I prayed hard as we drove towards Christchurch.  I couldn't believe what we were about to do.  Two things that are completely out of my comfort zone.  1.  Drive to Christchurch.  But I got over that pretty quickly.  2.  Photograph another photographer's wedding.  That one took a little bit more prayer, another deep sigh, and a swallow.

Come on, harden up!  It's Heather and Doug!  I can do this!  Wild horses couldn't keep me away from their wedding.  So we suited up, and started shooting.  I needn't have worried.  The rain mostly stayed away, the light was kind and the wedding was cool.  Like, really cool.

I love Heather.  I love her fresh enthusiasm and youth (ahem, thanks for pointing out our age difference, by the way).  I love how she's not afraid of the camera.  And I love how much she loves Doug, because she loves him loads.  Loads and loads.

Heather said she's bringing these glasses "Just in case, because no one likes a squinty bride!"  Heather is funny.  I like funny people.

Doug is uber cool.  I mean, seriously cool.  Trained in fashion design he made the last minute alterations on the clothes.

Once all of the boys were dressed, they took a little walk down the road to the bus station, where a double decker bus was to take them to the wedding.  See?  I told you this was a cool wedding! 

Check out the cracks in the sidewalk, thanks to the February 22 earthquake.

On the way to Trents, Heather decided to stop and grab a bottle of water.  I have no idea what the attendant would have thought of this bride buying water with a photographer following closely like some sort of paparazzi. 

Heather and Doug decided to have a 'first look' before the ceremony.  So secretly they met on the little lane behind Trents. 

Doug was not allowed to turn around until Heather said so.  I love the anticipation.

"Boo!"  Priceless.

We were allowed to get a few pictures before the bus had to leave again.  I love this bus.  I LOVE this bus!  We didn't feel comfortable letting Heather sit on the seat in her white dress, though, and time was running out.  I desperately wanted a sitting shot.  Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I whipped off my top.  Seriously.  I popped it on the seat and let her sit down.  Thankfully I still had a singlet underneath, but believe me, it still wasn't pretty.  The shot was totally worth it, and no one else was there to see me so scantily clad.

Purple.  Awesome.

Then it was time for the ceremony to begin.

The priest said something that really struck me.  He talked about how Doug and Heather know each other's good points, and bad points.  Yet they still choose to promise to be with each other for the rest of their lives.  There is simply no higher compliment than that.  I guess I've never thought of it like that.

Enormously happy to be married.

Uncle John.

Some of you will remember that during their engagement session I suggested they might like to be a tree.  Poor old Heather got a bit of ribbing from me for not being a great tree.  So I've given them another chance. 

Nope, sorry Heather.  You're still not a great tree.

Carefully camouflaged, the bridal party try their hand at being trees also.

I suggest you stick to loving Doug, Heather.  Because you excel at that.

Extreme group hug.

Trents has got the most magnificent grounds.  Oh how I wish it wasn't four hours away from Blenheim!

The Grandads are remembered.  That makes me happy.

Even when the camera is not pointing anywhere near them, Doug and Heather spend their time hanging out together, holding hands and loving.  They makes my job so easy!

Gasp.  Models.  Right.  There.

Ok.  Who invited this guy?

I think there was more of that stone wall before the big earthquake.  Lets not miss a good photo opportunity though!

See, Heather?  This is why I told you I like Autumn best!

Doug, you funny, funny man.

Heather potted all of these succulents in her very own mugs.  This one sums up Christchurch right now I think!

Cutest speech.

I got into some photos again.  Lucky me!  I'm not sure who these guys are, but they sat next to me and told some great jokes.  This image on the right is of me pretending to dance while Paul tested his settings.  Did I feel silly on the dance floor all by myself?  Of course not.  If only my teenagers were there to see me.

And then the shenanigans began!

Heather and Doug's car also joined the festivities, by way of shaving cream, party poppers and cling wrap.  A LOT of cling wrap.  I was told to withhold the identities of the clingwrappers until they managed to leave the city. 

Heather and Doug, you guys are inspirational in the way that you love each other.  I can see how much you treasure each other, and that makes me even more grateful for being invited into your big day.  I can't wait to show you the rest of the photos.  Have a great honeymoon!

Vendor Shoutout:

I was greeted with this smile.  Gorgeous.  Michelle assured me that she wasn't nervous, simply excited.  She was right of course, what was there to be nervous about?  She was about to marry her best friend.  Michelle and Kris have been through thick and thin together, and after their harrowing time at Pike River Mine last year, life has lead them to new jobs and a new life in Australia.  The future is looking bright and today they get married.  What's not to smile about?

The water was as still as could be, there was the slightest hint of moisture in the air, but not enough to scare anyone inside. Michelle and Kris's wedding was held at the beautiful Te Mahia resort, which I am really beginning to bond with more and more.  One of the things I love about it, is that they don't book anybody else in during a wedding weekend. This means there's no other guests to have to keep quiet for.  Not that I usually get all that rowdy anyway, but if it were my wedding, I think it would be a real bonus!

Everyone got ready onsite, which makes for a very relaxing day!

Michelle was looking stunning, and it was clear that we had dealt with her camera shyness at the engagement shoot.  Not a trace was left! 

There were six bridesmaids at the ready to help with any little chore.  I wish I had that many people running after me on any given day.  I do have six kids, but I'm not sure they're all an asset just yet.

Gorgeous details!

Mums know best how to fix things like button holes.

Kris and the six guys.  Looks quite impressive, doesn't it!

They had the cutest little girls throwing petals.  I liked them a lot!

One really great thing about our job is that we are continually reminded of how important marriage is.  It never gets old hearing about making the little things count, because, you know, the little things are the big things.  Paul and I have been happily married for 16 years and sometimes I just want to call out and say "It's true you know!" during a good bit in the ceremony.  But obviously I don't, because that would be awkward.

Pastor Brent Pickworth said some really great things.  He said that marriage is nothing like a box of chocolates, you actually do know what you're gonna get.  You get out what you put in.  He spoke about a marriage being like a beautiful garden, it takes effort weeding out the small things before they become large, and planting beautiful things.  Maybe I'm just a sap, but I like all of that stuff.

While I was photographing the girls, this kind gentleman offered me sushi.  I like sushi.  Well, I like sushi without that green stuff on it.  That green stuff makes it hot.  So hot, in fact, that your nostrils start burning and your eyes start watering while you're trying to act all cool and photograph people.  I find it difficult to be cool at the best of times.  This was not the best of times.  Major coolness fail right there.

This shot is Paul's.  I was getting what I thought were ok shots, and then when I downloaded Paul's versions they were much better than mine.  Much better!  Ugh, hate it when that happens.

I reckon these were mine though, and even if they weren't, let's just say they were.

I love this area in Te Mahia!  Michelle is radiant, and just for the record, that's Paul's shot on the left, mine on the right.

The marque was decorated stunningly!  Beautiful details everywhere.

Kris and Michelle, thank you so very much for letting us capture your beautiful day.  We wish you guys all the very, very best in your new exciting life together in Australia!

Vendor Shoutout:

Leanne makes beautiful things. 

Her most beautiful creation so far is Kobe.

When we first met Kobe he was a brand new squishy newborn.  It's hard to believe it's been six months.  But it has, and my my what a cute little man he is becoming!

But as yummy as this baby is, this post is not actually about him. 

Or Aaron, for that matter, as nice as he is.

It's not about Kobe's cute-as-anything smile.

Or his puzzled and slightly grouchy face at the crazy woman with the camera making the strangest animal noises you ever did hear.

It's not about how cute he is when he cries.

No, this post is about Leanne.  Leanne who makes beautiful things.

Leanne runs Vanilla Hayes, and she makes this:

and has ideas like this:

So, when I started feeling overwhelmed with life recently and started stripping back all nonessential activities, I began rethinking the way we do our Queensberry Albums.  I'm all for delegating if someone can do the job better, prettier and faster than I can.  So we proceeded to woo her one evening with chocolate and treats, and pitched the idea that she might want to become our design department.  We didn't have to try too hard, she was in!

The following week she brought us homemade muffins (one for each member of our very large family!) and we were truly wooed in return.

So we now excitedly announce that Leanne, from Vanilla Hayes, who makes beautiful things, will now be designing our Queensberry Albums.  When she agreed to do it for us, I felt a HUGE weight go off my shoulders.  I don't even mind saying that I DID dance a little jig.  So when you order your Queensberry Album from us, it is Leanne who will be sharing her amazing talent with you.  For this I am extremely grateful. 

She will continue creating invitations, seating plans and all thing wonderful for your wedding, baby shower or party, so if you're wanting something custom made for you, don't waste anymore time.  Drop her an email!  Go and like her facebook site too.  Share the love.

Ok, so let's be honest.  This post was kinda about Kobe too?.. and why not.  Just LOOK at him!

True love.  I can spot it a mile away.  Nikki and Simon have it in spades.  No, I'd say bucket loads.  Completely inseparable all day, there was nothing that was going to dampen this wedding day.  Even the rain.  It tried, mind you.  We just laughed it off and continued having fun. 

The wee ferns, shaped as a heart with a note that said "My Babe".  Priceless.

Nikki looked absolutely amazing.

Meanwhile the guys get ready. 

Simon had warned me that his brother looked a lot like him. They were twins, in fact.  "Well, that's ok." I thought, "I can handle it."  And I did.  Mostly.  There were a couple of times I was ever so slightly confused, but I'm fairly sure I didn't ask Dean to kiss Nikki. 

I don't even know exactly what's going on here.  I found it among Paul's getting ready photos.  Amusing, and ever so slightly disturbing!

 

The rain decided to stop for long enough so that the ceremony could be held outside at Te Mahia, as planned.

Watching the bride arrive.

I love the fascinator in the Mother-of-the-Bride's hair.  I often wonder though, why they're called fascinators?  I mean, they're very pretty and interesting, but I wouldn't call them fascinating.  Documentaries about UFOs are fascinating, as are millipedes and those annoying people that can eat anything without getting fat.  So perhaps we should change it's name to interestor? 

Super cute bride award goes to Nikki. 

Then the rain started again.  But did it worry Simon and Nikki?  Not by the look of it!

Married!

Even in the rain, Te Mahia is a gorgeous place.  I told the group that they had made the shape of Australia. I totally wasn't kidding either.  We were just missing Tasmania, I told them.  No one volunteered to be Tasmania.  Can't say I blame them.

Then off for some portraits. 

We headed to some large trees just down the road.  The rain had stopped again, and with a little bit of help from Paul's softbox, we got some gorgeous light going on.

I'm still liking roads.  Look at this one!  What's not to like?  This was my view with the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L.  Look at them working it!

Meanwhile Paul was capturing the larger view with the Canon 24-70mm 2.8L.

Super awesome trees.

I love how Nikki and Simon love each other.  You simply can't miss the fact that they are fully meant to be together.

Rainy wedding days do have their downside, believe it or not.  Dresses and shoes can get a little mucky.  This downside was entirely outweighed by Simon coming to the rescue.  This, right here, is what shows what an awesome guy Simon is.  Nikki is a very lucky girl, and by the look on her face, she knows it too.

Then onto the reception in the marque.

Simon's speech made me smile a whole lot.  I don't think I was the only one.

Nikki and Simon, thank you so very much for letting us play along with you on your wedding day.  It was a truly gorgeous day.  All the best for your married life, and we wish you many many years of smiles and love.

Vendor Shoutout:

Nothing was going to dampen Shelley and Tim's amazing day.  Not even a giant earthquake on the 22nd of February in Christchurch.  Out of her office window on the 7th story, Shelley watched Christchurch tumble all around her.  The things both Shelley and Tim have witnessed as a result of the earthquake will no doubt live with them for the rest of their lives. The tears glistening in her eyes as she told me about it all brought home to me, once again, that life is precious.  Every moment we have with our loved ones is to be celebrated.  This is what seemed to fuel Tim and Shelley's resolve to carry on, and have the most wonderful day imaginable, despite the city's tragedy.

And what a wonderful day it was. 

Shelley had organised a box of goodies for her bridesmaids.

I always love watching parents on a wedding day.  Often I think they are as excited about it as the bride and groom!

The wedding was held at the picturesque Furneux Lodge.

Dappled light is every photographers worst nightmare, but even the dappled light made Shelley look gorgeous.

Happy to be married.  Very, very happy.

One thing that struck me about Tim and Shelley's wedding, was how much the guests seemed to adore them.  There were hugs and kisses from the very start of the day until well after the first dance. 

A great group of friends to spend the day with.

Loving the late light at Furneux!

Then onto the reception.

I'm fairly sure these reactions had something to do with a request for Grandbabies.

I think she quite adores her new husband.

This is often where our coverage ends.  We see the start of the reception, the cake cutting and then we're on our way.  However, Shelley had us stay on for the evening and I must say, I had a BLAST!  I even bounced around the dance floor a bit.  Just to blend in, of course....

The band were incredible.  Charma came all the way up from Dunedin.  They kept everyone entertained for hours.

The time came to throw the bouquet.  I think perhaps there are some who want to catch it more than others.

This hardly needs explaining, does it?  Apparently this was her second bouquet catch at a wedding, and she was calling her partner out.  He doesn't seem quite so sure....

This is Paul's photo.  We had a very long conversation about who actually took it, but I have conceded that it probably was Paul.  I think it's the best band image we've ever done.  I love it to bits.  I just wish I took it.  Ah well.

Limbo, anyone?

This is me.  One of the guests thought it was about time I made it into a picture.  See Paul far left?  He was more reserved about bouncing around the place.  He kinda snuck more than bounced.

Tim has the coolest sense of humour.  He knows how to have fun, that's for sure!

Tim and Shelley, what an epic wedding day.  Despite all of your setbacks, I couldn't imagine your day any more perfect than it was.  Thank you for sharing it with us!

Vendor Shoutout:

Hair: Bernie Irwin

Makeup: Megan Tilley

Band: Charma

Celebrant: Jaclyn Philpott

Flowers: In Water

Dress: Christine Reeves - Grace and Lace

Venue: Furneaux Lodge

Cake: The Cupcake Collection

Krissy and Brendon's wedding was right up there on my 'can't wait' list.  I fell in love with them in November when I did their Engagement Shoot and have been waiting with bated breath to watch these two get married.

Krissy's wedding dress was special.  Very special.  It was the first dress she's ever worn.... ever!  It was first wedding dress she tried on, and it was perfect.  So she saw a good thing, and she stuck with it.  She's lost an astounding 43kg since she started her weight loss journey and to say she looks amazing would be an understatement!

Every detail about their day was planned out.  Everything was set out and ready.  All Krissy had to do was step into it and enjoy.

I was greeted with a lot of enthusiastic barking when I turned up to the house.  I highly doubt that Buddy remembers me but I sure remembered him and his fluffy little white head!

Amazing, hu?

Meanwhile Brendon waits for his bride to arrive.

The ceremony was held at the lovely Green Gables.

I have no idea why the rings hardly ever fit.  But it sure makes for good photos.

Do you think he adores his new wife?  If you said yes, I'd say you're right!

Brendon has also lost an amazing amount of weight (30kg last I heard!) and he looks absolutely dashing.  I did a happy dance when I heard they were keen to go out to the old buildings, and Rarangi for photos.  It felt like Christmas!

The light was being oh-so-kind to us.  Late afternoon, I love you.

There is this cool old machine thingie there.  I have no idea what it does, or did, more like it, but it sure does look pretty.

Rarangi on a perfect day.  Time to play! 

Krissy's sister Leesa (far right) has also been loosing an amazing amount of weight.  30kg so far!  It just astounds me how motivated these girls are.   I wish I had even a quarter of their motivation!

Could they be more perfect? 

I actually *gasped* when I walked into Drylands where the reception was being held.  The seating board has to be the BEST one I have EVER seen!  Sure it's got my picture on it, maybe that has something to do with it.....

You can never, ever, go wrong with chocolate for guests. 

I know a girl isn't supposed to covet, but GAH! Look at the bling!

 

Brendon and Krissy.  You guys are super.  More than super, really.  You are a total inspiration to me.  We loved your wedding, and we wish you every single happiness that life can possibly throw your way!

Vendor Shoutout:

Hair: Kwaafyoor Hair Design

Celebrant: Terry Terrill

Flowers: Pink Poppie Designer Florist

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Ceremony Venue: Green Gables

Reception Venue: Drylands

Cake: Sweet Kitchen

Every single wedding is different.  Much like music, or food, or people for that matter - every wedding sings a different song.  Sure, they all have the same theme white dress, flowers and love.  But what makes each wedding so unique is the people in them, and their stories.  How they interact with each other and their families.  It's always exciting discovering what song today's wedding is playing, and then shooting along with it.

Karen and Andrew's wedding was FUN.  Full of youth and a whole lot of laughs.  There was a steady supply of jokes and smiles and everyone knew exactly what they were there for.  To celebrate Karen and Andrew and the love they have for each other. 

Karen looked like a Disney princess.  From the tiara in her hair, princess dress and gorgeous eyes, she totally looked the part. 

When Paul turned up to the guys, they were already ready, so all there was left to do was to have fun.  Seemed like that wasn't something they were too gutted about. 

When we got home and downloaded Paul's photos, I discovered about an hour's worth of photos of the guys in various places doing various things.  Funny boys.

I've known Andy for quite a few years, but really only in passing.  He and my nephew Daniel have been good friend since they were little kids, now Daniel is best man at his wedding.  So it was nice to feel a little bit more than the usual belonging at the wedding.  I first met Karen at Daniel's wedding, and then again when she was bridesmaid at Mark and Amanda's wedding in December.  We're practically family now...

See?  Disney Princess.  Totally.

With all of the fun and joking, this was one part of the day that was full of emotion.

Amanda, you look beautiful!

The wedding was held at Marlborough Vintners Hotel.

Picking up the petals again.  Gotta love it! 

After the ceremony was over we popped across the road for some photos.  When I have a fun group I often suggest this shot.  Lying on the ground in the foetal position gets you some really interesting reactions.

Karen and her girls.

We found a random concrete horse head in the garden.  Of course we were going to use it.  Of course!

Beautiful, Karen, BEAUTIFUL!

I told them to sit like people in the 1930s.  This is what they did.  Apparently people in the 30s were very serious!

Paul's perspective on a shot I was getting.  I like his better.  Figures.

I've got a thing for roads lately.  I don't know why.

This was me talking to Andrew's family while trying to get a family portrait for them.  Clearly I am funny.  This is the proof.  Either that or I've got something in my teeth, which is also entirely possible.

This is me and my sister Saskia.  She was a guest at the wedding, so it seemed only fitting that we get a photo together.  Two things occur to me when I look at this photo.  Firstly, how much she looks like my Mum.  That's a compliment because our Mum was beautiful.  I also notice how much bigger my head is than hers.  It doesn't seem normal.  I probably get that from Dad.  Gee, thanks Dad.

Inside the reception and these glowing ring things were super cool.

Karen.  Still smiling.

Congratulations guys!  We had such fun with you all!  Can't wait to show you the rest of the pics!

Vendor Shoutout:

Hair and Make-up: Beyond the Fringe - Scott St

Celebrant: Carol Taylor

Flowers: Flowertime

Dress: Bernadette Thomas

Venue: Marlborough Vintners Hotel