I taught myself photography. All this time I’ve been working without the instructions. I’ve never known what’s ‘right’ or ‘correct’, what should or should not be done. I’ve wondered about these things of course, but never long enough to give them much merit. I went with what looked right to me. It
Lara answered an ad in the newspaper. ‘Housemate wanted’ it read. When she turned up to the Northcote address, it was Paul who opened the door. She moved in, they bonded over the Saturday Age quiz, and now all of these years down the track we were at their wedding.
6 months ago Lara and Paul made a tree change. They swapped their very busy lives in inner city Melbourne for the more relaxed pace of Beechworth. They found a beautiful property to rent just a stone’s throw out of Beechworth with a mud brick home which is totally off the grid. When organising their wedding, this property was always going to play a major role. They drew inspiration from the surrounding bush land when planning what they would wear, the flowers Lara would carry, the menu they would serve guests. I’ve never seen Lara and Paul more relaxed, more peaceful then when they were here at this property. Lara’s laugh grew louder, Paul’s smile wider.
Lara is one of my best friends. We’ve helped each other through those awkward stages of high school, choosing university courses, negotiating moving away from our families, starting real jobs, changing real jobs, falling in love. Seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress, with bright eyes and an enormous smile, I couldn’t help but burst into tears. My friend was so happy, how could I not get all choked up?
Paul is enormously kind, exceedingly warm hearted. His vast knowledge of music is bewildering and enviable. I said to him on the day, and I want to tell him again, that there’s no one more perfect for Lara than him.
To Lara and Paul, carry on. Carry on being happy, curious, adventurous and just a little bit silly. Carry on being just the way you are.
all my love xo
