Wedding

As perfect as it could be.

As photographers we are faced with many challenges, challenges that test our abilities, our knowledge, our stress levels.   More than once I have questioned my abilities and very often I decide that its all over and way too difficult.    But I continue.... why.... well its the thank you card from a bride and groom, its the emails, its the new parents who call teary saying how happy they are, its all the warm fuzzies, giggles, smiles, everything about photography for me is fabulous.  And the challenges.... well that just keeps it all interesting. Emma and Karl, you had a BIG challenge for your perfect day.  You had record rain fall and flooding... like serious can't go outside too wet flooding, and not once did I see a face of worry, not once did you even cringe... you just kept on smiling and smiling some more.  Thank you to both of you and thank you to your wonderful family and friends who are amazing and perfect.

xxx

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Yes this is the road.... no thats not a river.... thats the road.... this shot taken during a very brief break from our torrential rain!!  LOOK they are still smiling :) xxx

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Those times PART I

You know there are those times when you see something, something extraordinary, something that makes your skin get goosebumps and all you wish to do is take a picture of that something to remember it by.  This utterly amazing country is FULL of these somethings, mountains covered in snow, trees turning the most awesome color of red, continuous fields of flowers.  Sometimes its best to just look at breathe it in.  I have tried on numerous occasions to record these masterpieces on the back of my camera however it just never looks like I see it. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be part of something special, the marriage of two people 100% in love, soul mates.  Andrew and Michelle your love for one another is obvious, desperately so.  Thank you for sharing your day..... thank you.

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Breezy

Its been breezy, I feel like I can take deep breaths and re asses my world around.  Its a great feeling, almost relief.  Its my time to dream, think of new ideas, plan, make contact with people I should have made contact with a long time ago.  Remind yourselves that your important, its essential!!!  So over the next while I may pull out a few tricks and perhaps introduce my photo a day again... why not??? In the meantime could Autumn (fall) be anymore beautiful?

Michaela and Markus... thank you for allowing Holly and I to be part of you intimate, sensational day!!

A sneak peek for you xx

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It was blissfully meant to be.

There are no words to describe how grateful I am, how grateful I am for the phone call that Wednesday, how grateful I am for them taking a chance on me, how grateful that I am for doing what I love. Anna and Tim, it was meant to be.  I am so very proud that I was invited to be part of your day, it was magical, beautiful and full of laughter.  I wish you all the wishes in the world and truly hope you enjoy your images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

Enjoy you sneak peek xx

Oh and of course... SHINE for hair and makeup (STUNNING as always)

And the uber talented LOUISE ANDERSON for designing once again a beautiful gown.

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This shot (s) makes my heart sing... love love love

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I'm speechless

Its late.... really really oh lord I think I see the sun late!!  I am still sitting here determined, unfazed by the late hour.  I have a million and one things to accomplish before the sun decides to rear its ugly but beautiful head.  If you are waiting on an email, waiting for prints, waiting for me to call you and say 'how you doing today?'  Please know that you are all in my heart and head and slowly but surely the list is being ticked off and I am headed your way!!  Thank you for all your patience.... xxxx ohh and if your calling my cell... Its gone missing... (thank you children!!) Kirsten and Tim... there are no words!!!  What an amazing day, full of fun, laughter and fierceness!!!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for letting me be part of it.  Thank you Kirsten for being so utterly perfect!!!! Truly!!!

And thank you to Barbara and crew from Shine who did an AH MA ZING job on the girls hair and make up.

Thank you to Louise and Rob from Claremont Castle in Timaru who not only have a stunning location for weddings but also the hottest Rolls Royce this gal has ever seen!

And of course THANK you to Tamara who could not have done a better job making the marquee look just divine.  The Marquee was supplied by Johnny and Jo from Centrewood Estate who also have the South Island's fanciest port a loo!!!

So enjoy your sneak peek xx

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Dreamer

I wasn't good at school..... my parents will high five that comment!!  I think I wanted to be, but it didn't suit.  My mind drifts, dreams, sometimes I live in a... 'little world of my own'....  I cherish my me time when I get to dream lots of great ideas, like how I'm going to become a famous singer.... YUP.  My dreaming is probably a crux if were being honest.  I have a thousand and one ideas in my head and I want to try and test each one, however the focus on the important things gets a little lost. Today is a dreamy day!!! Yesterday was a busy day, and a great day, and a love day.  You know when you meet people and you know instantly that their hearts are huge and they are just GOOD people.  Well Charlotte and Hamish are that a million times over!!!   Salt of the earth, kind, easy, good people.

Thank you for letting me share your day.... THANK YOU!!

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

Big shout outs to Campbell Park Estate... holy guacamole need a wedding destination... look no further, comes complete with a castle!!!!  (ask for Di)

Makeup by the very clever Suzie McIlraith

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Hamish (bless is heart) has a nickname of CHEESE.. (so as you can imagine) was the topic of all jokes during the photos!!

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A view from the top.

She hadn't read my blog, she had no idea.... how was she supposed to know?..." It will  just be a quick flight, and if it makes you feel any better I don't like flying either"... so as we climb to  6 THOUSAND feet (yes people you heard me right) she was composed, calm, giggling, and I think at one stage she let out a weeeeeeeee.  Meanwhile I was scared, as in deathly afraid, once again.  Twice in one week.... COME ON PEOPLE... its just a view????  We landed safely, thank you Laurie.  I may have kissed the ground, oh I mean mountain top.  But after some quiet breaths and a thank you jesus, my heart leaped, the view was breathtaking, BREATHTAKING and at that moment I decided I was the luckiest photographer in the world!! Sheila and Steve, thank you for reminding me how beautiful our country is, and thank you for sharing your beautiful day.

I wish you all the best for the future.

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

The beautiful bride!

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I love this shot, bless a man who can tie a tie!!!

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The shoes, one word, FABULOUS!!

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I don't think the smile left Sheila's face all day xx

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Helicopters and Dom

When she told me we would be taking a helicopter to the top of Mount Roy, "oh great, how cool" I squeaked.  Getting off the telephone my heart was thumping... ohhh nooooo.   Heights plus me is a bad  combination.  Whilst living in the caribbean Tonni decided to surprise me with a paragliding birthday treat.  Little did he know that 3 mins into our maiden voyage he would be the proud new owner of a tooth bitten arm and permanent hearing loss in his left ear (my cries for help).  So with prior history of fearful flights, I can quite frankly say I was DEATHLY afraid. Forward a few months and some valium later (kidding) I was lifted into mid air with two amazing fabulous people who said I do over the weekend amongst family and friends.  Lou and Mark, what a treat it was to watch and capture the love you have for one another.  Mika is not only TOTALLY and UTTERLY gorgeous, she is also so lucky to have such amazing, vivacious parents to teach her the ways of the world.

And may I add whilst we were leaving Mount Roy, Lou asked Mr helicopter man to do a few stunts.... I think this may have been when I passed out!!

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

The Newly weds!!

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Lou's smile never left her face once!!!

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YES this was the view!!

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YES this is where they dined and drank!!!

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Had to sneak a helicopter shot in...

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This was Lou in utter disbelief as to how perfect the day was.  BRIGHT sun NO wind, just perfecto!!!

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I think my favorite shot of the day.   Total and utter bliss!!!

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