​After a busy few months juggling weddings, family portraits, press shots, office work and a teething toddler, I decided to take a break and head to New Zealand for my best friend's wedding. Though I was asked if I wanted to photograph, I decided to sit this one out as I had a more pressing job to do; A reading during the ceremony, and of course to commemorate the union of my BFF.

That said, I felt naked without a camera... Especially at a wedding! So after pulling a few strings, I was able to get my hands on a Canon 5D which was amazing, but foreign for this Nikon girl. Up for the challenge, I rounded up the bride and groom and off we went scouting for the perfect location to shoot some wedding portraits.

New Zealand is renowned for it's dramatic landscape and untouched raw beauty. We didn't need to look far before stumbling across a wood shed that was lit with texture and earthy tones. Being such close friends, it was hard to take each other seriously... But it was the natural, candid shots I was after anyway, as Michelle has the most gorgeous natural smile.

Looking like a bride and groom ripped straight out of a vintage photo album, I was happy with the shots, and was even happier that I followed my instincts in sourcing a camera. I even managed to get a few happy snaps of the reception, albeit with a glass of champagne in my hand!

I've never photographed an elopement before, but wow, what a beautiful way to celebrate love. It's intimate, it's personal, and unreservedly stress free. There were blue skies, and a lush landscape surrounding us as the nuptials took place on the Gold Coast's Tamborine Mountain. Cat and Matt were married in the company of their beautiful 10mo bambino 'Rose' and their two best friends. Oh, and their two little fluffy white dogs!

Greeted with a glass of bubbles, I couldn't help but take a few snaps of gorgeous 'Rosie' before taking a few style shots of the rings and the stunning landscape. The celebrant arrived and the ceremony was had, followed by more bubbles and one distinctive cigar.

I then went for a wander to find a sweet spot to take some portraits. Cat and Matt didn't want anything fancy, which was perfect as I found a corrugated water tank that offered a cool bit of character, suiting Cat and Matt to a tee. 

I absolutely loved photographing these guys, and I'm stoked with the images. Hopefully this won't be the last elopement I do.

Tucked away near the Coomera River, Gold Coast is a quaint little restaurant called 'The Galley' set on the waters edge surrounded by Coomera marina. This is where Tori and Deni celebrated their engagement with their beloved family and friends.

Making the most of the golden hour, Tori & Deni and their family's came together for portraits prior to the celebrations. Later the bubbles flowed along with a few tears as speeches were made and toasts were proposed.

Love was undoubtedly in the air, and I couldn't help but feel privileged to photograph this special event. It was a great precursor to what will be an AMAZING wedding!