Ever had that experience where you've known two people for a while and they finally get to tie the knot and you say to yourself "About time". Well Anthony and Emma are just that. You could call them childhood sweethearts going through various stages of relationships but when the time was right, they committed and took the next step; and they haven't looked back.

I've seen photos of Emma from when she was a youngster and the feature that has remained the same throughout are her eyes. This is a close crop from the image above right.

The boys were having similar fun getting ready, if a little confusing at times. I won't incriminate them with the shot of 4 guys trying to figure out how to tie a proper Windsor knot. No, I just won't do it. :)

Back to the girls house for the final touches. It's getting close to show time.

As a photographer, you have to be aware of your surroundings and always look out for opportunities. it can get dizzy at times when the house is bustling with activity but sometimes you just get those magic moments that you would normally miss if you weren't specifically looking out for them. This is one such shot that was presented to me as I looked down the hallway wondering where Emma had gotten to. She was reading and waiting and just outside catching some of the beautiful sun we were afforded on this special day.

And sometimes you just catch the goofiness of a moment.

Rule #44 of wedding photography: Don't make the bridal party laugh when you're trying to get a serious in-focus shot. NOT!

And so the procession begins. You can feel the excitement building when you know the bride and groom so well. A special moment in their lives is about to occur.

Whilst Dad walks his daughter down the isle, Anthony awaits, visibly shaking with euphoria as the day they have both been waiting so long for is about to happen.

With the formalities over, it's time to enjoy the rest of the day. It's done. It's official. It's beautiful.

And it's off to the reception we all go.

Who says you can't incorporate food photography into your gig. I'm sure they spent a good deal of money on the whole shindig so why no keep a nice record of it for them..

The dance floor is one place where guests let their hair hang loose and you're always guaranteed to grab a smile or three.

You don't need to force a photo to get true love out of the results. It's always there and it always shows.

One of my favorite photos from the day 'was' staged and it was part of my entry into the Canon Photo5 competition held every year and this very shot became a finalist. Hopefully I can go one better next year. Thanks to Anthony & Emma for being great sports about it.

Anthony & Emma, it was an absolute pleasure being your photographer for the day. I'd been looking forward to this day for a while and I had envisioned so many different possibilities in how I would capture the day. In the end part of what I had planned came to fruition but the rest was all exactly how it was meant to be and I wouldn't change any of it. May you both live a happy and blessed life and continue to shine like you both did on this special day.

Much love,
Steve Koukoulas