Krystal McGee Photography

A Greek Christening in Australia

On Sunday, I had the luck to be asked to photograph a Greek Christening, which I now understand is more important than a birthday in the Greek Orthodox religion.  It was an incredible experience and I loved it.  The christening is so spiritual and ritualistic.  Everything they do has meanings to it and unlike so many other religions where a godparent is chosen and then they hardly involve themselves with their godchildren, in this religion, the godfather is extremely important in the child's life.  He or she will always buy a candle for their godchild at Easter, a present for their nameday and they will always remain a very important person in the child's life.  This particular family were  close to each other and were so involved in the ceremony and reception.  There was  much laughter and talking (and a little bit of shouting!) and I was awed by it.  Thank you Theodora and Costa for letting me part of this gorgeous and so important day.

Theodora had planned everything beautifully.  Her little girl's Christening box was amazing, with the most beautiful Christening dress from Moda Bambini.  The box was handmade and went with a certain theme of the animals with kahaki, pink and yellow for the colours.  The family are Greek South African, so she wanted Africa also represented in the theme.

I will be splitting this post into two sections, because I have run out of time today - so will post a couple of sneak peek pics, until tomorrow.

 

She was so happy in the morning!

(The seriously proud brother)

(Such a beautiful moment with the priest - she was such a happy child, until she was immersed into the water!)

(Finally dressed into her beautiful new clothes by her adoring Aunties - her eyes still shine with tears)

 

I love how the light catches the incense smoke.




Costa's mother made 70 of these.  They are a symbol that you have witnessed a Christening and the eye is to protect you from evil.

Isn't the cake gorgeous?  My favorite is of course the giraffe!

Summertime + Sunshine

Although the week had been hot and sunny, suddenly a cyclone developed up north, and Perth always seems to get the tail end of it.  They cylcone ended up being a Category 1 (small) and we got the clouds and a little bit of rain. The strangest thing, though was that my dear friend who was photographing a wedding about 10 mins away had no rain at all, just blue bright skies.  Anyway, Dee & Dave's wedding was lovely.  They married at thier local church and then were rickshawed back to the house by thier next door neighbour and good friend.  The reception was at the Mounts Bay Yacht Club.   Here are some random images of this gorgeous day - congrats Dee & Dave!

 









The youngest daughter was exhausted that day, and decided that a kip on the aisle steps was needed!  Her sister on the other hand, decided to be calm and collected the entire day and even checked up on the youngest to see how she was doing.












 


 

A Golf course wedding (my mum will love this one!)

The wedding of Kristy & Hilton was gorgeous and hitch free!  Ok, she had to drive around for a bit, because some of the guests got lost (but there was a serious backup on traffic down Safety Bay Rd!)  I know that it took some time for Kristy to choose her beautiful dress, and boy did it suit her beautifully - I adored the feathers on the hip and hair.

They got married on the 11th Hole (or was it the 10th?) at "The Cut' Golf course in Dawesville.  The guest were ferried up to the ceremony spot in golf carts (I got to drive my first one - what fun!!), then off we went to a gorgeous location in Mandurah and then back to the reception which was being held at the same place as the ceremony.  The food looked delicious and the service was impeccable.

I look at a fair few blogs, and am always interested at how many images photographers post on thier blogs.  One of my favorites only post one image and it just frustrates me, other post a lot more.  So I am still trying to decide how many I shoud do - especially on my new blog, which will be introduced in January (hopefully).  Let me know if you have any ideas!



(OK Hilton, I know this was your brother's cufflinks - but they were seriously groovy! - but I promise to put in a picture of your's as well!)




This was the first thing I saw when I walked into Hilton's parents house - the Father of the groom anxiously finishing his speech and saying "it's only going to be 5 minutes!"

Seriously spunky  - (is that showing my age by using the word spunky?)

(I know that this is a retro style photograph - is the 80's or the 90's?  But it is so intimate and reflective, I just love it)

Congrats Kristy and Hilton, thank you for letting me part of your gorgeous day, I feel very honored to have met two very genuine and special people.

Kristy + Hilton

In a weeks time, this lovely couple will be married, and I get to photograph it (how lucky am I!)  I won't say much until after the wedding, but I have a feeling it is going to be gorgeous and memorable.  Hey guys, don't forget to practice your dancing!!