Author: Astrid

Art Photography: A Visit to Orokonui

| Astrid

We’ve been meaning to visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary since we moved to Port Chalmers, and having The Mister’s mum visiting from Scotland finally meant we did. We were all just so thrilled with how many birds we saw, and it was awesome walking around being serenaded by all of the different birds as we went (another visit is definitely on the cards so that Mister can record the birdsong to use in his sound design!). It was awesome, and it will be great inspiration for my other little project: Plum Billy (original textile design & handmade creations).

Tui
Korimako (bellbird)
A Kākā showing off it’s bright under-feathers
Toutouwai (South Island robin)
Tui framed by a feeding station
Kākā
A takahē grazes
A pair of Takahē
Easter Orchid

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Wedding Photography: Michaela & Kurt

| Astrid

Here’s my highlights from Michaela & Kurt’s stunning autumn wedding!

The first look & bridal party photographs were shot at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens where the warm rich autumn foliage was a gorgeous backdrop. I just love the soft, warm light at this time of the year, and the richness and saturation of colour that you can achieve in the landscape while still maintaining lovely soft skin tones.

The ceremony & first dance photographs were shot at Langdales Vineyard Restaurant where the ceremony was officiated by the fabulous Debbie Hawker. The sun was just dropping down behind the row of trees directly behind Michaela & Kurt during the ceremony, so while there was a lovely soft golden light I knew I’d be risking glare and washout if the sun was coming straight down the lens for the first kiss – I really wanted to get a straight-on shot of the couple’s first kiss so I moved into the arbour where I got a great shot of the first kiss with their families and other guests in the background, all perfectly lit by the soft golden glow of the sun.

 

Wedding Photography: Jodie & Vic at Melton Estate

| Astrid

Jodie & Vic’s autumn wedding at Melton Estate was simply gorgeous. Despite the drizzle, the day was perfect! And because of the drizzle the colours were lush, and the light was soft and beautiful.

Looking back through their images as I was editing them, the thing that stuck out most was how much they make each other laugh, and how much their love for each other just beams. All you need is love, and these two certainly have that!

Rich red roses
Stunning make-up
… and gorgeous hair!
I just love how much they make each other laugh!

Wedding Photography: Sheridan & Angus at Melton Estate & Greystones

| Astrid

Sheridan & Angus’ were blessed with fabulous weather for their simply stunning wedding, at Melton Estate. Sheridan’s choice of vintage styling for her hair, dress, and accessories was complimented beautifully by the wonderful setting at the ceremony & reception (venue styling by Cressy Lane).

Sheridan & Angus wanted to go off-site for their bridal photographs, so we went to nearby Greystones (Old West Coast Road), and had the bridal shoot in Millie’s wonderful garden.

The reception back at Melton Estate was elegant and touching, finishing with a first dance that was just: WOW!

They’ve got the moves!

Wedding Photography: Tessa & Jed at The Woolshed at Tipapa

Image | | Astrid

You know it’s going to be a good old fashioned country wedding when the groom and his boys arrive on the sheep tray of a tractor!

This was a gorgeous day through and through, and full of so much of Tessa & Jed’s personalities. From the school assembly benches for pews at the ceremony to a letterbox in lieu of a wishing well at the reception, Tessa went all-out collecting little bits and pieces from up and down the country so that the setting for their wedding was uniquely theirs.

It was a beautiful setting for a beautiful couple to celebrate their love and the start of their married life together.

Lonely Road at Golden Hour

Image | | Astrid

This wedding season has seen me spend a LOT of time on the road (moving 4 hours drive away will do that!!). I haven’t always had the time to stop and capture the moment if the scenery was photo-worthy, but a week or so ago as I was travelling through Waipara I had the time – and, as luck would have it – it was golden hour.

This stretch of lonely road, looked gorgeous in the golden light. Omihi, near Waipara, really is quite stunning.

Road through Waipara at Dusk, Canterbury, New Zealand.