It was the 4th of October, 2008 when I purchased my first DSLR. I had not even the slightest thought of shooting professionally – merely an interest in getting a few nice snaps. Salespeople asked me questions like, ‘what do you want to photograph?’ Even to such a simple question I was unsure. I guess I figured that having a camera was an important first step for making photographs, and the rest would become clear from there.

Fast forward to the 26th of October, 2013. I was in the carpark at Newcastle Baths, keeping an eye out for four guys getting ready for a surf. Simon spots me, and when he asks how I’m going I answer honestly that I’m still waking up after photographing an engagement shoot in Sydney the night before. As the boys head into the waves I snap away, shutter speeds and f/stops adjusting naturally now.

It is the day of Emma & Simon’s wedding, and once again I’m tagging along as the second shooter for Cavanagh Photography. After shooting the boys’ surf in the morning, the rest of the day is at a favourite of mine, Circa 1876 in the Hunter Valley. The day is filled with reminders of every reason why photographing weddings is now my passion and career. Emma sneaking a peek down the aisle in excitement before the ceremony. The look on Simon’s face that says more than any vows ever could. Perhaps most of all, the love and support from their circle of friends and family – so strong it feels almost tangible. I don’t think of myself as an overly mushy guy, but on days like this it is impossible not to be caught up in it all, to feel so giddy with amazement at being able to share in such an occasion. Weddings have a way of getting everyone to wear their emotions on their sleeves, even those who might usually keep them tucked away.

I love photographing weddings. Like, really really. Sometimes it feels ‘standard’ or ‘expected’ for me to write about each wedding as ‘beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, etc’…but it really is the truth. Every wedding is special, each couple unique, every day a privilege for me to attend. For every step that took me from that first purchase to days like these, I am happy.

A few nice snaps of a perfect day.

Emma & Simon.