I was so excited to photograph Hiranthi & Shirantha’s wedding when I went back to NZ a few weeks ago. I’d been looking forward to their wedding for quite a while now, as they booked me about a year in advance. When I first met these two, I had my fingers and toes crossed that we would work together. I just loved Hiranthi’s sparkly energy, her passion for life and Shirantha’s laid back supportive nature. When I photographed their engagement, my excitement grew as these two were complete naturals, (not to mention completely gorgeous!!) in front of my camera.

I arrived at Hiranthi’s house at 8.30am as she was being wrapped into her beautiful sari…

Leaf and Honey did a lovely job with the flowers.

I adore Hiranthi’s gorgeous smile!

Her home was absolutely stunning.

I’ve already posted one photograph of their First Look, but I couldn’t resist posting it again. I love Shirantha’s expression! I love it when couples choose to have a First Look and see each other before the ceremony. Not only do the bride and groom get to spend some time together, just the two of them (which is actually quite rare on a wedding day sometimes!) the day ALWAYS runs more smoothly – after the the ceremony you don’t have to rush off for a few hours for photos and abandon your guests!

Hiranthi & Shirantha had a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony. I loved all the beautiful vibrant colours people were wearing! The ceremony and reception were at Markovina Vineyard Estate.

Married!

The ceiling at Markovina was covered in real vines! Loved it.

A beautiful video tribute was played at the reception to honor Hiranthi’s Dad, who had passed away a few years ago.

It was a day filled with beautiful colour, beauty, tears of joy, laughter, tradition, family, friends and so much love. I was SO honored to be able to capture this incredible day. Hiranthi and Shirantha, thank you for the privilege. I know you will be loving being married and I hope you have an amazing trip to Europe next year! Kate xxx

How was yours?

I had the privilege of photographing my new kiwi friend Sarah & Perry in their gorgeous new home…

Sam & I got $61 fine for parking at the beach for 10 minutes! Didn’t see the signs… Definitely learned our lesson! But the upside was we had a lovely feast of Calamari & Chips overlooking Port Phillip Bay. xx

(iphone pics)

Happy cup day! It’s a public holiday here in Melbourne, I’m going to a high tea get together with friends this afternoon. Poor Sam still had to go to work… The joy of working at a University! To be honest, this is all pretty new for me – I’ve never been to the races before…but it seems to be a pretty big deal here, so I’ll go along with it!

Okay….it’s November!! November people! Wow. I think this year has gone faster then any other year for me. I’m back to NZ next week for 11 days to shoot 2 gorgeous weddings, one in Auckland and one in Mahia near Gisborne, which looks unbelievably gorgeous! I’m so excited. When I’m back in Melbourne I have a wedding in the Yarra Valley (yay!) and a few fun portrait and engagement shoots which I’m really looking forward to. Here’s to a wonderful, productive and enjoyable November! xxx

REVIEW OF OCTOBER BUSINESS GOALS

Stick to the wedding system. Hmmm this is debatable… but in my defense I was sick most of last week!

Don’t procrastinate with editing. Also debatable…I do need to improve with this!

Investigate options for outsourcing editing. Nope. Read my post about outsourcing here.

Shoot my weddings well! Yes!!! I am in LOVE with the gorgeous weddings I had the privilege to shoot while in NZ. Watch this space for more gorgeousness…

Love my clients. Hopefully?!

Keep to blogging calender. I think I’ve actually done this…! wow.

Take photos of my canvas prints and frames hung on walls. Nope…not even on the radar at the moment…think this is a more long term goal.

Make a section on my website for printing and display examples. See above…

Refine gift registry system. Yes! Done.

Packaging – refine. Still in the process….but getting there!

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REVIEW OF PERSONAL OCTOBER GOALS

Continue to run 5 days a week. Yes! Except for 3 days when I was sick last week…

Daily quiet time. Yes and no…this was hard when I was in NZ as I expected!

Do Pilates 3 times a week. Ahem….no.

Read 2 books (non business related) anyone have suggestions?? I did read 1 book… ‘Outliers’ by Malcolm Gladwell, which was not exactly riveting…but interesting.

Find some new glasses (I very sadly lost my beloved ‘Kate’ glasses…) Yes! Duty free Ray Bans which I love!

Find a new hairdresser in Melbourne…although I will still be going to Ray at Elysium in Mt Eden whenever I’m in Auckland, he’s the best! Yes! I went to Chai Hairdressing. They also introduced me to the joy of dry Shampoo… which I’ve been telling everyone about. I’m in love!

Find some great music to edit to…anyone have suggestions? I’m loving Florence and the machine, Sia, and I’ve recently downloaded from iTunes the Zero 7 album ‘Simple things’. Love them all.

NOVEMBER BUSINESS GOALS

Stick to the wedding system.

Don’t procrastinate with editing!!

Shoot my weddings, portraits and engagements well!

Love my clients.

Keep to blogging calender.

Update website portfolio & blog slideshow banner with new photos.

Read a great business book.

Send photos to wedding vendors.

Submit a wedding to Style Me Pretty or other wedding blog.

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PERSONAL NOVEMBER GOALS

Continue to run 5 days a week (I’m scared if I take this goal off I wont do it!)

Drink more water.

Start looking for & buying Christmas presents!

Cook an amazing dinner and dessert for Sam.

Read 1 non-business related book.

Make a Shootsac cover.

Make more of an effort to Skype Sam while in NZ!

xx

I’ve always loved to wrap presents. When choosing Christmas and birthday presents, sometimes it’s the wrapping of the gifts that excite me the most. I love choosing which paper or material to wrap presents in and which ribbon/string/twine that will bring it all together. I think amazing packaging can really add value. I’m in the process of refining my packaging for my brides and grooms right now. I want my final product to be packaged and wrapped in a beautiful eco-friendly way that reflects my brand completely. While on holiday in NZ, I found this (below) gorgeous vintage floral wallpaper at a second-hand shop for 20cents…I love the idea of recycling beautiful wallpaper to use for wrapping paper.

I love this photographers take on packaging. xx

Last night I had the great pleasure of attending and photographing an event called ‘Style with Purpose’ at the INCREDIBLE new wedding venue ‘Encore’ on St Kilda beach. At the moment I’m trying desperately to rid myself of a cold… my sneezing, running nose and watery eyes aren’t exactly glamorous… but last night thankfully, although talking through my nose, I was fine. When Monique (who I originally randomly met at Magnolia Square) asked if I wanted to be part of this event I couldn’t say yes fast enough! Besides the events great cause (to raise money for Breast Cancer), the opportunity to have a girly night with champagne, canapes, clothes, makeup, bags, hand massages and Fascinators to try by the amazing Philomena Kwok…I loved the look of Encore and couldn’t wait to check it out! I can honestly say it would be an incredible wedding venue. Thanks so much Monique for inviting me along, I had the best time! Enjoy the photos x

When Anna emailed me a while ago saying that her and Mitch would like to do another shoot with me, I was SO excited! I first had the opportunity to photograph these two when they won a little Valentines Day competition I was running last year. See their previous shoot here. Since then, Anna & Mitch have moved up to Auckland from Hamilton and it was such a pleasure to photograph them in their new home town! These two have incredible style and I always love their creative ideas, so when Anna suggested the new Rugby World Cup Fanzone on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for the shoot location I trusted her 100%. I always love shooting in places I haven’t been before, and I loved this location! Anna & Mitch thank you again for being such an amazing, inspiring and hilarious couple, I enjoyed our time together so much and hope to do it again! xx

Big thank you to Lydia for helping me on this shoot x

Shirantha’s priceless reaction as he sees his beautiful bride for the first time on their wedding day. Lots more of this incredible wedding to come… xx

I’m back in Melbourne! My time in New Zealand was (as I expected) a whirlwind, but a fantastic one. While in NZ my Mum, sisters and I stayed in Raglan for a few days. I met Phillip whilst walking the black sandy beach. Phillip is from Germany and has been in Raglan for 4 months, he’s there to learn how to surf. I took this picture of him right before he dived into the waves.