A very profound and incredible time of life- Erin and James await the arrival of their baby

Erin and Jams are very special to me and it was such a beautiful time to share with them both. Erin is due in 6 weeks and is so gorgeous.

with all my love

Rach

xoxox

I met Michelle last year when she was a bridesmaid for her lovely friend Jess who I photographed when she was married. It was so fantastic to catch up again with both Michelle and Jess ( she returned the favour and was a stunning bridesmaid for Michelle)
Michelle and Jeremy planned a beautiful celebration at Cossar’s Wineshed in Tai-tapu Christchurch. The vibe was relaxed, elegant with the natural autumn loveliness peeking through.
I had so much fun with the girls as they got ready- Michelle was a calm and stunning bride!!

This wedding was made even more fun to photograph thanks to my fabulous second shooter Anna Hansen – you will see some of her shots from different angles. I reckon our styles combine so seamlessly and her photos look wonderful!

Pretty details including Michelle’s Grandmothers brooch and Jeremy’s Grandmothers hankie

Michelle you look gorgeous!

Love this series of her Dad waiting too see her as a bride

the boys!!!! by Anna

Waiting! by Anna

The gorgeous cars- by Anna

I love this montage of moments-  Anna and I

capturing the same beautiful moment- Dad gives a wee nudge to his other daughter on the way down the aisle

Love this moment- by Anna

Gorgeous Nana!!

Michelle you really do radiate such loveliness!

not too sure what was going on here but it certainly is fun!

snap!! Another double shot moment, mine on the left, Anna’s on the right

Michelle and Jeremy’s adorable wee niece

Lovely series- Anna’s in the middle

Ceremony moments by Anna and I

Dad looks after the engagement ring during the ceremony- love this wee photo by Anna

He did it!!!!! by Anna

Husband and wife! I love Cossars- so rustic and full of lovely areas  by Anna

Natural beauty- Love this candid moment of you both


the guests are feeling pretty good about things!

wooohoo!! Anna’s on the right

Then off we went on our adventures into luscious light, tree glades and long grasses- my FAVE places to go.  by Anna

Gorgeous couple

by Anna- love the dresses and happy faces!

a bit of whimsical love in the grasses   by Anna

These photos make me smile

So romantic!

I LOVE this very candid photo of you Michelle- so elegant

the boys by Anna

the girls!

beautiful evening light on a very beautiful bride

Playing in the glorious light- top left by me,

the team!

Beautiful reception detail montage by Anna and I

Thank you Michelle and Jeremy for the honour of being your photographers! We had so much fun with you and are so glad you did too! It’s not so bad being photographed eh boys!!

We wish you all the very best for your future ahead and hope you are having lots of fun on your honeymoon!

Can’t wait to send you the rest!

With love

Rachel and Anna

I have been sitting here in a bit of a daze trying to figure out how to start this story- everything was just so BEAUTIFUL……
The details, the calm vibes, the love, the fun, the care and commitment, the passion and the connections

This was a wedding that had all the most important elements present. It was all about love and realness.
Cushla and Lee have actually been married for over a year but this was the official celebration and commitment ceremony for them. They were surrounded by family and friends and it was very special to be part of it all.
I am not going to waffle- just look at these images and see for yourselves the quality of beauty and love I am trying to express here

gorgeous details

Lee prepares to meet his bride- Claremont Castle was the perfect scene for this stunning wedding celebration

I adore this image- timeless beauty

Dapper

the first peek series!!!

These two were a breeze to be around, so natural and so lovely together

The moment before a kiss is more powerful than a kiss itself – lovely anticipation

we had a lot of fun in the pool room!

stunning girls

it was a spectacular and very bright day, so we pulled out some fun brolly prtection

I love this series of the boys

the VERY fun bridal party!

boys. in. suits….. say no more

Cushla you are magnificent!!

wee bit of extra fun here- the whole day reminded me of true vintage postcards, old handwriting and letters, pinup girls of the 1920′s… sepia warm tones and treasure troves

Gorgeous Georgia

Pure lovely

these boys were great! Everybody did so well!

there was lot of love for Uncle Lee…. love this moment before the ceremony

how gorgeous are those freckles!!!

the big kids looked after the little kids so nicely- here we are dancing in the middle of organised chaos

so dreamy  delicious

BOYS!!! So cool!! Love this so much!

perfect stairway to descend

with very proud Pappa bear

and Mumma bear

the lineup at the ceremony

Lees’ lovely Mum!

very special people- Aunty Mary and Nana

cheeky Lee!!!

this is so cool! I told all the guests for a fun group photo to be inspired by the love of Cushla and Lee and to hug or kiss the person beside them…. adorable

the  love inspired group hugs and kisses!!

Cushla and Lee- what an incredible TREAT to be chosen as your photographer. I was in a photographic state of bliss all day long and had SO much fun with you celebrating your wedding and love.

We wish you all life’s best in the future ahead.

xoxox with love

Rachel and Donna

What a day, what a pair, such love and such flair
I came away full, full to the brim
With love in my heart
and sun on my skin

these souls are connected
by magical string
to witness this joining
was a very powerful thing

and has turned me into a poet…. seriously!! WT..? It just happened when I started typing

I will let the photos to the talking now-

Mt Cook!!!! oh what bliss, this is a blog you do not want to miss… tee hee ( cracking myself up now)

the details were lovely, so classy and simple

Beautiful Nichola doing her own make up

adjusting the birdcage veil

Great reaction #1

Great reaction #2

Great reaction #3

At the spectacular ceremony location- the boys greet guests and get into the zone. LOVE Michael’s infectious enthusiasm

special mention of the beech leaf confetti- Michael proposed to Nichola in a beech tree Forrest and we will see more of this good stuff later

told you it was spectacular

the girls make their pilgrimage down the aisle

and Michael’s emotions run down his cheeks

and who can blame him- she is a vision of beauty and grace

SO much LOVE

are these two familiar?? they were married a few weeks ago and featured on the blog too! Mon and Dave it turns out are really great friends of Nic and Michael!

friendly bee

I mentioned awesome eh- this was goose-bump inducing. Gorgeous voice, lovely song, beautiful couple and a trillion micro droplets of love flying around

Nic’s emotions fall down her cheek too!

but then……. they are married!!!!!!

so romantic

DONE DEAL!!!!!!

the beech tree confetti comes out in full force

love these moments of pure happyness

cheers to you guys!

sigh- just so gosh darn stunning

ADORE this series

mountain goddess  ( not goat- goddess!!!)

the team!

check out that LIGHT!!! ooooh yeah

the lovely ladies

Glorious Nic!!

the cheeky boys- I was demonstraing what I wanted them to do so said ok boys you be me… and they did this

super duper love this

can you not feel the love jump out of the blog right into your heart right now?????

what about now…?

Love this- it was VERY windy by this stage but it created such a dramatic vibe

OK NOW you feel it right!!!!?

Nichola and Michael……. I am sure by now you are getting the vibe that your wedding was a highlight and an honour to be part of.

Thank you SO much for the pleasure of being your photographer. It was the most wonderful day and we did indeed go away feeling full to the brim.

We wish you all the VERY best for your new life up in Auckland- oxoxoxo

With love and emotions running down my cheek

Rachel and Donna

Jodi and Adam were married in one of the world’s most beautiful places- Tekapo! We are so lucky here in Timaru that this spectacular spot is a mere hours drive away

Jodi and Adam met and live in Perth and came back to celebrate with family and friends. The setting was stunning, on the lakeside with the sun shining despite the forecast for a different type of day altogether.
I caught up with the girls as they were getting ready and captured the many sparkles and prettiness of the details.

almost ready!

Jodi was feeling a little nervous at this stage

helpful bridesmaids get her into her dress

the gorgeous setting

keeping occupied while waiting for things to happen

the boys give a bit of support before Jodi arrives

spectacular backdrop!

Jodi arrives!

Love this one of Adam as he sees her

just breathe!

the guests very enthusiastically watch

beautiful Jodi!

a kiss from Dad as he officially gives her away

Married!!

<

beautiful moment

I love this moment with Jodi’s Mum

then off we went into the awesome wilderness

Love this one of you Jodi

so stunning

I love the colours! Lake Alexandrina + bridal party= very prettyiness

and the boys keep it nice and simple

I love this natural moment of you both

Thank you so much for the honour of being your photographer!

I am looking forward to sending you the rest of your beautiful photographs so you can remember and cherish your wedding!

All the very best in your future together.

Rachel and Donna xo

This was an extravaganza of a wedding- with a focus on community, love of the earth, love of people and a sense that this day was a significant marker in their journey together- Monica and Dave became husband and wife surrounded by friends and family.
In all honesty it was rather overwhelming- these two are very dear friends of mine and it was very special to capture their day for them. There was just so much to capture!!!
From pot luck teas, to details of extraordinary proportions, to ceremonies within ceremonies, to the lush grounds of the ceremony location ( the beautiful home of their Aunty and Uncle in the country outside of Christchurch), to music, rustic charm and at all times the focus on bringing everyone together. Some people traveled very far indeed to be there and it was lovely to feel at the end of it all, that you had connected with some very cool people- not only connected with them, but folk danced and woven a flax plat with them!

Monica is helped by lovely friend and bridesmaid Sophie- and kissed by her beautiful Mum

The boys are feeling pretty relaxed

Love the sun flare and smoke

the first peek

beautiful quiet moments

Gorgeous morning light on a stunning couple

these boys are rather exceptional- up for anything , lots of fun, movement and being a bit silly

suited me just fine

but they look pretty hot when they are serious too!

the bridal tribe before the ceremony! ( girls not in their wedding dresses- this was the attire for the lawn game and welcoming part of the day!)

good times

The Boys- I  loved photographing you

The AMAZING marquee- a lot of people mentioned that this marquee was like walking in to Monica’s bedroom- so much colour, lots of special and significant wee things everywhere, quite incredible

Before the ceremony, guests were invited to weave flax plats together as a symbol of unity and community- there was a lot of love at this wedidng

Dave walks down the aisle with his very proud and loving parents- I love this moment so much- their faces! so beautiful

Dave watches as his beautiful bonita, walks towards him, to become not only his best friend and companion- she is walking towards him to become his wife

Monica is supported by 2 of the most awesome brothers you could ever imagine

and a kiss on the way for gorgeous Mum Nat

there was a lot of music!

Mon’s brother Ollie, sends good vibes, prayers and love into the rings during a ring warming ceremony- each guest holds the rings and prays for the couple, so that when it is time to put the rings in, they contain so much love for the couple to wear always.

very special friends all the way from Canada sing a lovely song about life and love and getting old together- it was pure lovely

the parents weave two strands of flax plat together to symbolise the joining of the two families

love this-

the vows!!

I loved Dave’s wee book-

Amy gets a bit teary eyed- so pretty!

Nephew Fynn, brings the rings after they have been well and truly love infused

the symbolic flax has been wrapped around the couple- like a blessing, the families are joined

Beautiful!

it got a little chilly under the trees- I love the bridesmaids colours!!

beautiful hugs and kisses

and sneaky moments

The TEAM!!!

I LOVE this photo- edited a wee bit old school like and different as to me it is a stand alone image- So much fun

the gorgeous girls!!!!

xox

and another one as I couldn’t help it! So much colour and sparkle

these guys love running around!

in the evening light, a bit of folk dancing before dinner, some fun on the stunning vintage car owned by another one of Monicas’ uncles

and then I got to sneak the Bride and Groom away for 5 minutes alone-

Monica and Dave- what a wedding!!!!!

It was so incredible to be part of it. May you always remember the love you have around you, wherever you are in the world.

With much Amore

xoxoxox Rachel

The wedding celebration of Amy and Kane was a beautiful part in the already pretty awesome journey of these two wonderful people. They met at high school in the athletics team and have been together since.
They are fun, romantic, still as in love as ever and were so refreshing to be around. The day was simple yet very sophisticated and they were surrounded by the best of friends, supportive family and the love was very tangible.

Gorgeous Amy

with her very stunning bridesmaids

I love these colours together as much as I love these beautiful people together

Amy and her stunning Mum- love this one

Love these moments

These boys were right up at the top of the list of favourite Groomsmen ever- you can see why

the baby hedgehog was very much part of the day, peeking out and following us around all afternoon. I really love these little critters

Amy arrives in Bridal style- feeling a little nervous here, but looking radiant

just getting on top of her emotions before head down the aisle

So many smiles all day- in fact this smile hardly leaves Amy’s face. She is infectiously smiley

So gorgeous!

The amazingly talented Johanna xoxo we love her a lot

And this man made ME cry

he is so very proud of Amy

Amy’s younger brother checks out the bling- and approves

Kane surprised Amy with a sneaky diamond bracelet, which just so happened to be tucked away inside his jacket- this was a really lovely thing to do Kane

Then the boys bring some serious fierce

Love this fun candid moment

then Amy, Kane and I headed off for a few moments alone

Magic- Amy, look at you, you gorgeous girl

serious wow

these two were even up for this!! Lying in a massive Ivy patch!!

beautiful light on a beautiful couple

the ceremony and reception was held at Ashfield House- a glorious old homestead with amazing grounds in Temuka

Love this one a lot

Amy and Kane- what an honour and a joy it was to be part of your day and to capture these moments for you. Donna and I had so much fun with you and we wish you a wonderful future ahead. You ahve such strong foundations and the support of some incredible people.

With much love

Rachel and Donna oxoxo

What a glorious day- so much love and laughter. These two beautiful souls were married surrounded by a LOT of friends and family, in a stunning location way down south near Invercargill.

Stacey is a gorgeous girl naturally, with sparkly eyes, a warm heart and a spirit filled smile.  Nathan’s smile never seems to leave his face and he is fun, mischievous and really fun to be around.

I had a lot of fun with the girls and the pretty things before the ceremony

sweet peas- Because to Stacey’s Mum, Stacey is her sweet pea – lovely

Nathan made this driftwood cross for Stacey- and wrote this gorgeous letter

beautiful girl X

VERY helpful and fun bridesmaids

see!

beautiful Mum

… no words, just love and grace- and tears at my end

Stacey- you radiate inner beauty and it sure does shine

see what I mean about Nathan’s smile!!

the boys are pretty excited about the whole thing

Gorgeous setting- the open air chapel at Garden Argyle Cottage near Invercargill

emotions

Love this moment!!!

married!

YUSSS!

“are you watching?…”

THE KISS

and the gorgeous moments after

precious Nana shares a prayer and wise words

Mr and Mrs NELSON!

the people are impressed

the beautiful details of afternoon tea

AMAZING cake

too cute!

off on our adventures via stop off at the beloved tractor shop

The spectacular Oreti beach

Very fun group of people- stunning colours

beautiful moments and memories

Stacey and Nathan- what a day

It was an incredible joy to be part of your wedding day celebration. You are both surrounded in love and support and you have made an amazing start. May these photos help remind you of the love you shared today and of the people who care about you and the faith that has cemented you together.

xoxoxo I am going to LOVE making your album.

With all my love

Rachel

I met Natalie in my studio, and I knew straight away that I wanted to be chosen SO bad to photograph this wedding. It just sounded so pretty, meaningful and so full of personal touches that I wanted to capture it all!

Luckily, Natalie and Shane felt the same way about me and fast forward a year and we arrive at 4th Feb 2012 for a truly beautiful wedding.

SO much love, thought, care and commitment has gone into the details of this day. Right down to the shoelaces of Natalie’s wedding shoes which were made from her Great Grandmothers ribbon, not to mention each individually and lovingly handmade button holes for family members, to the reception pretties incorporating Grandmother’s lace doilies and napkins. It was a visual and vintage TREAT!!!

Natalie fights a few tears as she reads the card Shane has sent with a glorious bouquet- nice work Shane

Beautiful Mother of the Bride Ali-  a very styley lady indeed

Natalie and Shane’s home is a further extension of Natalie’s impeccable taste. She loves beautiful old things and the home has precious pieces displayed lovingly.

Love this as Joanna helps with the gorgeous marcasite jewellery- a love of which Natalie has in common with her Mum

these earrings need special mention as they were the first present Shane gave to Natalie when they were a couple- very special indeed

The gorgeous Totara Estate just south of Oamaru- very very cool spot indeed and perfect for a wedding

Shane is a bit nervous at this stage as he waits for his Bride

inside the old grainstore, the guests are ready

and are feeling pretty good about things!

Shane’s nerves don’t seem to be bothering him too much here – blue steel moment for sure

and as Natalie pulls up- it’s a bit of the same with her too! Gorgeous Nat!

I love this one

Married!!

I love fun family photos!

Natalie ALWAYS has an amazing smile on her face and a laugh is near the surface always

I love this of Ali and Nat- they have a beautiful relationship

Natalie’s step bro’s Luke and Ricki- very cool dudes indeed

special people

more special people!!

Shane and I ducked back into the grain store for a few moments to catch our breaths and make the most of the stunning light and surroundings

Um- WOW!!! like total WOW

then we all had a picnic- even the picnic blanket had special significance- it belonged to Natalie’s late Grandfather

cute feet

glorious bridesmaids- a lot of fun and they looked stunning in their dresses! So classy

the whole tribe! I loved this tree a lot

boys- they don’t even have to try- they just look so good!! Doing pretty much nothing!

LOVE this one – Wheat fields- I just can’t help it, I adore them

Natalie you are so incredibly beautiful

playing with the parasol- amazing eyes eh

cuteness!!

beautiful girls xox

then off into the fields for some fun

this car is VERY important. This is Shane’s baby and he had spent so much time doing it up and getting it ready for the wedding- it looked amazing Shane

then for something a little different we headed into the oldest part of the Oamaru cemetery- I really love the textures and mood here. It connects a whole circle of life together- deep eh

back at Portside for the reception, the cheeses cake gets a lot of attention from the ladies

and I think form this expression we can guess that Natalie is pretty stoked when she sees it all finished and pretty!

Gorgeous reception details

Natalie and Shane- I hardly know where to begin. It was such a huge honour to be your photographer (I would have been totally jealous of anyone else if they got to do it!) Donna and I LOVED being part of your incredibly special day and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Can’t wait to show you the rest!!

All the very very best in your future together

with lots of love and hugs

Rachel and Donna XoX

This wedding celebration, highly anticipated and prepared for with love and beautiful touches of detail- was a wonderful day.

It was a glorious sparkler of a day down in the whimsical town of Moeraki, sunshine and glitter on the ocean were the backdrop and gulls gracefully flying about us as Amanda and Grant became husband and wife.

Amanda poured a lot of her creativity and exceptional taste into the details of the wedding and it was so much fun capturing them

Amanda’s dress hangs beside her mothers own wedding gown

Amanda’s Mum looks on with love

Amanda you are gorgeous xoxox beautiful make up and hair by Shelley Harvey of Timaru

perfect spot for a celebration

so excited!!

Grant as he watches Amanda

Son Ryder gives the rings

signed

sealed

The fun and hilarious boys- just after one of the groomsmen split his trousers on the way up the boulder… not that you can tell. Donna saved the day by stitching the pants up in the car on the way to the reception-legend

The lovely ladies

everybody!! so many laughs, smiles and lots of fun

I love this of you Amanda- the sparkles and your beautiful expression, stunning

wow- Love  love love -

look at these details!!! amazing love and care has gone into them

LOVE the way the hall was decorated

Amanda and Grant! What a beautiful day!! It was so much fun being with you to share in the fun and celebration of your relationship! We wish you all the very best together and can’t wait to catch up soon to show you the rest!!!

Lots of love

Rachel and Donna xox