Love cows!

I love cows.  They are one of my favourite animals.  When I was young my grandmother kept some jersey cows on her farm and as a child I remember their milk and cream as being positively ambrosic!  My grandmother often used to recite the Robert Louis Stevenson poem "The Cow" to me as I helped her churn the milk:

The Cow

The friendly cow all red and white, 

I love with all my heart: 

She gives me cream with all her might, 

To eat with apple-tart. 

She wanders lowing here and there, 

And yet she cannot stray, 

All in the pleasant open air, 

The pleasant light of day; 

And blown by all the winds that pass 

And wet with all the showers, 

She walks among the meadow grass 

And eats the meadow flowers.

And my very favourite children's book ever is the classic "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf, which is the story of a little bull from Andalucia who much prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree - just smelling the flowers - to jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls.  It was banned by Hitler in Nazi Germany for having pacifist leanings; Ghandi called it his favourite book. 

Here are some of my friendly cows:

Cows in a paddock near Woodford.  There was a bushfire and a sunset in the background - but they were much more interested in my camera ...

The Sunshine Coast show.  I love the busy expression on this beautiful jersey cow - even if she is a bit skinny ...

After Jerseys, I think Brahmans are my favourites.  I love their gentle expressions and floppy bunny ears!  Even the bulls look cuddly ...

These are the residents of a very famous paddock overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains.  Nearly every bridal couple in Maleny are photographed here, and the inquisitive young cattle were just as keen to have their photo taken.  I love the way they have posed just like a wedding party with the bride and groom in the foreground!

These little white calves were so cute and curious...

I think this Freisland cow should be signed up by David Jones!

And he just looks as if he was born to pose for the camera - with that slightly supercilious and distant model look.

Kudu with Roses

A new design for a canvas which I will be putting up on madeit.com.au shortly.

Sisters - Sunshine Coast Wedding and Portrait photography

I had a great shoot with these two gorgeous sisters this week, involving numerous wardrobe changes, dragging the furniture out into the orchard (thanks boys!), road trips, rain showers, trespassing and a herd of inquisitive cows!  But the photos are worth it - I love them!

I have a bit of magic software that changes green foliage into a lovely autumnal shade with one click.  I love the result here with the blue couch.

here comes the rain again .....

love this one ...

a bit of scary trespassing ... it looked like the house might be inhabited after all ...

Penelope's Pantry - Sunshine Coast Wedding and Portrait Photography

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a very dear school friend from my Zimbabwe childhood.  Having run a very successful catering business in Johannesburg for many years, Penny is now living in Brisbane and has recently launched new range of the most delicious gourmet goodies under the label "Penelope's Pantry" (website coming soon!).  She also has a catering service and a cooking school - I sat in at one of her cooking classes which was lots of fun.  This was followed by a beautiful high tea catered by Penelope's Pantry with exquisite vintage bone china cups and side plates provided by Rebecca of Fancy Tea.  What a knockout combination for a party, kitchen tea or even a wedding with a difference!

a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats ....

the beautiful vintage china from Fancy Teas made the tea taste so indulgent ...

buttery lemon curd and meringues ..... YUM!

Penny's pavlova cooking class .....

the work of art (with cream and buttery lemon curd) ....

 I might just have to have a midnight snack - wonder if there is any lemon curd left ...

Noosa Wedding - Sunshine Coast Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Sometimes the simplest weddings are the most beautiful ......

Maleny Wedding - Sunshine Coast Wedding and Portrait photographer

A beautiful winter wedding in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.  The ceremony was in the gorgeous Little White Wedding Church in Maleny,  conducted with love and humour by Marriage Celebrant Fiona Roberts.  This was followed by a photoshoot overlooking the stunning Glasshouse Mountains on Mountain View Road.  Thanks to the landowner for letting us use her property.  The resident cows didn't put in an appearance but had left their calling cards all over the place so some careful navigation was required! The reception was at the Montville Bar and Grill and was a touching and humorous time, enjoyed thoroughly by the couple and their guests.

Congratulations Julius and Hiroko!

the beautiful bride ...

the ring was a tight squeeze ...

Hiroko looked like a princess ...

the paparrrazi outside the church ...

a lovely location behind the Little White Wedding Church

the Glasshouse mountains

The cake was a wonderful personal story ...