Helen and Michael

Helen and Michael were married at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa recently. The wedding party photos were taken prior to the event - which is what I try to recommend to all couples, it's not for everyone, however it works really well. The guests are not left waiting while the wedding party are away having the photo session.

The weather was a little damp for a while - and black clouds threatened overhead while we sheltered under umbrellas and in a very well placed "shed" in the gardens:) Billy the outrageous Irishman and best man was full of jokes and fun. He was also great fun and help during the "flick" of the veil shots...(Yes Billy I have turned you into a conifer) Michael appeared rather nervous initially, but Helen (if she was nervous) certainly did not show any signs of it as we made your way around the gardens. Helen's and Lynda's lovely cream and blue bouquets were by the very talented ladies at Bizziblooms in Orakei.

The ceremony was held amongest family and friends in the well manicured Perennials garden. Many, many thanks to my wonderful "helper" in organising the groups for the family photos - it was much appreciated. I didn't need to use my "soccer mum" voice at all. I am sure we will catch up at a football match one day too.

Helen and Michael's lovely wedding cake was made by Helen's mum and was a gorgeous fruit cake with the little hippos :).

Many thanks to a lovely couple - Helen and Michael - We wish you lots of happiness always - and have fun during your honeymoon in Adelaide - we will see you when you get back to NZ!

Donna and Chris

Another lovely wedding held at Castaways Karioitahi recently. Donna and Chris were a great couple and lots of fun. Donna's gorgeous black dress was sourced north of Auckland at Orewa from - Chocolates for Breakfast (just the name encourages me to visit!) A surprise for Chris, (although he had suspected the dress would be different:) ) when they met prior to their wedding for a fun photo session at the beach. Donna loves animal prints and the setting at the wedding reception at Castaways was gold, black with a splash of animal print - including the cake - from Celebration Cakes in Manukau City. Donna's flowers were another totally original design from Scent "World famous in South Auckland" for the stunningly different floral designs they produce.

It was a very breezy day on the sunset coast- and I was quite relieved that Greer Dyson - (Donna and Chris's celebrant) had not worn one of her famous hats... I think it would have ended up way down the cliff in the surf and eventually made its way to the Australian Gold Coast ! Also - it was not a great day for "short" flowy dresses.... if you had a handbag in one hand and a glass in the other :)

A ring "warming" was carried out while Chris and Donna said their vows and the ladies present at the wedding were all given a beautiful red rose..

It was good to catch up with Donna and Chris the following day, with their beautiful daughters and take some family photos with Dick at Papakura.

This is a preview of a few images - A private viewing gallery has been uploaded and access is via a password from Donna and Chris.