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It took three months for Chris to woo Claire after they were introduced by a mutual friend.  Ah, you just gotta love a matchmaker!  Three months of trying his very hardest to show her his mad cooking skills, and she was sold.  Stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon, so I was told.  (I do have to wonder why I remember so clearly the conversations discussing food...) 

Anyway, I digress.  Have a look at this.  You can see why he wanted to woo her, can't you?  She's stunning.

"Have you seen the park down Orchard Lane?"   I emailed Claire when we were deciding where to do their E Session, I knew it had been full of gorgeous blossoms.  The reply came back that not only had she seen the park, but she was even thinking of that spot herself.  Turns out it's actually named after Chris's Dad!  That was enough for me, McKendry Park it was!  I can't say I've ever shot in a public place actually named after a clients Dad.  Super coolness points right there!

Chris's Dad used to be the Mayor of Blenheim, three terms in a row, in fact.  He worked to create this park as a reserve for the whole community to enjoy.  I, for one, am hugely grateful for the plums in summer and the walnuts in Autumn.  What a wonderful treasure for us!

 

Gorgeous Claire!

This is Ben.  Cutest dog.  But not just cute, he's really obedient.  Must have good parents!

This is Riley, Chris's daughter who joined us for the session.  She's pretty cute too!

Claire and Chris seemed to think I would struggle to get good photos of them, that they are particularly difficult models - well I guess I showed them! 

This is exactly why I recommend everyone gets an E Session done before their wedding.  Everyone thinks they're unphotogenic, everyone seems to think they're particularly special in that way.  If I can just show someone how to relax in front of the camera, the rest is a piece of cake.  (cake.  I like cake.)  If you all just see how gorgeous you really are, you'll look forward to your wedding day photos that much more, without the dread.  It's pretty much a walk in the park.

Me and my new 85mm 1.2L lens have made good friends.  Really good friends.  I like it a lot. 

Chris and Claire (and Riley and Ben!)  Thanks so much for our 'walk in the park', you guys are truly fabulous!  I can't wait for the wedding!  And, by the way, after our session I went home and made stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon...

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I hardly know where to start.  Paul and Rachel's day was so perfect, so absolutely flawless.  Rachel was stunning.  Paul was the perfect gentleman, entirely adoring and handsome.  Exactly the things that make my world go round.

We stayed with Paul and Rachel from when they first got ready in the morning, until they left their reception to start their lives as man and wife.  We captured from 11.30am to 11.30pm, which is why I simply have to make this post bigger than your average blog post.  I've just got so much to share!

The day started for me at Locks and Lashes...

Rachel's brother Nigel was to give her away.  His face says it all.

Meanwhile the boys are getting ready...

Paul's Mum has been praying for a perfect wife for her son for many years now.  And when she met Rachel she felt like she already knew her.  It's rare that you see a couple so perfectly suited as Paul and Rachel are.  God answers mother's prayers.

Photos from Paul and Rachel's engagement session were beamed onto the wall at the Elim Church as the guests started to arrive.

And then she arrived. 

 

The day was filled with many prayers and blessings.  Absolutely beautiful.

It was the first time I had seen a rose ceremony.  Giving and receiving a rose each which symbolised their love.  

This is gorgeous Nana May.  She is about to turn 100.  I want to be like her when I grow up.

As if the day was not perfect enough, we were taken by Marlborough Helicopters to the top of the hills to really have some fun.  And boy, did we ever!

But gosh, was it windy!  Everyone knows I am a fan of veils, and this is why.

I love the way that Paul loves Rachel.  Completely, honestly and selflessly.  Nothing is a bother to him.  It's like he's found a treasure.  He even spoke of that in his speech, relating it to Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." 

I can't even tell you how many happy dances I did (on the inside, thankfully). The light and the scenery, everything, it was just so perfect.

Then we got back into the helicopter and let Paul and Rachel play.  I knew they didn't need too much direction.  I just told them to change it up and have fun with it while we flew around them. 

Honestly, some days I have to pinch myself.

Then off to Rarangi to meet the rest of the bridal party and have some more fun.

Rachel surprised Paul with an impromptu sand covenant ceremony on the beach.  With sand from both of their hometowns, it symbolises how the two have now become one.

Brancott Estate.  Oh my gosh, you looked divine! 

See the fudge there?  Paul's Mum made it for every place set in the restaurant.  Seven batches, apparently. 

They thought of everything.  And I mean, everything.  They even got a LIGHTING GUY.  Someone who set up lights at the church as well as the reception.  Before recently I didn't even know you could get a lighting guy to cover everything like that.  But my word, it makes things beautiful.  So if you're planning a wedding, and if you're looking for that extra zing in your day, get yourself a lighting guy.  F'real.

Oh, the stories that were told during the speeches!

Me.  Because I can.

We shot the first dance from different angles.  I shot with the spotlight...

While my Paul shot against it.  I think he wins.  Darnit.

The Chilli Dogs rocked the place...

...while the melted down candles gave evidence that a perfect day was coming to an end.

Paul and Rachel looked fabulous right up until they left.

Thank you guys so very much for allowing us to capture your day for you.  It was magical and beautiful and every bit the fairy-tale day that you both deserve.  May God bless you abundantly in your life together.

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