A Full circle moment. Images from my very first wedding and where it all began. Lily & Jael’s wedding at Nikola Estate in the Swan Valley.

Lili was actually the flower girl at my very first wedding that I shot for Clare & Ben. Lili’s parents hosted Clare & Ben’s wedding at their home back in 2012. The same place where Lili was getting ready with the girls in 2024. To be welcomed back into that space and connect with these people once again was pretty extraordinary to say the least. I was hoping to cross paths with a bunch of familiar faces. I was so fortunate to cop a big hug and a kiss from Ben’s Mum, Jackie. We managed a brief little chat around how she still looks at those wedding photos often, how she’s followed my journey and how proud she was and how Ben would have been stoked to see how far I’ve taken it. Ben was all about fun! I’m always on the lookout for signs from absent VIP’s and I’m pretty sure Ben played a few pranks on us with the PA system and sending Lili’s veil flying during the portrait session!

I was so impressed yet hardly surprised to see the incredible human that Lili had grown into. Connecting with Jael and seeing the community that they have surrounded themselves with was very comforting to see. Thank you for the opportunity and for trusting me with this responsibility!

I’m always reflecting with immense gratitude in regards to how I got my start. The powerful lessons and gifts I received from Ben with his last words to “do something with your photography.” That experience connected me with my purpose and changed my life forever. To do something for families in a way they can’t. Push myself to learn and understand everything I can about photography so I can document one of the most significant milestones in a families history. Push myself to take on the responsibility because families shouldn’t have to. So that families can be fully present and in the experience rather than distracted by technology. To take it a step further than just creating beautiful work and take it to a point where you can feel it. That purpose has developed into capturing the essence and spirit of these people and record a significant milestone of their existence. That is my intent and driving force. It really means that much to me.

So here are a couple of images from that very first wedding I photographed followed by what it has developed into in 2024. Thank you for taking the time to read all of this. Something I’ve needed to get off my chest and out into the world for some time now.

Vendors-

Venue – Nikola Estate

Florals – Bohemian Floral Collective

Makeup Artist – Charlotte James Makeup Artist @charlottejamesmua

Tables- @TailoredTable

I didn’t own a decent camera at the time so I actually hired a bunch of dream gear and picked it up the night before. Purely lead by instinct on the day. Paying attention to what I felt was important. Even thought the circumstance of Ben & Clare’s wedding was bitter sweet, they both lead the day with a fun and celebratory energy. We were all there for a good time! Side note* check out my little watermark in the bottom righthand corner I came up with lollll.

I really struggle with selfies but they have been a very power part of my own visual diary.  Couple of snaps with Jackie, Clare and Ben’s twin sister Sarah.

Lily & Jael’s Wedding – December 2024