Centrally located in Launceston, Tasmania, Justin Paul makes a big impression from the start. Situated in the heart of George Street, its ever changing seasonal window displays highlight the latest fashions from around the world and grab the passerby’s attention juxtaposing colour and modern styling with the building’s elegant Victorian façade, dating back to 1865.Passionate fashionista’s will be in their element stepping into the luxuriously appointed women’s boutique, opened in 2009, with its signature green lampshades hung from the ceiling and single racks of International and Australian designer labels, including Kenzo, Jaeger and Marc Cain lining each wall. Experience the fashion trends for each season and then compliment your designer outfit with matching accessories.

I believe the charm of Justin Paul lies in its unmistakably luxurious fitout, with a down to earth and inviting feel, much like Annette Wyvell who now runs the business.

88a George Street, Launceston
+61(3) 6331 5095
http://www.justinpaul.com.au

Chelsea and Marc set out to create a romantic themed wedding with a modern edge in Tasmania and they succeeded. As most of their family and friends were coming from interstate for the celebrations, they felt it was important to not only showcase the incredible local produce, both food and wine, but share their celebrations in a stunning local venue.

Award winning Josef Chromy Wines in Relbia did not disappoint. Guests witnessed Chelsea and Marc make their nuptuals to each other in one of the most beautiful settings in Northern Tasmania.

It was the very first wedding in the recently constructed Lakeside Wedding Pavilion at Josef Chromy. Nestled on the water’s edge, the white painted wooden pavilion created a romantic atmosphere with ducks and geese swimming by and an incredible backdrop of vineyards.

The light rain that fell at the start of the service did not dampen any spirits, and in fact, made for beautiful light for our photography and added a little quirkiness with all the umbrella’s on display for a few minutes.

The rain cleared and the sun even glimpsed through the clouds for a few moments as if sending a small blessing down on Chelsea and Marc. It was just perfect!

Starting at Chelsea’s parents house in Trevallyn with the girls getting ready in the morning became a sign of how the day would develop. Laughter and stories of friendships were shared while nail polish was applied, Katrina Lockhart from Convict Cutters created the hair styling and Krista McCrimmon did the makeup. Two incredibly talented women who transformed the bridal party in a few short hours. And, what a gorgeous setting for photos with lots of childhood memories around. So much fun!

Bron, my second shooter and best friend, captured the boy’s story while I photographed the girls. Marc wore a Hugo Boss pale blue striped suit with a navy blue bow tie and the guys were dressed in navy blue Oxford suits with tan shoes.

Chelsea’s dress was created by Andrea Gorrie Bridal Couturier in Melbourne along the design concept the two of them came up with; to incorporate white Ostrich feathers into the voluminous skirting and French lace in the delicate fitted bodice with shoestring straps. The bouquets were made with love by Emma Bird of ‘Life as Little Bird’ and were stunning with pale pink roses and soft blue grey foliage complimenting the velvety pale skin of the bride. The bridesmaids were wearing navy blue Alannah Hill dresses.

The weather all morning was wild and there was almost constant rain on the hills in the distance, but very little in Launceston. When Chelsea walked down the white carpeted aisle on her father’s arm, it brought a tear to Marc’s eyes and he looked at her like his world had new purpose. It was such a powerful affirmation of his deep love for her and she glowed with happiness.

Chelsea’s Godfather, Kelvin Todd, married the pair who had close friends Winnie, Stephanie, Glen and Tim standing beside them in their Bridal Party.

The wonderful food and wines of the region topped off the reception with a 10 course degustation sampling and lots of great music to dance along to. The attention to detail in the food displays with small autumn touches created the feeling that you were outside in the vineyard, especially with all the natural light flooding in. It was a perfect wedding and celebration of two very special people.

I was honoured to be a part of Chelsea and Marc’s day. Thank you xx

My first visit was to photograph Amelia when she was just a baby, and then I went back down when Fletcher was a year old. We decided to do more of a documentary style shoot this time when Henry turned one, starting the session at a nearby, favourite watering hole where the kids skimmed rocks and paddled at the waters edge, building dams and just having fun! While rain threatened and we were sprinkled on now and then, this spot was calm and free of the cold winds that hit us when we got to the beach.

But, what a view!! The east coast of Tasmania is one of my favourite places in the world. The bright aqua/turquoise waters were sparkling in the intermittent sunshine with white frothy caps, contrasting starkly with the grey clouds and soft shapes of the blue haze mountains as a backdrop. There wasn’t another person around … pure magic. Small shells were dotted along the white sandy beach. The kids and Fergus, their dog, were in heaven running along the waters edge, splashing, jumping the waves and playing with with their Mum and Dad, Rebecca and Scott.

Thank you so much for asking me to come and photograph your gorgeous family. It was so much fun! I know you said no more kids, Scott … we will have to think of another reason to photograph you again.

Belinda x

Olivia and Richard set out to create a Downton Abbey themed wedding with a modern edge and they succeeded. The garden party moved inside, but the attention to detail and the stunning glass walls created the feeling that you were outside and natural light flooded the venue. It was a perfect wedding and celebration of two very special people.

Starting at Heritage Hair Gallery, St Leonards, with the girls getting ready in the morning was a sign of how the day would become. Laughter and stories of friendships were shared while Sam Swierc created hair styling and Brianna Schipper did makeup. Two incredibly talented women who transformed the bridal party in a few short hours. And what a gorgeous setting for photos with gold gilded mirrors, black and white wallpapers and hundreds of antique pieces displayed in the salon. So much fun!

We went back to Olivia’s family home to finish getting ready and the boys dressed at the couple’s home.

Bron, my second shooter and best friend, captured the boy’s story while I photographed the girls. Louise Scott from Timeless Elegance came to help Liv get into her dress and it became a real family affair. The bouquets made with love by Emily Titmus, Apple Blossom Weddings, were stunning as always, with latte roses complimenting the soft belt Olivia wore around her waist.

The guys, looked handsome in grey suits with tan shoes and buttonholes with a key attached. Richard’s suit was from Routley’s and the guys found theirs at Roger David. I loved the simple grey edging on Richard’s shirt giving small detail with no need for a tie.

The wind was wild and increasing all the time, but the only change that was needed for the service was a slight relocation to be moved inside. Richard worked with the staff at Quamby Estate, the groomsmen and florist, Emily Titmus, to set up helium filled Silver and White balloons, and decorate the inside of Quamby instead of the gardens and it truly looked stunning.

When Olivia walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, it brought a tear to Richard’s eyes and he looked at her like his world had new purpose. It was such a powerful affirmation of his deep love for her and she glowed with happiness.

Victoria Simon, as the marriage celebrant, started the ceremony by introducing the Bridal Party; Teresa, Tali, Kurt, Mitch and Sean and the ring bearer, Tali’s young son, Will. She then asked everyone to raise their right hand and repeat after her, the guests’ vows with everyone promising to have a great time and enjoy their special day. All the guests promised to eat all the food, drink all the wine and introduce themselves to others throughout the evening. They promised to bust-a-move on the dance floor and celebrate!

Another really special part of the service was the Love-Lock Ceremony which originated in Eastern Europe … a very fitting ritual as the couple have Lithuanian & Polish heritage. Using a padlock and tiny keys, Olivia and Richard locked together their enduring love, closing the padlocks so they can never be pulled apart.  In this ritual, their love is fastened in absolute, eternal unity. The keys were then tied to a helium balloon and released later in the afternoon. The padlocks were put into a small glass box with their names etched onto it.

Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote: “Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness” So, I guess you could say that the motif of ‘key to my heart’ became a thing that took and became a life of its own.

Olivia spent hours and hours with family and friends helping to make intricate and meaningful table decorations. Some of the details included vintage key boxes. The image on the rear of the boxes was photoshopped by their friend Tom Wilson, then the purple stencil work on the images was hand painted by Richard and Olivia. Keys inside the boxes were all threaded and tied as part of the ‘Sweat Shop Team’ including Olivia’s parents and some extra support from Kurt’s girlfriend, Emily.

Lizzie Benstead helped create the menus along with Bruno & Debbie Jankus. Lizzie hand glued over 700 pearls to the menus and the gift bags, which had iron on transfers and custom embossed stamping as well. Every single menu at the reception was unique, each having different embellishments. Chinese paper fans lay in a basket with vintage lace lining and were given out to the girls during the speeches.

The candlesticks and metal buckets were hand painted and distressed by Olivia, and she had so much fun doing them! Lots of the tiered cake stands were borrowed from friends and sat on the lolly buffet which had a floral two tiered painted cake stand from Italy, which belonged to Olivia’s grandparents, who had received it for their wedding as a gift, and now has been passed on to the newly weds. The kiss biscuits were an old family recipe, from Liv’s Grandmamma which were baked by her mum, Debbie and her bestie, Tracey, with help from Grandmamma and Kurt.

The Cake was made from purple and green macaroons from Delicious Little Things with a chocolate mud cake on top. 

Kurt, Liv’s ‘bridesman’, stood in for their sister Reanna as maid of honour, and was also the DJ for the night, bringing in his sound gear from home. Hard to believe that all normally lives in his bedroom! Kurt has a healthy respect for classics and the Midnight Special from cars certainly got the people moving!

I was honoured to be a part of Olivia and Richard’s day. Thank you xx

When I met up with Rachael and Brendan a year ago to discuss their wedding plans, they mentioned their dogs and how they wished we could include them in their wedding photos, but it all seemed a bit too difficult at the time. As we chatted more and I heard their Honeymoon plans for a 2 week holiday, just a short plane trip off the North East tip of Tasmania, we began to think about a doing a Honeymoon photoshoot with the dogs instead of an engagement photoshoot.

Over the last year our plan has evolved.

Rachael and Brendan were married on the 16th December at Brickendon, Longford. Such a beautiful ceremony, perfect weather and much love. Their wedding can be seen here http://bphotography.net.au/wedding-vows-with-peonys-roses-and-lace-at-brickendon_bphotography/

They left for Flinders Island on a private charter flight on Monday afternoon with Brendan’s groomsman Jason, his partner Ashley and her son Kobi. Kate, the close family friend they were going to stay with on the Island, flew home with them from the wedding. They had ‘Bear’ their dog and a wedding dress/suit on board as well.

Gary and I joined them on Tuesday the 19th. It was such a fun and relaxing two days. Kate was so welcoming and we all pitched in helping to cook meals and clean up. We got to play with the young orphan wombats she raises and explore the Island. It was stunning and each place we stopped just so beautiful.

We all jumped into the four wheel drive and did some touring on the Tuesday morning and planned for our photoshoot. The sun was shining and it was beautiful and warm, but winds and rain were predicted later in the day, so we brought the timing forward from an evening shoot to a lunch time one.

We started at Lady Barron Beach with old pier posts jutting out at low tide. The sand was white and the water sparklingly clear. The boulders had orange markings and were striking backdrops to the photos. Rachael wore her rose tinged wedding dress, hair loose and walked the beaches barefoot. Brendan wore his pale blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and his light tan suit pants and vest. ‘Bear’ was in heaven and ran around in circles and up and down the beach, just wanting to play. It was very romantic. 

Then, as the tide came in and the wind began to rise, we moved to Trousers Point nestled below Mount Strzelecki in the National Park. It was a secluded and deserted stretch of sand. We could have been on a tropical island, not one stuck in the cold rugged Bass Strait! The water was blue green and warm, seriously warm! Rachael and Brendan and Bear played in the waters edge, then we climbed up onto the rocks and took photos with Mount Strzelecki covered in light low cloud as the backdrop.

You forget how heavy a wet wedding dress can be, even if it is just a few inches of the bottom when it is so full and has so many layers. Climbing the rocks was a little tricky to maintain Rachael’s balance and at one stage the two of us nearly slipped. Luckily we could laugh about it. And the photos were so worth it.

Thanks for an amazing time, a wonderful opportunity and such fun company Rachael and Brendan. We loved gatecrashing your honeymoon and adored our ‘Trash the Dress’ Photoshoot on Flinders Island in a celebratory, romantic way. Thanks also for sharing your best friends, Jase and Ashley and for your wonderful hospitality dear Kate. We hope to visit again one day.

I would love to do more destination photoshoots. They are fun and I love ‘creating the moment’ in amazing surroundings and thinking on the spot. Watch this space …

Brickendon is such a gorgeous setting at this time of year. Green pastures, baby farm animals and love in the air.

Rachael and the girls; Rebecca, Megan, Paige, Cassie, Danielle and Jenna, had their hair and makeup done at the Hair Parlour in Georgetown, before heading into Longford to get ready at the historic Brickendon Cottage. The bride wore a Maggie Sottero dress from Timeless Elegance and Brendan and the guys; Jason, Scott, Ryan and Toby wore light brown suits with vests from Routleys. The Bouquets were filled with pink & peach coloured Peony’s and Roses with touches of mint from Appleblossom Weddings and these flowers were also used to decorate Brickendon barn in mint green vases, old family wedding photographs lined one wall, with touches of antique lace bunting around the room.

So looking forward to our ‘celebrate the dress’ photoshoot at the beach with Rachael & Brendan’s dogs, Ted & Marley, on Flinders Island tomorrow evening. xx

There was a carpet of rose petals edged with purple and black golf balls and Katrina’s dog, Mandy, walked her down the decorated aisle. After the wedding vows there was a Rose Ceremony and the official part of the day finished with a surprise guard of honour made by family and friends holding golf sticks above their heads.

The reception was held at JJ’s Bakery in Longford.

Such a lovely afternoon, thank you xx

At Woodridge Farm is a lifestyle accommodation which can accommodate up to 10 guests. Set amongst 8 acres of rolling pasture and 200 year old peppermint gums on the ridge, we offer a unique and tranquil stay where you can relax and enjoy the setting ; feed the black face Suffolk sheep ; feed the chickens and collect their eggs and pick your own vegetables and fruit . The interior has been decorated in a vintage industrial farmhouse style to compliment the home , with some feature key antique pieces. We hope when people visit our property they can enjoy all the features that a small hobby farm has to offer and visit many of the amazing other wineries and great sites available in and around the Launceston area. A full Website will be available soon ; but in the meantime all inquires can be made at thevintagerose8@bigpond.com or by phoning 0409172438.

On a perfect Spring Day in Tasmania, wedding bells rang for Sonia and Jonny, as they said their vows to each other in St John’s Church, Launceston, in a service led by Andrew Corbett from the Legana Christian Church.

The handmade order of service fitted with the theme of the day. Family and friends had spent hours making decorations for the church and reception venue; Velo Wines, Legana. Musical notes and love hearts were placed at the end of pews in the church and tied with organza bows, while thousands of glittery and shiny dots had been punched and strung as a curtain backdrop for the bridal table and around the front of it to sit like a skirt. Tables were brimming with romantic quotes, floral displays and candles. It all had a very intimate and happy feel.

As it was Grand Final Day and none of the bridal party were particularly interested in football. The service was held 1.30pm and reception not till 6, which gave guests the opportunity to go and watch the football and meant the bridal party could relax and have lots of photos taken.

What an amazing day! I just have to mention a few of the people behind the scenes. Firstly, a huge thank you to Bron Matthews for her amazing photography skills in capturing the boys beforehand and assisting me photographing the service. Two perspectives make for a wonderful record of the ceremony and capture the story of the day. The brides hair was done by Stephanie Brinkman owner of Lush Hair at the Seaport, Makeup by Natalie Stone. The dress was from Little White Boutique in Launceston and flowers from Kings Meadows Florist. It was such a pleasure to find that Juliane Di Sisto had flown in especially to sing with a great band and everyone was up dancing. Celebrating the fact that Sonia and Jonny Got Married!

I love weddings xx

The Empowered Mums Business Network has partnered with Launceston’s style icons and high powered business women to host an evening filled with style, bubbles and silent auctions to raise awareness and funds for the Ovarian Cancer Association on Thursday, October 30th. Images from the photoshoot showing ‘befores and afters’ will be projected on the evening and discussed by compares Sue Rees, Sue Rees Modelling and deportment Agency and Christine Hepburn from the Defining Edge, explaining the importance of developing a personal style to reflect who you are and where you are going in your businesses. They will be discussing how to dress for personal branding as well as for your body shape and personality.

The Styled for Success makeover was a collaboration with Mary Kay cosmetic consultant Ari Powell, Nadine Hawkins – Jewellery from Park Lane and Amali Jewellery, Hair styling by Nita Baker and clothing from local Launceston businesses; Mi Lili, Postie fashions, Pretty Woman and Intimo. 

Each woman, all busy Mum’s; running their own small businesses from home, were photographed on arrival without any direction and with very little introduction to me. I wanted to photograph them as they were … both headshot and full body photographs. You can see from how they are standing in these images that it wasn’t a comfortable experience, because they haven’t yet connected with me as a photographer. I photographed them again after being Styled for Success with hair, makeup and flattering clothes. When they were feeling more confident. I gave advice and tips on their presentation and how to stand to flatter the feminine figure. I relaxed them to enjoy their photoshoot. We battled wind with lots of laughs and amazing results.

I truly believe this makeover improved the confidence of every woman and now she has a profile picture to use across all social media business platforms. I have written a blog ‘ 9 tips to profile picture perfection ‘  http://bphotography.net.au/9-tips-for-profile-picture-perfection-_-bphotography/    if you would like to read more about this.

Thank you to our wonderful models for being involved and for trusting me to relax you in front of the camera and bring out your personality. I loved the opportunity to be a part of this important fundraiser.

Sarah Jordon-Ross (Owner of Asporea Wellness) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Mi Lili. Necklace by Park Lane
Julie Jones (Owner of Dine like Kings) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Mi Lili. Necklace by Park Lane
Liz Bowen (Owner of Tradigital with Liz) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Postie Fashions. Necklace by Park Lane
Nadine Hawkins (Juice Plus and Park Lane) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Pretty Woman. Necklace, bracelet and earrings by Park Lane
Nita Baker (Top Fashions Online) Make up by Ari Powell with Mary Kay. Clothes by Intimo. Bracelet and earrings by Park Lane.

Do you enjoy a night out with like-minded business women? Do you love keeping up with the latest fashions and professional styling? Perhaps you’ve been affected by Ovarian Cancer in some way?

Come and spend a Thursday night out with the girls, supporting a great cause, and empowering yourself with great advice from the fashion experts of Launceston.

Tickets available at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=102222