Man, I have a cool job.  Like, a reeeeally cool job.  I get to hang out with beautiful people, on one of the happiest days of their life.  I get to stay with them, about five paces away, and just capture their day unfolding in front of them.  Amazing.  Don't get me wrong, there is some work going on too, as only about 15-20% of my job is actually holding the camera.  But weddings like yesterday make all the background work worthwhile.

Vaughan and Nicola... what a perfect day!  Not only did they totally adore each other, which makes taking photos so easy, but they picked the most FUN bridal party I have ever been with.  At the end of the day I asked Vaughan and Nicola if they would consider hiring them out to other couples.

Nicola was gorgeous before she even got into her wedding dress.

Ok, so someone slap me.  I have totally forgotten this little girl's name.  But with or without a name, this photo of her and her Granddad is just gorgeous.

This must be every little girl's dream.

Meanwhile, Paul was at Spy Valley Wines with the guys....

While they waited for everyone to arrive....

Ah, yes.  Here they are!

This is just as Nicola is about to walk down to see her groom for the first time. 

Dad gives her away, while Vaughan watches.  Don't just quickly skip past this one!  Really look at it.  Maybe it's just the memories of when my Dad gave me away, but this right here is one of those moments.  You know.  THOSE moments. 

Mum and Dad.  Sigh.  See?  I told you this day was perfect!

This is Daisy, one of the bridesmaids.  Fantastic violinist, and a lovely friend to Nicola.

This is Fran (remember, Scarlett's Dad?) He made the formal family photos so much fun!  Someone had given him the mic, and before we knew it, it was (in his best airline announcing voice) "Bing Bong, would all the Hoopers come to the photo taking area please?  All the Hoopers...." 

Then off to a wee lake.  This is where the day gets really fun.

The under the veil shot? 

The bridal party had seen it all before....

Paul on the left there is a brand new Dad.  His wife had a baby only two days ago.  No wonder he's smiling so big!

Fran and Liz, you look great!

*Oh my gosh* these two are just so cute together!

You only have a veil like this for one day of your life.  Are you just going to drag it around, or are you going to have some FUN with it?  Limbo, anyone?

Awesomeness. 

Vaughan and Nicola, thank you both so very much for including us in your day.  It was our absolute pleasure to share it with you.

Vendor Shoutout:

Hair and makeup: Arthur Devine

Dressmaker: Bernadette Thomas

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Spy Valley Wines

Fowers: Flowertime

Food/Catering: Posh Nosh

Scarlett is ten months old and the yummiest thing you ever did see.  She's short, a teeny bit squishy and full of toddlerisms.  I doubt that toddlerism is actually a word (I'm fairly sure it's not, as my blog spellchecker is screaming at me right now!) but I think it should be, so I'm just going to go ahead and add it to my dictionary.  There, now it's official. 

Toddlerism: when a small squishy person does very immature things, like eat leaves or dribbles. 

Liz and Fran are going to be in this Saturday's bridal party for Nicola and Vaughan.  So it was awesome to get to know them a bit better, as well as making friends with Scarlett.

Could they be any cuter?  I don't think so.

Scarlett is Nicola and Vaughan's goddaughter, as well as being the first grandchild on both sides of the family.  So yes, she's number 1!

She seems to be developing a love for golf, just like her Dad and Granddad.  Maybe next time we'll include the club and ball.

Ooooo baby fingers!  Love them.

Although I am somewhat disgusted in how summer was this year, especially now that it's over, I am secretly pleased that Autumn is upon us.  Prepare yourself for lots of autumn colours in the next couple of months.

I'm looking forward to shooting Fran and Liz again on Saturday.

And you can see why!

But today really belonged to this gorgeous little thing!

Thanks for coming out this morning guys!  I can't wait to show you all the rest, see you at the wedding!!

I've never been one of the cool kids.  Like, not even a little bit cool.  I'm not even nerdy enough to be nerdy-cool.  Nope.  Somehow I've grown to be ok with that though.  I married my honey 15 years ago and he's equally as uncool as me (although bordering on nerdy-cool, perhaps).

However, donned with our cool-as-heck cameras, we get let into people's ultra awesome weddings!  Stephen and Carissa's wedding was one of those.

Another stunning Marlborough day, the wedding once again held at Old St Marys Convent, and beautiful and fun people.  It's a win/win.

This is the invitation for Carissa's grandmother, who passed away a couple of months ago.  Weddings are such a special time, it's always nice to remember family and friends who weren't able to be part of the day.

Stephen had a gift for Carissa, and by the look on her face, I think he did good!

And this is it, a bracelet that perfectly matched her dress.  Good job Stephen!

Father Paul O'Conner came all the way from Wellington to celebrate the marriage.  He taught Stephen as a teenager, so it was lovely to have someone special to him to take the service.

Meanwhile, Stephen waits for his bride.

During the message, everyone sat in the pews.  I love this shot.  This is why you have bridesmaids.  Priceless.

Gorgeous!

This was just as they were about to exit the church as man and wife.

Inside the car, and yes, happy!

The flowers were absolutely beautiful!  Done by Jane Fowler at Fleurs.  Gorgeousness.

Then off for a quick walk down the grapevines before the reception at MVH.  

The room was beautifully decorated, and the flowers...stunning!

We were so grateful to be part of your day Stephen and Carissa.  Enjoy married life together, and make the most of the summer here in NZ and on your honeymoon before you head back over to the UK!

Vendor Shoutout:

Ceremony Venue: Old St Marys Convent

Reception Venue: Marlborough Vintners Hotel

Cars: Marlborough Limousines

Hair: Vanessa from Vogue

Flowers: Jane Fowler, Fleurs