An effervescent Melbourne native who followed her bliss to Byron and now enjoys a nomadic career photographing weddings around the world, Beck Rocchi embodies the 213 spirit – sunny, vibrant and adventurous.

She’s the perfect aficionado for what makes a happy heart. We know you’ll catch her infectious love of life in seconds. So crack open a fresh coconut and dive into her magnetic journey …

HS: HEY BECK, SO IN A GIVEN MONTH YOU COULD BE IN A NUMBER OF EXOTIC SPOTS – FOR WORK OR PLAY.

TELL US, WHERE IS YOUR ULTIMATE HAPPY PLACE?

BR: When I think of my happy place I think of palm trees, coconuts, blazing sunshine, colourful landscape and ocean vibes. Maybe a road trip with my lover, with lots of fun visual delights passing by!

But then again, in another world my happy place could also be curled up on the couch down the Bellarine coast during winter, in front of a fire, drinking tea and all cosy and content.

I could also say having the whole weekend free to work on our caravan, wearing my blue overalls – covered in paint, and doing trips to Bunnings to find solutions building and design problems.

So many happy places!

Anything challenging, fun and together (with Joel)!

SPOILT FOR CHOICE! SO WHAT IF YOU’RE NOT PHYSICALLY THERE, DO YOU HAVE ANY TOOLS TO EVOKE IT?

Paradise and happiness is not necessarily a place – but more of a consciousness in everyday life.

I know it sounds cliché, but I think you can make a happy place anywhere you are! I moved away from the tropical Byron Bay coastline nearly three years ago and of course I miss the daily dose of beach time, nature infusion and alternative lifestyle, but I now have my happy place in Melbourne amongst the grungy suburb of Windsor.

You have to follow your heart and give yourself what you need at that time. I think balance is a big thing. We try and escape down the coast on weekends sowe get the right mix of city/coast time.

Every now and again I have a craving for the USA or Europe or elsewhere.
I feel so lucky that I’ve travelled a lot for my work over the past four years. In fact, I’m actually on a plane writing this right now – heading to South Australia! But if you ever need to evoke your happy place, just take yourself there! Figure out what it is that makes you burst with excitement and transport yourself there – whether it’s through visiting, flicking through photos or videos you have or Skyping a friend to reminisce memories.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU HAVE TAKEN IN THE NAME OF HAPPINESS?

When I was 24 I decided I was ‘unhappy’. I watched the DVD “The Secret” (true story), grabbed some paper, some colourful drawing apparatus and started mapping out my perfect life.

Words like “sunshine” “riding my bike” and “being free” all came up.

I suddenly thought to myself, “I am not living my life to the fullest…I am so unhappy. None of the things I want out of life I am actually getting.” So with that I quit my job, broke up with boyfriend and went on a three-month road trip up the east coast with a friend (who was at a similar crossroads) in search of my happiness!

DID IT PAY OFF?

After discovering how much I needed to escape the depressing routine of corporate life, I was a free and unstoppable lady. With all this spare time in an entirely new town where I only knew one person, I was given a fresh start. There were obligations or pressures, just a huge fire inside and new sense of self-contentment and happiness.

I pursued my passion for photography, did the NEIS self-employment course, started my own business and created a huge network of friends among Byron Bay.

I was ambitious, determined andincredibly driven to succeed, shooting everything from parties and events, to fashion campaigns and portraits, then somehow fell into photographing weddings. I never planned on becoming a wedding photographer – it just happened naturally.

Six years later and I am now shooting weddings pretty much exclusively – approximately 30 a year around Australia and the world. It’s a total dream come true!

However, it’s not just luck that makes things happen, I’ve learnt you need to make them happen yourself. Everyone used to say to me, “You are so lucky living in Byron Bay!” and I would think to myself, “Well almost anyone could have this life if they had the courage to follow their heart and make it happen!”
If I had not listened to my unhappy heart those many many years ago, and acted on it, I may still be wondering what would have happened if…

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE WORLD WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN EVERYONE IS DOING WHAT THEY LOVE?
WOW! What a great thought!

I think the world is definitely heading in this direction. Look how far we have come from the 40s when women were not even considered for roles in the workplace and were all expected to be housewives and mothers. Today women are starting all types of wonderful crazy ventures and fulfilling their dreams! GO US!

I hear of more and more people doing their own thing instead of working for ‘the man’. I share a studio with eight other creatives who are working for themselves and doing what they love. It’s bloody awesome! We have writers, designers, artists and entrepreneurs all in the one space running their own businesses. I love going to work so much and really wish everyone could feel that way.

It’s far cry from the days of turning off my alarm, catching the train into the city, sitting at a desk doing a pointless job that I hated until being allowed to leave at 5:30. What’s the point in that?!

SO, WHO IS THE HAPPIEST PERSON YOU KNOW?

My fiancé Joelie is a pretty happy guy. When we first got together someone commented on our photo saying with the word, “When happy met happy”, which was funny!

I have to admit, I have probably snagged the most loyal, respectful, honest and generous guys on the planet so I’m a pretty lucky gal!

He also runs his own business and has a balanced life of work, play, family and friends. Maybe this is a recipe for happiness.

The law of attraction means that you attract in what you put out. You put out happy vibes, you attract in happy people.

TALK US THROUGH A HAPPY DAY FOR YOU…WHAT’S INVOLVED OR PERHAPS NOT INVOLVED?

Ooh…it’s all about waking up with great energy!

Don’t get me wrong – I am not happy every single moment of my life. I do a lot of kinesiology to stay in touch with my emotions and deal with issues from the past and present so I am aware of myself and why I feel the way I do.

But basically for me it’s waking up with my lover, a couple jokes amongst the sheets, some brekkie on the balcony in the sun (on the BBQ of course! We are big Paelo eaters), then a walk in the sunshine along a coastline.

The rest of the day would involve some sort of outdoor adventure – beach hangs or nature walks.

Perhaps a trip to the vintage markets to score some unique pieces. Or having friends over for a lunch.

Maybe a visit to one of the many beautiful (god)children in our lives.

And definitely a banana smoothie at some stage, or a healthy sweet treat.

I even might sneak into work for a little bit of editing and some laughs amongst the work crew!

A phone call to one of my besties interstate!

And then a sunset with my lover – maybe a picnic on the grassy knoll at Elwood beach!

Then put on some sexy high heels and walk down for a meal at one of the local restaurants – Mexican, pho or a big fat Italian pizza!

In bed by 9pm…Wow how times have changed!

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?

If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!

Fill your world with people and things you love.
Ain’t no one got time for negativity and bad vibes!

WHAT’S A SIMPLE PICK UP THAT WORKS FOR YOU EVERY TIME?

Having worked for myself for nearly five years I am very used to the freedom of doing what I want when I want. Sometimes I forget how lucky this element of my life is. If I find myself complaining I try to ground myself by comparing my life to those around me who struggle through day to day due to their jobs, their situations, their addictions or their family lives. Reminding yourself to be grateful of what you have pulls you into line.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU ENJOY DOING MOST?

SO. MANY. THINGS!

I LOVED reading picture books and immersing myself into the adventures with the characters. I was – and still am – such a visual person.

I loved visiting my grandma, being spoilt rotten and playing in her colourful garden with my brothers. Mum used to take us to a place called The Plaster Fun Factory – where you chose a plaster mould, painted it, and then they glazed it for you. I LOVED going there and want to go back now as an adult!

I loved school fairs and our birthday parties – my mum and dad used to throw some amazing ones with pony rides, jumping castles, magicians and face paint! Mum even made an ice cream stall one year, which is something we are having at our wedding!

I had my 30th birthday early this year and had all kids food. It was so fun, colourful and nostalgic – I think I am still just a big kid!

ARE THERE ANY ELEMENTS OF THAT NEOTENY IN YOUR WORK TODAY?

Being a wedding photographer, I am there to capture the happiest day of someone’s life. It’s such a fun day full of celebration, family and party vibes – so I guess YES!

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’D LOVE TO TELL YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF?

“Babe, don’t worry what people think! Look inside for validation and self-assurance.

You are not perfect – nor do you need to be – but you are a valuable, loveable person.

Decide your own self worth and don’t give others the power to decide whether you are good enough.

Stay off social media.

Go outside and something amazing will always happen!

Don’t fall for the bad guys – the good guys will love you til the end.”

AND YOUR 80-YEAR-OLD SELF?

“Gawd daymmmm, you lived a good life! I hope you printed lots of photos of your crazy adventures and the many people you met along the way. What a wonderful woman you are. Let’s do it all again!”

PLEASE FINISH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES:

IF I WASN’T AFRAID I WOULD…

Bike ride around Australia.

I COME ALIVE WHEN…

I see new things. My eyes open wide and I get an excitement of something irregular into my vision path. That’s why I love travelling – seeing foreign architecture/design, nature, landscapes and culture!.

EVERYDAY I…

Start the day with my favourite homemade green juice. It’s an obsession. Apple, Celery, lemon, spinach, Spiralina & Vital greens – makes your eyes shine and your skin smile!

IF I RULED THE WORLD…

I would put some sort of program in place at high schools that teaches everyone to speak out, talk about their problems and acknowledge that it’s ok to feel emotions and express them.

I would encourage everyone to follow their dreams, and inspire human beings to live their lives to the fullest.

I would take away phones and social media and force everyone to be present. I am scared for my future children and those tender adolescent years in a world of self-comparison and self judgement.

On a lighter note…I would make aeroplanes. I would invent those beds The Fifth Element where you go to sleep in a capsule. I would have summer season all year around. And I would ban active wear from being worn any other time than for physical workouts!