Lizzycphotography

When I was putting this post together, I couldn’t help but smile to myself as I remembered back to Anton and Emma’s Wedding day. I couldn’t help but break into a grin as I looked over the photos of Anton smiling broadly throughout the day: the genuine elation on his face when he saw the gorgeous Emma all dressed up and ready to go, the happiness that shone through when Emma hugged him after their first kiss as a married couple, and his Cheshire-cat-like grin when he turned to his nearest and dearest at the conclusion of their beautiful ceremony.

Look through the photos below and I am sure you won’t be able to smother a smile either!

The details:

Emma and Anton were married at Mt Rael retreat on a beautiful summer day. We met at their stunning Healesville accommodation to take some photos prior to the ceremony so that they could join their guests at the conclusion of the ceremony. Emma’s super cute style shone through in all their wedding details and I personally couldn’t help but swoon when I saw her in her gorgeous tea length dress. There was a little incident with a groom who forgot his pants, but nothing is too much of an issue when Emma and Anton are involved. Let’s just say it’s lucky that Andrew who was assisting and shooting with me on the day happens to be also wearing a grey suit. We don’t just come with cameras… There are always plenty of laughs!

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Last month we travelled up to the Grampians to photograph Toni and Drew’s wedding. We spent the weekend at a beautiful homestead called Allanvale. Allanvale is just outside of Ararat, near the cute little town of Great Western. What a special wedding it was; many of the guests camped on site, or stayed between the homestead and shearer’s quarters! Toni had grown up visiting Allanvale on family holidays, so the place had a special meaning for the family. Everyone felt relaxed and at home there. Toni and Drew were married in the manicured gardens of the homestead, and had their own private party amongst the sprawling paddocks in a beautiful marquee pitched under a sky full of stars.

It was a day full of happiness and laughter. It was just perfect: Toni and Drew surrounded by their loved ones, in the countryside they adore and one day plan to settle in. You could see that they’d planned a wedding that was them to a tee. Relaxed; intimate; fun.

There were so many well-thought-out details and creative ideas: beer brewed and labelled especially by the groom, flowers handpicked from the market, vintage glassware carefully collected, and goodie bags for the kids. The guests couldn’t help but gush as they entered the marquee to begin the evening festivities. There was no fanfare, just a lavish meal to be enjoyed, and tunes by which to dance the night away.

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‘Lots of fun’ and ‘a little bit quirky’ are the phrases that I’d use to describe Kerrie and Eric. We all had a fantastic day hanging out in the Yarra Valley. There were plenty of laughs and not an ounce of stress. Kerrie was a ball of energy, especially considering that she is carrying around a little plus one! She just radiated happiness; what an experience they’ll be able to tell their bub about! Yering Station put on a treat with a delicious array of food and wine, and a breathtaking view out over the Yarra Valley. The modern art scattered throughout the grounds was a playground for Eric, with his quirky and fun-loving attitude.

The Details
Wedding location: Yering Station, Yarra Valley
Ceremony Official: Susan Harcourt – Memento Ceremonies
Flowers: Blooming Brides
Jewellery: Necklace - Elva Fields earrings – Pip Keane
Music: Regent Strings Quartet
Invitations: Ruby & Scarlett for wedding invitation and Papermarc for name placings

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I meet and work with genuinely lovely people, even though I work in an industry commonly known for its Bridezillas! I can honestly say that I’ve never met even one. Lorissa, especially, was what I’d call the picture of calm and happiness on her wedding day; she was definitely no Bridezilla. When I arrived at her hotel room it was full of smiles, laughs, and relaxed conversation. She made sure that I had everything I needed and then went on to enjoy the lead up to the ceremony with her family and close friend, even finding the time to put the final touches on the bouquet she made herself.
Mick, who is the perfect match for Lorissa with his laid-back attitude, mused over how the ceremony went off without a hitch. He made me smile when he said that “weddings aren’t so hard to organise. I don’t know why everyone makes such a big deal!” He was right, of course. They’d pulled it off perfectly! We strolled around the gardens in Queens Park (originally their local park and now their wedding location), and spent some very relaxed time getting some great portraits of the two of them. I was flattered and may have blushed when Mick thanked my assistant and me for a lovely afternoon of photography in his wedding speech. It was funny that he actually enjoyed the photography and made special mention of it in his speech when Lorissa apparently had to drag him to our rehearsal/practice/engagement session! It mustn’t have been too bad! (Don’t worry, Mick. Most grooms are the same!) I totally appreciate Mick’s very genuine and no-fuss attitude, so I’ll take the compliment and run with it!

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Liz and Ben have been together for many years, and were recently married at Heidi Museum of Modern Art. It was a beautiful, intimate day, shared with family and close friends.

If rain on your wedding day does indeed bring good luck, then Liz and Ben have plenty of good luck ahead! Liz and Ben seemed to plan for it to rain at only the most convenient times: during their beautiful outdoor ceremony at Heidi Museum of Modern art, the rain held off and only occasional claps of thunder were heard until right at the conclusion of the ceremony. These thunderclaps certainly added to the dramatic feeling of the ceremony coming to a close, and provided a cue for us to take cover for the post-ceremony drinks and family photos. The rain then cleared long enough for us to enjoy a wander through the gardens and take some lovely photos in the grounds of Heidi. Just as we concluded the photos and rejoined the guests for the begining of the reception, the rain came pouring down again. From the warmth and comfort inside the café, we all watched the rain pitter-pattering on the glass and surrounding gardens.

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I like hearing stories. Photographing a wedding day is about telling someone else’s story, but I think engagement sessions are about hearing stories; little titbits I collect and piece together, which gives me some insight about the couple, both as individuals and together. It’s nice when we have a chance to talk, because it gives me a idea of what my clients are all about. It is something that I encourage, because I have noticed that people are more relaxed when they are talking about their passions. But I am also genuinely interested in what people have to say. Stories from people I meet inspire me,  it inspires me to tell their story.

I really enjoyed getting to know and photograph Annette and Daniel. During our session, we talked and walked, and I photographed them as we explored their local park. They pointed out where they walk their dogs, and we talked about how they enjoy the close proximity of their family, and also the renovations they plan to do to their home. Daniel, a builder by trade, has big plans, of which he speaks of passionately.

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We were very excited and pleased to see Emma and Ben’s Wedding featured in the current Real Weddings Magazine. The annual style guide is a beautiful publication which features Emma and Ben’s Wedding in magazine glossy goodness!

It was pretty cool to see a couple of our images included on the front cover too!

More of Emma and Ben’s Wedding photographs can be seen on our blog.

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Pure happiness is an amazing emotion. One of my favourite things about photographing weddings is having the opportunity to capture that emotion on film. Sally was just an illustration of “pure happiness” on her wedding day. She was just so beautifully expressive and well Richard was pretty stoked too! There were no serious faces here, just so many laughs and such a good time had by all.

Richard and Sally were married at Janet Lady Clark Rotunda in the Royal Botanic Gardens and had their reception dinner at Ascot House. Below are a few of the laughs, moments and emotions I captured throughout Richard and Sally’s wedding day.

The details:

Bride’s  Wedding dress and jewellery:  L’Amore bridal boutique in Blackburn South.
Wedding Flowers: Australian native flowers made by Melinda Blythe from Wedding Flowers Ect
Ceremony decorations from Nicole McKnight and Delightful Occasions
Celebrant: Lynton Round
Groom: Suit from Peter Jacksons, Shirt was Boston Brothers from Myer
The bridesmaids dresses: Henry Roth
The best lady’s dress: Daniela’s
The girls hair and makeup: Magical Makeovers with Liz and Monique.

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Bonnie and Bill are truly lovely people and I feel honoured to have played a small part in their wedding day. They clearly have a deep respect for one another and the people around them, and their wedding day was evidence of this; they thought carefully about how to include their nearest and dearest in their special day. Their ceremony was beautifully thought out, and showed them as individuals and as a couple, including what they value and cherish in one another.

When I asked Bonnie and Bill what was the standout moment during their wedding day, the following was one of their responses.

During the reception we took the opportunity to sit outside together just the two of us. With all of the formalities of the day completed, it was very special to have a moment that just belonged to us. I sat on Bill’s knee and we looked in at the rest of the guests all having a great time, and we were able to feel proud that we’d worked so hard to ensure people enjoyed themselves.

Even on their own wedding day their thoughts were about the enjoyment of their guests. How lovely is that?
The wedding ceremony and reception was at Lyrebird Falls in the Dandenongs. It was like being in your own private rainforest tucked away on the outskirts of Melbourne! The reception included a photo booth, which was lots of fun and was a hit with all of the guests. Bonnie and Bill even arranged babysitters so that the older guests could take a break and enjoy the fun of the evening.

The Details

Wedding location: Lyrebird Falls , Kallista http://www.lyrebirdfalls.com.au/
Ceremony Official: Carol Langabeer http://weddings.langabeer.net/
Bridal gown: Raffaele Ciuca, Brunswick
Grooms and Groomsmen attire: Prinzi Formal Hire
Bridesmaids attire: gowns made by Julieanne from What About Me http://www.wataboutme.com.au/index.php
Shoes: Low heel satin peep toes from Zu Shoes
Makeup: Nicole Giardossi http://nicolegiardossi.com/
Hair:  Sally from Forever Flawless http://www.foreverflawless.com.au/
Flowers: Sassafras Flower Design http://www.sassafrasflowerdesign.com.au/

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I am sure I’ve said it on here before but I’ll say it again. One of the things I really enjoy doing is photographing my small business clients. I think what I enjoy most is getting to hear about all types of industries from all types of people. It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to work closely with my clients to portray their personality and business so as it best represents them to their clients and potential clients.

A while ago I photographed Sharon, Sharon is a Naturopath but offers a diverse range of advice including nutrition and lifestyle. All areas in which she feels fit hand in hand together and all of which she is very passionate about. Sharon realises that it is important for her clients to want to consult with someone they feel comfortable with so we worked towards getting images which portrayed her open and friendly personality.

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So I am starting to think that my clients are crazy. I mean that in the nicest possible way of course! I mean I actually rate someone with a little bit of crazy quite highly. As we are all a little crazy, right?

But to get back on track, When Teagan came in for her photo session she told me she didn’t take a good photo. Nothing wrong with that, that is pretty much the first thing every client tells me before I take their photo!

Why do I think she’s a little crazy? Take a look at the photos below! I think they say it all.

In all seriousness though I think Teagan is absolutely lovely and was a pleasure to work with. I loved the sense of calm she brought with her that enveloped the studio and me. Teagan is extremely friendly and has a bubbly personality with a big broad genuine smile. I instantly noticed that she has a sense of calm in her life. For someone who doesn’t have any sort of calm in their life I recognise and envy this quality. I’m sure her connection with meditation and spirituality must have something to do with this.

I think these photos encapsulate her personality.  The feedback from Teagan was also positive!   To quote ” Thanks! Everyone went nuts over the photos. I am really pleased with them.”

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Some of you might not know this about me, but I spent a few years living in Queensland. It’s where I met my husband and a lot of good friends, so I have a bit of a soft spot for Queensland; especially a place called Toowoomba. So for all of you that think I am entirely Melbourne-centric, I do have another side…

Last month we travelled up to Toowoomba for Fiona and Dylan’s Wedding. I might be a little biased because I know the couple personally, but what an amazing day! Really, it was the most carefully thought-out, fun and beautifully romantic wedding. It was very special for my husband, Dave, and me, since we both got to play our little parts; me as photographer and Dave as a bridesmaid! In case you’re wondering, Dave and Fiona are old friends from way back. In fact, she was a groomsman at our wedding.

The girls (and Dave) prepared for the day at Vacy Hall, a beautiful historic mansion in downtown Toowoomba, and were driven to the Preston Village Chapel in style in a pristine 1936 Dodge limousine. Fiona looked stunning as she stepped through the doors of the chapel. As she walked down the aisle, Dylan couldn’t help but shed a few tears at the sight of her. (Dylan, I hope you don’t mind me sharing this with the world but it was truly lovely!)

The party kicked on at the adjoining Preston Manor as the sun set over the valley. The guests laughed and cried with the happy couple during the speeches, and giggled uncontrollably while playing dress-up in the photo booth.

If you feel as though you are seeing double when looking at these photos, don’t despair; you kind of are. Fiona’s lovely twin sister Christina was maid of honour, and was responsible for many of the beautiful crafty details. You can see some of Christina’s amazing work on her blog. Fiona is an active blogger herself; you can check out her award-winning blog here.

Fiona and Dylan, I wish you all the happiness in the world. I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in New Zealand, and I can’t wait to see the Napier photos and all the art deco goodness you bring back!

The details:

Wedding location: Preston Village Chapel - http://www.prestonchapelandmanor.com/chapel.html

Ceremony Official: Joan Kavanagh - http://celebrantsonline.com.au/joan-kavanagh/

Bridal gown: Vintage 1960′s from Etsy

Bridal accessories: Handmade sash with flowers - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ProjectU

Shoes: Forever New high heels

Bridesmaids Attire and Accessories: Handmade silk gowns and matching jackets made by brides mother, shoes from Wittner and silk clutches handmade by bride

Flowers:  Friend, Brad

Jewellery: Vintage jewellery passed down through family

Cars: 1936 Dodge D2, Kenz Classic Cars - http://www.kenzclassic.com.au/

Bonboniere: Crochet napkin rings, handmade by twin sister, Christina

Wedding Rings:

Bride: Great Grandmothers wedding ring.

Groom: Custom handmade ring by Christina Lowry Designs – http://www.christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com

First night: Vacy Hall - http://www.vacyhall.com.au/

Honeymoon: New Zealand for 11 days

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I met Lorissa ages ago. We kept running into each other at various business events. I always remembered her and recognised her in the crowd, as her bubbly personality and genuine interest in other people and what they had to say was always prevalent.

I was very happy to hear when she told me she was engaged to Mick. I was extemely flattered when they asked me to photograph their wedding and wanted to know my availability so that she could make their wedding arrangements around my availability!

Mick and Lorissa are having a lovely intimate wedding in Queens Park and a reception dinner in Essendon. It is very important to them to keep the wedding intimate and be about good food and great company. I am really looking forward to photographing their special day.

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It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Rachael and Brad’s wedding. They are both just lovely. Rachael is extremely thoughtful and polite. She didn’t have a single frazzled moment  throughout what was a truly joyous wedding day. She just laughed, and enjoyed her wedding day. Nothing ever being too much trouble. And well Brad. He just kept grinning. Grinning with happiness and pride. His beautiful Rachael was now his wife!

Turning up to photograph Rachael and Brad’s wedding was like being reunited with old friends again. So many familiar faces. I’ve now photographed Rachel’s brother, Mike three times! All three times he has been a groomsman. Don’t think we didn’t joke that next time it must be his turn! Rachael’s lovely sister Jess and her husband Chris came over from Dubai to play important roles as Bridesmaid and Groomsmen. I photographed their wedding last year.  It was fantastic to catch up with them again!

Rachael and Brad were married at the amazingly impressive St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne and had their reception at Lakeside in Taylor’s Lakes.

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Recently I had the pleasure of meeting, having a great chat with and photographing Mary from Career Sheila. Years ago, Mary had corporate portraits of herself taken but she realised she’d like to update them and wanted some images that reflected her personality and business rather than a stiff corporate head shot.

Mary Goldsmith is the consultant behind Career Sheila. Mary works with people at every career stage: young professionals on the move, women returning from parental leave, managers seeking advancement into a senior position, or individuals redirecting their careers altogether. Career Sheila provides consulting, coaching and mentoring for women who are motivated to explore, develop or change their career focus.

Mary has an extensive background Mary combines her extensive corporate and government experience in Human Resources, Executive Search and Selection, Executive Education and Career Transition consulting. I have no doubt she’d be well equipped to help anyone navigate through a career change.

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