Meaghan Cook Photography Boutique's Blog

THe new blog is over ...

2011-06-23T17:08:00.001+10:00

HERE

See you there.

THe new blog is over ...

2011-06-23T17:08:00.000+10:00

HERE

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London calling

2011-05-23T21:52:00.005+10:00

Please kindly excuse the lamo title to this blog post. Sure, it's over done, and I'm sure that Joe Stummer would be hating the fact I'm adding to the phrase' overuse (but hey, you write a catchy song you're going to get schelps like me stealing the lines). But you get the gist of the heady pretty plainly right? I'm going to London.

Tomorrow I jet off, wheely suitcase in one hand, backpack full of camera gear over my shoulders. I'm heading to the mother country to photograph a gorgeous wedding (I know, punch me in the head, I'm deliriously lucky). I've written list after list, packed and re-packed and downloaded all manner of England related iphone apps that will ensure I don't get lost on the tube, have someone to talk me through the Tate, and do quick currency conversion calculations when faced with the price of a coffee.

I've got a new camera, of which I will blog about when ! get back, and I'm exited to be taking it out for a spin. I'm thinking Hyde park will do nicely for some shooting, perhaps sunset just to add to the fun.

I'll back in a few weeks in a new incarnation. I've been busy these past few months working on a whole new me. New business name, new look, new website and blog, and a whole lot of new awesomeness. It's been a heady experience, and I'll tell you more about it when I launch it.

For now, this is what I can show you. Just a glimpse, an itty bitty teeny tiny slice of what's on it's way.

So I'll see you all in a few weeks, after my rousing tour of the UK, some fine English country side, a heart melting wedding and a week to myself to tour London. And when you do see me, oh boy hold on to your hats, it's going to be a whole new me (kinda like getting a radical hair cut that you're not sure your mum would approve of.)

See you on the other side.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Hannah and Ben [Bundalong, VIC]

2011-05-17T19:22:00.003+10:00

Hannah was my friend's little sister, who always kinda seemed pretty much the same age as me. I walked past her house every day on my way to school. We used to wear the same maroon checkered school dresses and black t-bar shoes. We both survived our formative years in the same town, then took very different directions away.

Fast forward ten years to an email from Hannah, announcing her engagement. Would I perhaps, maybe, like to photograph my wedding? she asked. Oh Hannah, I would want nothing more.

So introduce the love of her life Ben. Ben with is sharp wit, kind laugh and enough energy to make us all envious. I asked Hannah what was it about Ben that made her fall in love with him. She teared up a little, gave a small laugh. Those actions say it all.

Welcome to their wedding, held on the banks of the Murray River at Hannah's family property in Bundalong. Welcome to the love.

Hannah and Ben are surrounded by so many good people. Both are fiercely loved by their families and bestowed with the friendship of a mighty group of friends. It was the people that truly made this wedding what it was.

Congratulations to you both!

Hannah, thank you for giving me the opportunity to reconnect with you and your family. Thank you for reminding me of the impression I left on you way back in school. Thank you for showing me that love is just the thing we need to make everything else seem possible.

* Meaghan

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Bush getaway

2011-05-15T20:55:00.002+10:00

A weekend away. A few clicks out of Beechworth. Turning leaves and an open fire. Friends, very dear friends. Wine glasses filled to the brim. Gumboots and walking trails. Food so good, so robust, so earthly. Peace.and.quiet.

Thank you, to Lara and Paul, for the most wonderful of weekends. We loved every breath of fresh air, every cup of tea, every conversation held as the clocked clicked closer to 3am.

* Meaghan

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Lyndel and John [Steiglitz, VIC]

2011-05-10T19:24:00.004+10:00

It was time.

Lyndel and John had been together for many years. They'd loved, laughed, made a home, had children. Their life was blissful, full to the point of overflowing. And now it was time.

This was their day. Despite having so many other things in their lives holding them together this was their day to commit purely for the sake of love.

It was time.

Have you ever been to Steiglitz? It's worth the visit. Not only for the gorgeous chapel where Lyndel and John were married, but for the beautiful view and crisp air. If you slouch down just right in your seat in the chapel, and look out the window, it feels like you're floating on top of the trees.

I overheard people's conversations as they milled around outside the church ( I can take photos and eavesdrop at the same time, tricky). One thing kept being repeated. 'They look so happy'.

John and Lyndel, you really do look so happy.

Back at home, amoung family and friends, in the still of the night, they celebrated.

My love, the whole lot of it, to you both.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Natalie and Stephen [Geelong, VIC]

2011-05-05T18:21:00.003+10:00

I pulled over to the side of the road to take Natalie's call. She was in a bind. It was just weeks out from her wedding. Mere weeks. Due to circumstances beyond anybody's control, she and Steve were without a photographer. I could hear the stress in her voice as I sat on a quiet road somewhere between Geelong and Echuca. All I kept thinking was 'I've got to help this girl'. No one needs to be that stressed in the lead up to their wedding. 'I've got to help this girl'. I looked up my calendar, 'yes, I'm free!' (helps to have a wedding on a Friday sometimes), and I could hear an audible sigh of relief from Natalie. The show would go on!

Natalie and Steve know what they like when it comes to style, design and aesthetics. And I must say, they have amazing taste. If there current careers ever grow stale for them, wedding design should definitely be there next step. Just check out the dots, the yellow, the cufflinks, and that chair!

Our second location was almost as magical as the first. As the sun went down, it truly became all about the love.

It didn't matter that I hadn't known them long, Natalie and Steve still treated me like an old friend. It was so easy to see their effortless love for one and other, and the love they have for their family and friends. These are two very blessed people. I adore it when good things come to good people.

* Meaghan

Wedding - Matt and Emma [Queenscliff, VIC]

2011-05-01T21:12:00.005+10:00

Rounding the corner of her 30th birthday, Emma made a list. She put pen to paper, and with the help of a friend, she wrote down all the traits she felt were important to be in a man. Warmth, intelligence, sense of humour, sense of family. She folded the note, put it away, and gave it little thought. Well, that was until Matt walked into her life and swept her off her feet. Not only did he possess all the qualities Emma had on her list, he exceeded them.

And so it was, Emma and Matt got married.

Umbrellas were mandatory on Emma and Matt's wedding day. Stepping out of the church proved difficult due to the heavy rain. But we pushed on! There were puddles, lots of dashing in and out of shelter and trying to avoid getting too wet, but it was all worth it.

There were so many gorgeous touches at Matt and Emma's wedding reception at The Queenscliff Hotel, a result of Emma's creativity and being a dab hand with the sewing machine. There was so much love in this room, and I was so privileged to be a part of it.

Congratulations Matt and Emma. You did not in anyway let the rain ruin your glorious parade.

* Meaghan

Wedding - Nicole and Paul [Wye River, VIC]

2011-04-26T20:48:00.005+10:00

Driving the Great Ocean Road on my way to Nicole and Paul's wedding, I recounted a conversation we'd had earlier in the week. They were both, as so many couples are just days out before their wedding, kinda stressed. But I could here than talking to each other in the background. One was assuring the other, and vice versa, that it was all going to be a.o.k. In that one conversation which was full of boring nitty gritty wedding day details, I could hear the essence of their relationship. The way they each was able to effortlessly placate the other, bring a smile, conjure a laugh. They had each other's backs. As simple and as beautiful as that.

The ceremony location, an inlet at Wye river, was especially meaningful to Nicole and Paul. Nicole's family has holidayed here since she was just a tiny dot. And as Paul was introduced into the family, he too joined them for their holidays here. Just around the bend is the spot Paul proposed to Nicole. So yeah, special.

I feel blessed to now call Nicole and Paul my friends, which made taking these photographs of them very special for me. I poured my heart into them, just as they poured their hearts into each other. I got goose bumps, and it wasn't from the biting tasman wind that whipped up over the ocean.

Nic and Paul, no greater gift could you give the world than to stay exactly as you are.

* Meaghan

Giving my gift to my children

2011-04-21T20:28:00.003+10:00

Sitting at the computer, cup of tea to my left and a jam jar of flowers from my garden to my right. Ryan crawled onto my lap, fresh from the bath with damp hair smelling of strawberries.

"Where's me?" he said, looking up at me with those blue eyes they all say he got from me.

"Can I see pictures of me?"

I flicked through my files, scanning the faces of smiling brides, for a photograph of Ryan. And I kept looking, and looking. Eventually I came across one. From Christmas. Four months ago! While Ryan was happy to see photographs of himself testing out his new scooter, I was aghast. I'd not taken the time to photograph him in like, ages. Shame on me, a photographer after all, who hadn't taken the time to properly photograph her children. Shame Meaghan, shame.

So as I tucked Ryan into bed, kissed him gently on the head and breathed in more of the strawberry goodness, the idea for this shoot was formed. To photograph my children with full intent and purpose. To focus my camera on these little beans, capturing this moment in time. To do what I do for my couples everyday. To give my children the gift of beautiful photos.

I love these photographs of Miles and Ryan. They might just be my most favourite of them ever. They've already chosen their favourites ones and I'm printing them for our walls. I'm looking forward to walking past them everyday.

Happy Easter chickens.

* Meaghan

Wedding - Skye and Blake [Geelong, VIC]

2011-04-18T00:55:00.004+10:00

Wow, weddings take a lot of planning. Searching for ideas, setting a vision, going about making that vision happen. Essentially, creating a dream.

So what happens when just hours before your dream unfolds are you standing at your open front door watching the rain crash down?

This was exactly the scenario I found Skye in when I arrived to photograph her getting ready for her wedding to Blake. They had planned a glorious outdoor wedding on the banks of the Barwon River. But the banks were awash with mud, it was a no go. She spoke to Blake on the phone, numerous times. They talked about their options, watched the rain, talked some more. They eventually decided to play it safe, to bypass the mud, and hold their wedding indoors at Truffleduck. Once the decision was made Skye could breathe again, and more forward with her preparations.

A photographers note: when you in a situation such as this, where there are tense moments and big decisions to be made, I have one peice of advice: get the hell out of the way. The last thing a bride needs as she's trying to decide whether to move her wedding location is a snap happy photographer getting up in her face. Exercise restraint, and remember, it's not always about the photography.

And onto their relocated ceremony. The setting, with the gorgeous tree lined backdrop, still felt like it was outside. It was kinda the best of both worlds - inside and dry but with the outside creeping in.

Blake and Skye showed me what it is to stay strong in the face of adversity. They worked together to formulate a new plan, and to make the absolute best of what the day was bringing them. They laughed, so much, and remembered that it was about getting married. Everything else just melted away.

* Meaghan

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ET phones home

2011-04-17T11:39:00.005+10:00

Ring, ring.

At least once during every wedding I get on my phone and dial Amba.

"Hello. Everything alright?" he answers.

What comes out of my mouth in answer to that question varies from wedding to wedding. Sometimes it's a simple 'all good, how are you and the boys?". But other times it's more like "I'm stuck on Kings Way, there's a truck on my arse, I'm lost, and I have to be at the hotel in 3 [expletive] minutes!"

Amba cops it all - I dropped my camera bag in a puddle and put it on without realising and now my back is all wet and I smell funny. I'm starving and I forgot to pack any food and it's another 3 hours until the canapes are served. My 80-200 stopped focussing right in the middle of the ceremony and I freaked out! What does [expletive] EE mean and why is it flashing at me on my screen?

He knows not to be more than two steps away from his phone while I'm shooting a wedding, and an unspoken rule that he needs to pick up within the first 3 rings or there is the potential for my head exploding on the other end. Any myriad of things have gone wrong for me on wedding shoots, and Amba has helped me solve every one. Just last week he was checking rain patterns, the week before that my shoe had broken and he reminded me I had a spare pair in the back of my car.

Working on my own 95% of the time means that I don't have anyone to help me when things go wrong, so I need Amba's help. Usually the phone calls take place when I get in the car going between locations, and most them involve a fair amount of cussing at one thing or another that's frustrated me (bad light, traffic, bad choice of uncomfortable underwear).

Amba also knows me well, so knows how to respond to me when I call. "Just take your next left off Kings way, pull over and breathe" "Have the kids left any food in the car that you can eat that isn't too stale or covered in sand?" "EE means you've bumped your focusing ring on your lens you idiot." Amba can talk me through anything, talk me down from anywhere, talk me up off the floor.

So while you guys don't see him much, and he's not officially part of my business, I couldn't run it without him. More importantly, I couldn't get through a wedding day without him.

This shot was taken at Nicole and Paul's recent Wye river wedding which I'll blog more of soon. The phone call to Amba that day was just as I was coming back into phone reception range, to check to see how he went with a visit with the children to my mother (sometimes, it's not just me that needs to debrief!)

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Ashley and Anthony [Mt Eliza, VIC]

2011-04-12T07:30:00.004+10:00

Like all great romances, it began in a pub. Anthony wondered who was that girl? That girl with the milky skin and astonishing blue eyes? Shy and a little unsure, Anthony sent his friend over to talk to her. It was the best move he ever made, because a few years later here they were getting married.

I've come to know Ashley over the past few years through her love of photography. She's proven to be a gifted photographer herself, but what's really stood out to me is her warmth. She will wrap you up and fill you up with warmth.

Ashley and Anthony were married amoungst the cloisters at Toorak College in Mt Eliza, complete with sincere and loving words, a few tears in the eye, and completely cute bunting.

We changed things up a little bit, doing things a little out of order. After some photos with the bridal party, it was on with the reception - complete with handmade Twister and the best meringues I've ever tasted.

Due to Ashley being a photographer herself, she understand the importance that light plays in a photograph. Knowing this, she also knew the best light for dreamy photographs is just before the sun goes down. So we held our little session with just the two of them after the reception, as the sun went down over Toorak college, and as Ashley and Anthony settled into being married.

All my love to you both. An amazing, amazing day to be a part of. You guys, well, you're just beautiful.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Courtney and Jason [Lorne, VIC]

2011-04-08T20:49:00.005+10:00

There's a little chapel, nestled in the deep green hilside. It has a pointy roof and warm wooden floors. You know the one. You drive past them on your way to somewhere else. A chapel such as this, in the little part of the Victorian world called Pirron Yallock, is where Courtney and Jason were married.

Why Pirron Yallock? Because it means something to Courtney and Jason. it means family. And to Courtney and Jason, family means the world.

I loved being welcomed into their family, even just for a day. Courtney and Jason are magnetic. They are so drawn to each other, and people are drawn to them. I drew my breathe in as Courtney stepped out in her wedding dress, just as her mother did. I laughed as they laughed during their ceremony, just Jason's father did. My heart was warmed as they made heartfelt and humourous speeches to each other before they cut the cake, just as all their guests hearts were warmed.

Courtney and Jason are dynamite, and the world is a better one with them in it together.

Onwards and upwards! You guys light up the world.

* Meaghan

WEDDING DETAILS
Wedding dress: Carla Zampatti (origianally in a different colour and Court had it made in white)
Bride's shoes: Zomp
Hairsylist: Sonia (Maddog) Harris
Make-up: Trish Hay
Bride'smaides dresses: Carla Zampatti
Groom's suit: Eddy Elias
Groomsman's suits: Eddy Elias
Florist: Lyn Armistead
Reception: Lorne Beach Pavillion

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Wedding - Anna and Jon [Woodend, VIC]

2011-04-04T22:32:00.004+10:00

Anna was travelling overseas. England. Land of crumpets, the Gallagher brothers, royal weddings and in Anna's case, the land of three-letter Jon. Anna and Jon were guests at a wedding, caught each other's eye during proceedings, shared a boozey pash at the end of the night, and fell in love.

Anna is a friend of mine, so to be there to capture her getting married to Jon was very special. Jon and Anna are the reason they came up with the saying two peas in a pod: they both share a razor sharp wit, beaming intellect, big hearts and penchants for dressing up. They love life, they love each other, and really it is as simple and as wonderful as that.

Anna and Jon's wedding suited them down to the ground. They didn't stick to tradition for tradition's sake. Anna had a bridesmaid and a brides-man. Jon was flanked by a groomsman and a groomsmaid. Everyone wore outfits that suit them and their individual personalities and flair. They sung Roy Orbison and Crowded House during the ceremony. The cake was made by a dear friend. Anna sang to her new husband. They danced to Gloria Estefan. 'Unique' is not the right way to put it because Jon and Anna did not set out with the aim of their wedding being to make it different. Uniquely them' sums it up better.

Hello Lara and Paul! Lara is one of my best friends in the world. She's one of the few that knows me implicitly (and still loves me!). I know Anna because of Lara, she was our link. Lara and Paul are getting married too. Congratulations honeypots!

Lara and I and our best cheesy grins.

Anna and Jon's wedding wasn't just about them. Everyone there was wholeheartedly part of the celebration. And celebrate they did! (Note the smiley smiley faces. Seriously, these guests smiled a lot.)

Hugs all round! Anna, my heart is full knowing that you've found your 'one'. And knowing that he's Jon, amazingly awesome (and just a touch wonderfully silly) Jon makes me even happier. To you both, stay golden.

* Meaghan

WEDDING DETAILS:
Location: Campaspe House, Woodend
Dress: Mathieu Salem
Shoes: Mallouk
Hair: Switch
Make-up - Jess from the Spa
Bride'smaides dresses: Review and Vivien of Holloway
Groomsmen suits: DKNY and Ben Sherman
Groom's suit: Arthur Galan
Groom's FABULOUS shoes: a little ol' shoe maker near where Jon lives.
Flowers: Jon's wonderful mother
Cakemaker: Dean Myers

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Special is in the eye of the beholder

2011-03-30T18:32:00.002+11:00

I've never been one to talk about my children much. When someone asks how they are, I've always given a pretty quick and succinct answer (that is completely void of any mention of their sleeping habits and bowel movements). I haven't ever wanted to bore other people with the goings on as my life as a mother. In conversation I've treated looking after the children like any other career, and ensured I never spent more than 15% of any given conversation talking about them.

I've avoided over hyping my own children for two reasons 1. I loathe it when people bang on about their kids non-stop, to the complete detriment of intelligent conversation and 2. I think my kids are fabulous, but you don't have to.

I was reminded of point two on the weekend. My friend Anna asked after Miles and Ryan. I gave the usual 'yep, all good, haven't broken them completely yet' kind of answer and she laughed (and not at my oh-so-not-so witty response). 'You've always been like that,' Anna reminded me. 'You've never forced anyone else to love your kids'. And it's very true. Like I said, I think my kids are fabulous, but I'm fully aware that they are neither out of the ordinary or entirely special. I know that every mother feels their child is god's gift to this earth, and on doing the maths, I know that not every kid can be (yes, I'm aware I've opened up a religious can of worms there. Let the worms flow forth!).

Sure, my children are completely special to me, but that's enough. I don't need the world to think they're special too.

So as more of an aside, and so his grandfather can see some recent photos of him, here are some portraits I took of Miles to commemorate him turning 5. His birthday was completely special to our little family, and Miles revelled in the knowledge that he was growing up and up and up. Amba and I high fived (as we do as each kid reaches any new milestone) at having got Miles this far, and all signs were looking good for Miles turning out just fine.

Happy birthday Miles. To me you are entirely special.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Eliza and Dave [Queenscliff, VIC]

2011-03-29T15:19:00.003+11:00

There's many reasons a wedding might get held up. I've seen a few while I've been photographing weddings. Vintage car brakes down on side of highway, wedding rings were left in the other bag back at the hotel, bride so nervous she had to sit and breathe into a brown paper bag.

But a missing organist? This was a new one for me.

Dave held court out the front of the church while Eliza toured Queenscliff with her father in his vintage car. Dave laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and let his groomsman get a mark of his suit.

The organist appeared, and without further ado, Eliza arrived. The simply stunning Eliza. That dress, those flowers, that all encompassing smile. Now they had music, it was on with the show!

The perfect married couple. Everyone at the wedding agreed. In fact it was one of the things I heard repeated most. There was certainly a general consensus that Eliza and Dave were meant for each other, with their matching intellect, humour and warmth.

The Vue Grand, the beautiful Vue Grand.

'Ang about, there's a smudge on the mirror and it's waving.

Congratulations Eliza and Dave!

Wedding details:
Dress: Gwendolynne Burkin
Hair and Makeup: Leesa Gray-Pitt
Bride's hair peice: Richard Nylon
Bride'smaides dresses: Satch
Groom and groomsmen's suits" Zenetti
Florist: Moss Industry
Cake: Kiss Kakes
Cars: Geelong Wedding Cars, and Bride's father's Jensen
Invitations: Tickled Pink Invitations
Reception: The Vue Grand, Queenscliff

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Erin and Andrew [Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens, Melbourne}

2011-03-21T20:31:00.004+11:00

Erin is so much like me, it's no wonder we hit it off. We're both strong-willed and know what we want. We can both be loud, outspoken and talkative. When we laugh, you definitely know about it. Like me too, Erin is also soft, and warm hearted. You just need to dig below the surface to find a very smart girl who loves her new husband fiercely and endlessly.

So of course, without a doubt, it was amazing to be there when Erin and Andrew got married in the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Amazing to witness, even more amazing to capture.

And who are these doofs? You just can't keep a photographer from a mirror. We think we're so clever.

* Meaghan

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Inhaling

2011-03-18T05:44:00.002+11:00

I watch a bride very carefully in the morning. I watch them take a big, deep, breathe in. Then they hold it. They go about getting ready, having their hair and makeup done, sorting out last minute details, putting on their dress, all while holding this breathe.

It's not until that first moment when they touch their husband to be once they've walked down the aisle that they let that breathe go.

They let the breathe go, and on it are the words 'I'm home'.

Photos taken whilst Nikala prepared to marry Corey.

* Meaghan

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Misleading silence

2011-03-16T11:03:00.005+11:00

Shhh, can you hear that? *cue a tumbleweed blowing across the page*. It's been very quiet in these parts recently. The blog has turned into something resembling a country town after it's been by-passed by a highway. The sign is up in the milk bar that's it's open, but the owner is having a snooze behind the counter.

Despite the hush that has befallen the blog, it's been all systems go. Perhaps the business outside of the blog is really what's caused the quiet on it.

I'm all high and giddy on weddings at the moment. I've been riding in cool cars, listening to bad jokes from groomsmen, high-fiving reception venue organisers, helping bridesmaids with their uncooperative bobby pins and catching run away veils.

Yeah, and taking some photos in the middle of it all.

All of these photos were taken by Lauren Bent at Skye and Blake's wedding on the weekend. Meaghan, I'm not sure what's with that face.

No caption needed for this one. Moving right along.

End of the night, and a little piano posing was in order.

So I'm dusting the cobwebs off the menu bar and getting this blog back on track again. It's nice to be back. I've missed you all.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Holly and Aaron [Torquay, VIC]

2011-02-28T19:38:00.002+11:00

I got to Holly's house early. I couldn't wait any longer for it to be their wedding day. Holly broke into a glowing smile when she saw me, and pulled me into an all encompassing hug. Her warmth stayed with me the whole day. How could it not? Holly's warmth and love emanates every time she moves, every time she breaths. The reasons Aaron loves her endlessly are obvious.

Holly and Aaron care about the environment. They love being outside. So it was only fitting that their wedding ceremony was amoungst nature where they feel so at home. The stunning location was at the Eumerella Scout Camp. The natural amphitheatre has a view that stretches across the ocean all the way to Anglesea. Breath.taking.

Hello Aaron. I can see why you love Holly, and it's also glaringly obvious why Holly loves you. You're affable and genuine. Down to earth. You're sense of humour is quick and unique.

Onto the amazing reception at the Jan Juc Surfclub. Holly and Aaron took a very hands-on approach to their reception, making decorations, paper flowers, table settings. Beautiful, just beautiful.

(But first, a small injury to attend to.)

I drove away from Holly and Aaron's wedding tingling. The love in that room lifted me up. The people in that room, lifted me up. Holly and Aaron, you lifted me up.

* Meaghan

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Delegating: you don't have to do everything, seriously.

2011-02-19T12:02:00.005+11:00

It's not that I'm time poor. I have as much time in my day as everyone else, obviously. No one has come and stolen splices of time from my life so that I jump from mid-morning to late afternoon without noticing. It's just that I've been feeling like someone has stolen entire afternoons from me. Around 10pm most nights you can hear me cursing 'how did it get to be 10 o'clock already?'

Then someone said to me 'you don't have to do all the things on your list'.

Oh.so.true.

My list of things that needs to be done is long, as is yours I'm sure. But I've decided that I don't have to do everything on it. I'm delegating, calling in help, or simply leaving things off the list. The children are in on the act, taking responsibility for tidying their rooms and setting the table. Then I don't have to do it. It's on the list, but I don't always have to be the one to do it. I can delegate.

I can delegate and use my time in other ways. Like encouraging Ryan to jump on the bed.

* Meaghan

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My valentine

2011-02-09T21:26:00.008+11:00

I bounded down the steps of the Yahoo bar (Shepp-resent). It was December 19th, 2003 and I'd not long moved back to Shepparton to start my career as a journalist. I was out for the night with my friend Emily, a newly minted lawyer, who like me, was ready to let off some steam after spending the week getting habituated to working full time.

Emily and I grabbed some beers, found a booth and sat down to watch the crowd, trying to talk to each other over the sound of the music. We watched the band. I particularly, was watching the bass player. I commented to Emily that I thought he was, well, there's no other way to put this, I thought he was hot. Super hot. Hot in that brooding bass player way. Emily saw her moment, and presented me with a dare. She'd buy me a beer if in the next break for the band I went and talked to the bass player.

Not one to shy away from a dare, I bounced over to the stage as the band laid down their instruments. "Hi, I'm Meaghan. I liked your set." Yep, dems were the cliched words that came out of my mouth (forgive me the lack of originality, I'd had a few beers).The bass player looked up at me, a little startled perhaps by this perky girl being a little odd. 'Uh, thanks.' He said.

I don't recall what happened next, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't much of a conversation because I was soon heading back to Emily to claim my free beer without much of a story to tell.

But I will always remember what happened next. I watched the bass player pack up after their set was done, and head up the stairs and go home. I recall feeling a little disappointed, he'd seemed really nice. I turned back to Em, and continued with the night. It was awhile later and I felt a tap on the shoulder. I turned around, and it was him. The bass player. He'd come back. He'd come back to see me.

The rest of the night is a blur (maybe that's because it was so long ago, or maybe it was the beer), but I do know this. Amba and I ascended those stairs together at the end of the night, pashed out the front of the Shepparton post office, and started something that would turn into forever.

Happy Valentine's day.

* Meaghan

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Seeing me for me

2011-02-09T20:46:00.006+11:00

I wrote to my friend Sarah Black last year, floating the idea of her taking some photographs of me.

This is part of what I emailed her:

"What I'd really love is some quiet photos of me. Photos that show my heart. My soul. Too often I hide behind being loud, the clown. I'd love photos of me that show my quieter side, that shows my ability to be still, to be a little dreamy."

And these are some of the photographs she took.

I trusted Sarah implicitly during our shoot. I trusted that she would make me look beautiful. I worked hard to drop my inhibitions, to not worry about my physical imperfections. I let it go, and let myself just be. It was the very best thing I could have done.

Sarah's photographs make my heart sing and my skin tingle. She herself is an amazing soul, who shoots with heart and connection. She made me feel beautiful, and I thank her over and over for that.

* Meaghan

You can see more of the photographs, and Sarah's thoughts about our shoot HERE.

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Wedding - Ashley and Richard [Port Campbell, VIC]

2011-02-09T19:40:00.006+11:00

You never know what the moments will be that change your life. Those moments that will mean all the difference. That will change your pathway in a direction you couldn't foresee.

When Ashley met Richard, it was one of those moments. They were at a ball, the music was loud, and they had to shout to make themselves heard. They were there to support a fundraising appeal. They weren't to know as they smiled, talked, danced, that they were meeting the one that they would eventually marry.

Ashley and Richard live in a gorgeous slice of the world. Their backyard is literally the 12 Apostles. Literally. So naturally they held their wedding on the property so guests could enjoy the beautiful view.

We all know things go wrong at weddings. Inevitable. Despite a practice run, the bus still got stuck. Wedged. Not moving. They had to call in the heavy help (heavy help being the biggest thug of a tractor I've ever seen) and pull it out. Richard laughed, shrugged his shoulders and watched the spectacle.

See that spec? That's Ashley on her way to the wedding. Yep, in a helicopter.

By this time in the day I was taking a little break from shooting. I'd found a little spot to rest when Richard came up to me grinning. He asked about the group shot, about getting everyone together. I said sure, and started to gather my camera up to get ready.
"So I'll call the chopper and it'll be here in five minutes to take you up," said Richard, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Um, what? The what?", I spluttered.
He wasn't kidding, and as a man good to his word, a helicopter arrived 5 minutes later to take me up to get the group shot.

See, the aforementioned helicopter. Notice the lack of door there on the passenger side. Oh yeah, I was TOTALLY fine with that.

I photographed the instrument, as photographic evidence. Otherwise, without that evidence I would have doubted the occurrence of the flight. I mean really, do you believe me?

Yes, blurry, but still super fun.

Ashley and Richard have supported each other through lots of changes in their lives. They are both determined and strong. They are undoubtedly going to achieve amazing things. I can't wait to see.

* Meaghan

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Sweetheart session - Nicole and Paul

2011-01-30T14:48:00.006+11:00

Nicole jumped out of her car and hugged me. My face lit up into a gigantic smile and I hugged her back.

We had never met.

Yet it didn't seem strange to welcome each other in such a way. Nicole has a way of making you feel so comfortable and so special at the same time.

Paul stepped out of their car too, and beamed. I could tell that what I was seeing from Nicole was one of the very reasons Paul loves her so.

Paul and Nicole met on Nicole's first day of university. She was arriving at her new dorm for the first time, and Paul was there to help her with her bags. One week later and they got together. That was eight years ago now, and they're getting married.

Paul is an adventurer at heart. He's lived and worked in a myriad of different countries, including a recent posting in Laos. 'You can never stop travelling," he said to me, advice which I'm more than willing to follow.

Nicole admitted that she wasn't one to dream about getting married when she was little. I wasn't like that either so I could see where she was coming from. "But Paul and I talked and talked and talked and talked. About everything. Everything. Something in me changed, and I knew I wanted to get married," said Nicole.

2011 is going to be Paul and Nicole's year, and it's going to be sensational.

I'm so glad Paul and Nicole walked into my life and in front of my camera.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Karis and Jeremy [Geelong, VIC]

2011-01-29T14:51:00.006+11:00

Karis came home for her wedding. Back to her childhood home, her old bedroom, her old things. She and Jeremy have made their home in Melbourne, but came back to Geelong where Karis grew up for their wedding.

'It just made sense,' she told me.

Much like Karis and Jeremy.

They just make sense together. The world makes sense when they're together. Their lives make sense when they're together.

This is but and 5th of their record collection. I ran my fingers along the spine to hear that noise it makes.

Jeremy had a very good game face. He gave little away before the ceremony. If he was nervous, he didn't show it.

Hello everyone. You all look smashing.

Bam!

The girls' dresses were, simply put, incredible. They also had the power to make the owner want to twirl and twirl and twirl.

Oh Jemima, you're a girl after my own heart.

I asked the fellas to get ready for me to take a shot of them. So they did, and with no prompting from me, walking towards me with their coat jackets over their shoulders like they were in a Boyz II Men video. Gold.

Karis and Jeremy's reception was held at Geelong's Truffleduck. This place is perfect.

Oh how I wish and dream I could pull off gorgeous red hair like Rachel's.

From then on everything got just a little bit crazy.

* Meaghan

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What photographs really are

2011-01-25T21:41:00.002+11:00

"I don't have any photos of me from when I was a kid," said the old man fishing in the rock pool next to me. We both had our pants rolled up to the knees and were peering about for fish. "We didn't have any of those," he said, pointing to the bright orange point and shoot camera I had hanging from my arm. "I hate to think of all the things I've forgotten about because there's nothing to remind me of them."

The man wandered off with his grandchild, holding the chubby hand steady as they found a clear path through the seaweed.

I turned back to where my children were playing, and took another photograph. So they remember.

* Meaghan

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Dealing with self doubt

2011-01-19T20:30:00.003+11:00

Sometimes when it's late at night, usually when the house is quite and I'm sitting at my computer working by the light of the screen that the self doubt demons creep in. They whisper to me 'you're a horrid photographer', 'you don't know what you're doing'. They love to taunt 'would you look at that photograph? You call that horizon straight?!'. They make me go and look at other photographer's websites, further driving home their point about me photography skills, and lack there of.

It's so hard not to listen, and all of a sudden I find myself in the swampy waters of self doubt. If I don't do something about it, I would surely drown.

I don't prescribe to all that crap about using self-doubt to drive you forwards and make you better. Erm, yeah, whatever. They've obviously never met my self-doubt. Mine is paralising, and has me convinced that I don't even know how to turn a camera on. I've read all about self-doubt being only natural, that everyone goes through it, that I'm not alone. Again, so not helpful. Knowing that everyone doubts themselves just makes me believe in the old primary school adage of 'majority rules'.

To deal with it I give myself a reality check. I tell myself the following two things -

1. When you started photography, your photos were awful.
2. You're better than you were then.

By not comparing myself to others, but comparing what I used to be like to what am now works. It eliminates all others from the equation, and makes my own work the bench mark. It makes me feel so much better to know that I've improved. If I really need pulling out of the self-doubt swamp I'll even go back to my first blog posts to look at the photos (and there are some stinkers!).

Telling myself these two simple things reminds me that I'm moving foward. No, I may not yet be the best photographer in the world, and that I'm actually not even close to that, but I'm better than I used to be. So that gives me hope that I will continue to grow, learn, develop and take better photographs. It reminds me that so far the only way has been up, so why should that change now?

Try it, next time the self-doubt devil comes to haunt you. And tell it hi from me.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Carla and Colin [Queenscliff, VIC]

2011-01-18T08:06:00.004+11:00

Colin and Carla are well travelled, well read, and well loved. They are arresting, and draw warmth, love and respect towards them where ever they go. As their wedding day progressed I fell more and more in love with them, I couldn't help it. These two are just like that. You can't help but love them and want the absolute very best for them.

I had the brilliant and exceedingly well dressed Alexander Gardner along for the ride. He proved himself committed to getting the shot when he hopped in the bath to get just the right angle for a photo he was taking. I've always been too scared to get in the bath, but Alex has now paved the way.

Can you see Carla's dress hanging up on the left there? Carla said she didn't set out with the intention of having a black dress. "I had no set ideas," Carla told me while she was getting dressed. She said it was more like this dress chose her. It was just perfect.

Carla made me smile behind my camera.

Alex took this photograph, and it makes me make happy sighs. Light on the skin - always beautiful.

Carla ran the full gamut of emotions. Just before this photograph I asked Carla to think about what it means to be marrying Colin. She teared up. In that exact instant, it hit me how much their wedding meant.

Speaking of Colin...

Snap! Gotcha Alex.

From the ceremony location at View's End, just a breathe out of Queenscliff, I could stand in their gardens and look over the bay and see Melbourne. I never get sick of that view. It reminds me that I'm not so far away.

Photo on the right is Al's. Sheer joy right?

I'm pretty sure I'm giving Carla a tour of the gardens, pointing out flower names, bugs and fairies.

Every part of Colin and Carla's wedding had great thought put into it. From their reading from The Alchemist, right through to the tie Colin is wearing. It's an old tie. Colin wore it to his year 12 formal. There were photos of him in it. And who was standing next to him in those photos from a decade ago? The beautiful Carla.

The Queenscliff foreshore treats me so well. Both for sitting on while eating fish and chips with the family, and for wedding photos.

Colin and Carla got ready, had their reception, and stayed at the Vue Grand in Queenscliff. Most of their guests stayed their too. Connie at the Vue Grand makes life for a bride and groom so easy. You can't ask for more than that.

You've heard the horror stories. Of the photographer calling either the bride or groom the wrong name. Cringe. Well, I did it. I admit it, I called BOTH the bride and groom the wrong name, at the same time, in front of the entire group. I was chatting to everyone from my vantage point on the balcony and I got muddled, really muddled. The names swished around in my head and came out wrong. There was one of those dreaded pauses before I realised what I did, and before the people below erupted into laughter. At least they could see the funny side?! Apologies again to Carla and Colin, and shame on me.

Alex straightening a frame on the wall. Yet again, going above and beyond.

And two last dancing shots from Alex. These two made me laugh, and are the reason I love receptions. The boys getting a little silly. Gold.

Carla and Colin's wedding was one that I'll never forget, but not for that amazing black dress. I won't forget it because of the warmth that emanated from it. Everyone in that reception room were a part of it too. They were all there to really celebrate and embrace Carla and Colin.

* Meaghan

ps - Alex, thanks a gazillion. You know already how much I appreciate you.

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Clare Bowditch [Self improvement 2011]

2011-01-17T13:23:00.002+11:00

Ordinarily, I would have stayed in bed. A gig, at a dodgy venue, on a Sunday night, late. No thank, I'd rather have some quality time with my blankets and a good book.

But this time I said yes. And Clare Bowditch made me happy that I did.

Clare Bowditch and the new slang played at the Barwon Heads pub last night to a small yet appreciative crowd. Amba and I, plus some friends shook off our sleepiness and went along. Clare's music is all kinds of wonderful. She's also dang funny. We decided that she'd be the kind of person that would be rip roaringly funny after a few red wines around the dinner table. Clare also knows how to swear in all the right delicate places, a talent I hold particularly dear.

I'm tired today, but what's a bit of fatigue between friends? I got to go to the pub, drink beer (our of plastic cups if you please. When did they start serving beer out of plastic cups? I'm not sure I'm a fan of the change), watch Clare add Rhianna riffs to her songs, and hang out with some good people. I'm happy to suffer being tired.

* Meaghan

Clare was playing with Pikelet, which was a wonderful suprise. I'm a Pikelet fan (both musical and edible.)

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Self improvement 2011

2011-01-13T19:01:00.004+11:00

I blogged back when it was my birthday that I felt like I'd misplaced myself somewhere along the way. That I'd bundled up all the good bits and left them in a good will bin. This thought has stuck with me over the last few months. I've turned my mind to how I've changed, why I've changed, and were the changes for the better.

Some of the changes definitely were, but it was mostly the circumstantial stuff such as where I was living and my sense of fulfillment I get from my job. But other changes were more on the nose (perpetually grumpy, feathers easily ruffled).

So 2011 has been duly dubbed 'self improvement 2011'. The whole year is all about self betterment. Setting about doing things that make me better.

Now I don't mean going on a crazy fitness kick or taking on a whole new vegan eating pattern (I mean, that'd be fun but let's not be over ambitious). Something that makes me better can (and will) be as simple as ducking into a movie theatre on a Sunday afternoon to watch the recent Sophia Coppola film on my own. Or listening to podcasts about the world's economy.

Reading good books, emphasis on the good.
Going to live music (oh how I've missed sticky pub carpet)
Putting pen to paper and writing stories again (you all knew I used to be a journalist right?)
Doing things I wouldn't ordinarily do.
Getting outside of my warm, fluffy, protective, surrounded in faux fur comfort zone.

I've already been putting my money where my mouth is. Cue Meaghan water skiing on Lake Eildon to the delight of my friends in the boat. Ordinarily I would have shook my head when I was asked if I wanted a turn at water-skiing. I would have made some excuse about the temperature of the water not being to my liking and then quickly busied myself looking for the sunscreen so that I didn't have to meet the person's eye. But this time I was asked, because it was Self Improvement 2011, I accepted, plunged into the water and proceeded to completely balls up some water-skiing maneuvers. It.was.ace. Sure, I fell over in an extremely inelegant fashion numerous times, but I really didn't care. I was water-skiing god-dammit!

So bring it on Self Improvement 2011. I'm looking you in the eye, and taking you on with mighty force. I'm going to knock you flat.

* Meaghan

ps - These wonderful photos of me were taken by the divine Sarah Black during a little adventure we had at the end of last year. More about it to come very soon...

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Wedding - Luci and Vladimir [Queenscliff, VIC]

2011-01-09T11:35:00.003+11:00

When Luci and Vladimir first met, they found they had a common story to share. They had both immigrated to Australia around the same time in their lives, and had both faced the same difficulties. Despite being from vastly different parts of the world (Vladimir from Russia and Luci from America) they both spoke of feeling lost and alone. "I'd always kept those feeling's with me," said Valdimir to me once, "until I met Luci. I didn't feel alone anymore."

The connection of Luci and Vladimir really is like they've found their other half.

I peeked over Helen's shoulder as she chatted to her grandmother and other family relatives in the U.S via Skype. Helen told them about Vladimir forgetting to bring his suit pants to Queenscliff, and the pandemonium that ensued, and they roared with laughter. It was *almost* like they were really in the room. They were definitely in everyone's hearts.

* Meaghan

Fiji or/and bust

2011-01-05T15:51:00.006+11:00

I haven't decided yet whether our holiday was tremendous or terrible. It certainly had elements of both. I'm just not sure which one there was more of though. It depends if I'm having a glass half empty or half full day. But when people ask me 'how was your holiday?' I tell them honestly, and usually with a shrug of my shoulder, 'I haven't decided'.

Our trip to Fiji was supposed to be all sunshine and lazing about. In many ways it was. There was the obligatory palm trees, and locals greeting us in their native tongue. I got to read my book by a pool. The children watched a man nimbly scale a coconut tree and relieve it of it's fruit. All those good wholesome things a tropical holiday is supposed to be.

Shoes optional on tropical holidays.

A lemonade for me, and a beer for my mum, thank you very much.

Don't all those photos make our holiday look wonderful? Unfortunately it wasn't all beers at the swim up bar. About 2 hours into our flight, Ryan woke up flaming hot. I could have warmed my in-flight meal up on him. He couldn't talk, and I could smell the tonsillitis on his breath. Cue three days of round the clock medicine, taking turns to stay in the suite while Ryan slept, trying to coax Ryan to eat or drink something. He finally started to bounce back and I could see my relaxing holiday on the horizon.

But before I could grab my towel and head to the beach Miles was struck down. Hello tonsillitis mark II (and a temp above 40 degrees if you don't mind). Miles was sicker than Ryan. The sickest he's been all year.

Miles having his temp checked by the resort doctor (he nearly melted her thermometer). The doctor was worth her eight in gold, prescribing medication, giving advice as to how to help the children, being suitably sympathetic that they were so unwell while they were away from home.

They tried to rally. They really did. This is Miles bobbing around in the pool. Note the grey pallor and languid expression.

Ryan doing 'tricks'.

... and back to what they did best (and most of).

Amba and I weren't going to spend the entire trip staring at the wall of our suite, so we tempted the children out with promises of iguanas. And boat rides.

They offered Ryan some orange juice on board. He drank two glasses in very quick succession. They didn't go down well. Try to aim over the side Ryan.

And then we went home. The trip wasn't a total write off. Not completely. But almost. On the plane home I asked Amba where we were going to make up for this trip. Bali? Canada? The Barwon Heads caravan park?

* Meaghan

All photos taken on my bright orange Panasonic Lumix. All shots taken by either me or one of the children.

Christmas comes early.

2010-12-22T20:06:00.003+11:00

I'm wrapping Christmas presents while watching new episodes of Gossip Girl (Christmas is the time for indulgences right?), and I'm starting to get excited about Friday. Yes, Friday, Christmas day. We're faking Christmas a day early in my house because we're heading off on our holiday on Christmas day. What?! Like you wouldn't do it if you had two children who are yet to know what day it is if it meant you go on a tremendous holiday. I've even altered our advent calendar to end a day early. I'm just that sneaky.

(My parents switched my birthday on me one year. We were moving towns on the day of my actual birthday. So we celebrated it the week before. More convenient, apparently. So I just consider my little switcheroo balancing out the world.)

Changing the date doesn't bother me, as the meaning will still the same. Spending time with the family, eating good food, watching the children play with their gifts. Sure, it'll be a day early, but it'll still very much be Christmas.

Have a splendid Christmas all you lovelies. Make sure you rattle the presents under the tree. After all, we never actually really want to wait until Christmas anyway.

See you next year!

* Meaghan

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Sweetheart Session - Ashley and Richard [Melbourne, VIC]

2010-12-17T22:45:00.003+11:00

Over a cup of tea, I asked something difficult of Ashley and Richard - I asked them to be themselves while I took their photograph. It's no easy feat. I know I'm guilty of over smiling, generally over doing it myself. So I knew I was putting ahead of Ashley and Richard no simple task.

But Ashley and Richard looked relieved when I asked them to be themselves. I'd inadvertently taken the pressure off them, the pressure to be some idea of perfect, and instead allowed them to relax and enjoy spending some time together. They chatted freely, laughed loudly, loved warmly.

For a fleeting moment, Ashley looked exactly like Rose Byrne.

My heart melted when I pressed the shutter on these next two photographs. I asked Ashley and Richard to show me their love, and they really really did.

I can hardly wait the 29 days until Ashley and Richard's wedding. It's going to be, well, there's no other way to put it - it's going to be beautiful.

* Meaghan

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Bent family [Geelong, VIC]

2010-12-16T21:16:00.004+11:00

I wasn't going to post another shoot this year, but I had this one up my little sleeve and really wanted to share it. How could I not? Afterall, I'm always the child who peeks at her Christmas presents under the tree.

I've gotten to know Lauren and Ashley over the last few years. As with all good friendships, they begin in unusual ways. Ashely sold me my camera. He handed me my new baby and our friendship was set in stone. Ashely said to me once 'you should meet my sister. She's into photography too.' So I met Lauren. We became firm friends faster than you can say 'what camera do you shoot with?'

And now I've I've collected the whole family set.

Ashley and Lauren have made it cool to love your mum. And when you've got a mum as abundantly wonderful as Margi, you'd love her to the hill tops too.

Meaghan, for goodness sake, hold your bleepin' camera straight!

Much better.

And you know what, sometimes a photo where everyone is standing together looking at the camera and smiling isn't overdone and boring. Sometimes, it's just plain perfect.

* Meaghan

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2010 - A year in review

2010-12-15T10:24:00.007+11:00

I was chatting late at night to my friend on the phone. 'Late at night' really is the best time for phone conversations that meander and wander, and sometimes stray into that murky deep and meaningful area. And this was one of those murky conversations. I commented that 2010 had been a good year. A solid year, I think perhaps was how I phrased it. 2010 has been completely void of drama. No catastrophes, no feeling like I was wadding through spaghetti. It cruised along, it had highlights and there are no glaringly obvious lowlights that spring to mind (except when I was sprung polishing off a tub of Nutella in the pantry, with the evidence all over my face Augustus Gloop style.

I've pulled together some of my photographs from the past year. They are ones that I like, for any number of reasons. It could be because the photo is pure love, or because two seconds after taking it I fell over my own camera bag. There's also a few photos of Miles and Ryan thrown in for good measure (mainly so I can see how much, or how little in Ryan's case, their hair has grown). There were so many more I could have chosen, so so many more.

The Boutique is closing for the break on Friday. I'm shutting the doors to my office and taking a few quick steps backwards as I retreat down the hallway.

For now though, here's to 2010. Thanks to everyone of you who has visited the blog over the year. Your support has not gone unnoticed, and I appreciate it ten fold.

And to all of you who I've had the honour of photographing, a thousand thank yous. It's you guys who have made my year so incredible.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Tamsin and Blake [Melbourne, VIC]

2010-12-13T18:03:00.005+11:00

Tamsin and I met 12 months ago. As she got ready for her wedding, we laughed about how we met. It involved toilet paper stuck to a shoe and a potentially embarrassing crisis swiftly averted. The moment bonded us for life.

Tamsin had diamonds on the soles of her feet. Kind of.

I met Blake that same day 12 months ago too. He was groomsman in his best friend's wedding. This time the roles were reversed, and it was Blake's turn to be centre stage. Blake and Tamsin were married in the chapel at Blake's old school, Haleybury. I love that they chose somewhere that held meaning for them. Blake commented that it was a little strange to be back there, in a suit with tails.

The clock started to tick past Tamsin's scheduled arrival time. Her mother checked her watch. Was Tamsin coming? 'They must be on their way,' she said as she looked from her watch to the school's gates to see if Tamsin's car could be seen. Indeed, they were on their way, after a small hitch with the (gorgeous) vintage cars. Nothing like a car break down on a major highway to keep the emotions running high.

Huzzah! She made it, in ravishing fashion.

Why hello there the ever fabulous Courtney and Dana! I photographed their wedding almost 12 months ago to the day and seeing them again was one of the highlights of my day. These two still know how to make me laugh.

You guys, so tender and sweet.

... and on with the party!

This photograph is the reason I do my job. The reason I love my job. Look at their faces, at their bright eyes and wide smiles. They've both run the gamut of emotions already in the day, from gut wrenching nerves to logistical stresses. And now they arrive at their reception and they've made it. They're here, and they're married. All the weeks of preparation and planning are over. They can finally celebrate, in earnest, their marriage. All of that, is in this photograph.

Tamsin and Blake are currently taking my dream tour of the U.S - taking in both New York and Washington (hello all those art galleries, museums and political places of interest!). They've told me it's cold, but amazing. Enjoy you guys, you deserve all the amazingness the world has to offer.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - James and Sarah [Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens, VIC]

2010-12-11T19:01:00.006+11:00

James is a romantic. He whisked Sarah to the top of the Eiffel tower to propose to her. So when he took her hand during their wedding, looked into her eyes and said 'I do', every heart melted.

I loved being with Sarah as she got ready (at the incredible Latt) for her wedding. She was a picture of serenity. Her eyes were calm, her speech soft and gentle. This was a woman who was ready to wed her beloved.

There have been an overwhelming amount of wet Saturday's this year. As a wedding photographer, you tend to notice these things. This particular Saturday was no exception. And like so many of these wet Saturday's, the rain came, went and came again, but left a brief interlude in which Sarah and James could be married outside, in the always perfect Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

I know this smile so well. So very well. When you look at the back of your camera to see the photo you've taken, and you realise that you've got something golden. That's what this smile is all about.

Grandfather. Grandson.

Have you ever been to Quat Quatta? I swooned my way around their immaculate gardens, as did Sarah and James. Sarah and James chose Quat Qutta because it was them. I couldn't agree more. It was romantic, sophisticated and warm, just like them.

The sincerely sensation Quat Quatta.

Happy. Happy tears.

A whirlwind life is in store for you both. May it be filled with many, many more travelling adventures for the heart and soul.

* Meaghan

Ps - Thankyou to Lauren for coming along with me to help me photograph Sarah and James' wedding. You made me laugh, oh how you made me laugh xox

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Christmas tree hunting

2010-12-05T21:09:00.002+11:00

(Ahem, who taught this kid to fake smile?)

* Meaghan

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SweetheartSession - Holly and Aaron

2010-12-02T19:45:00.003+11:00

There is such a thing as easy love. (And no I don't mean it like the type of love you can get in St Kilda late at night.) It's love where neither of you have to try very hard to make it happen. Where the world makes sense when you're in it. Where life cruises along easier when you've got it.

Aaron and Holly have that kind of love. "We had no expectations when we first got together," Holly told me as we wandered along the Torquay beach. "And I think that's what made it so easy." I hear you Holly, because falling in love for me was a similar experience. Holly and I agreed that you need to be happy alone before love like this can come along.

Holly and Aaron are the people that you want to invite to your BBQ's. They'll bring a six pack and home made salad. They'll make the good times roll. And they'll even stay to help you do the dishes at the end.

I adore this photo. So serene. It's Holly and Aaron being in the moment together. And yes, I'm aware that the surfboard is upside down. It was the only way we could get it to stand up in the low tide sinky sand.

Holly and Aaron know how kick arse I think they are. I tell them. Often.

* Meaghan

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I lift my glass

2010-12-01T10:33:00.004+11:00

James lifted his glass as he gave his wedding speech, and toasted his mother. He told how his mother had come to Australia on her own with two small children under her wing. Their father stayed behind in Taiwan, leaving James' mother to navigate their new lives in this new country on her own. James marveled at how magnificently she coped, despite the loneliness, the language barrier, the cultural differences, the rigors of raising two young children.

And I marveled too, as I looked across the room at this woman who had overcome so many obstacles, and had done it with sheer strength and determination. I was completely inspired by her story. I have to take deep breaths just to take my children to the supermarket. And I can read what's written on the packages on the shelves!

Hearing James' mother's story made me grateful for what I have. It helped me see clearly that I really do have a good life, and easy life. Sure, sometimes it can all seem like a battle, but it never really is. It's just my perception (which is usually very warped when I get tired!). So what if there's pancake mixture on the roof?

So I'd like to raise my glass to Jame's mother. Her two children are intelligent, warm and crazy funny. She has brought them up so very, very well, against all odds. She is truly one of life's success stories.

I thank her also for showing me that life is good.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Emma and Matt [Geelong, VIC]

2010-11-26T17:04:00.004+11:00

They were mates. Good mates. The belonged to the same circle of friends. They'd never thought of each other like that. Not as more than friends. Then something happened, and there was no denying the connection. Emma and Matt fell in love.

"And we haven't stopped talking since," Emma said as we chatted about their wedding. "I'm so lucky to be in love with my best friend."

Emma was 8 months pregnant. And absolutely glowing. I know that when I was 8 months pregnant I was not even close to look as fabulous as this (hello bloated ankles and blotchy skin). I absolutely loved Emma's dress. It was the dress she chose before she knew the little one was coming along, and instead of changing it completely, she had it altered to accommodate her beautiful bump. Slinky, sexy and one hundred per cent gorgeous.

Emma and Matt held their late afternoon ceremony at Pettavel Winery. The festivities had a horse racing theme, and the crowd was a sea of frocks, hats and fascinators.

Sharing a giggle mid-ceremony.

Sneaky shot Meaghan ...

... not so sneaky when you get yourself in it. Stealth mission = fail.

Emma and Matt it was a dream to be a part of your wedding. Good luck when your baby is born. Can't wait to meet them!

* Meaghan

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In the beginning

2010-11-25T18:04:00.006+11:00

When I started my photography business I had no idea where it would take me. I never could have imagined winning awards, travelling overseas and meeting countless wonderful people (many of whom I am now so lucky to call my friends).

Being a photographer has made me a better person. I'm a better mother because I've got balance in my life. I'm stimulated creatively so am more content when I'm looking after the children. I feel like I'm giving something to the world, so I'm not feeling frustrated and useless. I get out of bed excited at what might come.

So when I see other people embarking on the same journey I get really excited. Little do they know of the great things that will come!

This is Sara. She has the world at her feet as she starts her own photography business. Sara needed photos of herself for her website, so we headed out into the dusk sunlight ( along with a thousand mosquitos!) for a fun photoshoot. Sara came to my photography business workshop, and it was terrific to see her again.

Mwwwwwwwwa!

I wish the wonderul Sara the absolute best. May your journey be as wondrous and fulfilling as mine has been.

* Meaghan

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Weetbix

2010-11-21T20:41:00.005+11:00

I have eggs for breakfast. Every single morning. Ever since an insightful naturopath told me that I don't get enough protein, I eat eggs every morning for breakfast. I really love eggs. Scrambled or poached are my cooking methods of choice. But sometimes I wake up and I feel like something different. Instead of the carton in the fridge, I reach for the box of weetbix high up in the pantry. Something different. I still love eggs, they still have a special place in my heart, but every now and then I want to change it up. Everyone now and again, I want weetbix.

Yesterday, I had the photography equivalent of weetbix.

I had a rare break in my schedule, and seized the opportunity to go on a photo shoot that is so very different from what I do every day. I called Lauren, she rallied Aimee and we took to the streets for a fashion shoot.

Meet Aimee. Those eyes, right? Oh yes, those incredible eyes.

Aimme's warmth is obvious. I loved getting to know her, chatting to her about building houses (she's going to be my new neighbour. Yay!), her job, her world.

Hello costume and location change. Hello gorgeous setting sunlight.

So thankyou Aimee, for being the change I needed. For being my weetbix. You are gorgeous inside and out.

*A massive thanks to Lauren also. She organised the whole shoot on a moments notice, and was more than happy to come along for the fun. I appreciate that she didn't say 'um why?' when I told her about my idea for the shoot, but said 'yes!'

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Elfi and Tim [Barwon Heads, VIC]

2010-11-19T07:16:00.005+11:00

Elfi was working in a bar. Tim frequented the pub with his mates. Years, several countries and their own business later, and Elfi and Tim found themselves standing on the beach at Point Impossible getting married. I'd say it's a fairytale ending, but there's no ending here. Just the start of something pretty damn wonderful.

Elfi is German, and family and friends travelled here for her wedding. The weather put on a stella performance, as if thanking the overseas guests for coming all this way.

I really loved being on the beach with these two on a sunny Friday afternoon. Elfi and Tim are relaxed and warm, and we chatted and laughed as I took their photographs. Throw in some bouncy dogs for good measure, of course. Elfi and Tim run their own graphic design and wedding stationary business, and I admire them for starting their business from scratch and building it to be the success it is today.

There really is no better backdrop than the sky when it's putting on a show such as this.

Elfi and Tim are so sweet with each other.

On to 13th Beach for the wonderful reception. The German's have a tradition to share cake and coffee with their guests before the reception starts in earnest. So Elfi and Tim did exactly that, as a nod to Elfi's heritage.

Thank you both, for one immensely splendid afternoon.

* Meaghan

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Boyce-Cam family [Geelong, VIC]

2010-11-18T18:56:00.003+11:00

The love this family feel for this child is palpable. I could have reached out my hand and touched it. Their love was in every smile, every kiss of his forehead, every laugh.

Thomas returned their love ten fold. He did it with his bright smiling eyes, his giggle, his relaxed nature. Watching them all interact with Thomas reminded me what family is all about.

Our afternoon was interspersed with rain showers, so we sheltered under trees and umbrellas, chatted about this and that and cursed the savage mosquitos. We were undeterred though, and I loved being able to photograph this gorgeous family.

Thomas, without a doubt, you are going to change this world.

* Meaghan

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Genetics

2010-11-17T10:46:00.005+11:00

When you're having a baby, you speculate about what traits of yours that they'll inherit. Will they have your whispy hair, freckles, penchant for lazy Sunday afternoon naps? I wondered these things just before Ryan was born. I wondered if he'd be bookish like me, or good with his hands like Amba. Perhaps he would be different from us both and be good with numbers like his grandfather. I hoped he'd get my blue eyes and Amba's very good hair genes.

What I didn't expect that I'd pass on was my ugly laugh. He too scrunches up his nose, closes his eyes and shows all his teeth.

Sorry about that kid. You're doomed to laugh like a hyena for the rest of your life.

* Mum

Oh and hold up a sec. Can you see the teeny tiny chipped front tooth of Ryan's? Now when the heck did that happen? It seems I've failed to notice that my child is a bit broken. I'm not nominating myself for mother of the year today.

**Thanks to everyone who's been joining my facebook page of late. You guys are 100% awesome. **
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Wedding - Allison and Hayden [Geelong, VIC]

2010-11-13T20:42:00.004+11:00

I stepped out of my car to photograph Allison getting ready for her wedding to Hayden, and I stepped in a puddle. A big old fat puddle. It had been raining all day relentlessly and I was nervous for Allison and Hayden. A few scattered showers is one thing, but heavy rain that makes your clothes stick to your skin in another thing all together.

I needn't have worried though. "There's nothing we can do about it now," said Allison as she was getting ready. She was determined not to let the rain ruin her day. Her wonderful bridesmaids were in high spirits, and Allison smiled and laughed. "I'm still getting married!"

And that she was. In absolute gorgeous style.

Allison, you are a natural beauty.

Allison's choice of footwear turned out to be extremely fortuitous as they handled all.that.mud so well.

Allison and Hayden had planned to see each other for their photographs before the wedding. I have to admit this was the one time in the day I was thankful for the rain. I know, who'd be thankful for rain, but go with me in this. We'd planned to have the photographs in a near by apple orchard, but changed our location to their beautiful stables due to the weather. And I'm so glad we did! Their stables were 100% perfect.

Allison and Hayden are very strongly connected to their horses. It made perfect sense to photograph the horses with them. These are some of my absolute favourite photographs from the day.

Their ceremony and reception was held on Hayden's parents' property. A true family celebration. The planned ceremony location was supposed to be a wonderful clearing on the property, but the rain made that plan too difficult. Guests instead shuffled inside the gorgeously decorated marque to watch Allison and Hayden tie the knot.

The lovely Sara Taylor came along to assist me. I photo-bombed her. Not very helpful Meaghan.

Let's get this part started, orright!

My love, all my love to the both of you. It was truly a magical day xox

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Hayden And Allison [Geelong, VIC]

2010-11-10T21:29:00.001+11:00

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Claire and Stu [Portarlington, VIC]

2010-11-07T12:16:00.003+11:00

Their vows. Oh their vows! Claire and Stu so perfectly summed up the essence of a marriage in their wedding vows. They spoke of their marriage allowing them to both feel loved and supported as well as being able to be their own individuals. Claire and Stu encouraged each other to pursue their individual dreams, maintain their individual identities all the while sharing their lives and moments with each other.

These sentiments really touched me. I loved that Claire and Stu both recognised that it's possible to be in marriage, and maintain your sense of self. If anything, doing so will make the marriage stronger. 100% respect to that.

When I first met Claire and Stu, they chatted about their friends. How much they loved their friends, and how much they meant to them. They wanted their wedding to be as much about their friends and family, as themselves. This approach ensured for an all encompassing celebration, where everyone really felt part of the day.

The decidedly wonderful Bellarine Estate winery. Claire and Stu are Melbournites, and came down to the Geelong area for their wedding in order to give their friends a little weekend away.

Sweetness personified.

Hello random puppy. The owners were standing near by, and giggled along with Stu and Claire as their dog went to investigate the newlyweds. It was a little less funny when the dog sat on Claire's dress.

Their happiness makes me smile. Pure and simple.

* Meaghan

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Wedding - Cassandra and Travis [Rutherglen, VIC]

2010-11-01T08:13:00.005+11:00

This was the kind of wedding that all little girls dream of having when they grow up. I felt like I was transported back to Marie Antoinette's time, and think that this is a wedding she would love to have attended. Cassandra and Travis' wedding was full of beauty, frivolity and love.

Cassandra had such a unique vision for her wedding that she couldn't find what she wanted in the shops. Most things were sourced online, with Cassandra bringing together all the elements from all over the world. She poured over every detail, and the results speak for themselves. Their wedding was everything Cass had been dreaming of, and so much more.

Cassandra and her bridesmaids got ready at her childhood home. They were surrounded by family photographs and things important to Cass as they dressed, laughed enjoyed their morning.

Curls straight out of a fairly tale. They.were.stunning.

Meaghan, get out of your own shot.

Oh Cass, you were simply radiant.

All Saints winery, just outside of Rutherglen was the perfect location for this fairy tale wedding. I loved travelling up to this wedding. The location was worth the drive in itself. Add to that people as wonderful as Cassandra and Travis and my trip was made very special indeed.

The girls looked incredible all together. Team that with some soft light and you've got yourself a magical moment.

Married!

Cassandra and Travis aren't the types to stay serious for long. So it was only natural that the fake moustaches made an appearance.

And this was my view as I drove out of All Saints winery, with Cassandra and Travis' reception in full swing behind me. Golden.

* Meaghan

Cassandra

2010-10-28T17:29:00.001+11:00

* Meaghan

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Little artiste

2010-10-27T20:34:00.004+11:00

It's not uncommon for our living room to be transformed by the introduction of many and varied art supplies. Often we have to push aside the construction paper, pencils, paints, googly eyes, feathers and play dough from the kitchen table in order to have dinner.

Ryan can cut and paste for hours. He tell's me elaborate stories about his drawings, how this is a picutre of our rabbit going shopping, or that picture is of him on a ferris wheel with his nanna. Miles gives it 30 seconds then he's back under the table where he's built a home for his collection of snails.

All done. In his words 'it's the fifel tower'.

And oh yeah, totally a photographer's son. Get that camera out of my art mum.

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Wedding - Sarah and Andrew - part duex [Queenscliff, Vic]

2010-10-24T07:20:00.003+11:00

This was known as the 'Australian wedding'.

Sarah and Andrew had already said I will, I do and I love you in a ceremony in France. This was their chance do say those things again in front of their Australian family and friends. It was Sarah's chance to wear her amazing dress again. Andrew's chance to get ready with his sons. It was Sarah and Andrew's chance to again toast their love, and share it with those that loved them.

Sarah and Andrew chose Queenscliff for it's architecture, intimate size and proximity to the sea. They were also fortunate to have kind hearted friends who own one of my favourite properties in Queenscliff let the bridal party get ready there. This house, my goodness, every corner took my breath away.

The photos from Andrew getting ready are some of my favourite from the day. Maybe it's the wall paper, or maybe it's the guys in suits.

Sarah, ever effervescent, revelled in her day yet again. I loved seeing the smile that I've become so well aquatinted with beaming all day.

It was wonderful, so wonderful, to actually be able to understand Sarah and Andrew's vows. Their french ceremony was, of course, all in french. I had to make up their vows in my head as my grasp of French is non-existant. But this time, for their Australian wedding, it was all in English. I could hear them speak words such as generosity, intellect and sincerity. Their vows were so heartfelt, so sincere. Many guests clutched at their tissues.

Heartwarming and exhilirating to see Sarah and Andrew surrounded, and having the time of their lives.

I really can't put into words how I feel about Sarah and Andrew. I've loved every minute of this wonderful ride with them. It has been a blessing getting to know them, and being welcomed into their families and circles of friends. I already look forward to hearing of the adventures that they will no doubt have in the years to come.

* Meaghan

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Because life is funnier when you find an orange in your teapot

2010-10-19T20:56:00.001+11:00

* Meaghan

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Sweetheart Session - Tamsin and Blake [Barwon Heads, Vic]

2010-10-17T21:20:00.003+11:00

Without even realising, Blake shared with me an insight into his relationship with Tamsin. "I never feel any pressure," he told me. Such a beautiful essence to his words. It shows that Tamsin encourages Blake to be who he really is, that there's never any pressure to be anything different.

A beautiful essence to a relationship.

Their laughter makes me happy.

Blake and Tamsin braved the completely crazy weather today, and despite the soft rain, it was a great morning. It was perfect, just being there on the beach with them, and little Evie.

Their wedding in September is going to all things splendid. And nothing short of amazing.

* Meaghan

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