The Business of Knitting...

There are so many very talented people in Albany, and I am very fortunate to get to meet some of them in this job.

Leanne Prouse is one of them.  Leanne is the creator of the Ella Rae brand of yarn as well as hundreds of original designs for knitters of all skill levels.  Leanne's books are  especially popular in The States where she has quite a following!

Over the last month, we've been capturing some of these designs for a new book that another creative talent, Sheryl Stephens, is designing with Leanne.  Here's a few of the photos with our gorgeous models...

If you're looking for a gorgeous Christmas gift for a knitter in your family, Leanne's latest book Knitting at Home features 30 of her most popular patterns, along with 30 brand-new projects for every corner of the house.  Projects include cushions, bags, slippers, blankets, children's clothes, tote bags and more.

Businesses I Adore ... The Rocks Albany

Meet Noelene.  Noelene is the face behind one of Albany's most prestigious wedding venues, The Rocks Albany.  Built in 1882, The Rocks was once the vice regal residence of WA's governors.  With  seeping view, manicured gardens & immaculate heritage interiors, The Rocks is really a bit special, so its not hard to see why its a dream wedding venue.  I had a chat with Noelene about  weddings at The Rocks.

Tell us a little bit about "The Rocks" as a wedding venue and honeymoon destination?
The Rocks Albany is the only 5 star heritage accommodation in Western Australia so is a unique accommodation and function venue. Situated on 2 acres in the heart of Albany and with unobstructed views of Princess Royal Harbour, this nationally heritage listed property will suit almost any occasion.

You've seen a lot of weddings at "The Rocks". What has been your most unusual "wedding moment"? 
My favourite moment was a wedding on April fool’s Day a few years ago…it BUCKETED down with rain and as the sun managed to poke its way through the clouds, the photographer raced the wedding party into the parterre garden and took the most gorgeous photo from the verandah looking down on them with the sun shimmering in the water on the pavement…absolutely stunning.

Unusual..hmm…that’s a hard one…I guess having a witches and warlocks theme is probably the most unusual wedding I’ve had!

Noticed any wedding makeup trends lately?

Can’t say I’ve noticed actually - I’m usually too busy making sure everyone has what they need before leaving the building!

What 5 words best describe your service philosophy? 

relaxed - sincere - “no problems” attitude - welcoming - available

What one tip would you give any readers who are planning a wedding? 

Relax, it will all be perfect on the day!

Any dreams for the future of The Rocks that you can share? 

I’d love for people to come to Albany just to stay with us, and then of course enjoy ALL that this amazing place has to offer!

How can our readers find out more about The Rocks?  

Website; www.therocksalbany.com.au And we’ll be on facebook VERY soon! Or call me on 08 9842 5969.

Thankgiving...

OK, so we don't have a "Thanksgiving" holiday here in Australia but I've set the table anyway (albeit a day late) for an Thanksgiving Lunch.

I'm giving thanks to some wonderful women in my life who have helped me though my first year in business.  I'm so lucky.

See you in an hour, girls! 

xxx

Friday's Family Photo Tip No.5

Quick Tip Number 5 - Background Work

To really let your subject pop out in your photo, try to eliminate any distractions in the background. Simplify as much as you can by changing the angle you take your shot. Taking the shot from the ground or looking directly down may eliminate enough background to show off your little person without distraction.

Especially remember to check the outer edges - don't let something distracting on the fringes take your viewers' eyes away from your intended subject.

Dogs Make Me Smile...

I think its because "Rossie" has similar facial expressions to my "Ruby" that I've been grinning as I edit this family portrait session.  And she was just what was needed to bring smiles to the faces of this family.

When the mother of these teens contacted me about getting some photos taken, she warned me that the kids had been toddlers when she last had professional photos taken of them.  And lets face it, teenagers generally are not jumping at he chance of being in front of the lens. So, Rossie provided a perfect distraction for them.  Needless to say, there are a LOT of out-takes because Hungarian Ziszlas are not generally in the habit of sitting quietly on the sideline. Here are a few...

 

But Rossie provided a nice ice-breaker and we got there in the end.  Here are some "Rossie-free" photos, but still lots of fun!

What a couple of "lookers"! (Is that word uncool??)

Businesses I Adore... Kookas Catering

Kookas is really more of an "Albany Institution" than just a business so I probably don't need to introduce these two.  Jo and Ian MacInnes have been in the "good food" game since before some of their brides were even born (whoops sorry guys - didn't mean to rub it in!)

Kooka's has been around so long in Albany that you  are known most of the locals... but for those from out of town, tell us a little bit about Kookas...
After marrying in Scotland in 1988 and moving back to Australia, we spent the next 3 years catering in the Goldfields. We came back to Albany in 1992 , firstly as owner operators of the Iconic Kookas Restaurant and for the past 7 years as Kookas Catering. Our aim is to provide a personalised service, tailored to the individual needs of our clients. Specialising in Weddings and large corporate events, we know what goes into managing catered events and can assist from start to finish.

You guys work long and hard to keep Kookas ticking along. How do you get you energy and inspiration?
We always strive to do our best everyday as there is always something new in the food industry, plus we still love what we do.

What trends have you noticed lately in the way of wedding catering?
Formal weddings are still popular but couples are being more creative with their venue choices and making their wedding unique. Less formal “cocktail style” weddings, often with noodle boxes are being frequently chosen.

What 5 words best describe your service philosophy?
Always pay attention to detail.

What one tip would you give any readers who are planning a wedding?
Secure your venue, caterer and photographer as soon as you can!

Any dreams for the future of Kookas that you can share?
To dine at the world’s finest restaurants, come back with new ideas and share the experience.

How can our readers find out more about Kooka’s Catering?
We can be found at kookascatering.com.au or we can be contacted on 98 447884 or 0417 995 096 to discuss details or to arrange an appointment to meet with us and help us to design your perfect menu.

Friday's Family Photo Tip No.4

Tip number 4 - Show Some Emotion

Today's quick tip is super quick - I'm about to drive ot Perth for a river-side wedding (complete with a French groom) in summery weather - can't wait!  So I beg your forgiveness for any typos today...

Today's tip is "show some emotion". When we take a photos of family member, we try to capture "them" - but that's not just the way they look -we also look for a bit of personality - some life - some connection - some emotion!

I've found that three & four-year-olds are especially into  the big cheesy smiles for the camera if they spot it.  So try to disappear, and perhaps look over the shoulder of another family member to catch that authentic moment.

The best way you can do that is if you are connected emotionally to the moment yourself!

Happy Birthday Blog...

My blog is 12 months old today!

Is it too early in the day to open this bottle that a very generous client gave me last week?

"If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life."

Felicity + Stephen, 30 October, 2010 {wedding}

Photos & Slide Show

They both grew up on farms... and so did I so maybe that's why I loved every minute of this "country" wedding.  Felicity and Stephen had planned to have fun, with style - and they clearly acheived that! 

There are not many moments that beat the intimacy of the proud Father-of-the-Bride's first sight of his little girl... I was in tears.  And I was not the only one!

 

My brother, Ben, was there to capture the farmer-lads getting ready at Coraki Cottages. Quite a dapper bunch.

Felicity and Stephen were married in Felicity's parents garden, which is not just any old garden - this one features is Australia's Open Garden Scheme

I always notice that when people travel from far field for a wedding, the event becomes a weekend celebration rather than just a day.  And this wedding had that celebration feeling! 

I was completely blown away by the range of photo opportunities we had at Wignalls Winery.  The stunning trees, hay bales, vines, rock-walls - I didn't want it to come to an end.   

The bridal party started the party as they meant to go on...  fabulous dance entrance!

Congratulations Flick and Stephen.  It was truly such a pleasure to spend the day with you.  You're a fantastic couple!

If you'd like to see more of Felicity + Stephen's wedding, have a look at the slideshow.
 

Businesses I Adore... Albany Party Hire

One of the biggest decisions to make when planning a wedding is obviously where to hold your event.   With no shortage of scenery here in Albany, marquees are a popular choice because of the flexibility they offer. Beach view, vineyard setting, farm location... or maybe all of the above?? 

Meet Jodie and Lee, the new faces behind Albany Party Hire, which offers much than just marquees for wedding planners.   There couldn't be a couple better suited to this industry than these two.  Lee worked for a party-hire business way back when he was a uni student, and loved it so much that he and Jodie took over Albany Party Hire earlier this year.  Jodie is the very talented foodie behind the "Champion Chef" dinner party game and Champion Chef catering.  She also has a great sense of style so, brides, you're in safe hands!

They both can party.  I know - I've seen them!   I recently had a chat to them in amongst the chaos of "show week".

What drew you both to this business? 
We like parties

Describe a typical wedding for Albany Part Hire. 
Every wedding is unique at Albany Party Hire

Noticed any wedding trends from your booking? 
White folding resin chairs
(Note from Krysta - I also spotted some very groovy goldfish bowls for hire in their office - imagine them on a bridal table!)

What 5 words best describe your service philosophy?
thorough - timely - professional - fun - personal

What one tip would you give any readers who are planning a wedding?
Make it the most memorable day of your life

Any dreams for the future of Albany Part Hire that you can share? 
Its a secret!

What is the memorable moment from your own wedding?
 Smoking a cigarette in my gown at the end of the night at a Fremantle nightclub  - don't publish
this!   ("Whoops" - Krysta)

How can our readers find out more about Albany Party Hire?
Drop in! Website, Facebook, Gateway
Albany Party Hire is located at  3 Graham St, Albany