They say it takes a village to raise a child…. a whole group of people to help build something amazing.  I don’t even know where to start in regards to the troops who helped create such a masterpiece for Raina and Tejash’s magical spectacular.

I am sure that I will miss more than a few, however there were a few that did shine and definitely deserve a mention.

Davina who is the mastermind behind  VIDA FLORES in Auckland www.vidaflores.co.nz Not only an amazing talent but an also amazing person.

Kate from RUBY AND WILLOW www.rubyandwillow.co.nz whom I need a whole blog post to talk about.  She created the divine invitations which made me yell out loud OH MY LORD.  So much so that another post dedicated to her invites is next on the list.

The Lal and Patel families who are beyond amazing.  The spirit and love these two families have for one another is something we should all emulate.  Never before have I seen such an amazing group of people band together to create and share such a beautiful day.  Raina you are a very, very lucky person to have such beautiful cousins, who were BEYOND amazing.

Brigid, who brought everything together.  The dream team who made Raina and her ladies shine… and I am sure there are plenty more to name…. PLENTY

xxxx

Sometimes love comes around, and it knocks you down…. the next thing you know you are looking at the person who means most, saying I do.

I am honored and blessed to have been part of this extraordinary day(s).    Two people who share their love for one another along with their amazing friends and family.   My eyes and heart are now open to such a wonderful place and spirit.  The people of Fiji touched my being more than I can speak.  Raina and Tejash I am grateful to you both for allowing me to be part of your wonderful 3 days.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We were welcomed into the family with open arms to share the culture, the dancing, laughing and of course beyond fabulous food.

This is just a small collection of the many many shots we captured.  The Mehndi was day one of a 3 day extravaganza… yes this is just part one…. part 2 to follow… xxx

As photographers we are faced with many challenges, challenges that test our abilities, our knowledge, our stress levels.   More than once I have questioned my abilities and very often I decide that its all over and way too difficult.    But I continue…. why…. well its the thank you card from a bride and groom, its the emails, its the new parents who call teary saying how happy they are, its all the warm fuzzies, giggles, smiles, everything about photography for me is fabulous.  And the challenges…. well that just keeps it all interesting.

Emma and Karl, you had a BIG challenge for your perfect day.  You had record rain fall and flooding… like serious can’t go outside too wet flooding, and not once did I see a face of worry, not once did you even cringe… you just kept on smiling and smiling some more.  Thank you to both of you and thank you to your wonderful family and friends who are amazing and perfect.

xxx

Yes this is the road…. no thats not a river…. thats the road…. this shot taken during a very brief break from our torrential rain!!  LOOK they are still smiling xxx

Its been breezy, I feel like I can take deep breaths and re asses my world around.  Its a great feeling, almost relief.  Its my time to dream, think of new ideas, plan, make contact with people I should have made contact with a long time ago.  Remind yourselves that your important, its essential!!!  So over the next while I may pull out a few tricks and perhaps introduce my photo a day again… why not???

In the meantime could Autumn (fall) be anymore beautiful?

Michaela and Markus… thank you for allowing Holly and I to be part of you intimate, sensational day!!

A sneak peek for you xx

Nothing is better than pure simple, uncomplicated joy…… nothing.

More to come soon xx

There are no words to describe how grateful I am, how grateful I am for the phone call that Wednesday, how grateful I am for them taking a chance on me, how grateful that I am for doing what I love.

Anna and Tim, it was meant to be.  I am so very proud that I was invited to be part of your day, it was magical, beautiful and full of laughter.  I wish you all the wishes in the world and truly hope you enjoy your images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

Enjoy you sneak peek xx

Oh and of course… SHINE for hair and makeup (STUNNING as always)

And the uber talented LOUISE ANDERSON for designing once again a beautiful gown.

This shot (s) makes my heart sing… love love love

Its late…. really really oh lord I think I see the sun late!!  I am still sitting here determined, unfazed by the late hour.  I have a million and one things to accomplish before the sun decides to rear its ugly but beautiful head.  If you are waiting on an email, waiting for prints, waiting for me to call you and say ‘how you doing today?’  Please know that you are all in my heart and head and slowly but surely the list is being ticked off and I am headed your way!!  Thank you for all your patience…. xxxx ohh and if your calling my cell… Its gone missing… (thank you children!!)

Kirsten and Tim… there are no words!!!  What an amazing day, full of fun, laughter and fierceness!!!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for letting me be part of it.  Thank you Kirsten for being so utterly perfect!!!! Truly!!!

And thank you to Barbara and crew from Shine who did an AH MA ZING job on the girls hair and make up.

Thank you to Louise and Rob from Claremont Castle in Timaru who not only have a stunning location for weddings but also the hottest Rolls Royce this gal has ever seen!

And of course THANK you to Tamara who could not have done a better job making the marquee look just divine.  The Marquee was supplied by Johnny and Jo from Centrewood Estate who also have the South Island’s fanciest port a loo!!!

So enjoy your sneak peek xx

I wasn’t good at school….. my parents will high five that comment!!  I think I wanted to be, but it didn’t suit.  My mind drifts, dreams, sometimes I live in a… ‘little world of my own’….  I cherish my me time when I get to dream lots of great ideas, like how I’m going to become a famous singer…. YUP.  My dreaming is probably a crux if were being honest.  I have a thousand and one ideas in my head and I want to try and test each one, however the focus on the important things gets a little lost. Today is a dreamy day!!!

Yesterday was a busy day, and a great day, and a love day.  You know when you meet people and you know instantly that their hearts are huge and they are just GOOD people.  Well Charlotte and Hamish are that a million times over!!!   Salt of the earth, kind, easy, good people.

Thank you for letting me share your day…. THANK YOU!!

Enjoy your sneak peek xx

Big shout outs to Campbell Park Estate… holy guacamole need a wedding destination… look no further, comes complete with a castle!!!!  (ask for Di)

Makeup by the very clever Suzie McIlraith

Hamish (bless is heart) has a nickname of CHEESE.. (so as you can imagine) was the topic of all jokes during the photos!!