Brian and Lisa's Anderson Park Invercargill wedding on Saturday was charged with emotion.

These two have had a long road to get to their wedding day, but their love story is a beauty - having first met many years ago at Thornbury Young Farmers and then reconnecting later on. Lisa first got in touch with me in 2017 (yep that's 4 years ago!) about wedding photography as her and Brian had started talking about getting married. So you know this girl is a planner! 😄 But it wasn't until 2019 that I heard from Lisa again. She had proposed to Brian, they were engaged and Lisa was in wedding planning bliss! And then in August 2020 I got a devastating email from Lisa telling me Brian had been in an accident and was in Burwood Spinal Unit, they weren't yet sure if he'd ever walk again! Their wedding date would have to be postponed. After an incredible and what I am sure was a long road to recovery Brian and Lisa set their wedding date for October this year. So when you look at their portraits and see their wedding day happiness, know there is also so much triumph and resilience in there too because these two got there in the end and it was perfection.

Lisa had thought of all the wee details that would complete their wedding day, with small sentimental touches and thoughtful gifts for their crew. You'll see them dotted throughout the photos of the day. But for all the beautiful details and careful planning, Lisa only had eyes for her man most of the day. And that is what a wedding is all about, at the very heart of it; the love two people have for each other and celebrating it. ​💞

Look at those proud parents! While Lisa got ready at her parents, Brian spent the morning out at home, near Riverton, with his side of the bridal party.

Brian kept it fashionably simple with shirt, pants and comfy RM Williams dress boots. No pesky ties and no jackets to be taking on and off all day. 

Now this won't be the last red tractor you see dotted through Brian and Lisa's wedding photos... Brian's old red tractor from those Young Farmer days became a focal point in his and Lisa's love story. Lisa had a model replica of it made for him when she proposed!

Lisa's excited face says it all when these two first saw each other at the beginning of their portrait time! Choosing to see each other before the ceremony kept their day chilled out and relaxed with portraits out of the way early so the rest of the afternoon was all for spending time with their guests.

Brian and Lisa released a white balloon in memory of their lost loved ones. A special wee moment in the middle of their day for reflection.

Sharyn Payne brought together a beautiful ceremony for Brian and Lisa. And she stayed on for the rest of the day to be Master of Ceremonies, which if you know Sharyn, you'll know there's no one better for this job! Is there anything you're not fabulous at Shaz?!

I doubt a single soul read the sign Theo carried down the aisle for his mum and dad because he was sprinting!!! 🤣 However that cute wee face says it all anyway!

​And older brother, George, looked proud as punch to be walking his mum down the aisle.

From Anderson Park we trooped over town to the Working Mens Club for the reception, where again you'll see all Lisa's thoughtful wee details shining!

This wishing well needs special mention as it was crafted with love by Lisa's maid of honour; Jo.

All the speeches of the evening were beautiful and from the heart. But Lisa's speech about Brian's journey after his accident had me pretty teary eyed!

And with the formalities done Brian and Lisa opened the dancefloor. Sharyn even got her dance in with Matt before the night was done! 🤣

Brian & Lisa I hope you danced the night away and enjoyed your Sunday BBQ with everyone too the next day! I know I said it on the night, but thank you again for choosing us as your wedding photographers. It has been a privilege to document your love for each other. I hope you love your blog! x

DRESSES: Love Me Do Bridal  |  SUITS: Farmers & Next Direct  |  HAIR: Jason Gerken  |   MAKE-UP: Joanne Wilson  |  FLOWERS: Jenny Phillips   |  CATERING: Lee's Catering  |  CELEBRANT & MC: Sharyn Payne  |  RECEPTION VENUE: Working Mens Club Invercargill  |  CATERING: Lee's Catering  |  CAKE: Bronwyn Broomhall  |  STATIONERY & SIGNAGE: Creativity Plus   |  WISHING WELL: J & J Workshop  |  VIDEOGRAPHER: Blackfeather Studio  |  MUSIC: Nightlife DJ.

Last week we got an epic evening for Snow & Anna's engagement session here in Riversdale! Moody skies and warm, windless conditions. Matt and I had a great time hanging out with these two just months out from their wedding day. Their shoot was filled with laughter, love and a sense of adventure as we checked out a stellar location for wedding day portraits.

We headed down to the river and finished up on Wendon Hill with the setting sun. We were joined by a mob of cattle who were very interested in the photoshoot and I reckon they completed off the gorgeous rural backdrop Snow & Anna were looking for!

Snow and Anna, we can't wait for your wedding day! It's going to be so lovely to meet your families, celebrate with you both and have Hudson involved in the day!

These two, like most couples, forewarned me that they didn't like getting photos taken, felt awkward in front of the camera and that I had my work cut out haha! But mere minutes into their engagement session I was calling them liars because they were laughing and just having fun which is the recipe to success for photos! I think you absolutely rocked it Snow and Anna!!!

Man we live in paradise! Check out the view of the valley below that we call home.

Thanks Snow and Anna for choosing us as your photographers, we are so looking forward to December! x

Oh the places we get to go as photographers will never cease to amaze me! On Saturday we spent a lovely evening with Matt and Fleur in Te Anau for their engagement session, including a boat trip across the lake to Brod Bay. The light was beautiful, the location stunning but most importantly the company was awesome!

From the moment we met for the shoot in Te Anau we immediately felt like we'd known these two for years. Matt and Fleur are fun loving and down to earth people. Funnily enough we're already well connected, I've known Matt's mum for years through work and we also have a handful of mutual friends! I love that our job as wedding photographers allows us to meet new like-minded people and it really makes it hard to call it work when we have this much fun!

Matt and Fleur get married this March and we cannot wait to be a part of their day. We know it's going to be an epic celebration! A day filled with love and laughter. And you only have to look at Fleur's gorgeous style for their engagement session to know their wedding day will be a beauty too!

Polly pup got to be in some photos before we headed to the boat ramp. She's pretty photogenic considering she was more interested in trying to go for a swim in the lake. 😂

I highly rate a barefoot photoshoot!

What you don't see in these photos is the millions of sandflies that swarmed up upon arrival at Brod Bay! Unfortunately they always seem to be in all the good spots in NZ haha!

Matt and Fleur - you guys rocked your engagement session! I'm seriously obsessed with these photos, I hope you love them as much as I do. I can't wait to show you your gallery of the whole session! x