And the winner is....

I've FINALLY chosen a winner for my 'win free wedding photography' competition. It's taken me so long to choose because there were so many great entries (and a big shout out to everyone who entered!). In the end I choose a couple who I felt a bit of a connection with, and could totally understand where they were coming from. And they are .... Jessica Baer and Michael Reid



This was part of Jess' entry ...

I was just reading your blog and i read that your offering free wedding photography to a couple who cant afford it... well your reading an email from one. Me and my fiance have been looking around for ages (like 4 months) trying to find a photographer who we can afford - we have looked at people from around Shepparton, Bendigo, Echuca, Melbourne and even in Coffs Harbour but so far we cant find one in our price range who is half decent or good. There are plenty of good photographers around, but we just cant afford them.

I surprised Jess and Michael with the news over coffee. They were extremely happy to learn they had won the competition. I was just happy that I could be of help.

And they're already being so sweet about it all. Check out the email Jess wrote to me...

Hey Meaghan.
Thanks soo much! We definitely weren't expecting it at all!
It made our day completely!
Cant wait to have you photograph our wedding :D

That email in itself is the reason I ran the competition. To make a couples wedding day just that touch more special.

I'll make sure I post lots of shots from their wedding so you can all have a look. They're having 14 in the bridal party, so I'm going to have my work cut out for me. I'm looking forward to it!

A few introductions

Where are my manners? I haven't introduced to to my fandamily. I've got two little boys. Miles is two and ready to take on the world as fast as his little legs will let him. Ryan is 10 months and is so relaxed he makes me feel like it's Sunday morning everyday.

There's only a whisker of time between them, but they couldn't be more different. Miles is go-go-go all the time. He's cheeky, boisterous, and moody. Putting it bluntly, he's wild! Ryan on the other hand is calm, affectionate and docile. Loves nothing more than to just sit and giggle at nothing in particular.

Trying to run a business at the same time as having two kidlets around is tough. There's not enough hours in the day! By the time they're in bed I'm exhausted, but still have a few hours of photography stuff to do. Any of you with kids and that work will know exactly what I mean.

But at least I have two little subjects to take photos of all the time. Although Miles has learnt to say ''no camera''. Do you think he's trying to tell me he's over having his photo taken?

Customised wedding invitations

I've got a few hidden talents stored up my sleeve, and one of them is invitation design. I LOVE designing invites. There's so much fun to be had with them. Here's a sneak peak of just 2 of my designs.



I'm going to be offering 6 designs, all wonderful, and all fully customisable. Change the font, colours and information to your heart's content. More information on its way shortly...

Tag... you're it!

I've been ''tagged'' by my sweet friend Char (who is an extremely talented photographer, check out her blog) who wants me to answer the following questions. This being a photography blog, I thought I'd try to answer them with photos (it also leaves a bit more to the imagination). Ten years ago ... I couldn't have imagined I'd have a family already.


Things on my to do list ...


Snacks I enjoy...



If I were a millionaire...
I'd let this little bread winner retire.


Places I've lived...
Okay, I know I'm supposed to name towns, cities, countries, but I thought I'd answer like this instead. Both my boys have my eyes. So I feel like I live in them. Yeah, soppy, but everyone gets a little mushy when it comes to their own children, right?

GV Bridal Expo

Boy, do I have sore feet! I spent today at the GV Bridal Expo, and I did not wear appropriate footwear. I opted for my cute little red shoes over something a little studier. I probably should have gone for something a little more sensible seeing as though I was on my feet all day.

Never mind though. I was kept very busy meeting and chatting to people. Lot's of great people came by my stand to have a look. I love hearing everyone's wedding plans, so I love these kinds of days. Everyone does something different.

I shared my stand with my sister in law Kasey, who's got a mobile make-up business. Kasey was kind enough to do my makeup in the morning. It saved me looking a fright.

It looks like I'm going to have a busy bridal season! Thanks to everyone who made bookings. Looking forward to your wedding already. If you came by my stand today and want to find out a bit more about me, or want to make a booking, just email me at info@meaghancook.com or call 0419335563. Oh, and check out my uber-serious website.

Free wedding photography!

As a photographer I know I'm not out there saving lives. I'm not feeding the starving or helping the poor.

I am doing something important in that I am able to freeze time for people, and give them lifelong memories. I love taking photos because I think photographs are so important. I have them all over my home because each one represents an instant in time that I love to remember.

But I want to do something to give back to the world a little. Send some good vibes out there. Pay it forward, if you please.

So I'm offering to photograph one special couple's wedding for free. And I mean totally FREE! No hidden costs, no tricks. Just me, my camera and some great photos.

I want to offer it to a couple who would really benefit from the gift. A couple who may not have enough money to hire a professional photographer, or who might have to miss out on other things if they do. Or couple who have a really inspiring story about how they met or how they came to be engaged.

The winning couple will get...
*10 hours of free wedding coverage
* All images printed 6x4" (apprx 400)
* A CD with all high resolution images on it
*A beautiful keepsake box to house it all in

TO ENTER .... email your story to info@meaghancook.com.

There are a few conditions:
The wedding must be taking place in 2008
The wedding needs to be held in the Goulburn Valley region, Victoria. (I am willing to travel nationally but the couple will need to help me cover that cost.)
Entries must be received by 20/07/2008.
Winner will be contacted by phone, so remember to include a contact phone number
Oh, and my decision is final.

If you know of anyone that you think would be suitable for this, get them to enter.

I'm looking forward to this already!

Lara and Holly

I recently spent a wonderful afternoon with newborn Lara and her older sister Holly. What cutie pies they were! Lara was just 8 weeks old but was so alert. She even gave me a few smiles. Holly is a great big sister, giving little Lara lots of kisses and cuddles. It made my heart melt just watching them. They are sure to be great friends when they grow up. Thanks to mum Janine and dad Paul. They were really relaxed and made the whole session really easy and enjoyable.

I recently spent a wonderful afternoon with newborn Lara and her older sister Holly. What cutie pies they