Emily and Rob can just take your breath away with just a simple look at each other. Pete and I witnessed this all day long and often commented how close we had become to them in just a day.

I photographed their first dance no more than 5 metres away with a super high ISO and no flash so I could stay with them and be close….. They didn’t notice me or my stupid tears but I did witness something so wonderful between two amazing people that I don’t think I’ll forget.

I love this wedding, the elements, the location but again and again, the people won me over completely!!

I adore these two sooooo much, this has to be why……….

As I sit in front of my computer for the first time in a few days, I wonder how I will lead myself into this post – I have no idea but I realise my heart still skips a beat when I think about it.

A few days ago the 2012 AIPP NSW/ACT Professional Photography Print Awards were held in Sydney and like many years before I made the trek up the highway with my photographer buddies. It is ALWAYS an incredible couple of days to get involved with the judging, networking and learning, learning, learning!!!

It became immediately apparent that the standard of work this year was completely phenomenal, so so so many ACT photographers were doing amazing things and scoring so well (and NSW too). It was incredible, the energy felt amazing, even though the nerves were turning my hair grey before my very eyes!

I feel insanely proud, but mostly, infinitely overwhelmed to share the following successes I managed to achieve over these few days:

ACT Professional Photographer of the Year

ACT Wedding Photographer of the Year

ACT Creative Photographer of the Year

ACT Wedding Album of the Year (and runner up too)

ACT Highest Scoring Print

I’ve already thanked my nearest and dearest many many times but one thing that made me smile the most was coming home after the awards. I was sitting in the passenger seat and decided to ring my mumma and tell her the good news. Firstly, she had no clue what I was talking about, she says “Oh you won something – oh good” then the penny drops, she screams, gets excited and slowly calms down again to say “SO this means you finally beat that Dan guy”

So to Mr O’Day, you crazy in the coconut amazingly talented freakish friend, thank you for getting me up there after years of thinking I couldn’t xx

Words from Layli and Eric’s amazing ceremony……. “Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face” – Bahá’u'lláh.

A fabulous pair on a fabulous Sydney day……… I know I say fabulous, amazing, incredible, beautiful and many other (sometimes cliché) wedding descriptive words but what do you say when you run out of words that perfectly summarise such a day?? You must know that when I say such things I really truly do mean it.

I think I’m pretty damn lucky to be around such “incredible” people. We become mates and generally just enjoy being around each other – that is what this is about and this is Mark & Christine’s story. Two lovely folk you just want to be around, they attract you in, make you feel totally comfortable and happy! I have to thank 2 gorgeous ladies for helping bring us all together – Tara and Jen. I just adore the two of you and your crazy ways. And as for Mark and Christine, you.blew.me.away! Much love to you both xxxx

A quick preview for Alanna and Matt while I work on a bigger post for them very soon. I need to show this dress off to the world……and Matt’s charming good looks too!!

It’s not un-common for me to get emotional at weddings, but this one was a little too much to handle at times. I’ve known the Anderson family for a few years now, and they have to be the hardest working family on the planet. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for anyone close to them. The relationships between the families was an incredible thing to be involved with and see up close.

For Bec and Hector this was 2 years in the making and sooooo much hard-work. The wedding reception was held at the Anderson farm just outside of Canberra in the most luscious, most loved gardens you’ve ever seen. So many special people invited and ridiculous amounts of dancing and fun were had by all. I have to say thank-you many times over for everything you brought to this, you’re both truly amazing people to know. Sit down, this one will take awhile xx

Without a doubt, these two know how I feel about them. They’re awesome, the day was awesome and my super second shooter, snake hunter glamour – Amanda Thorson was awesome too!

“Thank You again from the bottom of my heart ~ really for just being you; your warmth and lovely nature have stayed with me, and we are so glad that YOU were our photographer on the day. That time after the ceremony was really calming and helped bring me back to earth. It could have been a lot different if it were with anyone else. So Thank You……. Big hugs, Shanna”

I adore these two & not just because they say nice things – look at kind loving faces, amazing to my eye x