Chang-Hu Family Portrait Session

I had another high energy family beach session yesterday, this time with Elsa and Alex and their two adorable sons, Dennis and Antony.

It really is a pleasure to capture a wonderful family having so much fun!

I wasn't the only photographer that day... up and coming photographer Dennis, aged 4, took this shot of me setting up the tripod...

And this one of me taking photos. Yes, those are reindeer antlers on my head :-)

Great work Dennis!

Emma and Karl's engagement session

I had a great session with Emma and Karl this afternoon, despite the heat.

Emma and Karl, you were wonderful to work with... I can't wait to photograph your wedding in March! I'm also very envious that you are going to honeymoon in Aitutaki - where I spent my honeymoon - any chance I can squeeze into one of your suitcases?

Cosmica and Jan's portrait session

Yesterday's portrait session was a surprise birthday present from Cosmica to Jan. I hope you both had as much fun as I did!

Raewyn's progress

It's been wonderful following little Raewyn's progress as she grows up. It started with 'Raewyn the Bump'...

... then newborn Raewyn...

...and now, Raewyn the gorgeous 17 month old.

Giles/McKeown Family Portrait Session

Megan and I headed to North Head on Sunday afternoon for a family portrait session with the Giles/McKeown extended family.

Half the family lives in Auckland and the other half is holdaying here, from Britain.

We had a relaxed time with adorable 5 year old Sophie and cute-as-a-button nearly 2 year old Charlotte enjoying the beach setting.

The session ended on an acrobatic note as Michelle, helped by her sisters, showed off her tumbling skills.

We later got this lovely email from Michelle, after she had returned to the UK:

Dear Lisa & Megan,

Hello once again & I hope you are both well!

My Mum & Dad have just returned home from New Zealand, bringing with them the photos from our family session with you.

I wanted to write to tell you how over the moon I am with them. We all are. I was initially anxious about organising a photo shoot from this side of the world not knowing what to expect. As you can imagine there was an element of guess work & risk involved when searching for the right photographer. But I have to say you made the whole process simple, flexible & enjoyable; making me feel very confident & at ease in my choice.

Our family hadn’t been together for 4 years & I wanted to have something to remember the special occasion. Your flexibility, free & encouraging approach on the shoot didn’t just allow us some fantastic photos but provided us with an afternoon that was actually a highlight of my trip. The setting & mood was perfect & you really did capture our family (especially Sophie & Charlotte) fantastically.

Thank you for giving me such a beautiful lasting memory of a spirited afternoon, on a rare trip with my family.

Many thanks,

Michelle

Thank you for your lovely words Michelle, it makes us really happy to know that we have captured some precious memories for your family.

Terry McDermotts 60th Birthday

It was Terry McDermott's 60th birthday on Saturday, and to celebrate, friends and family came from near and wide.

We captured some family shots of Terry's daughter Deanna and her husband Steve, kids Greer and Heath and their dogs, Xena and Kelsey.

At family gatherings, there are always some precious moments that will be remembered for years to come... like this one, when young Jake met his great-grandfather, Terry senior, for the first time.

In this photo we see four generations of women... young Greer, her Mum Deanna, her grandmother Martina and her great-grandmother Annie.

To the McDermott family, thank you for inviting us to capture such a precious family occasion.

Later, Deanna sent us a lovely note:

Dear Lisa and Kate,

I just wanted to say a quick thanks for being such great sports at my Dad's 60th. The photos look great. You both seem like really nice genuine people, which made the photo sessions so much easier. We all really appreciated you both coming out and being so professional and personable, a real asset in this day and age.

Regards

Deanna

Thanks Deanna, it was our pleasure!

Dominik and Sue's wedding at Mantells

Dominik and Sue's elegant and intimate wedding took place at Mantells of Mt Eden on Saturday. Guests came from as far as Germany to share in their special day. Megan and I were spoilt for choice for photo opportunities, with such a beautiful couple and bridal party, in such a gorgeous venue.

We started by taking photos of the boys - Dom and his groomsmen, Cloud and Andrew, getting ready.

Then we moved to the CityLife hotel to capture Sue and her bridesmaids, Jane and Suet Ling. We made the most of the indoor pool and foyer for some shots.

Then we went to Mantells for the joyful ceremony in front of the fireplace.

A beautifully presented meal was followed by dancing.

We also set up a photobooth in an adjoining room to capture the guests enjoying themselves.

Sarah and Simon's wedding at Castaways

Megan and I enjoyed every moment of Sarah and Simon's glorious wedding at Castaways, http://www.castaways.co.nz/, above Karioitahi beach, on Tuesday. The venue has stunning scenery and wonderful staff, it made an ideal location for Sarah and Simon's fun and romantic day.

Sarah and Simon showed off their foxtrot skills on the sand.

Simon's cheeky and cute nephew, Paul, played peekaboo under the head table during the reception.

The clifftop at Castaways was the perfect spot to take some gorgeous sunset shots.

When it was time for the first dance, Sarah and Simon dazzled all their guests with their stylish foxtrot.

Thank you so much, Sarah and Simon, for sharing your special day with us - it really was perfect in every way.

Later, we got this lovely note from Sara and Simon:

Dear Lisa & Megan,

Thanks for being a part of our special day. You did such a wonderful job and it is much appreciated.

Sarah and Simon xo

Thanks guys, we loved every minute of it!