Lakes, Bushfires, Train Lines and a Sweltering Day

I was so excited to photograph Claire and Brian's most special day in November. Claire is my second shooter Merindah's little sister, so it was an honour to be there to share their perfect day with all their family. As it turns out, the 23rd November 2014 was to be the hottest day of the year, reaching a nice and toasty 46 degrees at one point in the afternoon!

Their ceremony was held at the Morisset Hospital Chapel. Everyone was fanning themselves in the heat as the boys (and grooms woman) and the groom and his mum walked down the aisle. It was finally time for Claire to walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams. There was barely a dry eye in the whole church as Brian sung Claire down the aisle. The ceremony was so beautiful and heartfelt, with many lovely songs sung by family members, many blessings and a lot of laughs! After the ceremony it was decided it would be the best option to do the family portraits back at the reception when it had cooled down a lot more. We made a quick dash back inside the church to take a few portraits in the church, but first had to cool down the bride, so with many giggles, we held Claire's gown over a small portable air conditioner near the altar. Once cooled down, Claire, Brian, Merindah and I jumped into my car and set off for our locations. Our first stop was the lake where Claire was not afraid to climb out onto the rocks for some photos! After a few more portraits around the grounds of the hospital, we set off back to Martinsville for the big surprise! Without Claire knowing, some minature ponies had been organised to be there for a few photos. There was much excitement by all (myself included - and I will admit I was trying to work out how I could squeeze one into my car to take him home) and everyone enjoyed being able to pat the ponies. After a few photos with them, we jumped back in my car and set off for a few more locations including abandoned houses, train lines and burnt out area a bush fire had been through earlier in the week. The whole while, Merindah was being both a good bridesmaid and a good second shooter/assistant! By this time there was a large storm brewing quite close by, so we made our way back to Martinsville for the reception and a few quick bridal party photos. By the time we got there, the temperature had dropped drastically and some lightning was striking not too far off. So we quickly worked through the bridal party photos and headed into the reception.

No more than 30 minutes into the reception there was a large lightning strike nearby and all power went out. So speeches were made by the light of an iPhone torch. The rest of the evening, the reception was lit by candles, while a generator that had been swiftly delivered was powering the catering truck. And would you believe, just as Claire and Brian made their exit through sparklers held by their family and friends to jump in their car, the power all came back on!

Thank you Claire and Brian for allowing me to share your magical day with you and your families. I had an absolute blast!