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Laura & Robin {Engagement Session]

Posted May 21, 2013

Laura is from the North of China. Robin is from further South. The chances of meeting in their own country was pretty darn slim!
It took both of them coming to New Zealand and meeting during their Uni studies for it all to be possible. And after 8 or so years of living in Christchurch. This is their first trip to the Botanical Gardens! And what better way to see it, than on an engagement shoot in the autumn time!

Laura and Robin are so sweet! We rolled around the gardens, having a good laugh.

And then they dedicated to a very beautiful cause! … That yellow blanket of leaves makes my knees weak! They look gooorgeous!

Laura treated herself to hair and make up for the shoot. She looked even more gorgeous with the hand of make up artist, Mariessa Waddington.

Thanks for a great time Laura and Robin. It was so great meeting you and I can’t wait to show you a few more photos.

Heather & Doug xo

Dickie & Morgan – ‘Amanda just sounds weird’ {Engaged}

Posted May 20, 2013

Alrighty… If you don’t know Dickie and Morgon… you’ll perhaps be a little confused by the title. Dickie is in fact Amanda’s last name, and EVERYONE calls her Dickie. To the point that she won’t become ‘Amanda Walker’ when she marries Morgon. She’ll probably become ‘Dickie Walker’. I tried to start calling her Dickie, but Amanda slipped out a few times, to the point bouncy loveable Morgon simply states ‘Amanda just sounds weird’ . Haha Can you tell I love these two already?

I love hearing proposal stories… I never tire of it! … And when I heard Dickie and Morgon’s for the first time. I did a lot of ‘Awww-ing’ like a little girl.
Not all men will go to such romantic extremes … but then… you haven’t met the Bunnings Guy have you?

One fine morning, Morgon goes to work. ..Or does he?! … A text is sent to Dickie saying he has organised the day off for her. With $20 conveniently placed in her purse for transport, she is lead on a wild goose chase, on a boat, alllll the way to Waiheke Island where a car, with a programmed GPS was waiting for her.
You’d be thinking Dickie might be a little bit suspicious by now? Well of course… but then again, they also do “wee” surprises for each other all the time. So the suspicious mind set left her.
She was led to the top of a hill with a view overlooking Auckland. She almost got a little sidetracked taking photos of the view as she walked… when her Mr Bunnings Guy walks out from behind a bush in a suit and a guitar ready to pop the question, every girl wants to hear!
I’m pretty sure Dickie said Yes!!! That’s just a little hard to say no to! And just spending an hour with them during their engagement shoot proved to me they have soooooooo many more awesome adventures ahead of them. It’s just who they are! :)

They are an abundance of fun. They ran, jumped, frolicked, chased chickens, arm wrestled. And just flat out showed me the true meaning behind ‘Marrying your best friend!’. We best stock up on V for their wedding day! Because it’s going to be SO FULL of beautiful energy, all.day.long!!! I simply can’t wait!

The weather held off raining thankfully. But ya know what… knowing them… they would have happily lay in the rain like this anyway, counting their blessings and the droplets on their faces!

I need to start running again!… I had a hard time keeping up with them!! haha

Morgon and Amanda are living in Auckland and just bought their first home! (So much to celebrate at the moment). But they are coming back to the South Island to get married and we had their E shoot out at Amanda’s Grandpa’s Farm in the Waipara Valley.

So much love!

Thanks so much for a beautiful fun filled evening guys! … Can’t wait to show you a few more! And even though I was already excited for your wedding… it’s heightened, that much more!!! See you next Feb! :)

Love Heather xox

Nicole & Aaron {Eloped & Married]

Posted May 20, 2013

Australian born Nicole went travelling with her friends to Europe one year. She expected to visit a few countries, have a fair few wines, a trolly full of laughs and to just generally enjoy her time travelling.
She certainly didn’t expect to bag a sweet Irishman while she was there! … But that she indeed did, and after 8 years together and many trips back to Ireland while now living in Australia. They have come quietly to New Zealand to tie the knot amongst the rich autumn colours of Arrowtown.

And by ‘quietly’, I simply mean it was just Nicole and Aaron, the wonderful Celebrant Phillipa Cook. And Doug and I as their witness’. Yes indeed, these two eloped.
This was a specially planned elopement they had told their family about before they came. So Nicole and Aaron still got a handful of traditional pre wedding treatment! But I’m guessing some people… are still to find out… so to those people… SURPRISE!!!

Nicole and Aaron have holidayed in New Zealand just the one time. This time last year. It didn’t take long to A. Fall in love with the Arrowtown. And B. Fall in love with Arrowtown in the Autumn time. So all they knew when they booked their tickets was ‘We just want to get married in Arrowtown! The rest can more or less be planned when we get there!’.

They found Arrowtown House as their accomodation, and this is where they got ready. I loved Aaron’s shoes the moment I saw them… He did get a few compliments with anyone who did see them!

And don’t get me started on how much I love Nicole’s shoes.

Kirsty Lohmann, Make up Artist was there to help Nicole along the way to becoming a gorgeous bride!

And here is our groom Aaron. Looking ever so dashing in his velvet collar suit with matching velvet tie. They almost struggled to find a velvet tie. Stoked they did in the end!

Next door, the sun gently shows it’s face, the energy is a mixture of light, fluffy and excited.

And before we know it, it’s dress time!

While her groom chills out in the sunshine.

And then Aaron wait by the Stop sign, waiting for that tap on the shoulder…

Those smiles says a thousand words!

They chose a wee spot in a park. The warm yellow leaves that encompass them, act as their guests.

Phillipa Cook gave a beautiful ceremony.

And just like that, they’re husband and wife!

The day before we scouted some beautiful locations, so the next 3 or so hours were spent on a photographic tour around Arrowtown and Queenstown.

Arrowtown was on FIRE!!!!

Blue was Nicole’s colour. So a visit to the little blue door was in order!

And back to the spot they had their first look.

Oh Arrowtown and your quaintness! I love you!

It was a beautiful Autumns day. Our next stop was Thurlby Domain to use this amazing property and have a picnic.

We got to Bob’s Cove just on the cusp of dark. It was calm, serene and totally magical.

The night did indeed end with magic!

Nicole and Aaron. It was an absolute privilege to be your witness’ and capture your very special day. Thank you so much for choosing us and we wish you all the very best for married life and the road ahead!

Love Heather and Doug xox

Heather Ellis Photography