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From the moment I turned up to Locks and Lashes to when we left straight after the speeches, Kerri and Jason's entire day was filled with happiness and so many opportunities to capture memories. They had planned their Wedding Day so well that I simply can't help but add far too many images for one blog post. I'm supposing it's a good problem to have!
This dress + these shoes. Oh my word. That's when I knew it was going to be good. Real good.
Not only does Deirdre always do such an amazing job, she's also a really nice person. And let's face it, you want to surround yourself with nice on your wedding day!
Kerri, you were a stunning stunning bride!
Meanwhile Paul is with the guys as they prepare.
I always have to giggle during the preparations for a wedding. It seems everyone needs help to get dressed. You can go for 30 odd years and be able to dress yourself every morning just fine, but come a Wedding Day you just need that extra bit of help. I think it's fab!
The garter that belonged to Kerri's Mum. I love it. I love the squished flowers. I love the bent ribbon. I love that it seems like it's made from shower cap material (as Kerri put it!) I love that it's dated and old fashioned. It was her Mum's and I just love it!
Kerri's Dad is a Holden fan. "Show Jess the watch!" She exclaims. Jason is a Ford fan. I'm pretty sure they've settled their differences. Lucky.
Gorgeous flowers by Pink Poppie.
The wedding ceremony was held in Kerri's parent's backyard. The detail that went into the whole thing was fantastic!
The weather could not have been more perfect. Kerri and Jason could not possibly have been happier to be married.
Kerri has been counting down the days on Facebook. This day has been so long in coming, it was truly a great celebration when it finally arrived!
This blackboard = awesome idea.
A lot of weddings are either a cute kid wedding, or a cute older person wedding. Jason and Kerri's wedding was both.
I want this Nana. She spent the entire ceremony smiling. I think it's only fair that I get to take her home, perhaps as a wee reminder of a great day.
Then off for portraits. I have to say that Kerri and Jason picked some fantastic locations. Jason is a keen amateur photographer himself, so he knew what would make for great images.
Jason looked pretty dashing.
Kerri sure did seem to like him a lot!
We stopped in at French Fields which turned out to be a good move. A really good move.
I always dance a little jig when a bride decides to have a veil. Granted they are rather annoying to the bride on the day, I think the pain is totally worth it!
This is the first time I've actually shot here before, and I'm hoping it won't be my last! Everywhere you look there is a new spot to explore. I love it a lot!
The cars were amazing. Of course they had to be, seeings Jason is such a huge Ford fan. The red Mustang was from American Limousines and the yellow one belongs to Wayne, Jason's best man. They were gorgeous and shiny, which is how I can tell if a car is good enough. The shine quality. Paul seemed to be quite impressed by more than just the shine, he's mentioned them several times since the wedding. So clearly they are very cool cars!
Sadly, every time I see a Mustang, I immediately start singing Mustang Sally, and it sticks with me for the rest of the day. Now you have it too, don't you? No need to thank me.
Then on our way back into town we stopped at this crossing as Jason was quite keen to get an Abbey Road shot. What a great idea! To get a similar angle Paul had to park the van in the middle of the road (which was thankfully a quiet One Way!) and stand on top of the van. We got some great looks from the people in cars driving by!
Giant arrow pointing to the to-die-for red shoes. Perfection. Right there. Another one of Paul's shots.
The Convention Centre was gorgeously decorated.
The bling.
The speeches were great, and well received by all! I won't repeat why Jason is holding a Neil Diamond DVD.
But Kerri's parents know why by the look on their faces!
Cheers guys! What an awesome day! We were so thrilled to be part of it and witness two great people getting married. Thanks for choosing us, we can't wait to show you the rest!
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Jenny Andrews
Hair & Makeup: Deirdre, Locks & Lashes
Flowers: Pink Poppie
Red Mustang: American Limousines
Reception Venue: The Convention Centre
I suppose there was absolutely no way to know exactly what the weather was going to do on Saturday, the weather report was noncommittal, but the clouds were rolling towards us and looking rather ominous. We packed every umbrella we owned into the car, and just in case Paul smothered himself in sun cream. I often laugh at his worst case scenario planning, and have nicknamed him Mr Contingency Plan, however, driving home from this beautiful wedding, guess which one of us was pinker than the other?
Suzanne and Glen most certainly did have the most amazing weather. The breeze was plenty cool, and the sun peaked out from some very awesome clouds. And The Portage Resort Hotel put on a beautiful wedding!
Suzanne was gorgeous, even before she put on her wedding dress.
Suzanne works for Rembrandt Suits, so the guys suits were well and truly looked after!
Doing the whole reflection thing, a couple of times?. either that or Glen has a twin I didn't know about.
Glenn looked pretty dashing.
This gorgeous necklace belonged to Suzanne's Grandma. A very special touch to the day.
The colours Suzanne chose were absolutely perfect for a Sounds wedding. Beautiful pieces of classiness scattered around. I loved it all!
Clearly Grace had something to do with the beautiful makeup job of the girls!
I love this shot of Suzanne's Mum putting the final stitches on the dress. A perfect fit!
What a beautiful and adoring bride!
And what a beautiful setting for a wedding!
Perhaps I should encourage groups to hold onto their toddlers until I'm done posing them!
Then off around Portage to find some great locations.
How cute are they? Very cute!
I had no idea this was even happening behind me until I got home and saw this picture. Eyes in the back of my head, that's what I need!
This is what I was busy taking a photo of, pure gorgeousness!
The bridesmaids dresses were just delightful. I heard so many people comment on them all through the day.
Paul got the guys to work it for the camera.
Supreme gorgeousness.
We headed down to 'The Gap' just past Portage. I'd never been there before, what a great spot for photos!
On a sidenote: could this handbag possibly be the best handbag ever on the entire planet? If you said yes, I'd say you're right. It belonged to one of the very stylish guests. Now I.Want.One!!
Back at the Resort for a beautiful reception in the lovely evening light.
Such a spectacular day, filled with beautiful people, perfect weather and great friends. We were privileged to be part of it, and capture it for you guys. All the very, very best for your life together!
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Lurleen Fowler
Hair: Beyond the Fringe
Makeup: Grace Make up
Flowers: Fleurs
Dressmaker: Karen Willis Holmes
Venue: The Portage Resort Hotel
"You nervous?" Paul asks me in the car as we leave Blenheim. "Nah." I respond confidently. "You?" I ask. "Not, really."
I felt like something must be wrong for me not to want to run the other direction just before a wedding. Usually I have to duck off to the loo several times before I leave the house, just from sheer nerves. You'd think I'd be used to it by now. I guess I was just taking the drive into consideration, because as we drove through Nelson it hit me. Boof!
"Nervous now!" I exclaimed. "Good." Paul responds, quietly panicking to himself as well.
Once we turn up though, everything changes. It's the same every week. You'd think I'd learn. Belinda was positively radiant. Her girls were fluttering about getting beautiful and the day was perfect. Just perfect. And the nerves? What nerves? I couldn't be happier.
Paul usually starts his day with the guys getting ready. I love seeing the other side of the story after all is said and done. I'm so grateful that he spends the time here, so I can spend my time capturing the girls and all the prettiness.
Belinda inspects the bridesmaids. These dresses were super cute.
When I first met Belinda she came with her Mum, Helen. I wanted to keep her right away. She's got to be one of the most enthusiastic and onto it Mother-of-the-brides that I've ever met.
Belinda was amazing. She had planned the day to go perfectly, and it did. It was as amazing as she was.
I love this. Paul captured the processional beautifully. My photos were good, but Paul's were spectacular. Look at how happy they are!
Another one of Paul's shots. Look at how adoringly Dene is looking at Belinda. This photo sums the whole day up. One moment. Perfection.
The ceremony was held at this adorable little church in Nelson. Bishopdale Chapel, you are my new best friend. Cuteness extreme!
You think they're happy to be married?
I love this one, look at all of the people enjoying that moment.
And this one.
See? Chapel=cuteness.
Belinda is the sweetest thing. She really is as pretty on the inside as the outside. It was my lucky day!
We headed to her parents place for some photos. I'm fairly sure Helen was not expecting me to shoot on the front doorstep, but with light as pretty as this, how could I not?
If anyone asks you, the colour of those dresses can be called taupe. I had never heard of it before our prewedding meeting, but once it was explained to me I felt empowered. Then, when the neighbour asked me 'what is the colour of those dresses?" I could confidently answer her, as if I had known about the colour taupe all my life.
Meet Claud. He and his friends were the wedding cars. I. Want. One.
Then off to Whitebridge Vineyard where the reception was to be held. Not before I stole them away into the vineyards for a few final pictures.
Dene is such a great guy. PERFECTLY suited to Belinda. You can just see they belong together. Both of them are easy going and a joy to be around.
This shot was more an accident than anything. But don't tell anyone. That's the veil giving that soft hazy glow.
Then, just out of nowhere Belinda's veil flew vertically up in the air. I knew that was a shot I wanted, so I lay down in front of the girls chatting waiting for the next gust of wind. I knew I looked strange. It would have been a great shot. If the wind had played along. But it didn't, which was a shame really. In the meantime, so as not to look like a complete Womble, I got some shots. And actually, I kind of like it.
The marque and details looked amazing.
The bling took my breath away....
And Dene and Belinda lived happily ever after....
Thanks guys for an amazing way to spend our Saturday. Didn't we have fun? We're so thrilled to have spent your amazing day with you! We wish you all the very best in your future together.
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Charles Tyrrell
Hair: Ursula Harris Hair Design
Makeup: Rebecca Wilson
Flowers: Willow Floral Design
Dress: Collette Dinnigan
Venue: Whitebridge Vineyard
Cake: Blinc Catering
It was no secret that I was desperately looking forward to Emma and Paul's wedding. I knew that they would look gorgeous, even if they chose to wear sacks and shave their heads bald. Thankfully they chose to wear wedding clothes, and so, as I expected, they took everyone's breath away.
It was the perfect day for a beach wedding, hot and still and the sky was giving us all sorts of awesome.
Emma had been given a brooch that belonged to her grandmother. It was lovingly added to the bouquet, which was a great idea, if I do say so myself, seeings it was my idea. I'm not just a pretty face you know.
Emma you were a beautiful, beautiful bride.
Phoenix was as cute as a button!
Arriving in style in a black cab from the Black Cab Company.
Paul is thrilled that his bride has arrived.
How is this for a perfect day to have a beach wedding? See, I told you the sky was awesome!
Beautiful reactions from the family.
Happy to be Mr and Mrs? Yes, I dare say so!
This was Emma's Mum's idea. Oooooooh how I wish I'd thought of it first!
Emma's brother had created this structure for the wedding. So cool!
This. Right here. Perfection.
Paul and Emma were so happy and relaxed, the day was just perfect!
A quick stop at the apple orchard.
And driving back to the reception we came to a screeching halt, Emma spied this awesome spot. Well spotted girl!
Then off to the Wharfside for the reception.
The theme was vintage, and the details were simply gorgeous.
I would most certainly echo the Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Quinn! What a spectacular day, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute with you guys. We'll see you soon! xx
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Angel Pearson
Hair: Tonic Hair Culture, Richmond
Makeup: Emillie MacRitchie
Flowers: Fields Designer Florist, Richmond
Dress: Bernadette Thomas
Venue: Wharfside Restaurant and Bar, Mapua
Cake: Chocolate Velvet
Cars: The Black Cab Company
Pip and Dave exude the kind of style I only wish I had. Where I flap and squeal and scrunch my face into all sorts of unhuman expressions, Pip and Dave smile kindly, introduce sincerely, stand tall and beautifully and are so darn stylish.
When Pip was showing us around their grounds the day before the wedding, I knew that this was going to be one of those weddings, you know, the ones where anywhere you point the camera at would be beautiful. Pip had everything perfectly planned, I knew that all we had to do was turn up, shoot and enjoy.
Paul was with the guys while they got ready. Everything about this wedding was of a beautiful quality, even the light. How did they manage that? I have no idea.
Pip smiled all day long.
Pip's Dad's reaction to seeing his little girl as a bride. Gotta love it.
And what a beautiful bride she is!
Grand arrival.
Could Dave look more pleased with his bride? I don't think so!
This is the most 'approving sister' look I've ever seen.
I love how the girls were wearing white too. So perfect!
Married! YUS!
Then off to get some portraits in the gardens.
This is Bruno, their baby. He was wearing a special black and white bandana for the occasion. So so cute.
Then there was a mini airshow organised by Pip's dad. I kid you not! Especially for Pip and Dave. So awesome!
It was the perfect day for a garden party. Warm and still and full of beautiful happy people. Yup, my kind of day!
Dave's Mum and Dad created this garden over the last ten years. It's been a real labour of love, and it's absolutely beautiful! The perfect place for a garden party!
Pip and Dave, thank you so very much for being a ray of sunshine in my week. You are a beautiful couple and I can't wait to show you the rest of the photos!
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Peter Minson, Nativity
Hair & Makeup: Deirdre, Locks & Lashes
Dress: Kate Dowman
Caterer: Janet Enright and Vicki Young - Bon Vivant
Marquee: Karen Solomon, Hirepool Blenheim
My life is weird right now. So this post will be more brief than most, I'm sorry. But rest assured, when things become less weird, I'll be posting many more photos from Saturday's wedding! I'll share more at the bottom of this blog about my weird life, but first onto Grant and Libby's beautiful day!
I gasped when I saw Libby's shoes. I love them with every single atom in my body.
This is Caitlin. She's four and full of all the fun and wonder that little girls of that age have.
The wedding was held at Libby's parents place, Blue Ridge Estate. The day was as perfect as the immaculate property. What a perfect place for a wedding!
Libby decided to make the grapevines her 'aisle', so that the first person to see her was Grant. Caitlin walked like a perfect princess most of the way down, and then, suddenly, at the last few meters she shot away and straight into Grant's welcoming arms.
This was the moment she arrived at the end of the aisle, meeting Grant with the biggest and most true hug a little girl can give.
Libby and Mia followed soon after. Half way down the aisle, Mia decided to stop and have a little jig to the music. Impromptu dancing, always good!
Looking through her Daddy's knees as her parents get married. Such a beautiful little thing Mia is!
Grant and Libby are so cute together! Libby spent most of the day giggling. She's bright and bubbly and, amazingly enough, the third person in a row I've photographed that works with kids!
Love! You just know I love those shoes!
I love this old cottage, so many interesting places to take photos!
Back at Drylands for the reception, and the speeches were successful in drawing the desired responses!
Particularly special, Grants ring belonged to his Dad before him.
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Terry Terrill
Hair: Beyond the Fringe, Redwood
Dress: 102 Design, Ashburton
Reception: Drylands Restaurant
I didn't go home after the wedding on Saturday. Instead I came to sit by my dear Mum, who is in her final stages of Motor Neurone Disease. My sister had let me know that things were getting pretty serious, and perhaps it might be a good idea to come out sooner rather than later. I haven't left her since. As each hour passes, she slips further away from us. The whole thing is surreal, peaceful, painful but most of all, well, just plain old weird. Thankfully we've been able to keep her at home. She's comfortable and peaceful, for someone who is dying, I guess. As we sit and hold her hand, we wonder if each breath is her last. We tell her we're with her, and we sit. And we wait.
This is new territory for me. I've never lost a parent before. Come on, everyone dies, and even though it can't be fun, plenty of people have coped with it. That's what I thought, before I was the one loosing a parent. Now that it's me going through it, it's harrowing. Then I feel bad about feeling sorry for myself, because this part is all about Mum. Then I look at her, I see peace. I know she's ready to meet the God she has loved and followed for the last 34 years. I know that it will all be over soon, and she will be perfectly happy. But in the meantime, we sit. And we wait.
I'm so spoiled, you know. I didn't realise this planet could grow so many lovely people, and that so many of them would find themselves hiring me as their photographer. Next weekend Paul and Emma get married, and they belong to the group of lovely people I speak of.
This is Phoenix and Finlay. I told them to sit nice and close, and even cuddle. This is exactly the reaction I was expecting. boy GERMS!
Phoenix belongs to Emma. I have no idea how she stays looking this young. I even asked her about her skincare regime. For real.
Finlay belongs to Paul. Some seriously amazing genes going on there.
I offered to take them home with me, maybe I could keep them? But they seemed happy to stay in their own family. Ah well.
Look at them. Just look at how beautiful they are. As someone on facebook said - it looks like I picked them out of catalogue.
Emma is a preschool teacher. It takes a special kind of person to do a job like that.
I don't really need to point out how pretty this wedding is going to be, do I?
This is Ayla, Emma's doggie. She didn't want to be left out.
I was a little worried about the weather, I really should just learn to let it go. Couldn't have been better.
Beautiful, beautiful people.
Emma and Paul are getting married on the beach. Oh yeah!!
Paul and Emma - I can't wait for next weekend. It's going to be beyond gorgeous. See you soon!
