Sunday, September 20, 2015

Mearns family

It was so awesome to be able to catch up with this little family again after meeting them when Stacey was still pregnant with Joshua and then again when he was born... and now he's over 1 year old! He is such a friendly little guy full of hugs and giggles. He showed me all his toys, and played some fun dad-games, then we went for a walk in the freezing cold wind and slushy mud to the park, then back home to the warmth for a little snack and a story with mum and then dad had a snuggle with Rocky the dog because he was feeling left out. Such a lovely afternoon.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Lana + Guy

Lana and Guy got married in Rarotonga and I got to come along for the ride! I have known Lana since we went to University together, so not only was it the wedding of a close friend, but my husband and the kiddies were there attending as guests too. We made a holiday of it, and stayed for nine days at The Edgewater Resort where Lana and Guy were staying and also where the wedding was held. As one of the original resorts on the island, it was not the most modern of places, but it was still beautiful. The lagoon was picture perfect and the tropical plants all about the place were lovely and the activities the resort held were super entertaining for the kids.

I was so nervous as this was the first wedding I was to do all by myself, but so stoked that Lana had given me this opportunity! I was glad to finally get started when the girls went in for their hair and makeup. Then I got into my photo zone and felt much more relaxed.  I just loved being there and hearing all the gossip while Lana was getting ready, and feeling Guy's nerves as he was getting ready, and watching their parents look at them with such pride, and seeing Lana and Guy gaze into each others eyes as they were saying their vows, and seeing the bridal party's faces wondering if the kiss would ever end, and spending time with them on their own, so they could relax and just be with each other for a while, and then hearing the speeches, and watching the first dance... it all brought back memories of my own wedding day and reminded me how important each and every moment is for them. And how amazing it is to look back at those images and remember each and every moment of the day. Not just the cake cutting and the ceremony, but every little piece.

After a few showery days, the day of their wedding was super sunny. It clouded over after the ceremony and by the time we got to go off to do photos with just Lana and Guy, there was a thick cloud cover. It went dark much quicker than I had anticipated, but we still managed to get some stunning photos of the two of them. Guy's family has friends on the island, so it was their garden where we shot the photos of Lana and Guy surrounded by beautiful plants.

Not only did we get to hang out with Lana and Guy for their wedding, but we also stayed for their honeymoon, and were there early so I was able to go to Lana's hens party too! It was awesome having the time to relax. Here are my favourite couple of hundred of photos. I hope you enjoy them!
Wedding Eve... Lana and Guy's last night not being married!