Benefits of living by the ocean (Meaghan Cook - Geelong Wedding Photographer)

Nothing more to do in weather as hot as this but to sit in a substantial amount of water for long periods of time. 

Ryan has his technique of plopping into the water down to a tee. 

Hope you are managing to stay cool where you are.

*Meaghan

Jess and Mike get married!

Do you remember Jess and Mike? They were the deserving winners of my 'free wedding photography' competition. Their wedding rolled around so quickly after meeting them last year. 

I knew it was going to be a really special day when I showed up at Jess' house to photograph her getting ready and saw this note:

Jess got dressed and ready at her parents house in Tatura, with the help of her six bridesmaids. Plenty of spare hands around to zip up zippers, buckle shoes and fasten necklaces. 

Jess looked breathtaking in her gown. Credit to her too, because the dress was so heavy. 

Jess and Mike had a sweet little bird motif running through out their wedding. Did I mention that I'm a sucker for little sweet birds?

Mike was so relaxed before the service. 

This photo is one of the reasons I love photographing weddings. This is Jess taking a brief moment before she walked down the aisle. Calming her nerves. Gives me goosebumps. 

But once the service started there were no more nerves for Jess. 

I now pronounce you... 

Did I mention there were six bridesmaids, six groomsman and two flowergirls? Getting that many people to look at the camera at one time can be quite a challenge, but these guys were great. Even the flowergirls were down with the task of smiling on cue for the formal shots. 

This crazy purple rainbow kept popping up when I was trying to take their photos. I thought it was beautiful, and a good omen. 

This shot makes me go *awwww*. Well, actually, most of these ones make me gush a little. 

The first dance between the new husband and wife are fast becoming my favourite part of the wedding. The couple only ever has eyes for each other. They completely forget there's a room full of people there, and disappear into their love.

I will remember this wedding for one main reason though:

The laughter. It was truly a joyous day. No matter what anyone was feeling on the day (nerves, stress) it was dissolved by laughter. And Jess was central to the laughs. She kept bursting into laughs all through the day. I couldn't help but chuckle from behind my camera.

Jess and Mike it was a beautiful day that I was touched to be a part of. Good luck for the future Mr and Mrs Reid!

Jess and Mike - Sneak Peek

Jess and Mike are currently on their honeymoon, so I'm posting a little sneak peek of their wedding photos for them to enjoy while holidaying. Wish I was on holidays in Thailand! 

* Meaghan

Free photo sessions - Geelong wedding photographer

I've teamed up with Melonie of Seababes in Barwon Heads to offer some free photo sessions. Spend $100 or more in Seababes, and instantly receive a free 2 hour photo session. The photo session can be used for your new baby, your family, or perhaps you've got a beautiful baby bump that you would like captured.  

I chose to team up with Melonie because, not only does she have a great boutique, but she's a working mum like me. She's got three daughters, and does a marvelous job balancing her store with her family life. She's an all round great chic who is always up for a chat.  Plus Melonie was really welcoming when I first introduced myself when I happened to be in her store one day. I mentioned that I'd just moved to the area, and she was full of things that would help me settle in. So I was very inspired to work with her after seeing her be so open and caring.  

We had an ad in the Geelong Advertisers' Babies of 2008 today. Doesn't it look swish. The little bub is Melonie's youngest girl Jemima.  

The promotion is going to be running until Feb 16th, 2009. 

As with every competition, there's some terms and conditions. But they're pretty boring, so I'll just put them really small down here:

1. The onus is on the recipients of the gift voucher to contact Meaghan Cook Photography Boutique to arrange their free photo session. 

2. Photo sessions must be scheduled by April 25, 2009. If the Boutique has no sessions available during this time, another time will be arranged at earliest convenience . 

3. Gift vouchers will not be replaced if they are lost, stolen or damaged. 

4. $100 must be spent at one time to be eligible for the voucher. 

5. Accruing the amount spent will not be eligible. 

6. Photo sessions must be held within a 50km radius of Barwon Heads. If the session is further, the client will be liable to pay a travel fee. 

7. All clients will receive an 8x10" print free of charge. The image printed will be chosen by the photographer. 

8. A maximum of 5 people are allowed at the session. Extra people cost $25 each. 

9. Proof of purchase from Seababes, and the gift voucher must be presented at time of session. 

I'm really looking forward to heaps of people taking advantage of our offer. Mainly because I'm hanging out to meet some new people. 

*Meaghan

Taking time - Geelong wedding photographer

Sometimes I find life overwhelming. Too hectic. Flat chat. Every day goes at break neck speed. I lurch from one thing to the next. Running after two toddlers, working on my photography, tying up the ever relenting loose ends. 

Sometimes I need to stand still. 

Still from Meaghan Cook on Vimeo.

(Please excuse the quality. It's not very good. But you get the idea.)

Hope you all find just a second sometimes to stand still. 

*Meaghan

Meaghan and Rich get married!

It's been nearly a month since Meagan and Rich's wedding, and I'm still gushing about it. It was a fabulously classy affair, thanks largely to Meagan's keen eye for detail during the planning of the wedding. 

But I should clarify. It wasn't exactly a wedding. Rich and Meagan were married awhile back. Rich is from the U.K, so they brought their wedding date forward to help with Rich being allowed to settle in the Australia. It was a very small wedding, in New Zealand. While it was definitely very special to them, they still wanted to have a grand wedding with all their friends and family. So they did!  

Meagan was an absolutely beautiful bride. She used the same dress she wore at their first wedding, but altered it to add a train and some extra embellishments. 

They were married at Stones of the Yarra Valley. This place is like a real life painting. 

My FAVOURITE shot from the wedding. Ooo, the anticipation. 

The ceremony was completely them. They had two friends act as celebrants and read out their story. The bride and groom weren't the only ones with a tear in their eye. 

The bridal party, and the slick wedding car. 

To Meagan and Rich!

A quick smooch in the vineyard before the reception. 

Their first dance. Tender, moving, beautiful. 

I'm also working on a great DVD of their wedding. Stay tuned...   

*Meaghan

Boutique open for 2009

The Boutique is officially open again. It's a bit strange saying that because I'm just a virtual boutique so I don't have a little 'open' sign to flip over on my front door. Maybe I should get one to hang on my computer. 

I had a wonderfully busy Christmas and New Year. In between festivities I photographed three gorgeous weddings. I've decided I'm totally and utterly hooked on weddings. Each wedding I go to is completely unique. I love seeing how couples show their personalities by the little touches they put into their day. I'm a junkie for a wedding. 

The most exciting (well, not quite the most, but it's up there) was the arrival of my new camera. I thought I would be sad to see my old one retire. It has been there for both my son's births, been around the world with me, and seen so much of my life. As soon as I got my new camera in my hands though, the old one was forgotten. The camera is beautiful and exquisite, and takes amazing photos like this ... 

And now it's all systems go for 2009. I've got so many little things up my sleeve, starting with a deal I'm doing with a local children's wear shop. If you want a complimentary photo session, stay tuned. 

Amongst all that, I'm toilet training Miles. 

Me: Miles, do you need to go to the toilet?

Miles: No mum. 

Two seconds later he widdled on the floor. They be the joys of toilet training. 

*Meaghan

Sneak Peek - Meagan and Rich

Meagan and Rich's wedding was a dream. This is just one of the many beautiful moments from the day. 

More to come!

*Meaghan

Georgia and Peter - the full story

Georgia and Peter were blessed with absolutely stella weather when they were married on December 20 at Mitchelton Winery. I've known Georgia for a long time (we even played hockey on the same team once) so it was extra special for me to be able to photograph this wedding. It was wonderful to see Georgia all grown up and marrying the man of her dreams.

In an absolutely stunning dress!

Georgia smiled ALL day. 

Pete chose the most perfect groomsmen. Not only were they his best mates, but they also kept everyone in great spirits all day. It made my job a snap because they were all enjoying themselves so much.

And they wore absolutely killer shoes ...

It was pretty warm during the outdoor ceremony, but no-one seemed to mind. Everyone was content watching Peter and Georgia pledge their love for each other.

Mwa!

A round of applause for the newlyweds.

Some quiet moments the couple shared after the ceremony.

I love the look she's giving here.

Then off to the reception (which from reports afterwards, was an absolutely great bash!)

Georgia and Pete - thanks so much for letting me be there to witness and capture your day. You guys beamed the whole day, which was so wonderful to see. Congratulations to you both!

Sneak Peek - Peter and Georgia

All I'll say about this wedding at this stage is that it was simply stunning. Sun shone, birds sang, and the bride and groom swooned all day. Beautiful.

More photos and full details very soon ...

*Meaghan