Like many a good romance story, Trina and Phil started out as just good friends.  Then, one night a couple of years into their friendship, Phil declared that he liked Trina a bit more than a friend.  "We're just FRIENDS!" Trina declared, having never even really considered that there may be more between them.  Phil was mighty sad.

Clearly, that's not the end of the story.  Days later, after giving it a lot more thought, Trina realised that there was more to their friendship, and that Phillip was well and truly worth pursuing. Not wanting to wait until the morning, she ran down the road and into his house.  Right then and there she woke him up and asked him out. He was mighty pleased.

Phil and Trina got married at The Old Barn on a beautiful summers day.  The sky was blue and the clouds were fluffy.  What more could they have asked for?

Doesn't Trina's dad look as proud as punch of his beautiful daughter?  And who can blame him!

Nicky, you look gorgeous in blue!

The ceremony was full of special moments that showed how thoughtful Phil and Trina really are.  They even had a special moment that included their gorgeous baby Tyler. 

Married!

Beautifully shiny and dressed for the occasion, the Charger and the Valiant are Trina and Phil's other babies.

The boys were full of fun, we didn't have to try at all to get them to smile!

The girls spent all day smiling too!

What a dashing groom!

Hello Rarangi!

I love how Trina and Phil really are best friends.  Phil said that his first thought when he saw Trina walking down the aisle was the same as what he thought when he first met her, "WOW!"

Then back to The Old Barn for the reception and some rather amusing speeches.

I love it when my couples give me a few more minutes before we head home.  Trina is relaxed and looking beautiful, the evening light is gorgeous and I'm busy doing a happy dance.

Thank you Phillip and Katrina for a brilliant day.  We wish you both, and your gorgeous little man, Tyler, the very very best for the future.

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Vendor Shoutout:

A couple of months ago Anna had wisdom teeth removed and it hurt to laugh.  It was then that she realised just how much Olin makes her laugh.  Anna and Olin's wedding day was full of laughter, fun and beautiful light for us to work with, not that it really felt like work, mind you.

Anna's three bridesmaids were everything you want when you're choosing your bridesmaids.  Lovely, helpful and totally into the entire day. 

Anna looked like she had just stepped out of a bridal magazine, gorgeous!

Meanwhile, as usual, Paul is with the boys as they get ready.

Olin's groomsmen were his two brothers, which meant things were super fun and relaxed.  The day was also filled with thick Irish accents as Olin's family came over from Ireland to be here for the wedding.

As the boys arrive at Old St Mary's Convent, Olin is welcomed by a flood of guest cameras.  Here he's perfecting his paparazzi dodging tactics...

The music that Anna walked down the aisle with was the same music that was playing when Olin proposed.  Gotta love the attention to detail!

Most wedding guests don't seem to notice us too much, like Olin's mum on the left.  Some, however, enjoy finding ways to bring some of their fun personality into the shots.

The grounds at Old St Mary's Convent are superb. 

Olin had us cracking up all day.

During her speech Anna said that she not only loves Olin because of who he is, but who she is when she's with him.  You can just tell they like each other!

Rain?  What rain?  All they seemed to notice was each other!

This shot is kind of like one of those puzzle pictures.  The more you try and work out who is who, the more confusing it becomes.  Or maybe that's just me.

Jazz hands!

This is a good example of how Paul and I see things differently.  The shot on the left is mine (16-35mm 2.8L, for those of you playing at home) and at the same moment Paul was taking the shots on the right (70-200mm IS 2.8L).

Group hug!

On Anna's parents hazelnut orchard we found plenty of places to play.

The reception was held in the beautifully decorated barrel room at The Winery Riverlands.

These little signs were scattered around the garden area. Olin is a farmer, and clearly, farming is his life.

Once again we were able to sneak our couple out after dinner and right about the time that the light was soft and pretty. 

Anna and Olin, there is no doubt that you are perfect for each other.  Thank you for a fantastically fun day!

In other news: As usual, this time of year is producing floods of enquiries for next season. I think it must have something to do with New Year?s resolutions, and proposals over the holiday time. If you?re beginning to plan your wedding for next year, I would suggest you get a wiggle on and book your vendors as the season is filling up quickly!

 

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Vendor Shoutout:

I've heard it said that the measure of a man can be found by looking at his friends.  And if that's the yardstick I use to measure Gene and Kerryn, then they must be at least 10 feet tall.  Gene and Kerryn's friends and family came from afar.  Like, really afar.  From all over the country, and all over the world.  They all came together in little Blenheim to share in their most precious day.  That's pretty awesome.

Thankfully good old sunny Marlborough put on a beautiful show once again and everybody had a fantastic time.

The girls got ready at Locks and Lashes, not that they needed much help to look beautiful - but Deirdre did a wonderful job.

The little note there is from Kerryn's Nan who couldn't make it to the wedding, so sent along the hanky and a brooch for the bouquet.  Don't worry Nan, if you're reading this, you were most certainly not forgotten!

I love it when Dad gets a first look.

Kerryn, you are a beautiful bride!

Meanwhile, Paul is with the guys at Vintners Retreat while they get ready.

And then onto Wither Hills where they wait in the cool (in so many ways!) barrel room.

Gene was as cool as a cucumber.  He wasn't even the slightest bit nervous, he said.  In fact neither was Kerryn, they were both cool, calm and collected.

And the bride arrives.

The ceremony was held on the roof of Wither Hills Winery, I think it may have been the first wedding they've held up there.  It sure did have a fantastic view!

And then they were married!

There was dancing back down the aisle.  Sometimes I wish I was a videographer!

The bright sun outside had us seeking shelter once again, and the barrel room was perfect.

Stunning!

Veils are impractical things, but I do so love them!

I actually have no idea what is going on here...

Then back inside where the restaurant looked amazing.

Momako is Gene's grandmother.  Although she doesn't look it, she's 90 years old.  She was so excited about this wedding and wouldn't have missed it, even though she had to travel from AMERICA by HERSELF!  What an amazing woman!  I want to be like her when I grow up!

Photos of weddings and loved ones.

I could look at old wedding portraits for hours.  So much history! I love the dresses, the flowers and the posing.  I wonder how long it will take before some of this comes back into fashion again.

Gene and Kerryn, thank you so much for choosing us to capture your special day, you both looked amazing.  We wish you the most fabulous life together!  Can't wait to show you the rest of the photos!

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Vendor Shoutout:

She had always dreamed about being proposed to under the Eiffel Tower, but when the opportunity presented itself, Jared found it crowded and not entirely what he had hoped for, so the proposal was put on hold.  Back at home one night, entirely out of the blue for Ainsley, Jared had a picture of the Eiffel Tower on the TV, got down on one knee and proposed.  She said yes.

Jared and Ainsley's wedding day was absolutely perfect.  From the gorgeous little church and the friends and family that filled it, to the celebration at the end of the day in the most beautiful and comfortable setting.  And the dresses in the tree.  Of course there were dresses in the tree, why wouldn't there be?

Ainsley had bought engraved cufflinks for her Dad and a beautiful brooch for her Mum. 

Lovely flowers, as usual, by Pink Poppie.

The wedding ceremony was held at St Francis De Sales church in Renwick.

Just moments before his bride walks through the door.

We love parents at weddings.  Sure, the day is about the Bride and Groom, but it's also about everything that went into making them into special people, all of the love and hard work of the parents.  From the nights spent up with a small baby, to the nights spent worrying about their young adult.  The encouragement and prodding into the right direction.  The hugs, the stories, the laughter.   I imagine that all of these things are reflected upon as they watch their child get married.  There must be a sense of pride to see that your child has turned out so well, and found someone suited so perfectly for them.  From what I could see, both Jared and Ainsley made their parents proud.

The day was hot.  Like, really hot.  Bright and sunny and everything that people wish for on their wedding day.  Of course we love good weather, but when it's THAT sunny it can take a little bit more effort to find perfect spots for portraits.  Thankfully Ainsley had found this beautiful place not far from her parents farm. 

The ladies looked absolutely gorgeous!

Paul called the beers 'man flowers'.  I guess he's right!

Doing the long grass thing.  I'm still loving it!

Ainsley, you are an incredibly beautiful bride!

Then back at Ainsley's parents farm we had some fun in the woolshed. 

This property means everything to Ainsley.  It's been in the family since her Grandad came home from war.  It's where her Dad was born, and it's where she grew up.  It's home to her.  So what better place to have the reception?  I can't say I was disappointed, the place is gorgeous!

The marquee was beautifully decorated and everybody had a grand old time!

Ainsley's Mum is a keen gardener, and has put countless hours of work in to get the gardens looking as amazing as they did.  Paul was in his element buzzing around capturing the details. 

As is often the case in high Summer, the light became magical after we had finished the portraits and everybody had gone inside.  Not to worry though, we had already planned for this!  Ainsley and Jared were happy to come out again after dinner to make the most of the amazing light and beautiful surroundings.

 

You're so MR DARCYish!  I squealed to Jared.  Every girl in the world has at one point wanted to marry Mr Darcy, I'm sure.  "Thank you!" replied Ainsley on Jared's behalf.  I could feel the silence beside me as Paul had no idea what I was talking about.  But Ainsley and I, we knew.  Mr Darcy is a catch.

This is Lauchie.  I call this shot kid in a barrel.   Isn't he just the cutest thing?

And then, the perfect end to a perfect summer day.  Mr Whippy came with dessert.  Brilliantly planned, and a surprise to the guests.

There's nothing like Mr Whippy (probably not his real name.....) to bring out the kid in everyone.

Jared and Ainsley, we didn't want to leave.  Your day just kept getting perfecter and perfecter (ahem, my blog, and I say perfecter is a word).  Thank you so much for sharing your day with us, we had a wonderful time!

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Vendor Shoutout:

As the final hours of 2011 amble past us, I always find myself reflecting on the year that was.  2011 was a tough year.  Loosing my dear Mum left me a lot more wounded than I was prepared for.  Silly me, always the optimist!  However my loss has been tremendously helpful in honing my 'moment' skills, being able to really feel the moments inside a wedding that are so very fleeting.  Weddings have been one of my happy places this year.  A time where I can really enjoy the love and joy inside a family and be reminded week in and week out about the important things in life.  Love.  To cherish those around you.  To honour the vows we make and to really make the most of every single moment with our loved ones.  Because that is what matters.  So bring on 2012, and a whole lot more weddings and beautiful moments to share with you all!

Nick and Jade's wedding was gorgeous, happy and full of smiles and hugs.  Jade looked absolutely radiant as she got ready at Locks and Lashes.  I've been quietly waiting for a veil like this one!

The wedding was held at St Mary's Church, and as usual, it looked fantastic.

I love Nick's face as his bride walks down the aisle.

And his face when she arrives!

This wedding had a generous amount of gorgeous kids!

It's been two years since I photographed Richard (Nicks's brother) and Judy with their beautiful little Olivia and Calla.  TWO years!  Where does the time go? 

The weather had been threatening us with 'heavy falls', but thankfully they didn't arrive until after most of our outside photos were done.  Instead we had beautiful soft light to work with, and the slight rain that we did get only served to keep the flowers looking fresh.  Win win!

Gorgeousness!

The guys were keen to have a reconstruction of a race they had earlier in the day.  I think they look quite convincing!

It's a really great idea to pack a basket of goodies to take along to the portrait session.  Often you won't realise how little you've eaten during the day until after the wedding!

Nick and Jade had organised this gorgeous Ford Pickup for the portraits and just as the rain started to really come down, it was absolutely perfect!

It turns out when Nick gets warmed up he's pretty good in front of the camera too!

The reception was held at the new Renwick Sports and Events Centre.  It was just perfect!

Nick and Jade - thank you so much for letting us capture your beautiful day for you.  We wish you a very very Happy New Year and a very happy life together!

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Vendor Shoutout:

As we started drifting off to sleep deep in the night after a delightful day with Chantal and Ian yesterday, I had an idea.  "Would you like a turn of writing the blog?" I said to Paul.

"I could do that!" he said, to my surprise.

"Really?" I asked, rethinking my suggestion quickly.

"Yeeeeah," almost sounding offended.  "I do know how to write!" he said.

Paul and I wrote to each other as teenagers (LETTERS kids, not emails!)  Long letters, filled with nonsense and strange poetry.  I found a box of them recently.  It was 20 years ago and before we were going out. 

After a small pause, he declared that he could write it in poem form.  "This is about Ian and Chantal, because they have a story to tell......"  He paused again, and I could hear him thinking about the next line.

"DON'T DO IT!  Stop right there."  So to that end, I will write this post.  I may not be eloquent, but I won't put you through that kind of poetry pain!

The day began fresh but perfect.  Chantal and the girls got ready at the ever beautiful Locks and Lashes.

Chantal's Dad was thoroughly impressed with how beautiful his daughter was.

Meanwhile Paul was with the boys, and a happy but nervous Ian looked rather dashing.

The image on the bottom left completely transfixes me every time I see it, and I have no idea why.  I want to create some kind of explanation as to why it is so striking, but nothing comes to mind.  I just like it.  In fact, I love it.  Paul thinks I'm odd to like it as much as I do.  Well, frankly, I embrace odd.

Both the ceremony and the reception were held at The Winery Riverlands - which was formally Montana Brancott Estate. 

And the ladies arrive.

This was the moment that Chantal's parent were asked to give their blessing to the marriage. 

Which they wholeheartedly did.

Look at how Ian looks at his bride! 

This was one of those ceremonies that had everybody feeling it.  I looked around into the crowd and saw more than one person crying, and a whole lot of nodding in agreement with what Carol Taylor was saying.  It was beautiful.

Then we headed back to Locks and Lashes where Ian and Chantal had their E Session. 

Sometimes you just have to turn around to see an equally great shot standing right behind you.

Then back to Montana to have some final portraits before the reception began.

Beautifulness!  Look at the detail on Chantal's dress.  I was besotted with it.

The speeches were great.  This is Chantal's Dad welcoming Ian into the family.

Neil, Ian's brother was the best man. During his speech he said that Ian was a very lucky man and that he was a little bit jealous of him.  However, he pointed out that he does have more hair than Ian.  I guess you've got to look at the bright side.

The cutting of the cake was the funniest and most entertaining cake cutting I have ever witnessed.  I'm pretty sure they didn't intend to pull the entire top off the cake!

The rings were aaaaaamazing!

Chantal and Ian, what a wonderful day you had!  Thank you so much for choosing us to capture it for you.  We can't wait to show you the rest!  Have a fantastic first Christmas as husband and wife!

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Vendor Shoutout:

"She makes my heart make an extra beat when she smiles at me."  It was the perfect statement to round up a perfect day.  Niklas adores Taryn, and she adores him right back.  The way they look at each other, sometimes just a sideways glance and other times she leaps into his arms with her big beautiful smile and kisses him.  If anybody deserved a perfect day, Niklas and Taryn did, and that's just what they got.  Perfection from the very moment we arrived, to our final goodbye hugs. 

Taryn got ready at the beautiful Monaco Resort Hotel.

Grandma's watch, utterly beautiful.

Amelie and Luciella were the perfect little flowergirls. 

Meanwhile, Paul was with the boys as they got ready.

This was Niklas' kiwi connection.

This was the first time we had shot at the Nelson Cathedral, and we were like a kid in a candy shop, without the sugar high.  So much to photograph!

The bride arrives.

This is most definitely the closest we have ever gotten to the glamour of a royal wedding, and most likely will ever get!  Unless, of course, someone knows of a royal wedding somewhere that needs some kiwi flair?  Feel free to hook us up... after this amazing day I think I could get used to this kind of grandeur!

And they are declared husband and wife!

Their reaction as they come out of the church says it all.  Bliss.

The traditional German log cutting ceremony was another first for me.  Traditionally the bride and groom must cut a log together as their first difficult task, or obstacle, in their marriage. If it's a clean cut it means they work together well.  And as it turns out, they work together really well!

And while we're busy doing cool stuff, how about releasing some red balloons?  Great idea!

Before we left for the portraits, we snuck Niklas and Taryn up some super awesome old stairs we'd found earlier. 

Taryn, you are A-maz-ing.  Beautiful, inside and out.

Then off to Rabbit Island with the attendants for some fun!

When I spotted this long grass, I knew we simply had to get in there!  Have you noticed I've got a thing for long grass lately?  Good thing I don't have hay fever!

 

Beach time!

I could have photographed these beautiful sisters all day!

Paul was committed to the cause and ditched his shoes and socks and waded out in the water to get this shot. 

Then it was off to Petite Fleur at Seifried Estate for the reception.

Niklas' speech was utterly gorgeous.  I could feel hearts melting all around me.

Niklas and Taryn, you cannot know how much we appreciate the way you invited us to share your day with you.  You are sweet and funny and utterly perfect for each other.  We can hardly wait to show you the rest of your photos!

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Vendor Shoutout: