brisbane portrait photography

When the Universe watches over soul mates on their Wedding Day: Leslie + Ben Reid

 Being in a job where you regularly get to meet couples in love can be really interesting.

There are 'opposite couples' who are so different that they leave you scratching your head wondering how they work yet, proving that opposites attract, they do. You have 'reserved couples' who are very much in love but don’t share this overly in public, you have 'extrovert couples' who shout their love from the rooftops…. And then you have couples who as soon as you meet them you just know they were made for each other.

One such couple is Leslie and Ben. I was lucky enough to photograph their beach wedding on Racecourse Beach, in Ulladulla, NSW and from the very first moment, it was obvious they were soul mates and meant to be together…. And it seemed the Universe felt exactly the same way, putting on a special show making this one of the most memorable of wedding days.

From beginning to end Leslie had a magical smile, the type of smile that lightens a room. You could be standing behind her ten feet away and you would still know she was grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

That smile was perfectly matched by Ben’s intensity. The total focus of a man who knew that he had found everything he ever wanted in the world and he would do whatever was needed to protect, nourish and nurture that relationship.

Their wedding was a relatively simple affair, and all the more beautiful for it. Close friends and family gathered among the rocks at the Ulladulla beach for a meaningful ceremony followed by the reception at the beachside Mollymook Surf club.

Despite concerns about the weather and high winds, the afternoon sun shone from a deep blue sky with just a hint of clouds on the horizon, promising an epic sunset. The wind died down to a gentle, cooling whisper which complimented the sound of the surf breaking against the rocks behind them.

That idyllic scene alone was enough to convince anyone that the Universe was smiling on their union, but for these two passionate conservationists who make their living caring for the environment, it seemed the Universe wanted to underline it’s thoughts on the day. Not to mention, Leslie & Ben channelled their passion for the environment into their day making it a waste free wedding.

As we got the post ceremony family photographs underway, on the rocky shoreline a cry went up from Leslie. We all turned to face the sea to find that two large pods of dolphins had chosen that moment to play in the surf so close to shore that you almost felt you could reach out and touch them.

We stopped for a while to watch the show as they played in the waves directly in front of us and surfed for seemingly no other reason than to gate crash the wedding and join the party.

It was a magical moment and one that perfectly mirrored the sheer joy on Ben and Leslie’s faces.

Then as the Dolphins moved on and we started to reorganise ourselves for our family photos the Universe had one last parting gift. With a whoosh and burst of spray, a whale wondered past surfacing out to sea almost directly in front of the wedding party and signalling it’s presence with a spray of steam from its blowhole as it took a breath and prepared to move on.

Anyone who has shot with me will know I’m seldom lost for words when on the job, but I don’t think I have ever seen an entire bridal party, let alone myself, speechless just a few moments after a ceremony.

We paused to take in a truly magical moment in a truly magical wedding. People think that as photographers we love our jobs for the art we produce. That is a part of it, but for me my love of this job stems from meeting people like Leslie and Ben and experiencing moments like these. Their wedding will join those other snippets in time from my career that will live in my memory for evermore just as I hope these images will live forever in Ben and Leslie’s lives and perhaps one day in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

I hope that long after we are all gone, these images might help preserve a family legend of the day when the Universe itself seemed to smile down on two people and say: “Yep…. You two were made for each other.”

Andy

Brisbane Wedding Photography
www.lifeportraits.photography/weddings
info@lifeportraits.photography

Celebrating 10 year of marriage

Showing your commitment and love to your partner through marriage is a beautiful thing. Stacey and Jason showed their true commitment for each other by renewing their vows after 10 years of being together. I was fortunate enough to capture this lovely ceremony shared with their closest friends and family overlooking Kangaroo Point. 

Having a family wedding on the same day in Brisbane, this was a surprise to the rest of the family that were getting ready for the wedding. So capturing these moments were very special. 

Stacey and Jason, congratulations on 10 years of marriage and thank you for sharing this special day with me and allowing me to capture these moments. 

Em x

Beautifully Simple and Simply Beautiful

There are many different ways of having and celebrating your wedding: the grand affair; the small intimate party with friends; the wild and extravagant adventurers wedding.

Whether you are getting married while skydiving, or in the grandest cathedral and hotel or simply in your own back garden,  the best weddings of all beautifully reflect the two individuals who are becoming one on what should be the most important day of their lives.

We were lucky enough to photograph one such couple, who got their big day absolutely right and created the most beautiful day for them and their family and friends.

For Lindsay and Lachlan the day wasn't about grandeur or pomp or circumstance. It was about family and friends and nature and love.

To many a wedding in a country village hall and a garden party to follow would seem almost too simple but thanks to meticulous planning and Lindsay's creative touch, backed by an army of friends who helped decorate, stage and even brew custom beers for the big day, The day their wedding was a celebration of their love, family and friends and one of the most enjoyable and beautiful weddings of the year for us to photograph.

The Wedding of Lauren + Paddy Slater

Thursday 29 June was a very special day for Lauren + Paddy, tying the knot at Mt Cootha's Summit Restaurant overlooking Brisbane City. Their special day was shared with friends and family, travelling from across the world, to share this with them. 

Everything was right about this location, stunning views, beautiful light and lots of amazing photo locations. I was very lucky to be working with a fun, enthusiastic and humorous bridal party that made the day a lot of fun. 

As Lauren stepped out of the limo, I was blown away by her beauty, the smile on her Fathers' face was just priceless. Watching Paddy's reaction as she walked down the isle was breathtaking and the love they both shared with their little girl Mia was just beautiful. They shared laughs and tears at the ceremony and lots of memories were shared. Even Paddy's Mum captured the wedding live on her phone so the family overseas could be a part of the wedding. The love they share is undeniable, congratulations Lauren + Paddy!

Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day and capturing these precious moments for a lifetime! See some of my favourite images below. 

Em x