The car turned up to Kat's house and a chauffer hopped out and asked her to come with him.  Kat knew Josh was behind all of this but he was nowhere to be seen. Instead the chauffer had the start of a series of clues for her to follow.  All over Christchurch they followed the clues, restaurants and bars and places Kat and Josh had shared together.  Eventually, the clues led her to Josh, where he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

She said yes.

***CUE GIRLY GUSH***

Josh was keen to have their E Session in the barrel hall at the gorgeous Wither Hills Winery.  The mood down there is just amazing.

Fabulous doesn't even begin to describe Kat.  We were only minutes into our E Session when I asked if she had done ballet.  I can usually tell because it shows.  Just the way she holds herself, stands and in pretty much everything she does - it comes through.  Perfection!

It made me feel better about our four daughters who do ballet.  I've been a ballet Mum for eleven years now.  Someday, some photographer, somewhere, is going to thank me.

 

Josh taught me a little more about wine.  I'm not terribly well educated when it comes to wine, but Josh is.  He's both a winemaker and teaches people about it.  I was thrilled to discover that the old open bottle of red in the cupboard, that I use for cooking, is perfectly fine to keep for several months.  Ya see, small things make me happy. 

One of the things I love the most about Josh and Kat is their chemistry. Every now and then we come across a couple that look like they were made for each other. They are so comfortable together, they simply belong.

Shoes to die for.  Apparently they come in all sorts of colours, and I'm OH so tempted to go hunt them down and buy some for my very own self.  Well, for my cupboard.

Then off outside, and things got even more gorgeous.

You're so fierce Kat, I love it!

Kat and Josh, what a great time we had with you both.  Thanks so much for making the time to come over here and do our E Session.  Your wedding is going to be one out of the box.  I just know it.

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...

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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Paul and Rachel met at a party.  They spent some time chatting, and Paul knew pretty quickly that Rachel was worth pursuing.  A little bit of clever investigation on Facebook the next day and Paul tracked her down.  It took one month of emailing back and forth, the letters getting longer and longer, before they finally met again.  This time Rachel discovered what Paul had known all along.  They were meant to be.

They wasted no time becoming best friends, and before long a proposal was sprung upon Rachel, because, well, when you know you just KNOW.  So in a few months we have the huge privilege of photographing their wedding for them. 

Paul is the perfect gentleman.  Constantly looking out for Rachel, making sure she's warm and comfortable.  She's one very lucky girl!

It was pouring down with rain. Teeming, in fact. And as I was driving towards Locks and Lashes I was praying hard. I like the rain, but shooting in pouring rain is less than ideal, and I was really hoping for a bit of fine weather to play with. I can't control the weather, but I know someone who can. I didn't know why He would, but I thought it was worth asking anyway.

So our engagement session was held inside Deirdre's very awesome barn.  Lots of mood to work with.  Meanwhile the rain continued to pour.  Knowing Deirdre's place so well now, I was a little disappointed that we wouldn't be using outside.  Little did I know that things were going to clear.  Just long enough to get the shots we wanted.

That lovely scarf (or shrug?  shawl?) was a gift to Rachel from a random person at a garage sale.  Extremely old and found in their attic, they noticed how beautifully it suited Rachel and insisted that she take it with her.  A testament of both the kindness of strangers, and how HOT she looks in it!

Paul thinks she looks hot too.  No doubt about that!

Then the sun burst out.  Not just dull overcast not raining-ness, but gorgeous light.  Beautiful, sublime, amazing light. 

I could hardly believe how awesome it was to get the rain, which pushed us inside the cool barn, and then THIS which meant we had the best of both worlds!

Paul secretly photographed Rachel's jewellery and took it to a jeweller for inspiration, and together they designed this amazing engagement ring, all without Rachel knowing a thing!

They absolutely knew how it was done.  Complete and utter naturals, both with each other, and in front of the camera.

Leaving Locks and Lashes late in the afternoon, and just before the rain began to fall again, we stopped to get a few quick shots before parting ways.

Hello fairy-tale shot!

Paul and Rachel, thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing us!  I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had with you both!  It's made me look forward to the fantastic day you have planned for your wedding even more!  See you soon!

They met at a U2 concert, and it wasn't long before the meeting became a friendship, and the friendship became love and now the love has grown into an engagement which will next Summer turn into a marriage! 

Gene and Kerryn are brimming with fun and life and a whole bunch of love for each other.  This makes my job OH so easy.  They laugh at each other, they laugh at me (with me?  at me?), they laugh at the silly black cat that followed us around Brayshaw Park for our entire shoot.

Brayshaw Park is a great place to go for the not-your-usual kind of areas.  This is Gene's please let me out face.

Kerryn is going to be a stunning bride, that much I know.

Kerryn and Gene's journey together has been full of adventure, living in Europe and now spending time in New York, there's never a dull moment! 

These guys are seriously cute together.  They told me that they weren't comfortable in front of the camera, although after about two minutes flat they were busy posing away like there was no tomorrow.

This shot on the left is Gene's 'come hither' look.  It made Kerryn laugh.  A lot. 

This was Gene's first time in beautiful scenic Marlborough.  So where do I pose them?  In front of the toilets.  Because I'm odd, and because it was on the way back to the car.  But mostly because I'm odd.

Gene and Kerryn it was my great pleasure to meet and get to know you both a little bit.  Thanks for the fun time, and all of the laughs.  You guys are a great couple, and I can't WAIT for January!

"Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile". 

Jessica's smile was one of the first things I noticed about her when we met, and I'm sure Adam noticed it early on as well, because he was totally smitten with her.  In fact, he couldn't take his eyes off her all day.

Bling on shoes always makes me happy.

Jessica and the girls got ready at Locks and Lashes.  The sky was threatening rain, but no one seemed the least bit fazed as the temperature was mild and there wasn't the slightest hint of wind.  It was a perfect day to get married.

Flowers by Pink Poppie.  Lovely.  Just as expected.

During the rehearsal Jessica mentioned that she would be walking down the aisle with her veil covering her face.  I, for one, am a big fan of this, but tried to quell the happy dance in front of their friends and family whom I had only just met.  Just as she was saying this, and I was busy quelling the dance, I looked over at Adam who lit up like a child's eyes on Christmas morning.  Clearly this was the first he had heard of it, and he sure was pleased.

There is always so much going on during the processional.  Many people think it's all about the bride and her Dad.  And although much of it is, look at what else is going on in the images that follow.

Watching his bride walk down the aisle. 

I've said it before, but I love capturing parents at a wedding.  How's this for another angle of the processional?  Perfect moment.  Right there.

During our prewedding meeting, I told Adam and Jessica that the most important thing I needed to create beautiful images was for them to like each other. She turned to Adam and they both smiled. "That shouldn't be a problem!" she said.

Quite possibly one of my favourite shots of the day. 

Adam and Jessica spent the longest time scouring the streets looking for the perfect little church to hold their wedding in.  They finally found it in Renwick.  St Francis de Sales Catholic Church has been lovingly restored and is now available for weddings. 

Then it was off to Lake Timara Lodge for some fun!

One of our all time favourite locations for portraits, this place is amazing.  Especially considering it was spitting with rain and we were able to use both inside and outside.  I couldn't have been happier!

The grounds at the Lodge are absolutely to die for.  A.Ma.Zing.

The guys clearly know how it's done.

I spotted this tree on our way into the grounds and could hardly believe my luck.  Autumn just keeps on giving me love.

I'm pretty sure Adam and Jessica only noticed each other though. 

Thanks to their incredible wedding planning skills, we had plenty of time left to have a play inside the lodge as well. We couldn't let the opportunity to use this staircase go to waste!

Often rain can be our friend, and when we have a good inside backup plan like Adam and Jessica's, things can work out very well indeed!

The reception was held at the Marlborough Convention Centre, and OH MY GOODNESS did it look incredible or what!

Adam and Jessica, it was our absolute pleasure to capture your day for you.  You are both among the loveliest couples we've had the pleasure of working with, and we can't wait to show you the rest of the images!

Tania is an events planner in Auckland, which means that she knew exactly how to create a beautiful day.  And what a beautiful day it was!  A regular on our blog, Tania chose most of her vendors from our 'vendor shoutouts'.  So awesome to see our blog helping people to plan their big day.

Hair and makeup done by the very talented Deirdre from Locks and Lashes.

Tania's shoes were hand painted by Liz, her cousin and bridesmaid.  Fantastic talent, right there!

Flowers by Pink Poppie.  The Girl Guides pin belonged to Tania's Grandmother.  Such a nice way to remember somebody special.

As Tania was about to leave for her wedding, Mark paces nervously.  I love the contrast in reactions to such a huge day.

Watching his bride arrive.

Tania's Dad gives her away.  Gorgeous moment.

Brancott Estate is probably the most perfect place to have a Autumn/Winter wedding.  Everything is inside, and it doesn't matter one bit if the weather is bad.  You can even play cricket inside, that's how cool it is!  More on that later....

Tania you look beautiful!

Mark and Tania's wedding was lovely and intimate with only 35 guests.  And a laptop with Tania's brother on Skype.  I think it's our first Skype guest.  He even had his own chair.

Fun with shadows.

I'm so glad to see that Autumn and Winter weddings are gaining popularity.  With a bit of clever planning, so that everyone stays warm and dry, these seasons give us such gorgeous light.  Sunset is early, which makes things super beautiful.

I told you they were cute!

Mark proposed to Tania in front of friends and family, on one knee.  What a guy!  And the answer was an immediate yes.  Lucky man!

Mark's curls are to die for.  I mean, seriously, LOOK at them!  He tells me he can store pencils in them, that's how tight they are.  Although he often keeps it short, Tania made him promise to grow his hair long for their wedding.  And the photographer heartily approves! 

I had so much fun with Mark and Tania.  They followed directions beautifully, and seemed to be just as excited about my silly ideas as I was.  This only led to more silly ideas. 

Sometimes my ideas don't work.  Like this time, for instance.  This enormous flock of birds passed over us, forming all sorts of shapes and patterns as they flew by.  I called out for them to form a love heart.  They didn't.  I called out louder, thinking perhaps they just didn't hear me and they still didn't.  So we told them they were stupid, and carried on with another idea.  It just goes to show that birds just don't listen to instructions.

Totem pole heads.  Of course.

When I started my sentence with "I'm going to lie in the foetal position....." they knew exactly where I was going with this.  Yay for blog readers!

Then it was time for more playing.  Cricket!  They were going to join their guests in the barrel room and play CRICKET!  Of course you need cricket-playing-shoes for that kind of thing.

I have a fear of balls.  I don't know why that is.  If someone throws a ball at me, I squeal and run away.  I'm definitely more of an artist than I am a sports person. So Paul volunteered to be the one to get the action shots.

And that's why I love him.  He knows that I'm not so great at holding the camera straight while balls are flailing about, so he set up his lighting gear and totally nailed it. 

Adeline is nearly two and learning to play early.  The man on the right is far too happy to have caught her out. 

Brancott is a beautiful place for a reception!

I love this shot.

Mark and Tania, thank you for such a fun day.  We thoroughly enjoyed your wedding, and the chance to capture it.   Shame that the birds didn't give us our love heart.  But sometimes that's just the way it goes!

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