Vickie’s Rabbit Island Empowerment Photoshoot
There’s something special about Rabbit Island: the salt in the air, the endless stretch of sand, the soft roar of the waves. It’s one of my favourite places for empowerment photography in Nelson, and the Rabbit Island empowerment photoshoot has become a signature experience for women wanting to reconnect with themselves in nature.
Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Vickie out on the beach, and honestly, she blew me away. From the moment she arrived, her confidence filled the space. She moved with purpose and grace, full of ideas and energy. You could instantly tell she’s a dancer; every pose created these breathtaking lines and shapes, like art in motion.
As the session unfolded, the light turned golden and soft with that perfect evening glow that makes everything feel magical. We finished in the surf, with waves washing over her and the sun kissing her skin. The resulting images are some of my favourites yet: raw, powerful, and beautifully feminine. In those moments, she looked like a literal goddess, fully in her element.
That’s what these empowerment photoshoots are all about. I’m going to capture the strength, beauty, and individuality that’s already there, just waiting to shine. Whether you want to celebrate a milestone, reconnect with your body, or simply do something for you, this Rabbit Island empowerment photoshoot experience is designed to remind you of your own magic.
New empowerment photoshoot packages are coming soon, created to give every woman the space to feel seen, celebrated, and completely herself.
✨ Explore the Empowerment Experience here.
Rabbit Island Maternity Photoshoot – Brooke & Nick
A relaxed Rabbit Island maternity photoshoot for Brooke & Nick, capturing soft light, rolling waves, and the beauty of their first pregnancy.
Brooke and Nick’s Rabbit Island maternity photoshoot was such a peaceful and heartwarming session. It was the perfect way to celebrate their first pregnancy and capture the quiet anticipation of what’s to come.
We had originally planned to shoot at sunset, but when the forecast threatened rain, we made a last-minute call to switch to early morning. It turned out to be the best decision! The beach was calm and completely empty, the light was soft and golden, and the waves rolled gently in the background. I always joke that sessions that get rescheduled are the best; it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Brooke and Nick have been together since they were teenagers. They first met on Facebook and had their very first chat on Valentine’s Day, which also happens to be Nick’s birthday! After getting married almost two years ago, they decided to start thinking about growing their family and were soon blessed with their bub!
Their maternity session at Rabbit Island was everything I love about beach shoots. It felt relaxed, natural, and full of quiet moments between two people who clearly adore each other. The light, the waves, and their easy connection all came together beautifully.
These photos will no doubt be treasured for years to come. It’s always such a privilege to capture people in these amazing stages of their life.
Want your own Rabbit Island maternity photoshoot? Get in touch here to start planning your session.
A Deeply Personal Appleby House Wedding
Kerry and Arran’s Appleby House wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and creativity, perfectly reflecting their playful and meaningful personalities. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the western ranges, with the nearby Rabbit Island offering dreamy beach photo opportunities, this wedding was as unique as the couple themselves.
The day started warm and bright, but nature had a surprise in store—a sudden downpour began just as Kerry and Arran shared their first kiss! Guests dashed inside, laughter filling the air, as the ceremony continued indoors. This unexpected moment only added to the charm and spontaneity of the day, perfectly capturing the couple’s fun-loving spirit.
Appleby House offered the ideal location for both celebration and convenience, with on-site accommodation for family and friends. The ceremony featured a stunning greenery-covered frame that served as a beautiful backdrop for the vows and later photographs. Inside, tables were styled with gold accents and blush pink details, while the bridesmaids wore elegant green and the bride’s four daughters looked adorable in floral dresses—a truly cohesive and joyful aesthetic.
One of the most memorable moments came during the signing of the register, when the bride’s daughters serenaded the couple with “Die With a Smile” by Bruno Mars, filling the room with emotion. Kerry and Arran’s dedication to personal touches was evident everywhere, from handmade flowers to custom signs, and even the outside bar leaner tables that were made by Arran. Almost every detail was curated or crafted by the couple themselves, making the day deeply personal and meaningful.
Photography captured both the excitement and intimacy of the day. A short, sweet portrait session at Rough Island and Rabbit Island allowed the couple a quiet moment together away from the celebrations. Despite the tight timing, the session produced stunning images, highlighting not only the beauty of the surroundings but also the importance of stealing a few private moments amid the wedding whirlwind.
The reception was a lively, multi-generational celebration with dancing, laughter, and heartfelt toasts. Guests reveled in the joyful atmosphere, fully immersing themselves in Kerry and Arran’s love story. Every detail of the day, from decor to music, reflected the couple’s thoughtful approach, making this Appleby House wedding a truly unforgettable experience.
A Playful St Arnaud Engagement Photoshoot
When Ella and Marcus reached out to me after finding my website on Google (thank you, 80+ five-star reviews!), they knew exactly where they wanted to celebrate this special chapter in their love story: beautiful St Arnaud.
When Ella and Marcus reached out to me after finding my website on Google (thank you, 80+ five-star reviews!), they knew exactly where they wanted to celebrate this special chapter in their love story: beautiful St Arnaud. For Marcus, the lake edge and jetty at Lake Rotoiti hold a deep connection—he grew up in Nelson, and the area has always been a special place for him. Even though they now live in Wellington, St Arnaud was the perfect destination for their engagement photoshoot.
We met on an early spring day that turned out to be wild and wet. Instead of the soft golden light we photographers usually hope for, the rain poured down, clouds rolled in, and fresh snow capped the mountains. But here’s the magic: the stormy conditions gave us the most atmospheric backdrop. The mist hung low over the lake, and because of the weather, we had the entire jetty and shoreline completely to ourselves. It felt like nature had carved out a private moment just for them.
Ella and Marcus leaned right into the weather with big smiles and even bigger laughs. They snuggled under an umbrella, danced in the drizzle, and recreated that famous Notebook kiss (after Marcus had to be filled in on what it was all about). Between the raindrops, we had plenty of playful moments—Marcus skipped stones across the lake, they went eel hunting along the shoreline, and neither could stop laughing the entire time.
Their choice of soft, neutral clothing was spot on. The tones blended beautifully with the moody colours of the lake and surrounding mountains, letting their joy and connection shine as the real focus of the images. Honestly, I think the photos turned out better than if it had been a sunny day—the drama of the clouds and rain told their story in such a unique way.
That’s what I love most about engagement sessions: no two are ever the same. Whether it’s golden light, wild weather, or something in between, the experience becomes part of the memory. For Ella and Marcus, this wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a chance to play, laugh, and soak up a place that means so much to them.
If you’re recently engaged and dreaming of photos that feel personal, natural, and full of connection, I’d love to create something magical for you too. Get in touch today to start planning your very own St Arnaud engagement photoshoot.
Here’s what Ella had to say about their photoshoot: “Book her immediately! We had such a wonderful experience with her during our engagement shoot and the photos are stunning. With me be an awkward turtle when getting photos taken Francesca made our shoot fun and easy going!”
I’m an NZIPP Accredited Photographer!
I’m stoked to share some very exciting news with you: I am now officially an NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer!
You’re probably thinking…okay, but what does that mean? And why is it a big deal?
Let me explain…
I’m stoked to share some very exciting news with you: I am now officially an NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer!
You’re probably thinking…okay, but what does that mean? And why is it a big deal?
Let me explain…
What is NZIPP Accreditation?
NZIPP (New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography) is the only recognised professional body for photographers in Aotearoa. Gaining accreditation isn’t as simple as signing up, far from it! It’s a rigorous process that involves presenting a portfolio of work to a panel of respected judges who are at the top fo the industry in New Zealand. They assess everything from technical ability and consistency to creativity, client care, and professionalism.
It’s not just about having great photos either. Any photographer who submits themselves for accreditation must prove they meet industry standards. I had to show that I earn money, pay taxes, and have the right level of insurance among other things.
In other words, accreditation is a stamp of approval that says: this photographer meets the highest professional standard in New Zealand.
Why This Matters for You
When you’re trusting someone to capture your family, your wedding, or a milestone moment, you want to know you’re in safe hands. Being NZIPP Accredited means:
You can trust in my skills
My work has been reviewed and recognised by incredibly experienced photographers. They don’t award accreditation to a photographer unless their images are as close to perfect as you can get!
You’ll receive a professional experience
I don’t just mean beautiful images, but also clear communication, reliable service, and attention to detail from start to finish.
You’re hiring someone who is committed to growth
Accredited NZIPP members have to commit to continual upskilling, entering awards, and staying current with industry trends.
Your memories are in safe hands
Accreditation demonstrates consistency and reliability, so you can feel confident that I’ll deliver quality every single time.
Why I’m Proud of This Achievement
Achieving accreditation is a milestone I’ve been working towards for years. As a self taught photographer it means a lot to be given the seal of approval from a respected organisation like the NZIPP! It shows not only my passion for photography, but also my commitment to my clients.
For me, this recognition is a big deal because it validates the hard work and learning I’ve put into my craft since I committed to photography as my full time job in 2021. For you, it’s peace of mind: you’re choosing a photographer you can rely on.
Ready to Book Your Session?
Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, a growing family, or a special moment in your life, I’d love to capture it for you. With NZIPP Accreditation behind my name, you can book with confidence knowing you’ll walk away with images that you’ll love!
👉 Get in touch here to start planning your session.
Why Entering the NZIPP Iris Awards Matters – And What My Wins Mean for You
Last August was a big one for me – I entered the NZIPP Iris Awards and walked away with four award-winning images! It’s taken me a while to gather my thoughts (and come down from the nerves and excitement), but I want to share a little bit about what the Iris Awards mean, why I enter them, and what these wins mean for my clients.
Last August was a big one for me – I entered the NZIPP Iris Awards and walked away with four award-winning images! It’s taken me a while to gather my thoughts (and come down from the nerves and excitement), but I want to share a little bit about what the Iris Awards mean, why I enter them, and what these wins mean for my clients.
What Are the Iris Awards?
The Iris Awards are New Zealand’s premier photography competition, run by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP). They’re widely recognised as the benchmark for professional photography in Aotearoa. For photographers, entering isn’t just about chasing medals – it’s about pushing creativity, improving technical skills, and being judged against the very best in the industry.
Images are assessed live by a panel of Master Photographers. Every brush stroke of light, every compositional choice, and every emotional detail is scrutinised. Hearing your work critiqued in front of an audience is nerve-wracking to say the least; it really is the best and worst feeling in the world! But the reward is invaluable. You get honest feedback from industry leaders, fresh inspiration, and, if you’re lucky, the thrill of an award.
For clients, the Iris Awards are a reassurance that their photographer is committed to growth, artistry, and delivering work that stands out. When you book with an award-winning photographer, you’re booking someone who has proven their craft on a national stage.
My Four Award-Winning Images
This year I entered five images – and four came back with an award (we won’t talk about the photo I decided to enter into the landscape category, what was I thinking?!). Here’s a little more about them:
‘Curves’ – Bronze in Portrait
This photo was captured during my midwinter group empowerment shoot. Personally, it’s one of my favourites: the light was stunning, the cows were plentiful, and the warmth in the air felt like a gift on the shortest day of the year!
The judges gave me a Bronze Award and confirmed something I’d already suspected – that the bright background and horizon lines could have been stronger. And you know what? That’s the beauty of Iris: it teaches me to see my own work more critically, and that makes me a better photographer for my clients.
But beyond technicalities, this image is powerful because of the women who showed up, many of them strangers to one another, and allowed themselves to be photographed with strength and vulnerability. That courage is what makes this photo truly shine.
(P.s - the image I entered wasn’t censored, of course!)
Isn’t It Ironic – Bronze in Wedding
I’ll be honest: I was on edge waiting for this image to be judged. The panel were being very strict with their judging and I saw fantastic photos being scored a lot lower than I expected, and I was convinced this photo wouldn’t win. But to my delight, it earned a Bronze!
This shot is one of those moments that only happen when you lean into whatever the day brings. Tom & Kirsten’s ceremony started beautifully, then the heavens opened. Most couples would have rushed for shelter, but these two? They kept right on with their vows, grinning from ear to ear as the rain poured down. To me, this photo is joy, commitment, and love in its purest form and I’m so glad the judges thought so too.
Bigger Than My Body – Silver in Portrait
This image was born from my International Women’s Day shoot, which was about celebrating bodies exactly as they are. “Bigger Than My Body” tells the story of how, when women are reduced to only their bodies, the world shrinks around them. But by photographing bodies unapologetically, without hiding or “flattering,” we reclaim power.
The evening this was captured was magical – warm, quiet, and full of laughter. We played with shapes and poses, and of course, finished with the traditional skinny dip! The judges resonated with the concept and rewarded it as my top-scoring image of the year.
Impressions – Silver in Wedding
This one was a happy accident! Sarah had stepped outside for her “first look” moment, and I spotted her through the villa window while I was setting up inside. The way her red hair glowed against the greenery, framed perfectly by the window, reminded me of an impressionist painting.
It’s these quiet, in-between moments that I love most about weddings. They aren’t staged or scripted; they’re just real, fleeting glimpses of beauty. For the judges to see the artistry in this image felt incredibly rewarding.
Why This Matters for My Clients
So, why should awards matter to you when you’re choosing a photographer? Quite simply, it’s about trust.
Commitment to craft: Entering Iris pushes me to constantly refine my skills.
Creativity and storytelling: Awarded images show I can capture not just how something looks, but how it feels.
Recognition by peers: My work has been judged and celebrated by leading photographers in New Zealand.
At the end of the day, I don’t shoot for the awards: I shoot for my clients. But it’s so wonderful and rewarding to have these photos recognised at a national level.
So, whether you’re planning your wedding, looking to celebrate yourself, or want to capture life’s milestones, you can book with confidence knowing that your story is in the hands of an award-winning photographer.
A joyful wedding at The Honest Lawyer
Love knows no boundaries, not even the virtual expanse of an online role-playing game. Tania and Daniel's love story began in the vast realms of a Facebook group dedicated to their shared passion for an online RP game.
Love knows no boundaries, not even the virtual expanse of an online role-playing game. Tania and Daniel's love story began in the vast realms of a Facebook group dedicated to their shared passion for an online RP game. Despite living on opposite sides of the Wangamoa’s, their connection transcended pixels and avatars, evolving into a beautiful journey that led them to say their heartfelt "I Do's" seven years after meeting, surrounded by their favourite people.
This epic pair, proudly self-proclaimed nerds, celebrated their union with a wedding that perfectly reflected their personalities and interests. From Dan's vows ingeniously enclosed in a golden scroll to the D&D dice cufflinks and jewellery, every detail reflected who they are. Tania, who manages the Altitude pole studio, added an unexpected twist to the day, and you'll have to scroll down to the photos to see what magic we made!
It was a classic spring day, with unsettled weather forecast. It started out sunny, but as the day progtessed rain threatened. Thankfully the rain held off for the ceremony and family photos. Once dinner started it began bucketing it down, and then seemed to clear as fast as it arrived. The rain left the courtyard freshly washed clean to become a brilliant dancefloor! Tania & Dan’s day was totally chill and relaxed with so many moments of joy and genuine emotion. I lost count of how many people cried happy tears!
Side note: Can we take a moment to appreciate how S T U N N I N G Tania looked in her dress? The train, combined with cathedral veil, had some serious wow factor and I honestly think Dan nearly fell to the floor when he first saw her in the forest!
The heartfelt speeches, especially Daniel's older brother's eloquent words, added a touch of literary brilliance to the day. It was no surprise to discover that he was a writer, given the emotion and authenticity woven into his words. Each speech resonated with love, portraying the deep affection everyone felt for Tania and Daniel as individuals and as a couple.
I loved the incorpoirtation of ring warming - the first time I’d seen it done. Tania & Daniel’s wedding rings were passed around their guests during the ceremony, with each person holding the rings in their hand to impart well wishes for the future.
Their love for the theatre brought us together, and a couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of capturing their them in a couples shoot. Little did I know that from that photoshoot theyd decided I’d be their wedding photographer when the day came. They even coordinated their venue booking around my availability, no pressure then!!!
Collaborating with Tania on the wedding timeline was a joy, and the decision to have a first look at Rough Island proved to be a great idea. The day unfolded seamlessly, filled with joy, genuine emotion, and countless happy tears, a testament to the extraordinary love shared by Tania and Daniel.
I was such a genuine honour to capture these two on their day and I can’t wait to watch them grow old together. I’ll let Tania & Daniel have the last word…
“We were lucky enough to have done a previous couples shoot with Francesca and knew from then that when we eventually got engaged, we wanted her to shoot our wedding too. So when the time came she was one of the first vendors we reached out to and she played such a massive and wonderful role in our day.
In the lead-up Francesca was so fantastic to work with, guiding us through photo timelines and working with us to customise our day and make it perfect. Her expertise helped us plan the entire wedding timeline which went off without a hitch.
Francesca is such a wonderful person to have around on your wedding day, she is the perfect combination of fun, happy and excited but has that calming presence when you need it. She was so wonderful darting around all the different locations we were spread out at. She provides the perfect amount of involvement so that you get all the shots you want but also so many beautiful candid’s that really showcase our day. She was everywhere and everything we needed and we loved having her as part of our day. And then when we saw the photos we were blown away!
Francesca provided us with some beautiful sneak peeks while we waited for the photos which we appreciated, but they didn’t prepare us for what we got. Weddings are one of those events that fly by and you almost forget half of it in the whirlwind. Francesca took so many incredible photos of us, our day and our friends and family that we have a story in pictures that we can never forget. The photos are absolutely stunning and I think I will be looking at them in awe forever. We can not recommend enough using Francesca as a photographer, we will definitely work with her again!”
Venue The Honest Lawyer | Hair & Makeup Wonderland Hair & Beauty | Celebrant Lester Oakes | Dress Astra Bridal | Flowers K Flower Arrangements | Rings Jens Hansen
A cute and quirky wedding in Isel Park
Where to even start with these two and their epic day?! I knew we’d get on when Sophie and Gemma rocked up to our pre-wedding meeting at the Isel park cafe and immediately ordered a cider (making me regret my decision to get a flat white!). It set the tone for our whole working relationship: three mates planning an absolutely epic day together. That increased tenfold when I attended their wedding rehearsal and met their extended whanau!
Where to even start with these two and their epic day?! I knew we’d get on when Sophie and Gemma rocked up to our pre-wedding meeting at the Isel Park cafe and immediately ordered a cider (making me regret my decision to get a flat white!). It set the tone for our whole working relationship: three mates planning an absolutely epic day together. That increased tenfold when I attended their wedding rehearsal and met their extended whanau!
Sophie and Gemma found me on Google, and said they vibed with my style straightaway - and also loved that I promote myself as LGBTQ+ friendly. As soon as we started talking we got on, and their decision was cemented!
Their wedding ceremony at Isel Park was utterly them, and they chose to eschew the traditions that didn’t work for them and kept the ones that did, and it resulted in a day that was completely and utterly them. I knew Sophie and Gemma would have a day as unique as they are, so it was no surprise when Megs (their celebrant) rocked up dressed as a fairy! They had jokingly asked if she could dress up - and of course she said yes! This was my first time working with Meg and she was a delight, and honestly mega bonus points for incorporating costume into the day. I was pretty jealous of her glitter and fairy wings - she really looked like a fairy in the surroundings of Isel Park.
I’ll never forget the moment in the ceremony where they talked about how lucky they felt to be able - as two women - to get legally married, and to do so surrounded by a huge group of supportive and loving friends and family. I’ll also never forget the absolute howls of laughter when Sophie pulled out her vows…which were written on a beautifully decorated kitten card (they are both cat obsessed!). It summed up the day really: laughter, happy tears, and beautiful authentic moments of emotion.
Sophie and Gemma had their ceremony at Isel Park. Sophie had grown up near there and had spent much of her childhood roaming and playing inside. That, combined with it’s natural beauty and central location, made choosing Isel Park as their wedding venue a total no brainer! I loved photographing their wedding ceremony in Isel Park as the lovely shade afforded by the towering trees meant I could capture a wedding ceremony without harsh sunlight on their faces. It also gave us a gorgeous backdrop for the post-ceremony family portraits.
It was a blistering summer’s day - absolutely stunning - and so everyone was in one of those amazing good moods that just seems to spread out to everyone nearby. The vibe was totally joyful and it felt like a big reunion, with friends and family flying in from across the world and New Zealand too.
I always offer help when a couple is planning their day, and was so pleased that I suggested Sophie & Gemma do a first look. Not only did this give them a moment together before the madness really kicked off, but it also really helped to calm both of their nerves before the ceremony started. The great thing about choosingto have a wedding ceremony at Isel Park is that you can always find a secluded spot, and so the first look felt really intimate and private.
On the way to the wedding reception at The Styx we pulled over and did a mini photoshoot with Tahunanui beach as our backdrop. Sophie & Gemma didn’t want to miss out on partying with their loved ones and so we did a mini portrait session literally on the side of the road! Once we rocked up to The Styx the celebrations really got going; you could hardly hear over the roars of laughter erupting around the room.
By the time it came for me to leave their wedding reception I think my goodbyes took about half an hour - I truly felt like a member of the family. I feel so lucky to be able to photograph beautiful weddings like these - what an absolute privilege my job is.
Thank you Gemma & Sophie and con-cat-ulations on your meow-wige!
I’ll let Gemma have the last word…
“The happiest day of our lives made extra wonderful and special with Francesca. She is such a talent and made us feel so comfortable. My wife and I were in hysterics with her joking around and she understood the vibe we were going for to capture our wedding which was fun, inclusive and happy. Book her and you will be eternally grateful with you beautiful photos. Shes a gem!”
I’ve won some awards!
That’s right! Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or, alternatively, just don’t follow me on social media) you’ll know that this year I’ve picked up some photography awards. It’s such a fantastic feeling to have your work recognised and acknowledged, even if it is a very scary experience submitting the images.
That’s right! Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or, alternatively, just don’t follow me on social media) you’ll know that this year I’ve picked up some photography awards. It’s such a fantastic feeling to have your work recognised and acknowledged, even if it is a very scary experience submitting the images.
Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer
My first award came from the Pink Lady Foot Photography Awards. I won second place in the Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer category and nearly dropped my coffee when I watched the announcement on the livestream! All finalists have their work displayed in an exhibition at the Royal Photographic Society in Bristol which just added to the magic of winning.
The Pink Lady Awards are the world’s leading celebration of food photography. It was founded in 2011 and since then well over 100,000 entries have been received from almost 100 countries - so it’s a tough competition and one I’m delighted to have won in!
This photo is titled ‘The Saloon’ and it was taken at Jessie and Kane’s wedding in November 2022. During lockdown they had built a bar in their backyard (the eponymous saloon) and we couldn’t resist getting photos of Kane and his brother calming their nerves on the morning of the wedding with a stiff drink!
The NZIPP Iris Awards
Now, this was a scary one! The Iris awards are the biggest photography awards in New Zealand. They’re also live judged which means you hear scores and feedback (good and bad) in real time, along with anyone else who might be watching.
I’d watched the live judging in 2022 and had marveled at some of the incredible entires. The Iris awards happen prior to the NZIPP Photo Show, and all winners are displayed in an exhibition that just dazzled me with it’s brilliance. Looking wistfully at the amazing entries last year I wondered…”Will I ever be good enough to have my photo up there, too?”
Spoiler alert to 2022 me: yes!
I entered four photographs this year, and won awards with 3 of them. One photograph was awarded a silver distinction and I could not stop crying with happiness! Good job I was watching the livestream in the car rather than sitting in the judging audience…! My silver distinction was awarded to my photograph ‘Between’, which tries to show the strange mediate space you occupy when pregnant: both a mother, and yet not-quite a mother. I was very pleased that one judge noticed that my model’s eyes are open above the water and closed below it. I was worried that detail may have been too subtle!
It was so fun to plan, shoot, and edit this photo, and I think it shows that maternity photography can be about so much more than standing on a beach in a flowly dress!
My two bronze images are also two favourites!
The first is a photograph I took at a beautiful home birth. I found there was a huge range of emotions captured in one photograph which made it a powerful image. Capturing births is an incredible priviledge for me, you are with someone during their absolute most vulnerable moments, and I’m so glad I could be there to freeze these moments in time.
The second is a photo I love from a gorgeous engagement shoot last summer. It’s now only a year until Jack and Iona’s wedding and I cannot WAIT to capture their day!
Out from the Mist
Out from the Mist is a photography, short movie and music competition. The competition is about mental illness, hoping to capture the breadth of the diversity of living with a mental illness. Submissions can range from the experiences of pain and suffering, caring and empathy for loved ones, through to the elation of conquering obstacles.
I entered a deeply personal photo (which I haven’t quite found the courage to share - yet!) and was gobsmacked to be a finalist in the awards. This competition really pushed me creatively, as it is so much more about evoking feelings and being unique than others I entered. Needless to say, I’m already planning my entries for next year!
Christmas Tree Sessions are coming!
My 2023 Christmas Tree sessions are coming!
Christmas Tree Sessions are on their way!
✨ 26th November
✨ $200
✨ 20 minutes
Join me at the Eyebright Christmas Tree farm to create some festive magic!
Your photos will be edited in plenty of time for these to work as gifts for whanau and friends - guaranteed Grandparent love - or to print as holiday cards.
A booking link will be sent out to my VIP list at 7pm on Friday 29 September. There won’t be that many spots, so if you’re keen to book let me know.
I’ve been working on these for ages and I am SO excited that I can now tell you about it all!!! Many thanks to Peter at Eyebright for allowing me to use his amazing business for this.
Commercial Photography: Tree Planting sponsored by Honda
On a rainy Saturday back in June I ventured out to Kelly’s Conservation Forest to capture a wonderful tree planting event. Organised by…
On a rainy Saturday back in June I ventured out to Kelly’s Conservation Forest to capture a wonderful tree planting event. Organised by Tress That Count and sponsored by Honda, I was there to capture the volunteers as they planted native trees on the property. Lindy, the owner, was featured last year on Country Calendar so I was well aware of the fantastic work she’s doing with reforestation and it was a real treat to chat to her and take a few portraits.
I love commercial photography jobs like this! Not only was I able to get some great documentary style photographs to tell the story of the day, but I snapped some sweet portraits and photos for social media (which I love seeing pop up on my feed!). The team at Trees That Count were wonderful to work with, and it was well worth getting several layers of mud on my hiking boots.
Well done to the Honda team who travelled down from Auckland for the event, along with all the volunteers who braved the elements to donate their time and get some native trees in the ground. It was a great Saturday and I even got to plant a tree myself - next time I don’t have to bring my camera I promise I’ll plant more!
Are you interested in booking me for a commercial photography job? Get in touch to find out my availability and rates for commercial photography in Nelson and beyond!
Nelson Weddings - Tayla & Logan - Rough Island Ceremony, Founders Park (The Granary) Reception
What do you do when a few weeks out from your wedding you discover you’re without a photographer? Well, if you’re Tayla & Logan…
What do you do when a few weeks out from your wedding you discover you’re without a photographer? Well, if you’re Tayla & Logan you call me! Luckily for them I happened to have a Saturday free because of a cancellation, so the stars aligned and we got to team up. We kept joking that the universe had thrown us together and I couldn’t agree more, what an amazing day!
Tayla & Logan’s wedding ceremony took place on Rough Island, a special spot not far from Nelson. The bridal party travelled in style, riding in cars borrowed from Nelson’s Classic car Museum! Their vows were personal and caused more than one guest to shed a tear, including the couple’s gorgeous wee toddler Olive (although her tears might have been tantrum related…). We made our way into the pine forest for some epic photos before heading to their reception venue - The Granary at Founders park.
The bridal party made us wait for their entrance, the delay explained when a bridesmaid and groomsman arrived having swapped outfits - too funny! After a delicious dinner and heartfelt speeches the dancefloor lit up and I took my cue to sneak off. What a beautiful day with a beautiful couple.
VENDORS - Hair: Chloe Hewton // Makeup: Asher Artistry // Flowers: The Wilde Florist // Dress: Chosen by KYHA from Paperswan Bride // Bridesmaids Dresses: Evolution Bridesmaids // Cars: Nelson Classic Car Museum // Videography: Luke Marshall // Event and Styling: Atahuia Weddings & Events // Venue: Founders Park - The Granary
3 of Nelson’s Best Budget Wedding Venues
The great thing about getting married in Nelson is that there's a venue to suit any style or budget. Looking for the…
Budget but Beautiful Nelson Wedding Venues
The great thing about getting married in Nelson is that there's a venue to suit any style or budget. Looking for the best Budget Wedding Venues in the Nelson area? Here are my top 3!
Fairfield House - Nelson
Located just a stone’s throw from Nelson CBD, this historical house is packed with character. You can use it as a ceremony and reception venue, and with its own kitchen can choose catering and bar options to suit. With a selection of rooms, you can have a few different setups, and the courtyard makes for an intimate and quirky place for a reception. The meadow is an ideal place to have your wedding ceremony, with views across Nelson and heaps of room for as many guests as you’d like! Plus, you get sole use of the house so it’s guaranteed to be private.
The Playhouse - Mapua
A Nelson institution, the Playhouse is especially good for those wanting to dance the night away. If an outdoor ceremony is your thing, you'll love their lakeside lawn. With a quirky interior it doesn’t take much to create an atmosphere, so it’s a great choice if you’re keen for a serious party.
Founders Park // The Granary - Nelson
I've seen The Granary set up a few different ways and it always looks gorgeous! You've got a perfect blank slate to put your vision onto, and the surroundings of Founders Park make for some great photos.
Are there any other budget venues you love? Let me know so I can share the knowledge!
Nelson Weddings - Alex & Matt - Theatre Royal Ceremony, Rutherford Hotel Reception
I always knew that Matt & Alex’s wedding would be fantastic - after all, they run an events company together - but I truly wasn’t prepared for how much…
I always knew that Matt & Alex’s wedding would be fantastic - after all, they run an events company together - but I truly wasn’t prepared for how much emotion, love, and laughter they would pack into their day! I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a fair few tears while listening to their beautiful vows.
Their ceremony at the Theatre Royal was super unique. I’ve never seen a wedding take place on a stage before (with full theatre lights) but I hope it won’t be the last! We managed to sneak out to the Glen for some golden hour portraits - one reason I love winter weddings in Nelson - before heading to their reception at the Rutherford Hotel. After some heartfelt speeches and a delicious dinner, it was time to hit the dancefloor - and hit it they did!
What a way to kick off my 2021 wedding season in Nelson! Thank you for choosing me to capture your day.
VENDORS - Suits: Custom Barkers // Ceremony Venue: Theatre Royal Nelson // Reception Venue: Rutherford Hotel Nelson // Cars: Rent a Classic // Chairs: Continental Event Hire // Set up: Pop Up Events // Wedding coordinator: Erin Brady from EB Events // DJ: Audio Entertainment // Flowers: Lily & May // Wait Staff: Pop Up Events // Shoes: Christian Louboutin & Maher // Videographer: Fraser Heal // Makeup: Makeup Artistry with Laura
Nelson Weddings - Kayla & Evie - Fairfield House Ceremony & Reception Venue
Kayla and Evie were incredibly organised brides. Almost two years out from their wedding we met up and I explained that I was worried about committing to a date because…
Kayla and Evie were incredibly organised brides. Almost two years out from their wedding we met up and I explained that I was worried about committing to a date because Mikey and I were going to be trying for a baby in the near future; imagine if I’d committed then been too pregnant?! Luckily for all of us, Hunter arrived a year before the wedding and I was able to capture their special day.
Fairfield House was their venue of choice for both the ceremony and reception, and it makes for a gorgeous spot for a wedding especially on such a sunny spring day. The ladies got ready at Joya Garden Villas just around the corner, but dressed separately so the dresses would be revealed at the aisle. The dresses were stitched by Kayla’s amazing mumma Marita and even, get this, had pockets!
Kayla and Evie’s ceremony was filled with personal flourishes and I saw many a tear being dabbed away. I loved that between the ceremony and reception the couple had created a boardgame room for their guests, complete with a milkshake bar which went down a treat with adults and kids alike.
After heartfelt speeches and a delicious dinner, it was time for the guests to hit the dancefloor inside the ballroom. I’m not sure what time they finished up, but I snuck out at 9pm and the party was only just getting started.
What an amazing day, I feel very thankful I was chosen to capture it.
VENDORS - Hair and Makeup: Beauty by Angela \\ Ceremony & Reception Venue: Fairfield House \\ Dresses: Marita’s Sewshop \\ Flowers: Expressions Florist \\ Celebrant: Emma Helleur \\ Catering & Bar Staff: Nourish Catering \\ Sound Equipment: Steve from Sweet Sounds \\ Accommodation: Joya Garden Villas \\ Cake: a very talented friend! \\ Bee removalist: Wellzy (IYKYK)