East Main Blog

We so enjoyed getting to know Hannah and Brian! This was a first… Their engagement shoot was the first time we met because, with Hannah and Brian both living out of town, we were actually found and booked by the bride-to-be’s father. You guys (and your dad) are so fantastic and we look forward to seeing you guys in just a few short weeks on your beautiful wedding day!

My sister thought that she was taking me away for a sister’s weekend. She thought that she fought hard to get me away from my kids and Kevan and arranged all the details. Unbeknownst to her was the web of manipulation that Paul, Kirsten and I were weaving around her. Paul had decided to throw a huge, surprise party in honor of her wound finally closing after 9 months and to mark the start of her rehabilitation therapy. He also wanted to thank all of their friends for the support and prayers that have been lavished on their family this year. So off Rachel and I went on a rainy, cold spring morning. She had booked us into the Heburn Bath House, a peaceful, zen spa built around the natural mineral springs. It was amazing. I felt very Jane Austen taking to the baths. We had a massage, stayed in a lovely hotel and went antique shopping and gallery viewing all day Sunday.

In the meantime, Paul, Kevan and Kirsten worked very hard to make a carnival celebration complete with popcorn popper, cotton candy machine, May pole, a genuine treasure hunt with clues and riddles and prizes, a para-plane that came flying overhead at one point and dropped “lollies” (candies for the Americans) to the excited children below. There was a lamb/pork rotisserie spit alongside copious amounts of other amazing food (including pumpkin pie made especially for Kevan, Rachel and I as a nod to Thanksgiving a few days prior). Paul had arranged for the band that Rachel had sung some backup for before her accident to come and give a mini concert. Paper Jane is the band and they had Rach come up and sing with them for a bit. They were fabulous. You can find them on facebook.

Paul and Rachel’s place is a massive playground for kids and a beauty balm for adult hearts so I think it is safe to say that everyone went away happy. Hope you enjoy the video of a few candid shots taken over the weekend.

Rachel’s Surprise Party from Kevan Wallace on Vimeo.

Our kids are LOVING the creativity of playing with the Dettmann family… below is a few shots of a play they made up and then acted out.  The other shots are of the area around the Dettmann’s home, including some of the watchbox prayer room.  The Dettmanns have a heart for revitalizing those who serve others… this is just one place of solace available to any who need it.  The rustic exterior contrasted with the perfectly seamless white interior and amazing sounds of nature make it the perfect place to be still before the creator and listen.

Three of the kids and I headed out to explore the paddocks (pastures) behind the house. The brilliant green, I have been told, will be changing soon to a golden hue as the winter turns to summer and the dry heat ensues… we are about to see Australia change before our eyes and are already seeing little signs of the coming colors.

Sorry, the good, the bad, and the ugly…

Foxes are just one of the farmer’s enemies, these were left as a warning to any others that may pass. They currently have a government bounty on their head of $15 each…

Australia…

The real deep south… Australia literally means southern in Latin… but this isn’t the deep south that I know.  Our 3 month adventure in Australia began on October 25^th with kids in tow for their first flight on a big airplane.  Stopping in LA, New Zealand, and then finally in Melbourne… we stepped out of the airport to all new air and the crisp smell of eucalyptus trees.

We will be turning our photography blog into a family / travel blog for the next three months and will be showing you our views into rural Australian life.  We have been graciously hosted by our brother-in-law’s family and are living in a farmhouse on a quite a large farm amongst sheep, cattle, and, of course, kangaroos.

The following is the beginning of our adventure to one of the most beautiful places in the world…

Kirby and Andrew were married on a beautiful September evening that could not have been more delightful. Kirby was the picture of a relaxed and peaceful bride besides being absolutely gorgeous. The whole event from the charming Chukkar Farm to the yellow striped straws from BHLDN was perfectly attended to and came together in the most lovely way. Kirby and Andrew, thank you for including us in your fun-filled, special day.

Seasons;I love the change and new beginnings. I love the old traditions and celebrations that go along with each new season. One of the ways that my brother and sister-in-law celebrate around this time each year is to have their family photo’s done.  I have enjoyed seeing the change in their family through photos. While I see them all the time I think that I am too close to notice the subtle differences in the growing kids: boys a little taller…girls talking a bit more …. family dynamic growing more intense, more sweet. I have been challenged this year to take note of each moment, each passing season with gratitude and delight; my brothers family helped me to slow down for an afternoon to do just that.

I have included photos from the last few years to show the change and the awesome wall display Lauren is collecting to show the kids how far they have come.

2009…

 
2010…

 
And here are their photo’s this year:

Having four children and seeing how fast they grow, Kevan and I are always delighted to have a session with a family to document an everyday moment in their life.  The Stephens family was awesome to work with and we fell in love with their little princess. Stephens, thank you for giving us a peak into your family.

Music is like images: it communicates more powerfully than words. ~ Peter Kreeft

I LOVE music.  It is a rare time that music is NOT surrounding us wherever we are (and sometimes a little too loudly). Having four children has also given both of us a new perspective on the power of music on emotions. When the kids are around we certainly have to be thoughtful when selecting our musical environment as it affects their sensitive souls very quickly. Kirby all too well understands this as she is a music therapist for special needs children. We can only imagine that her quick smile and calm presence draws the children in as much as her music does. We were very happy that both Andrew and Kirby brought their guitars and we were able to partake in their music. We took them down to Cotton Mill #1 in Canton for a few photos. We have been returning there again and again lately because of the summer light filling the straw field that lays behind it. Kirby and Andrew are getting married at Chukkar Polo Farms in September and we look forward to seeing all the loveliness that Kirby has planned.

Reception~ http://www.mariettacountryclub.com/
Dress~ http://www.weddingangels.com/
Hair&Makeup~ http://www.vanmichael.com/locations/eastcobb/67-east-cobb-pages-go-here/128-east-cobb-location-page
Florals&EventDesign~ http://www.kmikewhittledesigns.com/
Cake~ http://www.gabrielsdesserts.com/