Recently I got to spend the morning with a very special little girl. A little girl who had divine blue eyes and was fresh to the world. With her fresh newborn smell on her skin and in her hair, and her piercing ever-knowing gaze.
With parents who treasure laughter and adventure, this little person has landed in a wonderful place. I was so lucky to be present, with camera in hand – when Jessie and Steve were married in the Blue Mountains. And now in their next phase of life together, I feel so honoured to have been welcomed back into their lives, and to meet their precious bundle. Florence.
A cup of tea and a couple of hours of hanging out, poring over her every smile and noise, adoring her little digits, and soaking in every moment, Steve and Jess were so relaxed and in the moment with this beautiful little munchkin. A delightful Saturday morning.
Like most men awaiting their bride, Jason looked calm, handsome and just a touch nervous. A surprise ride to the ceremony in an awesome car would have taken the edge off. And then, as it usually happens, the bride walked down the aisle it would have all melted away.
As much as my clients fall in love with each other, I feel like I fall in love with my clients, and their adoration and commitment to each other, with their quirks, their ‘in’ jokes and their quiet confidence in being themselves, just as they are. I feel I get to reflect on my own commitment, and renew it in my heart as I watch others make theirs and share it with their own community. 
With weddings in the Blue Mountains you never know what the weather will bring – snow, sunshine, mist or rain – or a combination, or all of the above! We were lucky enough to bask in warm sunlight as the afternoon light lingered.
Samantha and Jason took a little time to themselves between the ceremony and the reception to pause, connect, and reflect momentarily on their commitment. A recurring theme with my clients, is that they are usually camera shy and just ‘want to have a photographer there’ without having to pose stoically, or spend hours traipsing from one location to another. That fits with me perfectly as I prefer to create moments where couples can connect, looking their best and in love as they already are, and make beautiful images that capture the genuine love and connection that down-to-earth people have and emanate on such a special day.
The groom made his guests laugh and his mother-in-law cry (with happiness) in his speech, they danced their first dance to Metallica’s Unforgiven and Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia made a guest appearance atop the wedding cake. Need I say any more?
Hanging out and joking together relaxes everybody – and of course we have to include the fur babies.
Siblings are so sweet how they can interact during a photo session, oscillating between competing for my attention, to full of love and affection.
Once we had taken photos at home to capture memories of that special phase of their lives, we went on a walk down a little valley near to Katoomba Falls. I had no idea a special place like this was down the end of my very own street! Going to a special place that Clare and Nav take the kids to frequently meant they could all relax and play together, feeling comfortable in the environment they were all familiar with.
Connections happen when we let the kids be themselves, and play along with their energy, reading what it is they need in that moment. A snack? A cuddle? A change of place to explore and throw pebbles? I am so grateful for the opportunity to capture the love and connection between this beautiful family, for their box of memorabilia, but also spending an afternoon creating wonderful memories.
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