The long awaited part II

They say it takes a village to raise a child.... a whole group of people to help build something amazing.  I don't even know where to start in regards to the troops who helped create such a masterpiece for Raina and Tejash's magical spectacular. I am sure that I will miss more than a few, however there were a few that did shine and definitely deserve a mention.

Davina who is the mastermind behind  VIDA FLORES in Auckland www.vidaflores.co.nz Not only an amazing talent but an also amazing person.

Kate from RUBY AND WILLOW www.rubyandwillow.co.nz whom I need a whole blog post to talk about.  She created the divine invitations which made me yell out loud OH MY LORD.  So much so that another post dedicated to her invites is next on the list.

The Lal and Patel families who are beyond amazing.  The spirit and love these two families have for one another is something we should all emulate.  Never before have I seen such an amazing group of people band together to create and share such a beautiful day.  Raina you are a very, very lucky person to have such beautiful cousins, who were BEYOND amazing.

Brigid, who brought everything together.  The dream team who made Raina and her ladies shine... and I am sure there are plenty more to name.... PLENTY

xxxx

And now it begins PART ONE

Sometimes love comes around, and it knocks you down.... the next thing you know you are looking at the person who means most, saying I do. I am honored and blessed to have been part of this extraordinary day(s).    Two people who share their love for one another along with their amazing friends and family.   My eyes and heart are now open to such a wonderful place and spirit.  The people of Fiji touched my being more than I can speak.  Raina and Tejash I am grateful to you both for allowing me to be part of your wonderful 3 days.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We were welcomed into the family with open arms to share the culture, the dancing, laughing and of course beyond fabulous food.

This is just a small collection of the many many shots we captured.  The Mehndi was day one of a 3 day extravaganza... yes this is just part one.... part 2 to follow... xxx

Winter joy

I know I have been only posting one photo here and there but I have come to the conclusion that one is better than none!!! The shots that have been posted over the last few days have all been from my trip to Australia earlier in the year... a long time coming but finally picking through the bunch. I am truly enjoying the stillness of winter however frozen toes are not on my list of grateful things. Happy frost everyone

Almost edible

Those cheeks, the mouth.... the stillness whilst asleep.  You want to wake them just to let them know you love them.  So much love you want to swallow them whole xxx

The anticipation of something new.

Sometimes taking a moment is necessary, necessary for us to touch base with our realities.  The anticipation of a new person entering our lives is a beautiful feeling, occasionally a scary feeling but all that fear disappears when you hold that precious parcel in your arms.  Nothing can beat it.... nadda. xx

Sometimes you just know.

You know that its right, you know that its supposed to be.  Its a feeling of complete bliss and a feeling of complete content.  Sometimes you just know. A lot more to come...... A LOT MORE xx

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

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

Miracles that surround us

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles" xxxxxx

Little Sam you are a dream xx

I need you now

Like a breath of fresh air..... a jolly good slap in the face.  God how many excuses did I need to make in my head, its too cold, I'm too tired, there's too much work to be done.... thats all they were....damn excuses.  \ I have been hunting for my photo mojo and it kept ducking and diving avoiding me like the plague... I bring it with me to organized shoots, but how come I wasn't doing anything for me?   So I made a decision, all be it a rather crazy decision, I decided I wanted to go back to the old days (1999) and give film another shot (pardon the pun).   A few months back I had my eye on a camera that made my heart flutter.... it was a must have.... a yearning... sleepless nights... sadly I had to prioritize my life and the 'deal' fell through.  I flunked into a bad mood and forgot about how important it was (to me) until I found another.... just the same.... and the time was right.... cha ching!!

Today 20 rolls of 220 medium format film arrived to greet my brand new CONTAX 645 (swooon)  I am officially a medium format camera owner!!!  And today I went shooting!!!  I couldn't get out the door quick enough, like a deep big breath of really really fresh air... all my mind would scream was GOD I NEED YOU NOW!!!

The downside (or upside depending on how you look at things.... glass half full yadda yadda) film is a process and needs to be processed.  Due to my perfection I will be sending it to the US of A.  SO no examples as yet however when they do come back and if I am game enough to share (encouragement needed) I will post them.  However I did bring my lifeline digital camera to the shoot... soooo here are a few of my perfect girl... oh and by the way there were no animals harmed in the making of this post!!!  xxxx