, Photo credit: Sara Pizzi – Photo Bomb: Lewis

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Stess and Ike had what you could only call a “Holiday Romance” that blossomed into a loving relationship.  I never really understood fully, until I witnessed Ike doing his “thang”, what she meant when she said she fell for him at the Firedance.  Frequent flyer miles where racked up, visas were applied for, many long hours spent on the phone to various government officials, all worth it to be able to spend time with the one you love.  We all met this tall, softly spoken Fijian man, who wondered at our way of life and the crazy things like the clock on the microwave.  His innocence was beautiful and really made us think about the “stuff” we take for granted.  Stess glowed when she talked about him, and her beautiful eyes had that sparkle of love, it was just so wonderful to see.  When they told me they were getting married and would love me to capture their photos I was excited ~ and it was going to be in Fiji!!!

The planing of any wedding is tricky, but add to that a cross culture wedding, and an overseas destination, and you can imagine the added difficulties and frustrations.  Stess and her family and friends all rallied together and pulled together an amazing celebration, spanning two venues and those that attended had an experience of a lifetime!

Susan from Un Jour Photography came along for the ride and captured some amazing images – Thank you!!!!

A huge thank you to all of Ike’s family and village – they were amazing, welcoming, and generous!

Arriving in Style ~ The Golf cart is surprisingly fast around the corners!

You could not get a happier couple  – their smiles were HUGE!

The boys giving me their Warrior Faces (I think they were too happy to be truly fierce!)I might be slightly biased, but isn’t he just the cutest little man

After the speeches the tears flowed – not a dry eye in the house!

ummm.. yes, so my camera was taken from me and I was forced to dance

Susan testing the lighting for me.. heehee

Even the staff were in on the conga line, no one was safe and drinks were abandoned, but I didn’t hear any complaints! Wine fridges make a great spot to take a cool break from the heat of the day.

Day 2 ~ The Fire Dance

You can imagine that having gotten married the day before that you might be taking it easy and enjoying a cocktail by the pool?  Well not if you are Ike! He backed up his wedding night with a Fire Dance performance that burned the floor!  Surrounded by most of the wedding guests, his new family and the usual holiday makers of the Sheraton Hotel, Ike gave a thrilling show.  This is where I spotted that moment, when Stess would have fallen for him, the heat of the flames, the passion in his eyes, it was intoxicating to watch!  Credit also to the other lads – they also would have been a little weary from all the festivities from the night before – but unless you were a wedding guest you would never have known – they gave 100% and the crowd was delighted!

Day 3 ~ The Village Celebration

We all met at the front of the Sheraton and awaited the bus which took us the 10 minute journey to Ike’s village (I say ten minutes, but in Fiji they have a way of going a slower pace).  It was rather exciting as this would be a true celebration in real Fiji style.  The Lovo has been prepared in the traditional way,  and the Kava and Rum was ready and waiting.  As we walked down the road toward the village it was like we stepped back in time, to a place that has a real community.  Where you have more Aunties than you know the name of, where everyone helps out and when you are welcomed you are family.  I really felt blessed to be a part of this amazing celebration and the love they all have for Ike was clear to everyone present.  Tears were shed, drinks flowed, feasts were eaten, dogs barked and children laughed and played.  To try to describe it my words does not do it justice, but it felt like HOME, a true home, not full of modern technology or comforts, but LOVE.   To the gorgeous couple ~ Thank you for trusting me to capture your amazing celebration of love ~ I know I will never forget it. L xx

L xx

As it was quite a windy, cool day when we were out at the park I thought it best if we could get some shots on Miss E in her comfort zone <3 all snuggled in bed! I even got a gorgeous smile from her and I think she might just have gotten the hang on the model business. 

Of course, Big Brother was never far from the action, keeping an eye on everyone and sneaking into a few frames

Thank you S&J for allowing me to capture your family (twice) and it was an absolute pleasure!

L xx

Brisbane weathermen seemed determined to scare us with reports of rain and the coldest week in twenty years, and yet come Friday morning it was beautiful sunshine and the temperature was heading closer to 20°.  We (Ari Hunter and I ) arrive to a house full of excited hustle, hair, make up, Champagne and smiles.  The lovely Petina Allen worked on Lauren’s hair, while Rose Hewartson put the final touches to the make up of the Mother of the Bride, who was also the Maid of Honour.  The aptly named Divine Flowers had made the most exquisite bouquet and button holes, but the surprise was the corsages made for Lauren’s mother and sister ~ wow!!!

We left the bridal party to continue getting ready and set off to Newstead Park, which was the setting for the ceremony, held under a leafy canopy, officiated by Emily Jade.  Grant was nervous, excited, and being the true gentleman, helping his guests to their seats.  There were quite a few moments on the day that brought a happy tear to the eye, but watching Grant greet his Nanna with a big hug was rather special ♥

Lauren and Grant told their stories on how they met, and fell in love, again the tears flowed as did the laughs and everyone present was now a part of their story, their love.  The beautiful service concluded with fresh rose petals, showering the newest Husband & Wife down the isle.

Lauren & Grant ~ Thank you for letting us capture your glorious day and sharing in your love ♥

Other vendors that deserve a mention!

Cupcakes: Kylie Simpson ~ Brisbane

Car: Cliff Cross driving the amazing 1960 de soto adventurer

Lace for the Dress and Hat: Jodie Butler

Dress: Jane Bassingthwaighte

Hat: Satanica

Rusty the ring bearer! Cute!!

The laughs ♥

Check out the dangly skeleton in the car ~ lol ~

Liddell ♥

I feel truly blessed to have found a group of ladies to share the journey of motherhood with in the last nine months.  We are from all over the globe and chat and share our journey through this momentous occasion, offering support and laughs when one might otherwise be too shy to share. One of these beautiful souls, Kiya, asked me to capture her gorgeous bump in these last few weeks of her pregnancy – what an honour!

Kiya and Kyle travelled up from Northern NSW just to see me ~ no pressure right!  They are such a sweet couple and I know that “Jelly” will be very blessed to have them as parents.  Thank you for letting me share this special “Mother to Be” day with you and I can’t wait to meet this lucky babe!