Sophie and Andrew’s wedding was lovely!  The boys got ready for the big day at Heartsong Retreat in Rocky Bay.  It is the first time we have photographed in this beautiful accomodation location which leads down a little path to an elevated  boatshed right on the beach of Rocky Bay – absolutely stunning! 

The girls were at Matiatia Olive Estate overlooking Matiatia Bay which is another truly gorgeous Waiheke Island spot.  I feel very fortunate to be working on such a spectacular island.  

Andy and Sophie gave each other special gifts on the wedding day

I adore this photo of Sophie’s proud Mum and Dad escorting her up the Mudbrick steps;

After the ceremony we zipped off to Oneroa Beach for a few shots there…

We even managed to find a couple of blooms still left on the pohutakawa tree.

I LOOOVE this candid moment…

Back at Mudbrick, the setting sun created some gorgeous light which bathed the reception in gold! 

And to finish, some slow motion dancing shots – yummy!  Thanks Sophie and Andy for giving us so many lovely moments to capture…

Now I am the first to admit that I am NOT the gardening type (whatever the gardening type is!).  When they were handing out green fingers, my hands remained firmly planted in their pockets but luckily for me, my lovely hubby possesses mad skills in the garden some of which he used to grow these delicious little tomatoes!

Yummy!!

Well, during my fabulous holiday I snuck in one day of work during our visit to Christchurch.  Just one little day (sorry family!) but it was for a very good cause – it was to attend the workshop of internationally acclaimed photographer Jasmine Star and it was GREAT!  Jasmine was thoroughly entertaining and informative and didn’t hold back in sharing her wealth of knowledge.  It was an excellent workshop.

The main focus of the morning was on branding your business and the afternoon’s exploits included a bomb scare which shut down three blocks in the city centre and a field trip to the Christchurch Art Centre to photograph two sets of beautiful ‘bride and grooms’.  COOL!  (The shoot, not the bomb scare!).

There were only 14 of us attending so it was great to be able to really get up close and personal with Jasmine and her lovely hubby, JD.  After the day was over we were taken out to dinner in the private room at super yummy Chinese eatery, Lins Restaurant (opposite the Crowne Plaza) and there we continued to throw questions at the inexhaustable Jasmine. What a trooper!! 

 Here are some of my favourite shots from the model shoot…

Thanks to the wonderful style-crew that made it possible;
Stunning Bridal Gowns by Louise Anderson
Men’s Suits by Working Style
Make up by Kristen Stewart School of Make Up
Hair by Mods Hair
Models; Katy and Brad, Anna and Leon from Models NZ

And BIG UPs to fabulous photographer and all-round gorgeous person Fiona Anderson for organising the workshop.
P.S.  If you are not familiar with Jasmine’s work, check her out – it’s food for the soul…

Ahhh… What a lovely holiday! Sorry to those who are waiting for me to reply to emails – we have been out of action for the last couple of weeks catching a little bit of r&r before our wedding season kicks in. We are now officially back in the office so I will be playing catch up this week and promise I will be replying to all of your enquiries.

Here’s a little selection from our family holiday which included Wellington, Christchurch, Eketahuna, Waikanae and the Whakenepha Camp Grounds, two family Christmas dinners, four New Years eve parties (!), six beaches, and seven different waterslides, kayaking, kite-flying, homemade cocktails (don’t ask!) and a whole lot of fun and laughter.  Phew, I think I might need another holiday!!

Looking forward to all the fabulous weddings we have booked for 2010!  It’s going to be a great year…