Mad Men inspired photo shoot
published July 22 2012, filed in News
All photos from the very clever (and oh so nice) Daniela, from Daniela Fego Photography
Almost four years ago, Jane and Paul became husband and wife. It was my first wedding and a very special day - Jane and I went to high school together and have been friends since we were 12 years old. Jane and Paul now have a delightful 3 year old daughter. Me, I've married nearly 100 couples. Goodness me, how time flies. I've met some of the most wonderful brides and grooms and conducted ceremonies for sisters and brothers of brides and grooms, friends, friends of friends and even one father of the bride.
In four years, my toddler and Kindergarten aged child have somehow morphed into a 5 and 7 year old and I'm a little older (and wiser?). Time to update those promotional photos, but who to call?
When I started working as a celebrant, I knew I would meet some great people. I loved the idea of being a part of such a significant life event, guiding couples through the process of becoming husband and wife. What I didn't count on though, was the incredibly creative world I would be welcomed into - the world of the bridal industry.
Talking to people is what I love. Capturing their hopes and dreams and turning that into a ceremony is awesome. I don't consider myself to be particularly artistic though. Not compared to some of the most creative and clever people in this industry I have met, particularly in the past 12 months. Florists, dress designers, photographers, stylists, graphic designers and stationers, planners, musicians, cake makers, jewellers - now these people are REALLY clever. Did I mention how NICE they all are as well? I consider it an honour to work alongside these wonderful folk.
I was really nervous when I picked up Daniela in my shiny new red satin dress with a couple of props (including my new iPad). I'm used to having a bit of attention on me during a ceremony, but let's face it, I'm not the focus of the day (nor should I be). I'm not a model. I'm not a size 8 - hell, I'm not even a size 12 and the thought of a couple of hours in front of a camera had me shaking in my high heels. I need not have been worried though. Dani has the ability to make you relax straight away and by the time we got to The Beaufort Street Merchant, we were ready to get to work.
In a Mad Men inspired moment, Dani and I became the first customers of the day at the Must Winebar for our next location. Such a wonderful bar with the luxurious surroundings just begging for a Cosmopolitan to be ordered to celebrate a successful morning (it's OK, it WAS after noon, folks).
I've worked with Dani several times at weddings and I have always admired her relaxed and unobtrusive style. She was directive and encouraging - at one point I was sitting quite awkwardly on the edge of a chair and leaning so far forward I thought I might fall - you have to trust the professional though, 'cos guess what? It was the photo of the day. Best of all, I still look like me. I did suggest to Dani that she could just Photoshop until I looked around 29 but you all be so disappointed to meet me in real life. At 42, I'm pretty happy with a few lines and a bit of life experience.
I now have some great little detail shots and some new photos of me. You'll see some of the photos on my website have been updated already with more changes to come as the wedding season rolls around again.
Thanks heaps Dani. Can I say I even enjoyed myself - just a little bit.....?
Ann XX