I’ve just returned to Melbourne after photographing weddings in New Zealand for 2 months. I hadn’t seen Sam for 6 weeks, so when I saw him standing there waiting for me when I walked out of the customs doors at Melbourne airport, my heart literally leapt out of my chest. We’ve been living in Melbourne for 2 years now, while Sam is doing his PHD here.

I’ve noticed that I’ve been avoiding the word ‘home’ lately. I admit, I do feel more connected to New Zealand…I mean, I grew up there, most of my family live there, and most of my memories are there. So I have been careful not to refer to Melbourne as being my home! But what I’ve come to realise is that home for me doesn’t represent a country, or a city. Home for me is when I am with my family – Sam. My husband.

It’s been so lovely to stay at my parents beautiful home in the country for the past few months in NZ, I’ve honestly loved my early morning walks in the fresh country air, soaking up the beautiful landscapes, picking fresh fruit from the orchard, and sipping peppermint tea with my parents at night. I tried to settle in as best I could, but talking to your husband over Skype every night for weeks isn’t the same as real life.

Thinking about the future has always been exciting for me. But I’m learning to embrace the here and now, and it feels good to be home.