Deeeeep breaths. This year is flyyyyying by. My days are filled to the brim at the moment - it's been crazy busy times. Blogging weddings (which is one of my absolute favourite things to do), has slipped off the radar a little, in order to keep up with getting full collections out to our lovely couples in time! I love sharing our clients stories and images SO much though, so today I'm trying to get back onto the bandwagon!

What better wedding to jump back on, than with the awesome Joanna & Tashinga in Auckland! I have one word to describe this wedding in a nutshell...

EPIC.

This was a wedding we felt completely humbled to be a part of. Jo and TC are an amazing couple - their love just shone out of them. And it wasn't just a celebration of their love - it was a vibrant, noisy, cultural, expressive, fun, joy-filled party for them, their families, and their church family and friends! We travelled up to Auckland on the Friday and had the most amazing, colourful weekend, full of deep hearty laughs, music that makes you instantly dance, Mr Whippy, tangible love, and soooo much more!

This blog is a BIGGIE... but it wouldn't do the wedding justice if it wasn't. It was a BIG day, full of life and energy and all things amazing.

Meet Tashinga. Or TC... you can call him either one. He looked DAPPER. I've never seen an orange bow tie rocked like this before. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen anyone brave enough to wear an orange bow tie. Kudos!

A splash of sea-water in the hair, and the boys are good to go!

TC's two Grandmothers arrived from Zimbabwe at 3am on the Friday morning. Jetlag had no hold on these two crazy beautiful ladies though... they were the life of the party... the loudest, cheekiest, cutest two people there that day! No jokes. I wanna be a cool Grandma like these two. The two of them could make a very impressive amount of noise!

We managed to trek our way through Auckland traffic... and found the girls all veeeery relaxed!
Meet Jo! The blushing bride with rollers in her hair... 

This first look for the family was the most epic we have ever seen! One way to make a girl feel like a million dollars on her wedding day :)

And then just like that, it was time to roll to the ceremony at Hopetoun Alpha, to get these two married!

It was made clear from the beginning that this was not to be a 'ceremony' though... cos that sounds boring... it was to be a CELEBRATION. And heck, that it was!

Little Ella was the most well-behaved little flowergirl! So adorable!

And what happened next was the most spine-tingling, celebratory, tear-jerking bridal entrance I have ever experienced. The lovely African ladies lay down clothes for Jo, and as she walked in, all 200+ guests that surrounded them on two layers, erupted into the biggest cheer I have ever heard. I don't know how they do it, but African's have a way of making an incredible long, wavering, high-pitched noise (called Ululation) that is SO incredibly humbling and just makes your heart burst... and this continued at many times during the day! It was overwhelmingly epic. I still have wee heart-flutters thinking about this moment.

They did it!! TC finally got his kiss, and everyone there was more stoked than could be contained!

(And cutest Grandad award went to this gorgeous man... flip I love Grandparents)

Why not celebrate with Mr Whippy on one of Auckland's hottest summer days?!

You guuuuys... so hot right now.

Jo, you made an elegant, beautiful, perfect bride.

We laughed a lot with this bridal party. Jo & TC couldn't have asked for better people at their sides.

Cute!

"Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city"!

This is probably my favourite image I have taken this year. 

Out of the thousands of images Liam and I shot for Jo & TC... this top image keeps popping into my mind. I am totally drawn to it - always makes me smile! To me it completely sums up the pure delight, gratitude, and hope that just oozed out of this couple! It overflows with joy and happiness....

BEAUTIFUL sisters! xx

Back to Hopetoun Alpha, where a complete transformation had occurred...

(This makes me want cake so bad right now.)

And then THIS happened... 

The d-floor was MANIC. I got amongst and seriously got lost in that raging crowd so many times. Top points for the most energetic, hilarious dance party! This was impressive to watch!

Woooooooah. Jo and TC, you rocked our world, we loooved every minute of your day, and it was SUCH a privilege to be part of it! Thanks for bringing us up from Dunedin and making us feel right at home. We are so glad you had the time of your lives! You are an amazing couple!

Thanks for your patience with the blog too. I feel like I've just completed a marathon, but the fun kind of marathon! ;)

Love Kim and Liam xoxox

Meet Dani & Matty... two awesome individuals, who together make a dynamite duo. They are just a couple weeks off marriage, and life couldn't be better right now! They are soon to be one very inspiring, enthusiastic, humble, sweet, and unstoppable husband and wife team.

They've actually just left our house after a final pre-wedding catch up and a tonne of lolly cake... and it's made me even moooore excited about their wedding! Plans are coming together, days are flying by quickly, and April 19th will be here any minute.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves... because I have a glorious engagement shoot to show off! This night was seriously perfection wrapped up in magnificence. Tunnel Beach put on a real show for us - with dolphins (I've never even heard of them around there before!), golden sunsets, and a totally calm, still evening. And when we added in Matty and Dani to that picture (plus a wee picnic, guitar, juice boxes and chocolate)... I was well in my happy place.

Actually, to be fair, I'm always in my happy place at Tunnel Beach. Excuse my side note for a minute... but it's a place I am SO proud of. Right on our back door step, we have the most increeeedible coastlines, awe-inspiring cliffs, and soft, beautiful beaches. It's my favourite place - FULL of memories of times shared with some of my most special people. We discovered it when we set out on a sporadic  overnight camping trip with friends, filling our tent with rocks so we didn't blow down the cliffs (not advisable... we were clueless when we went)!! It's where I spent my first real date with Liam, and where I sat on the beach at 5am watching and photographing a sunrise... dreaming and praying about one day becoming a photographer. A place we have swum, cartwheeled, laughed, had picnics, sung at the tops of our voices, sat and pondered, and puffed our way to the top. A truly gorgeous spot that you really have to check out if you are in Dunedin! Or maybe actually don't, I'm quite happy to keep it secret ;)

But back to Dani and Matty... how CUTE are they?! They have a somewhat playful, childlike relationship... skipping, twirling, running, jumping around the place. But at the same time, they share a very mature, sincere, and deep love. I loved capturing this so much!

When you're proposing to someone, you really want to hear that word "yes!" come back to you pretty quickly I imagine. But when Matty surprised Dani way above the Queenstown gondola by walking out of the bushes with a guitar, singing her a beautiful song and proposing to her, Dani was so surprised and shocked, all she could say first was "um, how did you get that guitar up here?!"!! Matty had carried that bad boy ALL the way up... and so doing it again to Tunnel Beach was no big issue, and Dani was beautifully serenaded again!

Dazzling. Dani, you are SO gorgeous!!!

After the gorgeous golden sun dipped down, we spent the last of the light down on the beach...

I'm pretty sure this is straight from a movie scene...

Dani and Matty, what an amazing evening... thank you SO much for sharing it with me! I loved it so much - you are so comfortable together and in front of the camera, you were a dream to photograph! Liam and I can't wait to shoot your beautiful Dunedin wedding! Sooo excited for you, hope the last couple weeks go well! xoxo

Let me introduce you to the boys... there's Tom, and then Sam, then Tom, then Joey, and theeen Tom again. You can see they made it easy for us to remember who was Tom and who wasn't ;)

Tom's little nieces were so excited... they looooooved playing up for the camera!

At Hotel St Clair, Mandy and her four beautiful girls were getting pampered and preparing for the day. I knew Mandy was going to be a stunning bride - she looks amazing every day! But she is also an absolute sweetheart and she made the day so lovely for everyone involved!

The girls were all so amazing. They played the role of bridesmaids so perfectly... and I absolutely adored their dresses!

Wow, so incredibly elegant... 

Larnach Castle provided the perfect setting for these two. It never fails to please! The ceremony was gorgeous - the early evening sun showed its face, and Mandy and Tom made the most heartfelt and beautiful vows to each other. It was one of those ceremonies where the whole crowd just didn't stop smiling.

Peter Collett is one of our favourite celebrants... he is so expressive! Love it.

Loving all the petal confetti we are getting this season! :)

It's official... Mr and Mrs Walker!

Sometimes random things like bob-sledding just kinda happen... and you just go along for the ride...

As you can probably tell, these two were a breeze to photograph. And we had all the best sorts of weather just when we needed it. Up the turret of the castle, things were pretty dreamy...

How good are those lawn mower lines, Tom?! Perfect ;)

The reception was a simple and beautiful affair in the ballroom. I think everyone there got a bit of "hayfever" in the eyes during the speeches, but there were loads of laughs too, and it was beautifully decorated!

We stole Mandy and Tom outside for a few minutes just before their first dance. Love evening shots with our couples!

And then the dance floor was absolutely amping!! We wanted to stay and dance all night long... the floor was literally jumping up and down with everyone... great band, epic dance moves, and everyone was getting into it!

Mandy and Tom, thanks (or "chanks"?!) from the bottom of our hearts for trusting us to capture this incredibly special day! We had the time of our lives with you, and have been so excited about sharing your day with others.

All the very, very best for your big move to Dubai - I have no doubt it will be an amazing experience for you! We can't wait to catch up sometime when you are back... whenever that may be! Thanks again, you are an awesome couple and it was a privilege to share in your day xx

Erica and Pauline have always had an incredibly special mother-daughter relationship. They are so close, sometimes you would believe they are sisters. Erica is a beautiful 18 year old, who has just left home for the big wide world of university life. She has the world ahead of her, choices to make, new things to see and learn, and independence to enjoy. She is full of life, and I know she will thrive this year! It's exciting and scary all in one, but it's a new journey full of growth.

But leaving home also has another element... life changes for parents. The house becomes a lot quieter. They have more time on their hands. The washing pile they perhaps used to resent gets a lot smaller, and sometimes they probably wish it was just back to how it used to be. They cook far too much food for a while, not being used to being one down. They don't lose a child, but the relationship becomes different. I think more often than not though, the relationship can become stronger. Pauline and Erica are already like best friends, and I'm sure that this year living away from home will bring them even closer in many different ways.

At the end of last year, I had the opportunity to photograph these two absolute beauties. See what I mean about them looking like sisters?! Pauline has to be one of the hottest mothers I know! They are both gorgeous on the inside and out - always so interested in everyone else, and ready with big happy smiles and hugs whenever you meet them.

Thanks for a great afternoon girls! You are both truly beautiful and it's a pleasure to know you! All the very, very best for your first year at uni, Erica... I'm sure you will do amazingly well! Lots of love to you both xx

Wee Seren is a dynamite little girl - full of energy and character! Her Grandparents were over visiting from the UK and they were gifted a voucher to have a shoot with their precious wee granddaughter while they were over! We ran around the gardens together, creating some pretty special memories for Shamus and 'Pamgu' to take back home with them!

Seren and I were friends immediately... within the first 2 minutes, she was holding my hand dragging me around everywhere... bringing me ALL her toys to have a tea party with, and running towards the camera with massive smiles! I had suuuuch a fun time with this precious wee girl and her loving parents and grandparents!

Seren loved hanging out with her Grandparents and looking at the trees, leaves and buzzy bees...

I was blown away by how theatrical a little girl can be at the age of 21 months! It was only later I learned her lovely Mum, Sarah, is a drama teacher! Everything is filled with drama in her life! :)

Ducks galore!! 

Ahhhh why are little mini things always SO ridiculously cute?!?!? Dancing duckling!!

Picking daisies - a favourite past time!

What a precious wee girl, and precious wee smile!

Thanks for such a fun shoot! It was soooo lovely to meet you all! Shamus and Pam, I hope you had a wonderful holiday over here! I'm sure you are missing wee Seren greatly! 

Seren, I'm looking forward to more fun and games in April for round 2 with the other grandparents! xx

Little Juno has the biggest personality, the most gorgeous wee facials, and hair that could rock anyone's world. She is utterly adorable.

Laura and James wanted to celebrate her 1st birthday a little differently. They brought her up to Dunedin for a fun day out, some family shots, and a wee party for three! Unfortunately the weather was less than ideal, and despite Laura's perfect ideas and gorgeous party plans, we just couldn't control that rain and wind. But little Juno had a blast, and we managed to find some shelter for her favourite part... when she got to tuck in to the cake she had been eyeing up all day!

Fairy bread time!!

The moment you give a 1 year old fizzy drink for the first time ever...

WIRED!

Cake smash time!!

"I dont know what this is....

... but I'm not stopping!"

After eating far too much cake, we got that little face cleaned up again for a few more special photos with Mum and Dad...

Juno you are the cutest! Your parents are amazingly fun and love spoiling you to bits, and I don't blame them. Thanks for braving the cold and having me along to your wee birthday fun day! Looking forward to watching you grow and learn over the next year too! xx

"What a beautiful world it would be, if all people had hearts like dogs..."

Aimee, Richard and Bandon are family. They are all best friends... doing life together. But Bandon is getting older... he doesn't quite have the agility and endless energy he once had... so Aimee and Richard really wanted some portraits taken of the three of them having fun at the beach, to plaster around their house. They have had adventures all around the world together... Aimee is from the States, and Richard is from France, but for now they are settled in good old Dunedin.

Bandon has the most hilarious dog personality I have ever seen, and Aimee and Richard laugh and giggle like nothing else. I think we also picked the windiest day we possibly could have, but it all just added to the excitement and fun.

There's not a lot that's technically right with this photo, but when a dog is running his nose into your lens, all you can do is giggle! 

Thank you for the hilarious and awesome time we had together!! I loved it! You are a great wee family xx

I've been friends with Flo since we were nervous, nerdy little 3rd formers, starting our first day of High School. I walked into our first form class not really knowing many people, and Flo tapped the chair beside her and told me to sit there. Kinda like a Forrest Gump moment when Jenny lets him sit beside her on the bus. First new friend = tick!

It was quite a long time before I realised her name was actually Victoria... but it's not often you hear her called that. She is full of life, constantly laughing, and nothing phases her! She is out-going and has such a huge heart for her friends... one of those people you instantly love! Hanging out with her is always full of laughs and good chat... no matter how long it's been since you have seen her. And that's just Flo... add in Rob, and you have an awesome, hilarious, fun-loving couple who have the world at their feet.

Their Queenstown wedding was sooo much fun for us! They were so incredibly relaxed, not letting any wedding-related things be anything less than fun! Stress or nerves were not an option. They were there for a good time... as long as they were husband and wife by the end of it, and everyone had an amazing day... nothing else mattered.

We met Rob and the boys at a beautiful property just out of Queenstown. They were all ready to go, chilled out and keen for anything... like climbing up trees.

The wedding ceremony was held at Flo's incredible family property. And when I say incredible, I really mean it. Nearly 360 degrees of amazing views and a gigantic house to fit the whole family (trust me, that needs to be a big house!). Their family of six kids is forever growing, and getting more and more awesome as it fills with spouses and little children.

I've already said Flo laughs a lot... you will see evidence throughout! Her whole day was laughter and happiness!

Flo was probably the furthest from a bridezilla one could possibly get! Chatting to her a few days before the wedding, she was telling me she hadn't sorted any wedding shoes yet, and she would probably just pull something out of the cupboard on the day. She could have worn her slippers and still looked stunning...

The guests had started congregating on the lawn at the front of the house, so we snuck out to their backyard... 

I guess it could have been worse.

Bridal party = AWESOME. Loved seeing these girls again, they were all sooooo much fun!

And it was the perfect catch up with all of our school friends too. I love that getting to this age means weddings bring school friends back from all over the world.

Back around at the front of the house, the guests checking out the view from that side....

.... it's hard to beat a good slice of New Zealand soil.

When everyone was properly dressed and ready to go, our beautiful bride walked down the aisle to her man. There were tears and cheers and let's be honest, it was a little bit of an emotional and beautiful moment.

Rob's Dad, Rodney, took the ceremony and married off his son! It was awesome to have so much family involved. He did such an amazing job of making the ceremony so personal.

Married!!! And I think everyone there was pretty happy!

Rodney also sung 'Morning Has Broken', which was enjoyed fully by everyone there.... apart from his little granddaughter ;)

Our high school crew! Love these guys...

After some sweet mingling and good food, we snuck away for a few photos. Back to the same property we were at with the boys in the morning... it was too gorgeous not to make the trip back!

An awesome couple, who love each other fully and completely. 

They reeeeally wanted jump... so that they did!

Flo you stunner you!

I'm pretty sure he's practiced that face before!

Moonlight Stables was the perfect venue for Flo and Rob's reception. Long before Flo fell in love with her new husband, she was in love with these beautiful animals. Horses have always been a huge part of her life... and although I'm pretty sure her love is now fully devoted to Rob, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture these graceful animals with our graceful bride.

Pretty sure her heart was bursting with happiness at this moment...

Inside we found most people having fun...

And we got to dance the night away too.... one of the best bands we have ever heard at a wedding (another awesome family affair)!

Absolute paradise.

Ahhhhh you guys are sooooo awesome!! We had a flippin' AMAZING day.... you were so much fun, it was so awesome catching up with everyone again, and it was just all beautiful from beginning to end!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! 

We love you guys lots xoxoxox

The Aitkens and Makahununius are two fully amazing families. We have had the pleasure of getting to know them over the past 7 years, when we have visited my sister in Invercargill. It's awesome seeing their tight network of friends support each other through the ups and downs of life. And their kids?! Probably some of the cutest wee munchkins you will ever meet.

We had an awesome morning running around Queen's Park in Invercargill, capturing life as it is for them at the moment. Naomi and Sarah are sisters, so the wee cousins are the best of friends... and they really are just one big family, which is so amazing to see!

I know this blog has been a long time coming... with wedding season in full swing, it's a pretty crazy busy time of year for us... but this shoot was one I really wanted to share... so here we go!

Meet Naomi, Sione, Lile, Elisapesi and Asher...

...And Sarah, Andrew and Abbigail!

These two couples are completely devoted to each other and their beautiful children... they pour everything they have into their marriages and their parenting.

Sione likes to give Naomi the occassional heart attack though!

Is this not the sweetest thing ever?! Pure joy! These beautiful girls kept picking up flowers off the ground and giving them to me as presents! Soooo precious!!

Beeeautiful, beautiful sisters!

Big tough Daddy!

Love you all! Always looks forward to seeing you down in Invercargill! Thanks so much for such a fun, relaxed shoot! I loved every minute of it :)

Love and hugs xx

Sam and Mackenna's wedding day was one filled with love, family, music and all things beautiful. They are high-school sweethearts, so it was super lovely seeing them take this huge step in their relationship. 

It's always special when you feel like you are just part of the family at weddings. Sam and Mackenna's wedding was an incredibly loving family affair - every single guest was welcomed with open arms into the two families that were joined that day. The love for Sam and Mackenna was soooo evident. It was a celebration not just of these two and their relationship, but of the many various family and friends who have shaped them. It was a day filled with laughter and sincerity, where everyone stood together in agreement and declared to support them throughout their marriage. Sam and Mackenna, you are an awesome couple and it was a privilege to share in your day! 

We began our coverage at the ceremony - held in the Carey-Smith's INCREDIBLE home garden. It was immaculate, summery, colourful and so perfect for Sam and Mackenna.

This was a wedding possible because of a community of awesomely talented people. These beautiful bird illustrations are all by our lovely friend, Helen (Sam's sister in law!)... and the music was insanely amazing - shivers down your spine stuff. 

Time for a gorgeous, heart-warming ceremony led by Mackenna's Uncle John.

Mr and Mrs Dent!!

... and another Mr and Mrs Dent! ;)

Yet another Mr and Mrs Dent!

We did the bulk of the photo session around the Carey-Smith's perfect property too - looooved these barns!

Totally adorable together x

Mackenna, you are so beautiful!

And your bridal party looked pretty amazing too! 

Our last few photos were at Mackenna's family home... a house we used to live two doors down from, with a red door that I always coveted!

Sam and Mackenna, and your lovely families, thank you so much for asking us to photograph your big day... it really was a privilege to be part of it! We hope you had a lovely honeymoon and that you are settling into married life really well up in Palmerston North! All our love xx