On the 18th of April, Jordan surprised his girlfriend Naomi with an afternoon grazing picnic at The Cove Jervis Bay. With a little help from Naomi’s sister, he also popped the question while enjoying the sunset on the shore. I was able to put my paparazzi skills to good use by hanging back and capturing the moment as it happened. Congratulations to Jordan and Naomi on your engagement, I wish you both every happiness.
Location: The Cove Jervis Bay
Grazing Picnic: Picnics Naturally Jervis Bay
The Ellis Family Welcomes Twins
Andrew and Brooke welcomed two new members to the Ellis family and I had the pleasure of taking their newborn photos. This new family of five decided to venture outside for their session to let their older son Archer explore Hyams Beach and to show Boston and Xander some of the beautiful south coast. We decided to use a bassinet for their shoot because these sleepy boys needed a nap mid-session. While twins may mean double the work for their parents, they sure bring double the love. What a sweet family to spend some time with.
Alessia and Leigh’s Woodhill Wedding
Alessia and Leigh’s special day started on a beautiful morning in Berry, NSW; the bride being pampered with hair and makeup while the groom prepared for the day and had a beer with his mates.
With stunning bouquets in their hands, the girls made their way up Woodhill Mountain to the ceremony location. Nestled beneath the escarpment they said their I do’s overlooking the stunning south coast. As the sun went down we explored the surroundings for portraits before joining their friends and family for a marquee-style wedding. The night was full of memorable speeches and heartfelt moments. Once the formalities were over the couple hit the dance floor to celebrate with everyone.
We had so much fun documenting your big day and we wish you the very best on your new life together!
Celebrant: Merinda Richardson
Marquee and Furniture Hire: South Coast Party Hire
Catering: Rabbit and Co Catering
Hair Stylist: Shannon Purse
Makeup Artist: Emily from Carraro Beauty
Florist: Leah Mitchell
Daniel and Jo's Engagement Session
I am so excited to share a few images from this recent engagement session in Jervis Bay. Daniel and Jo decided to enjoy a bit of a get away for their engagement session. They ventured down to the south coast and spent some time exploring the area before having their engagement photos at Greenfields Beach. They warned me that I had my work set out since they are awkward in photos, but I call liars! These two were naturals and they have me so pumped for the wedding! See you in a few months lovers!
Nadine's Newborn Shoot in Jervis Bay
Earlier this month I met up with Jeff and Nadine to capture some of those early moments for this now family of four. They decided they wanted their portraits taken at Blenheim, one of Jervis Bay’s stunning beaches surrounded by national park. As a father of two daughters myself, I know how nice it is watching your eldest daughter take on the role of proud big sister. Congratulations Jeff and Nadine, you have a beautiful family and taking your photos was a joy.
Mark and Emma's Wollongong Wedding
On the 26th of March 2021 Mark and Emma said “I do” in an intimate ceremony nestled amongst the roses at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. They explored the lush surroundings with their bridal party before making their way to the Harbour precinct for more photos. The celebrations continued into the night where the celebrated their marriage in style at Level One Harbourfront. The highlight of the day was watching the father of the bride see his daughter in her dress for the first time. Thank you Mark and Emma for sharing your special day with me and congratulations to you both!
Ceremony Location: Wollongong Botanical Gardens
Reception Venue: Level One Harbourfront
Florist: Flower Bud & Co
Celebrant: A Day with Dorothy
Makeup Artist: Stephanie Grace MUA
Hair Stylist: Hair & Harlow
Hayley's Family Session at Tapitallee
Earlier this month I caught up with Hayley and her extended family at their home in Tapitallee. Hayley decided that she wanted to include the grandparents in her newborn session because they are such an important part of her life. When a new baby enters the world, it’s not just the mum and dad in that love bubble. My favourite part of our morning together was seeing how proud her eldest son was to be a brother. Here are some of the highlights from our in home portraits.
Rachael and Micaiah’s Currarong Wedding
After one hell of a stressful year, Rachael and Micaiah’s plans to get married in Fiji were put on hold, but not even a global pandemic could stop these two lovers from becoming husband and wife. Destination weddings may be canceled but love is not. They decided while they wait for the borders to open they would celebrate their marriage with their nearest and dearest in their hometown Currarong. They started the day with a first look in the rain to calm the nerves. I loved spending the day celebrating with Rachael and Micaiah and wish them all the best. Here are some of the highlights!
Celebrant: Lucy Manley
Makeup Artist: Danh Doah
Hair Stylist: Hair by Shiralee
Craig and Rhianon's Wedding at The Woods Farm
On the 20th of March 2021 Craig and Rhianon tied the knot at The Woods Farm Jervis Bay on what was one of the wettest days of the season. Having supported one another through some of the toughest times, their wedding meant so much more than starting a new chapter, it meant celebrating the life behind them too. When you photograph a wedding you get to spend a lot of time with the couple, which means getting to know them well. Throughout the day we learnt that Craig and Rhianon are two of the kindest people who light up in each others company. They surround themselves with people who share the same spirit, so documenting their wedding was a pleasure. Thank you for allowing us to capture such a special occasion, congratulations!
Venue: The Woods Farm
Florist: Flamingo Florist
Coordination and Styling: The Wedding and Event Creators
Catering: Garnish Catering
Band: Stella Girls
Gown: Maggie Sottero
Leigh's Newborn Session
There is nothing quite like the joy that a newborn baby brings. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting new mum Leigh and her family of three (four if we include her fur baby). Our session took place in the family home, which I believe is the perfect setting for lifestyle photography. I like to document those first weeks in their rawest form - I like to take photos of their feeds, their changes and really show what that bonding period is like. I don’t like to use props or stage photos - just capture the memories as they are. Here are some of the highlights.
Josh and Rebecca's Pyree Wedding
On the 12th of March, Josh and Bec tied the knot at one of the South Coasts’ most awe-inspiring historic wedding venues, the Butter Factory Restaurant. This unique, restored factory made the perfect backdrop for their country, rustic style wedding.
Having spent the day hearing from their friends and families it’s not hard to see how these two are so perfect for each other and how their marriage was just another chapter in their already loved-filled life together.
Congratulations guys, enjoy the highlights of how your day unfolded from my perspective.
Venue: The Butter Factory
Florist: Lilly Ever After
Celebrant: Narrelle Harding
Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Makeup Artist: Symone Denham
Hair Stylist: Brittany Saunders
DJ / Entertainment: David Entertainment
Jodie and Nicole's Terara Wedding
Nicole and Jodie held their wedding ceremony and reception at Terara Park. They spent their morning getting ready with their family before making their way to an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water fountain.
For the photos between the wedding ceremony and reception we used the beautiful south coast property that was the perfect mix of manicured gardens and rural charm.
Thanks Nicole and Jodie for a wonderful wedding day, and thanks for letting me be such a special part of it.
Venue: Terara Park
Florist: April Phillips
Celebrant: David Newman
Makeup Artist: Jervis Bay Makeup and lashes
Hair Stylist: Shannon from Tease
DJ: TJ productions
Videographer: GCC Visuals
Alcohol: Bomaderry Cellars
Catering: Rabbit and Co
Abbey's Maternity Session
It is always so lovely to welcome old clients back to celebrate and document the special milestones in their lives. I first met Jack and Abbey right after Jack proposed. I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement session and their wedding. Last week I met up with them again to take some photos of Abbey who is pregnant with their first child. We decided to have their maternity session somewhere special, the home Abbey grew up in and the place she will be bringing her baby home to.
I never take for granted how meaningful photography can be and I honestly feel so blessed to be there for all the important times in life. Congratulations on your pregnancy Abbey and all the best with the birth. I will see you when your little one arrives.
On The Ball Constructions
Today on the blog I am sharing some branded content that I photographed for local builder On The Ball Constructions. We have personally been working with John on our own home renovation and have been so grateful to have an industry expert who has helped us save time and money. On The Ball Constructions are located on the South Coast and offer a service that is both honest and reliable.
To follow our renovation click here.
Jordan and Sarah's Wedding at Bendooley Estate
On the 27th of February Jordan and Sarah got married in a beautiful ceremony at Bendooley Estate. When I received the call from Sarah to photograph her wedding I jumped at the opportunity. I was instantly drawn to the fun vibe she painted of her big day and I was eager to photograph her surprise gender reveal. With the stunning backdrop of the Stables, the two said their I do’s surrounded by their best mates and family who were rallying them on!
Their smiles say it all, as they tied the knot in a beautiful southern highlands wedding! Thank you for allowing me to capture such an unforgettable day! Enjoy your highlights.
Venue: Bendooley Estate
Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Hair Stylist: Sarah Barden
Makeup Artist: Gemma Jamison
Florist: Ivy Lane Collective and Fleured Up
Steven's Surprise Proposal
Today on the blog I am sharing one of my most exciting shoots, a surprise proposal on the Mollymook coastline. With the help of his friends, Steven surprised his girlfriend by getting down on one knee to pop the question, and of course, she said yes! A lot of planning went into this special afternoon and I loved being part of it! Congratulations Charmagne and Steven on your engagement!
Excelsa Rose Valley by Wandering Escapes
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Excelsa, a boutique holiday property available through Wandering Escapes. This executive residence sits on 6.27 ha, with a northerly aspect, quietly nestled in one of South Coast's most tightly held addresses in Rose Valley. Just minutes from the township of Gerringong and Werri Beach, 'Excelsa' makes the perfect holiday destination. To find out more or to book email info@wanderingescapes.com.au
Oakleigh Rose Newborn Session
A couple of weeks ago I visited baby Oakleigh Rose for an in home newborn session. Little Oakleigh is baby number five and is oh so loved by her big sisters. When it comes to mum Haidee, it’s true what they say - hands full hearts fuller.
Family Session in Apex Park
I had so much fun capturing this extended family and their two little ones! Living on the coast means most of my sessions take place at the beach but with Lisa on crutches we decided to shake things up and meet at Apex Park in Berry. We had planned to take these family photos for Mothers Day last year but 2020 had other plans. Here are some of the highlights from our afternoon together.
Gerringong Engagement Session
When Sam and Paul had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic we decided to catch up anyway for a loved up session at their wedding location. Our session ended up incredibly windy but I think the weather made for an even cuddlier session. Congratulations on your engagement guys, I’m sure the wedding will be worth the wait!