Wellington Newborn Portraits – Olivia

Meet Olivia, Angela and Kurt’s little bundle of joy!

I can’t believe how time flies. Just a few months ago I shot my first maternity session with Angela {here} and {here} and now their baby girl is here! Olivia was born on April 8 at 7:03 am weighing 2990g and I got to meet her for the first time last Saturday. There was so much love in that room while I was photographing her.. and I was so amazed to watch how much joy this little one brought to everyone there.

Welcome to the big world, little Olivia!

Graeme & Tabitha {Engagement} – Wellington

They got engaged on March 23rd, the night of Lionel Richie’s concert. Graeme was waiting for Lionel Richie to sing Tabitha’s favorite song ‘Lately’ to make the proposal, but he never sang it.. and later on they found out ‘Lately’ was actually sung by Stevie Wonder. After another attempt at Frank Kitts Park, he finally did it at their home, with candles, and Tabitha of course said yes. 10 days after their engagement I met them and they told me how much they love photos and that they want to go to different locations for their wedding portraits on their wedding day. A couple after my own heart. I was already secretly wishing they’d hire me.. A few days after our meeting, I got another email from Tabitha saying that they want me to document their love story. I. couldn’t. be. happier.

Graeme and Tabitha took me to a park I didn’t even know existed.It was beautiful with colorful Autumn leaves and a duck pond! The weather also played along and gave us gorgeous Autumn sunlight peeking through the trees. After that, we went to several places around Wellington. They were so natural in front of the camera and I had so much fun photographing them. I can’t wait for their wedding in January.

And here’s a slideshow with more photos from that lovely Autumn afternoon.
http://vimeo.com/22884488

Thankful Thursday – Little Wonders

If you saw me today, you’d think I was crazy because I was just smiling for no reason. I received an email today that literally made my heart skip a beat.. and this leads me to another installment of my thankful series. which I know, I know.. I haven’t been doing a lot lately! I will be better, I promise.

I am extremely grateful..

– For my 85mm lens and the beautiful images it produced today. I know I have been neglecting you. I promise to use you more often. In fact, I promise to use you on Friday.

– That it’s only Wednesday and I’ve already done everything on my to-do list for the week!

– That I was finally able to get a haircut. I swear, my hair was already resembling the texture of a broom.

– For the emails in my inbox today. They are making my heart grow 100x its size.
One of them being Rebecca’s email.. I’m sure all my brides would love this.

The amazing and talented Rebecca Connor is offering a special price to all the brides who would book her through me. $99 as opposed to $170 for hair and makeup if you tell her I’m your photographer for your wedding/engagement party or any special event. Isn’t that great? She recently did Pam’s makeup {here} and Claire’s hair and makeup {here}. Click {here} for Rebecca’s website and contact details.

and because a blog post is always better with photos.. here are some of Izzy’s photos taken with my 85mm today. Happy Wednesday Folks!

Calvin & Pam – An engagement party at The Apartment

This engagement party was as awesome as it could possibly get, which isn’t really surprising given that Calvin and Pam are just really awesome people! They got engaged during their trip to Asia in December and decided to celebrate their engagement with their friends and families last Saturday. The party was held at The Apartment, which is probably one of the coolest bars I’ve seen! I just had to ask Calvin and Pam if we could take a few portraits inside the bar before their guests arrive.

Their engagement session a few weeks ago was inspired by the movie ‘The Notebook’, and this time we took inspiration from the TV show, Mad Men. And if you’re wondering where Pam got her gorgeous dress from.. she made it herself. Did I already mention she’s awesome?

They had a chalk board for the guests to write their message on, it was such a great idea and a hit.. especially with the kids!

Congratulations again Calvin and Pam and thank you SOOO much for having us there. I’m looking forward to your wedding day, I know it’s going to be one AMAZING day!

Ben & Kate {Wedding} – Thames, Coromandel

Walk in the rain,
smell flowers,
stop along the way,
build sandcastles,
go on field trips,
find out how things work,
tell stories,
say the magic words,
trust the universe
-Bruce Williamson

There’s a magnet on their fridge with this poem on it and when I saw it, I instantly thought of how appropriate and fitting it is for Ben and Kate. Because they are definitely the kind of people who appreciate everything and everyone around them, and that’s also probably the reason why in just the short time that we’ve spent with them, it already feels like we’ve known each other for a very long time.

I have been looking forward to their wedding ever since Kate emailed me in February. When we saw and met them last week, I just knew how much fun I’m going to have documenting their love because being around them is pure joy. You can just see their love and happiness radiate through their smiles and laughs. It was beautiful. And I was once again reminded of how lucky I am, because I’m always surrounded by so much joy and love.

Ben and Kate, thank you so much. You didn’t only give me the opportunity to be a part of your special day, you also gave me and my family the chance to see such a beautiful town. Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon and we will definitely be knocking on your door when we’re in Thames again.

Kate and the girls got ready in Ben and Kate’s adorable house. ADORABLE. Their house is full of beautiful tiny details. I couldn’t stop taking photos of everything!

Kate’s beautiful gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses were all made by Kate’s Aunt! Isn’t that awesome?

The scenic Kaueranga valley provided gorgeous light throughout the afternoon. They couldn’t have chosen a better location and day.

They named their dog after Ben Harper. Kate walked down the ‘aisle’ to Ben Harper’s ‘Forever’ when they promised to give their forever to each other last Saturday, so I thought it was only appropriate to choose this song for their slideshow below. Enjoy!