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)