One of my new years resolutions was to blog, blog more, blog regularly. I don’t know what it is that stops me, I have a sneaking suspicion its a bit of shyness…Yes, I know I am NOT a shy person but I am when it comes to my work, my art, this is my life, its what feeds my family and feeds my soul. So here I am, I promise to be regular, to give you more and stop being silly. Hello 2012. And a big hello to our first blog from the kooky and fun wedding of Maddie and Nick.
Hello Nick. He loves Maddie and just to prove it he is donning a suit on a wet day to marry her.

Loving the cuff links. There was a bit of a skull theme happening today. I love themes and themes that suit the people so well. Nice posing for me Nick, hope my Mum is not reading my blog.

And to Maddie. I love Maddie! Cute as a button, rocker bride. With a super sexy yet dainty dress. Only Maddie can pull this off I am sure.

Layers and layers, like little bo peep meets madonna.

So pretty, so cheeky. Lucky Nick.

Hello ladies…

OK, so you can clearly see I am loving photographing this dress.

Ok back to business, we headed off in a bit of rain to Hillstone St Lucia where the ceremony was moved inside, but hey does it really matter? When the one you love is standing in front of you and you are surrounded by your nearest and dearest nothing and nowhere matters.

Gorgeous.

I love all of these details, Maddie has basically made everything for the day, all unique and relevant to what they are about. Particularly love the guitar picks.

Hello skulls.

With umbrellas up we headed over to UQ for some location shots. A couple of little kids were very curious about Maddie and thought she was a princess so we stopped for a chat.

Awwwwwwwwww…….

And again awwwwwwwwww….

Just having a chat..

We found this van with the tape across it, so we thought why not.

And my favorites of the day.

Wow. What a fun start to a marriage. I think it sets the tone for what these two have in store for their journey together. Thank you so much Maddie, for picking me up at a commercial shoot, how funny…I wish you guys all the best for your lives in sunny Canberra.

x Denise (photographer who is keeping ALL her resolutions and a fan of skulls)

When Michael and I made the big move almost 12 months ago I thought to myself, where am I going to get the word out to country NSW about Studio Yates? There is only one word…Style. I had picked up a few copies here and there on my various trips home and thought I should make contact with the editor and sales team about some advertising. I met Jacqui Greig – head honcho of the Style express in February this year and I was sold. Jacqui has created an incredible magazine dedicated to country and regional NSW. I was completely inspired by Jacqui and thought to myself wouldn’t it be lovely to work with the magazine (not just have my advertising). But being new, I didn’t want to push the envelope. But to my delight we had a secret mutual thing for each other and I commenced putting my Yates Stamp on Style.

Please enjoy some Yates snippets from the last two issues Spring and Summer 2011…

My first cover shot in a random paddock that we found halfway between Forbes and Grenfell. Sarah and her beautiful daughter Layla looking very summery and incredible. Please note the balloons that Sarah has…The things I do for Jacqui..

Fashion spread Summer edition directed by the fabulous Cherie Quade. Shot at the quaintest little blue church just outside of Grenfell. I had been scheming of ways I can make the most of this location and Jacqui and Cherie were very supportive of my crazy ideas.

Love your work Chez.

 Fashion Spring 2011. Photographed in Studio Yates. Love my bricks. Again styled by Cherie.

The ladies sent me on a mission to Naromine to work with lifestyle stylist Kezz Brett and capture a bush beach theme.

The food was incredible, it was really hard to photograph when all I wanted to do was eat. Our models were fantastic and we had a beautiful afternoon on the Macquarie River. I also had another 2 pages of social events but I didn’t want to bore you to death…

A little feature of moi.

If I could think back to my youth, I would say 15/16 is the age of innocence. A tradition that celebrates this time and is still alive and well in many country and regional towns is the Debutant Ball. For those unaware of this practice its a celebration and an introduction to society to lovely young ladies aged around sixteen. Sometimes I think of it  as a bit of a practice to marriage, you pick the white dress, hair and make-up, learn a dance and very importantly pick a partner to lead you down the aisle. Eight lovely young ladies graced Studio Yates to capture this important occasion.

Our first lass is Emily, she is a little special to me (she is my niece) and totally gorgeous..of course she gets it from her Aunty…;)

Her partner in crime is Alec

The beautiful India and her partner Luke.

Love this shot below.

Aren’t they cute!

Miss Nicole partnered by Blake.

We like having a laugh. Maybe I have a funny face?

Lauren, looking amazing with partner Matthew.

Love the gloves. I think we are breeding some future models out here!

The fabulous Courntey with Terry.

Love this shot and of Courtney’s family…Aww.

All of the girls were looking for some “non traditional” deb shots, you know the ones were they put the flowers right next to their faces i.e pixie photo style, well they are all no-go poses at Studio Yates. Young Brooke and her partner jason were great examples of the fun stuff we can do.

These two are good examples!

Amy and Phil – IN LOVE!

LOVE the dress. All the girls had such a sense of style that was perfect for them.

And last but certainly not least is the very lovely Holly and Brent.

Rad curls Holly..

A very loving family portrait.

And just to finish there is always a “planker” around somewhere…Oh Dear..

Thank you lovely ladies and your families, we wish you well as you enter the world of adulthood.

X Denise (photographer who remembers her deb with fond memories ohhhh sooo many years ago)

Meet Kyle and Denver…such a romantic and groovy couple of love birds. I had the pleasure of photographing their beautiful wedding last year in Brisbane. Kylie is a super organised lass with fantastic attention to the details as you will see. I am a big fan of Kylie’s skills in this area as everything was so beautiful with a vintage and classic feel. Kylie and Den set this tone throughout the whole wedding making it a pleasure to be around and for all the guests to enjoy a very relaxed but elegant day. And of course…it always starts with the dress…

Kylie wore a stunning lace gown, so delicate and pretty! With cute little shoes.

Loving the details.

Possibly my most favorite shots…look at those eyes!

Kylie was joined by her best friend Tash. And I love that Mum and Dad were in on the action.

Most folks know of my immence fear/phobia of balloons. And these giant ones did nothing to help my anxiety…but they look so pretty…from a distance..

Den and his lovely Mum and brother Nathan.
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Den was kind enough to have a drink for me

Our lovely little ladies.

The venue for the ceremony and reception was Eves on the River at New Farm. Always a lovely backdrop.

Den’s Mum feeling the love. Awww.

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We did have a laugh at the random people just strolling past as these two made a life long commitment. Especially the cyclists in the back ground right on the all important “you may kiss” bit.

The balloons are lovely…but you hold onto them Den.

We made the most of all the Teneriffe and Newfarm locations for our pictures.
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Beautiful.

We headed back to Eve’s to begin the celebrations. I love both parent’s wedding photos. It’s fantastic for them to honour where they came from and the love that brought them both to this point.

The cutest typewriter with a note to all friends and family thanking them for sharing and asking to “type” their thoughts of these two. What a beautiful wedding for two madly in love people. Kylie and Den, it was amazing to watch and be a part of your day, and to see so much of your personalities shine through with all the beautiful touches. I wish you so much love for the many years to come.

x Denise (photographer still allergic to balloons)