annie & Michael
For twenty-one years they have loved each other, but the love you see now has become so rich and deep that they simply are each others rock.
I met Annie and Michael at my studio in North Sydney to discuss their wedding plans in 2008. Michael by all accounts hated having his photo taken but his #1 priority is and always has been Annie's happiness. They married on a spectacular and sunny winter's day in Sydney and we enjoyed shooting on a tall ship on the Harbour that Michael had organised. Amazing!!! Family and friends are so important to Annie and Michael and their celebration was particularly heartfelt.
We have kept in touch over the many years by phone or text especially around the holidays and it was an honour to be invited to Annie and Michael's 10th Anniversary. Unfortunately Annie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and the celebrations were put on hold whilst Annie with the support and love of Michael, family and friends underwent surgery and treatment.
Annie called the day before I was due to fly to Sydney for a family event to tell me the news that on Monday she would be undergoing a double mastectomy and if I was available to do one final shoot of her body before surgery and with her beloved hubby. So the very next day there we were on the harbour under the Iron Cove Bridge creating natural, raw and beautiful artworks that they now cherish. Our session was so beautiful and devastating and something I will never forget! Since then Annie being the shining light and warm person has made many friends in treatment some of which have since passed away, making it all the more confronting for this beautiful and strong woman who continues to recover and gain strength.
The wonderful news is we celebrated their 11th wedding Anniversary in August at the GPO in Sydney, it was an emotional and beautiful evening with a private room filled with love, tears and laughter. It was an honour to be invited to join them, to see familiar faces and meet the support team that Annie rely's on. Mostly I loved doing what I love to do; capturing a few shots during the event for this special couple, I proudly call my friends.
Wishing Annie and Michael many more decades of love, dedication, health and of course photo shoots together :)
Big Love, Sonia. XX
