before the first big shakeup and watched in awe as the second one hit. Beautiful city - sooooo like Adelaide. Walking around the Mall soon after I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like. Not knowing which direction to run as buildings collapse around you. I wish them well in the logistical nightmare that is the cleanup. Same for the peoples of Qld. Amazing we didn’t kill more. xox

I have spent a fair bit of time in Feb organising this too. I hope you like it’s simplicity and great thumbnail view. If you move your mouse to the centre of the page you will see a thumbnail icon - click it - it’s a GREAT way to see all the photos in the galleries without having to go through the slideshow. Leave your mouse in the middle of the page so it scrolls slowly.

Feedback is welcome. :)

So, it’s Friday afternoon. Kids are deliriously happy we have 3 days ‘off’. I am happy with this arrangement also. I detest lunch boxes and bus timetables. Bring back January I say. On that, where did the real summer go?

I have my phone back. Apple replaced it. :) I am in love again. Just FYI.

I have all warm and fuzzy feelings about this year. It’s going to be a really, really good one (I can tell because a) I have my phone back, b) we ARE renovating this year and c) my internet connections have miraculously improved, literally overnight, with a phone call - albeit an angry one (or few) - to the people that monopolise the wires in this big brown country. Good gracious. It must be magic. Happy times. Happy times. See!! It’s gonna be a GREAT ONE. Hope it is for you too.

Not sure what else to ramble about. Lots of sessions coming up but first I need a drink. Have a fantabulous weekend.  xox

eliza

A beautiful morning at a gorgeous beach and a cracker of a little girl who, like the weather, quickly warmed up along the way!! i think we’re friends for life now! eliza, I had LOTS of fun finding those strange jelly creatures on the beach and in the rocks. look forward to hearing about your new brother or sister!!!

For now,

xox

courtney -&- aaron

These two lovebirds finish each others sentences already and they’re not even married yet!!!!! Had a great afternoon wandering the grounds of Sevenhill with Courtney & Aaron a little while ago. It was great to meet you both and I look forward to your wedding next year! Your gallery is almost ready. :)

Hope you are all preparing appropriately for the festive season…I know I’ not :/…yet…!

xox

alice+jono

I had forgotten to post this part! luckily i have loyal readers who remind me of these important tasks. thanks jacki! here is the happy couple having their fifteen minutes of fame.

so holidays have begun. and gastro caught up with us - a little bit at least - just when I thought we could relax… :) cest la vie!

Christmas presents are wrapped. that NEVER happens before Christmas Eve but alas with power out for two days…

now i must go be a farm worker again. someone is standing over my shoulder waiting…i think it must be important.

have a beautiful sunny day!

xox

the - i do - part.

the ceremony at the Saints Chapel included the longest first kiss in history. nice work people!

more tomorrow lovebirds.

xox

the alice part of alice + jono

 a sneak peek for alice who is patiently waiting on the end of the line!!

your gallery is ready! the details are in your inbox. finally!

alice and jono were married at St Peters College Chapel and reception at the Naval, Military and Air Force Club of SA.

I was fortunate enough to be a guest at the wedding also which was lots of fun with the night ending waaaaaaaaay toooo late for some!! Good times :)

more photos to come tomorrow!

xox

jono + 3 fine gentlemen

Ok so they were a little um tired from a couple of quiet ones the night before but you can’t tell - unless you were there…lol.

Anyway Jono and his people looked and played the part when I met them early one fine Saturday morn in October. As usual the boys were lots of fun and quite relaxed considering all that they had to do to get ready. (insert large amounts of sarcasm here) So these are some favourites. The girls to follow tomorrow. Alice and Jono your gallery is almost ready!!

On a side note: Stop and smell the roses people; life is short. I attended another extended family members funeral yesterday, another life cut too short. A reminder to enjoy every day to the best of our ability.

xox

annabelle + wes say i do

What a relaxed and happy day it was too. A beautiful extended family and friends enjoyed the stunning Longview Vineyard in Macclesfield in the Hills. Even the drive to get there is pretty spectacular.

I shall be back - to stay for a weekend and enjoy the food and wine…:) or maybe even snap another wedding!!

Back soon to share when alice + jono say i do.

xox

annabelle + her nearest and dearest

And here are the gorgeous girls. Annabelle was the calmest bride I have ever seen - not that there was anything to stress about (thankfully!) - but never-the-less a very cool, calm and collected bride. Love the photos Anabelle - hope you do too!  You and your family are so sweet it was a real pleasure to be involved. I really hope you enjoyed your honeymoon in Thailand, but can’t believe you didn’t take me up on the offer of photographing your travels!! I will be in touch in the next week or so to show you your slideshow. ‘Til then,

xox

wes + boys + not so good beers....

OK. So the beers weren’t good. I tried one too and it’s true. Unfortunately they tasted like dishwashing detergent. But it was a great pub.

The boys were amazingly cool, calm and collected - at least they appeared to be anyway! I love these photos - relaxed and fun - just the way it should be in my humble opinion!

So it’s Wes and his besties today - Annabelle and the girls will feature tomorrow. Did I mention I love weddings!!!

Album designing at present and printing deadlines are days away……….

xox

*family of the year* yes - really!!!

When the moon and stars align…my god this session was fun. From start to finish (which I didn’t want - I could’ve stayed for hours) - really great people, light and locations. So for me, this is the (extended) family of the year! Thank you.

almost home...a warning if you don't like trees...(that was your warning ;)

So far behind with the blog. I think I need an intern to cope with it all! Anybody….

So almost home from NZ. These photos are from the west coast and inlude Shipwreck and Bruce bays. Lots of fun at Shipwreck Bay with big wild surf, and great grassy dunes. A photographers heaven. Bruce Bay is notorious for big tides/surf that on a bad day throws debris over the road. Tourists have made their mark well and truly here as you will know if you’ve been, with statues and other memorials and tributes ranging from artistic to stuff you would just label graffiti. All made for an interesting stop!

Later this week - my favourite family session from the year.

xox