It's been a nail biting couple of weeks waiting for the winners of this year's Kodak Gold Awards to be announced.  What an absolute buzz it was to receive TWO silver awards in the portrait section!  I was soooo excited when the parcel came with my name on it!  *quietly danced a little jig*

Here are the two winners;

What I adore about these images most of all are the subjects.  It was as if I wasn't even there, and they are just there enjoying each other's company. Thank you guys SO much for letting me in. 

In other news:

Our tadpoles are much more frog-like now.  In fact I think we've got about 7 little frogs sitting on the leaves and rocks outside the water, while their two legged siblings look up longingly.  It was funny actually, the little frogs grew a huge dislike to the water overnight and now flail about in a panicked fashion if they ever end up back in the water.   You wouldn't think a frog would have a water phobia?  Well ours certainly do, they must have had a troubled childhood.

We've just ordered a delicious new lens (Canon 50mm f1.2 L), and are busting for it to be here in time for Michelle and Murray's wedding on Friday.  Paul seems pretty certain it's going to be the best thing since we bought our 70-200mm f2.8, and he's also pretty convinced that he's the one to get the first turn.  We'll just have to see about that....

I've been so excited about the wedding season starting up again!  I woke up yesterday morning with a grin on my face - because not only do I get to shoot a wedding, but it's at the 'Old St Mary's Convent', which is an absolutely stunning venue!  As if that wasn't enough, Melissa and Paul were a pretty cute looking couple, so I was all set!

Melissa's face says it all, doesn't it?  She was so excited to be getting married!

Meanwhile at the convent...

Before we knew it, the time had come, and we were off...

I love this shot!

Finally reaching Paul at the altar, how gorgeous is she?

After the ceremony, we rounded everyone up for a group shot outside the wee church. 

Of course my Paul got the ever important car shots.

On the stairs inside the Old Convent. 

This is one of my absolute favourites of the day.

Melissa and Stacy are great friends.

And the oh-my-goodness so cute Mia, Stacy's girl.   

Before rejoining their guests, Paul and Melissa took some time out to remember the grandparents that had passed away.  What a lovely thing to do!

Paul's speach at the reception, held at Allan Scott's winery.

See!

Well that's it for now!  There's plenty more where they came from guys, can't wait to show you the rest.  Thanks so much for letting us be part of your special day!

I'm off now to do an engagement shoot with Kate and James! 

Well, Spring has well and truly sprung, and isn't it just beautiful?  The vines have burst back into life, and everything around us is green and full of colour.

It's been an interesting time since my last post.  I spent nearly a week nursing my poor mother who had a bad fall and had (among other things) 6 broken ribs.  It was an absolutely harrowing week, and the longest time I've ever spent away from my darlings.  Thankfully Paul stayed home and kept all 5 children alive, fed and clean - as well as staying on top of his normal photography jobs.  Arriving home I was greeted by a spotless house, a roast in the oven and huge smiles and hugs.

So thank you to everyone for your patience if it took a little longer to have your emails and phone calls answered!  I think we're back on track now!

Check out Riannon's absolutely stunning eyes, what a little cutie!

On Saturday we popped out to Yealands Winery to photograph the Ulysses Motorcycle club.  The wind was absolutely atrocious, but these guys soldiered on amazingly!  I think there must have been about 60 members who turned up and had a wonderful time trying Yealands wine and touring the winery.

If ever you get the opportunity, don't hesitate to try the Yealands Sauv.  It's fresh and rather delicious.

You can check out the Yealands website at www.yealands.co.nz where you can see some of Jim Tannock's amazing photography.

In other news:

We've managed to bring our tadpoles back from the brink of death (all except for two, sorry guys).  They've got some cute (although seemingly useless) backlegs, and adore eating their dried worms.

I'm heading down to the West Coast for a couple of days to be with my Mum who has had a fall and ended up in hospital.  Paul will be holding the fort here, so things will continue on as usual.  Although the family meals may be interesting!