Back in November last year I was honoured to be part of capturing a surprise engagement.
My dear friend Kelly had been approached by her friend Josh, asking if she could capture this once in a lifetime moment. Kel and I were chatting that afternoon and as we caught us, she shared her excitement but nervousness at the magnitude of the task. I flippantly said how cool it would be to be a part of the night and she jumped at my throw away line. "Yes! Come!" she said. "Really?" replied I. That was all it took. She called the groom to be who was all, 'the more the merrier!' and it was on.

I had 30mins to get ready (luckily the batteries were already charged!) and took the long drive across town to my friend's place, then further still to Mickleham where a perfect scene was set for the surprise. It felt like something out of Country Style magazine! As we drove to their property, the clouds were ominously black and we weren't sure how we'd go. But in the end, we needn't have worried. Josh asked and Emma said yes... then we revealed ourselves.  

Congratulations lovely Emma and Josh! It was so much fun to witness this special moment.

Wendy Neilson is a Melbourne based artist who reached out to me to have some photos taken in her new studio space. There's something full of life and energy watching an artist at work, as they mix and drag the paint around a canvas and create a new work before your eyes. Just quietly, I'm a little in love with her space... so many old and interesting things mixed with the newness of art and the fresh growth of plants! 

I'm so fortunate in this job that I get to watch many families grow over time. This has been the case with this gorgeous family. I first photographed little Alex when he was brand new, then again when he was a cute toddler and once more now that he has welcomed his little sister Eve. 
Taking photos in their home meant that everyone was comfortable, including Cassie the dog! There were toys that I had to be shown and I know that these guys will love looking back on this stage of life as they have since moved house! Thank you for trusting me once more with your gorgeous tribe!

What a gorgeous family this is! Karen and Mark are the wonderful parents of little Liam.
We met in their home on a freezing and very wet Sunday afternoon for the first part of their lifestyle session. We had planned to venture to Canterbury Gardens afterwards however we weren't overly optimistic that the weather would allow it. Amazingly, after a peaceful time at home, relaxing on the couch, enjoying tummy time and some milk before a nap (for Liam, not us!), the weather cleared and we raced out to take advantage of it. 
Lots of snuggling to keep warm, enjoying the glorious light and the last of the autumn leaves together and our time together was complete.
I love lifestyle sessions and being able to capture such different feels in two locations. 

​This is my Sam.
Messy haired.
Truck loving.
Happy in his own activity.
Content having time with mum.
I love him... and I know that I will look back at this photo in even a years time and be so grateful
​that I stopped to record this season of bubbles and leaves.

If you had to choose how you would like your family to relate to each other, I think that this one would be a great model to aspire towards. Amy and Frank are wonderfully relaxed and down to earth parents and their boys Campbell and Wilson have the most gorgeous bond. I loved watching these guys interact so naturally together and with Campbell's partner, Courtney. The time flew as we chatted over life and work. Amy and her business partner started Eastside Midwives and Counselling to support the families of Melbourne through their journey of pregnancy, birth and early parenting. As I have such a love of these things and a longing to photograph more births, it was fascinating to spend time with someone so passionate and experienced in the area. Lots of genuine moments captured in this fun session.

I can't describe how very lucky I felt back in January to meet little Mitchell at only 4 days old.
Each baby is a miracle but this little guy comes after many years of waiting by his patient and loving parents. I can tell that this family already has quite the cheer squad, and deservedly so!
Mitch is so wanted, so loved and simply adorable! I was able to photograph this new little family in the quiet comfort of home. It was so fun to be around such a new little person again. I got to enjoy some cuddles and rocks as he settled into sleep and rest and waited patiently as he fed, was wrapped and changed. Enjoy some photos of this little man and his favourite two people.

This beautiful family and I met together for a lifestyle session, beginning in their home and then taking a happy stroll to a nearby park where their young daughter enjoyed some people watching and the feeling of the breeze on her skin. Her chubby, rosy cheeks had me won over immediately and then the smiles started. It will be wonderful to watch this gorgeous girl grow.

It was hard to leave this little bundle behind! Pets are such a big part of your family. Make sure that you include them in your next home session.