Just a moment

There is always one moment during a wedding when I stop. I forget that I'm supposed to be working, supposed to be shooting. Instead I get caught up in the fact that it's two people up there who love each other endlessly getting married. I've always gotten to know the couple, so it always feel personal. I've been known to tear up.



So it might be unprofessional, but I can't help it. At every wedding, at least once, I stop and enjoy the moment.

* Meaghan

Thanks to Andrea for taking this photo, you gem you.

What I'm reading: Design Sponge (reason why to be revealed soon)
What I'm listening to: Train song done by Feist featuring Bon Iver

Wedding -Whint and Dallas

I was lucky enough to fly up to Brisbane to photograph Whint and Dallas' wedding. I've decided I'm a big fan of Brisbane. Super friendly people. Must be the weather. Can't be in a bad mood when the sun is shining like that.





Whint walked up the aisle on the arm of her dashing son. It was a really sweet moment.





Whint and Dallas were so relaxed, so happy, all day. It was a joy to see.







I love this shot. Sneaky.



Whint's bouquet with some glittery goodness behind it.



Whint and Dallas introduced me to the wonder that is Cunningham Pier in Brisbane. We got there right on dusk. The sky was doing what it does best.





We spotted three other wedding parties when we were down there. Which meant three other photographers. I got all excited and wanted to run up and high five them and say 'how awesome is this pier and that sunset", but thought it might seem a little unprofessional, so settled for a knowing smile and nod instead.



My favourite shot of Whint from the day.





Whee! (No really, I'm mature.)





Thanks Whint and Dallas for indulging my love of travel and having me at your wedding. Twas an absolute delight.

And an enormous thanks to Andrea who came to me in my hour of need and helped me out. Your generosity is astounding my dear, and I'm ever so grateful for it.

* Meaghan xox

Wedding - Maree and Nathan

Before I got into this wedding photography game, I'd never heard the term 'wedding season'. Sure, I knew of footy season and other sport related seasons, and even theatre seasons. But never had I heard of wedding season.



Wedding season is apparently referring to the months of the year that are popular for weddings (warmer months). I'm starting to see the parallels between wedding season, and footy season. You need to put in pre-season training, you need stamina, you need to take it one week at a time. I'm only four weddings into the season which kicked off in August. The season runs right through to May, so it really is only early days. I'm making sure I'm keeping my fluids up, eating lots of hearty pasta for energy, and doing daily trigger finger exercises.



Maree and Nathan's wedding was number two of the season. I travelled up to Shepparton for the occasion, and it was nice to be back there. The blossoms were out in all the fruit orchards, and it really is a dream to see (and frolic in).

It rained and rained and rained on their wedding day. Being farmers they felt bad cursing the rain, but no one wants rain on their wedding day. But Maree shone beautifully despite the weather.



But after a change of venue, it all worked out beautifully.



The swirly weather actually made for wonderful skies.



One of those in between moments that make me laugh.



Sunset on the top of Mount Major = the perfect way to end a wedding.





I'm off to do some wedding season training (read: have a cuppa, put my feet up, read my book)

* Meaghan

What I'm reading: On Photography by Susan Sontag
What I'm watching: Revolutionary Road

Happy birthday speed racer

Dear Ryan,

You've made it to two. You should be very proud. You even managed to do it without breaking a bone, breaking a tooth, or breaking your mother. Now that's something to be proud of.



We had a little party for you today, and you happily ate your way through the festivities. If there's something you're good at, it's eating. Perhaps you'll become a restaurant critic (and hopefully not morbidly obese eating twisties on the couch watching Wheel of Fortune when you're 45).



Being two comes with responsibilities. You're expected to not chew on your toys anymore. You should now be able to help with household chores (nothing too strenuous, but I'm sure you can manage unpacking the dishwasher and cleaning up the dog poo in the backyard). It's called pulling your weight - a term society will ensure you become very familiar with, however I give you permission to ignore it.



If you're reading this in 20 years time you might want to know what you were like when you were two, so here goes:
- you're cultivating a fine head of blonde hair (when I say cultivate I mean taking your time growing. It's still just fluff).
- you say delicious at every meal time and it makes your ma very happy.
- you'll lie in my arms, fiddle with your blanket, and stare into space before nodding off to sleep.
- everyone says you look like you're dad.
- you're kindhearted, even after your brother has taken your favourite toy and hidden it under the stairs.
- you're industrious, always busy.
- You ride you're bike. all. day. long.



You have a brother who is your best friend and tormentor all rolled into one. When you're old enough I'll tell you the real story of what happened to your teddy.



So happy 2nd birthday Ryan. You spent it with those you love, laughing, blowing out candles and being the absolute delight that you are.

* Mum.

Sneak Peek - Anneke and Dallas

* Meaghan

Two pumas, a beetle and a rocketship went for a walk.

Miles stunned me today. He was drawing quietly (usually the fact that he's being quiet would have been enough to shock me). When he draws it's usually scribbles, with the odd circle thrown in for good measure.

But today he drew this.




What is it Miles? I asked, trying to act all casual.

"A puma, a beetle, another puma and a rocket ship." he stated matter of factly, as if to say duh mum.

I was blown away with delight. I love it when my children surprise me. Love it when they do something I think is beyond their abilities. It's a reminder not to underestimate them. I underestimated him and was expecting scribble, but instead got two pumas, a beetle and a rocket ship.

I'll never underestimate him again.

* Meaghan

What I'm watching: Revolutionary Road
What I'm listening to: Windmills by Nicola Watson (Do yourself a favour and go a listen to this beautiful song.)

Wedding - Elise and Mike.

It was all a big secret. Hush hush. Don't breathe a word.



Elise and Mike decided to elope, and allowed me in on the gig. They're from Tatura, and headed to Melbourne's beautiful registry office for the ceremony.



Elise and Mike have two gorgeous little boys, and I loved how much they were involved in the day. They nearly killed me, they were so cute in their suits.













Waiting in 'the good room' as I dubbed it before the ceremony started.



Elise and Mike chose to have their parents there to share the day. It was so close and intimate, just what Mike and Elise wanted.



One of my favourite shots of the day. Lachlan kindly offering up his dad's wedding ring.





Lachlan, you excited mum and dad got married?



And this is my other favourite photo from the day. Mike sharing a laugh with his grandfather.



Being in inner Melbourne, we made the most of the diverse architecture the city has to offer. From elegant old world, to modern and classy, and through to down right gritty.







Oh Elise, you're gorgeous my dear.





Love this shot. So sweet and tender.





Thanks so much Elise and Mike for allowing me to be a part of such a special day. It was wonderful chatting with you about it in the months prior, and keeping your secret in my safe little pocket.

* Meaghan