Tessa and Jamie

Photography by Anni Payne and Matthew Duchesne

We were very privileged  to be  a part of an intimate backyard celebration with a beautiful family who we have worked with before. The secret garden in the back streets of Paddington is a haven for love and privacy and we were thrilled to be a part of it! Tessa’s brother and beautiful wife were married in the same garden a year earlier with 100 or so guests and also knew how to celebrate a special day for themselves. Tessa and Jamie had a more intimate celebration with only their immediate family attending the celebrations, allowing the wedding lunch to be held on the back verandah that they had decorated with astro-turf and colourful styling and it seemed that Tessa’s budgerigar was the centre piece of inspiration!

The yellow and orange colours that Tessa chose for her outfit and flowers were just perfect and Tessa and her mother had scoured the streets the days before the wedding for the most amazing flowers which brought their colour scheme together. Their personal styling was impeccable and lovely to photograph!! Tessa’s parents surprised her with a trio of musicians just after the ceremony which was a lovely touch!

Amber and David

Photography by Anni Payne

Amber and David work beautifully together! It was lovely to spend some time with this gorgeous couple and to chat with them about their wedding plans as we wandered around the harbour park! I am very lucky to have such a fun job and to be inspired every time with different textures, backgrounds, scenery and light and of course cool people! Amber and David were feeling a little nervous about being photographed professionally but they soon got the hang of it and giggled and cuddled a lot! I can’t wait to see them glowing again on their wedding day.

Koreen & Aupu

Photography by Anni Payne and Matthew Duchesne

One of the most special weddings we have been involved with this year was in the beautiful Tasmanian Hills outside of Launceston. What a treat we were given as one of my favourite culinary experiences ever! Koreen and Aupu really followed their dreams by having the wedding they had imagined. 9 guests in total, beautiful countryside, their private chef and  a built-in travelling honeymoon around the countryside of Tasmania, they really know how to celebrate their love! The celebration began with a gorgeous ceremony under an old Oak Tree in the grounds of the grand “Calstock” mansion, just one hours drive from Launceston. Followed by a 6 course French banquet, lovingly cooked by their personal chef, designed with themselves using only local produce.  What an amazing experience!

Les ‘bush regal’ Murray

I’ve long been an admirer of Les Murray’s poetry, but until recently hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing him perform a reading of it, let alone the privilege of photographing the great man himself. Not long ago however I actually had the honour (and pleasure) of experiencing both as I was asked to photograph Les in his capacity as writer in residence for UTS, and as part of the UTS Alumni series of literary breakfasts. On this particular morning it was a 7 AM call at the QVB Tearooms, not an easy requirement for anyone, and yet the performance was magnificent (did I mention that I was a fan?). The Q & A was almost as entertaining as well, and to set it all off the majestic Mr Murray graciously sat for a portrait, replete with his favourite fishing hat, in these plush velvet surrounds – bathed in a glorious morning light as the phrase ‘bush regal’ sprang to mind.

Gemma and Darrell

Photography by Peta Doherty and Matthew Duchesne

Peta and I started the day with Gemma’s dressing location at their lovely flat in Darling Point. Here we met Gemma’s Mum & Dad, as well as lots of friends who were watching and reciting their favourite scenes from “Love Actually”. Then it was on to St Marks around the corner.  There’s nothing like Sydney sandstone Gothic Revival to set a romantic scene, always timeless, always beautiful. Then after a shower or two we all moved across the harbour to the Gunners Barracks Tea Rooms. More sandstone, more romance! It really was lovely and what a day for details – the images speak for themselves…

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