"Mummy, can we keep him?"  It's all about family with Natalie, so when she finally let Max meet Sean, his reaction couldn't have been better.  And keep him they did.  So next month they're getting married.  On a boat.  And we're going to be there!

You know those stories where boy sees girl across a crowded room, and birds sing and love starts?  Well the first time they met was nothing like that.  Natalie, an events manager, was sent to settle a rowdy table down at a function one evening.  Sean was on that table and didn't settle nearly enough for Natalie's liking.  Not quite love at first sight.  It wasn't until they met again months later that a friendship formed.  It just goes to show, you just never know who's around the corner.  Always wear your prettiest smile, even if you have to call security.

Ya just gotta watch those waves!

If I had a dollar for every man that doesn't like having his photo taken, I'd be able to buy myself coffee.  In France.  While on an around the world trip.  First class.  Approximately 89.2% of guys are just not into getting their picture taken.  But it's just one more step along the way to get the girl.  And actually, when you just run with it, it's actually kinda fun! 

Beautifulness!

One day these window panes are going to finally fall off, and I, for one, will be very sad when they do!

This is Natalie's come hither look.  She's got it down!

Sean's a great guy.  He set up the proposal with young Max, 'finding' the ring on the side of the road he then turned to Natalie to ask her to marry him.  I love how it's all about family.

Thanks so much, Sean and Natalie, for the fun.  Thanks Sean for going along with it, and Natalie for laughing at my jokes!  See you in a few weeks.  It's going to be GREAT!

Jess was 16, only just old enough to do the course.  Clint was 17, and had no idea that he was about to do the course.  Little did either of them know that they were about to meet the one they were going to marry over a decade later.

As the Outward Bound website says, "Over the 21 day adventure you will develop friendships that will last a lifetime."  Man, they weren't kidding!

Now, 9 years on, they're engaged to be married and they wanted to come back here for photos, where their friendship started.

As we were taking photos on the jetty, the newest group of Outward Bounders came past.  Ready to be pushed into the water in their kayaks, and then no doubt off for some adventure.  They were all smiling, seemingly oblivious to the cold. 

Doing their best 'mean' face.

'Mean' didn't last more than a split second, without any coaxing, out came the cute smiles again.

Then onto the ropes course.  This place is amazing, frightening, but amazing.  See those two platforms at the top of the ladder, way up in the trees there?  Well, you're supposed to jump between them.  Backwards.  Without looking.  Sure, you've got safety harnesses on and stuff, but I think I would still cry.  I'm such a sissy.

Jess and Clint are not sissys though.  Not even a little bit.  Nothing was too much trouble for them!  When it started to rain, ah well, they didn't mind.  "We're not made of sugar!" Jess says.  Awesome!

Sadly (well for me anyway), Jess and Clint are getting married way up in the North Island, and so we won't be photographing their wedding.  We are simply a small link in the chain. 

We had SUCH fun, so many laughs along the way. 

Cute. 

After all of the stories Jess and Clint shared about their Outward Bound adventure, I thought they would not be keen to ever do it again.  To me it all sounded like hard work.  Nights alone in the bush, days on end in a little boat heading out towards the sea and  high scary ropes courses.  But amazingly they said they'd happily do it all over again!  Apparently all of those adventures taught them that they really can do whatever they put their mind to.  That even though something seems scary, it doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a good go.  By the end of our time together I was almost convinced that I should do a course too.  Almost...

 

Jess and Clint, thank you so much for travelling all the way down here to do this session with us.  It was such a fun time, and we absolutely loved hearing all about your adventures and getting to know you both.  You're an absolutely wonderful couple and we wish you all the very best!

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.

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!