Sam told me to 'get creative' after I shared some wedding stories with him. What a joker he is (said in the most flattering way). Alice wanted as little cliches as possible, 'an island wedding without the island traditional themes'. I love Alice + Sam's honesty and honestly I had so much fun with their down to earth ways or in this case feet in the sand attitude on life.
Much love to the lovely couple - Alice + Sam.
So I stepped away from the tropical shoreline of the Cook Islands to shoot the wedding of Alina + James in Wellington city. The Thistle Inn is the oldest tavern in New Zealand; full of charm and rich in family history.
Second Photographer : Kylie Cornwell
Amy and Gareth (better known as Gaz) along with their two adorable children, Jack and Ruby left their gumboots in Masteron, New Zealand behind to get their feet in the sand while saying 'I do' with a warm Cook Islands wedding on the white sand of Koromiri within Muri lagoon.
Read MoreKara and Aaron eloped to Aitutaki for an intimate wedding. Sharing their special day in such a stunning setting with friends and family through images was important so we set out and soaked up the essence of their day. Love light, life and laughter. xx
Wedding hosted by Pacific Resort Aitutaki.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki wedding Photo
Pacific Resort Aitutaki wedding Dress Detail Photo
Aitutaki Wedding Bride and Groom sitting on a sofa
Thank you Joyana + Reuben for trusting in me to capture your wedding and sharing your story ..
Joyana writes : "To most people out and about on that cool Auckland-Friday night, it was just a regular jive on the dance floor. Dressed head to toe as a cop, I'd ditched an earlier costume party and had boogied my way around the corner to '1885 on Britomart' where the music was pumping, the hips were swinging and serendipitously where my future husband and i would meet. In he strutted, the smoothest gent about. Great jacket and a toothsome smile. I had targeted my dance partner ...aaaaaand that white boy had moves!!! He wowed me on the dance floor, cracked me up over the phone and after discovering we were both mechatronic engineers, he down right stole my heart. A year later, I brought him to my island home, Rarotonga, to meet the family. They loved him!... And he loved them. I loved him. He loved me... so much that I turned around at 'Fruits of Raro' to find him on bended knee, a saphire ring in his hands (of his own making), asking me to be his forever.
After many, many discussions about venues, guest lists, attire, costings (which were usually followed by even more heated discussions) we finally did the deed last valentines day... about two years after that day on 'Fruits of Raro'.
Saying "I do" that day was definitely the easiest two words in my life. It was raining. Not too much. Just enough to cool us down because we were both dreading the heat in our beautiful (but ill-suited) attire. The rain was chilled, the sky was dark, the seas were excited... and my sapphire-eyed Reuben was standing before me. It was like God had made this day just for me.
Yep, I have locked him in for a lifetime of home projects on a bench top, manufacturing plans at dinner, over-the-shoulder critiquing of whatever code i'm working on and mi-goreng noodles for more nights than what most would consider wise.
It's only been a few weeks... but so far so good haha. We're going to enjoy each day as it comes as we know its going to be one heck of a ride."
A week later we visited a few locations around Rarotonga ..
Beautiful moments on such a special day. Aleesha and Tom - thank you.
Wedding hosted by Nautiuls Resort, Rarotonga.
Thank you for having me on board on your special day Sarah and Ryan.
Many happy memories to you.
Second Photographer : Heinz Matysik
To feel love, see love, touch love, be love. Beautiful. xox
What a fun and heartfelt wedding with an abundance of cuteness, unexpectedness and bountiful beauty. Shine on lovelies. xx
Mr + Mrs Wells aka Ross + Amanda embraced their wedding day with an abundance of laughter and a mischievous twinkle in their eyes as they toppled head over heels into the night. Bottoms up!
Thank you for trusting in me to capture such precious moments on such a special day.
Wedding hosted by Pacific Resort Rarotonga.
Alberta to Aitutaki is quite a hike to get hitched.
Alison + Jeff chose the most gorgeous rock in the South Pacific. Kicked back Cook Islands style to celebrate their love with sand under their feet as the sun lazily set with a dazzle.
Wedding hosted by Pacific Resort Aitutaki.
Nathan + Monica soaked up the sea, sand and sun on a day dipped in golden light.
Wishing you both an abundance of laughter, surfing, latino music, and all the adventures that fills your hearts. Vivo , amor, luz , riso !!!!
Wedding hosted by Rarotongan Resort and Spa.
Sunshine out, excitement in the air, smiles and hugs everywhere. Sounds of the ukulele softly strummed as Eric and Leonie's wedding party gathered along the azure lagoon stretch known as Muri Beach.
We captured the beauty of the beach and the surrounding gorgeousness on our photography adventures. Thank you for sharing your day Eric and Leonie; an absolute pleasure.
Wedding hosted by Pacific Resort Rarotonga.
Keeping it simple Raro style; Sarah + Matt married on a gorgeously golden lit beach followed by a stunning sunset and a night of magic under the stars. Keep shining xx
Vietnam intrigues, pulsates and radiates.
To quietly observe is to soak up such abundance.
I saw all walks of life; the girl in 'Hello Kitty' helmet, the man with sad eyes, worn hands, children selling lanterns. The constant drive for survival; food prepared and cooked on curb side, fresh produce, flowers, tobacco and you name it readily available. A maze of scooters transport humanity on mass while also doubling up as a bed, a dining table or chair.
A sense of community woven deep. Endless stories.
Laura and Matt are such a charming, cheeky and captivating couple. So in love; surrounded by love. A gorgeous day, also one of the hottest. A few beads of perspiration experienced by all but hey this is island paradise and the sun dazzled with brilliant blue sky and the mountains golden. Rarotonga rocks.
Laura and Matt, you are the best. No, really, the bestest. I know that's not even a real word, but it's true. You glow with happiness and I can't adequately describe how honoured I feel to have been welcomed to capture your wedding.
Thank you for being so kind, generous, and thoughtful...you made me fall more in love with what I do. Much Love and Appreciation. MC.
Wedding hosted by Crown Beach Resort Rarotonga.
