#WINNING...

So, a few months ago, we entered into an annual photo contest that photo community leader, Shoot and Share was putting on. What is rad about this contest is that it is voted on by other photographers without sharing who took the photos, which means you win on actual merit - not popularity (not that there is anything wrong with being popular, but I don't like having to ask people to vote for me - I will, but I don't love it).

It is worldwide, and it is huge.

Anyway, you could submit up to 40 images over 21 categories...

Out of 110,928 images submitted, 23,153,465 votes cast, and 73,883 photographers represented, WE WON FIRST PLACE in the "That Just Happened" category with one of my favourite images EVER!


How's THAT for a photobomb?! This guys was next level he DGAF, and as I was shooting, he just walked right in - so I kept shooting, obvs! It is my fave moment, and I am so excited that it made people laugh the same way it made all of us laugh on the day - and still.

We also placed 7th in the "Wedding Party" category with this image of the beautiful Gabby and her girls jumping and dancing on the couch

And 13th out of 13,701 images with our iconic image of Bryan and Kim in the "Bride and Groom" category

Sincere thanks to everyone who voted, all my rad clients, and to Shoot and Share! Still don't know who won the grand prize, but if it's us, we will let you all know!
xx
M

On Top Of The World...

We don't usually get to be a part of engagement parties - usually people find us once all of this stuff has happened already. It is so cool to get to be there with the couple and their friends and families so early on, and when they are as awesome as Jon and Jane, well, that is the best. This was definitely a party to end all parties, and we loved being a part of it...and maybe having a few drinks with Jane's brother too...



xx
Maria

100 years of Happiness

When you head to Picnic day at college, usually the only thing you end up afterwards with is a hangover that could slay a walrus and IF you are lucky, your dignity still relatively in tact. It's probably NOT the place where you could ever imagine finding your one true love... But that really is the beauty of love, it follows no pattern, rhyme or reason and seeks to throw two souls unwittingly together almost always when we least expect it.

That is exactly what happened with Matt and Courtney. A chance meeting at the bar led to an incredible journey together, a proposal on a plane (by the pilot) over Santa Barbara and then finally to this - their wedding day. These two incredible people are just meant to be together, and they simply light up when they are around one another. So, surrounded by the most wonderful friends and family, they tied the knot at the beautiful Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, and danced the night away under the stars. As one of the maids of honor so beautifully said in her speech that night, Cent'anni!

"To one hundred years of happiness"!

**Simply type studio 1208 below to watch**


And if you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can check it out HERE
Nick x

You Were Always One Step Behind...

This wedding film. Tears! Every. Single. Time. I guess when you have known the bride since you were only 13, it is natural to feel extra emosh about watching her make a commitment to the greatest guy in the world - the guy who truly compliments and gets her - her complete and utter soul mate. The thing is though, it is more than that. Yes, I have known her forever, and yes, I love her like family, but what makes me weep (like, really weep), is their story and seeing these two badasses be soft and totally raw about their feelings...it is like the greatest thing I could have ever dreamed of. It breaks me.

I can't tell you how much I think everyone should watch this one - yes, it is the long cut, but I swear to you, you will feel so much - laughter, tears, you will make that face you make when your jam comes on, and you will get to experience pure joy for two people who are so completely in love. Most of all, you will get to see that love - insane, beautiful, perfect love is possible to find, even in the most daunting of circumstances.

Timing is everything.

And if you haven't seen their wedding film trailer yet, you definitely need to give it a watch too!

**Simply type studio 1208 below to watch**


x
Maria

Goin' Up, On A Tuesday...

I seriously can't watch this trailer again. I think this is the most emotional, heartfelt wedding story I have ever had the pleasure of telling, and have sat in front of my iMac sobbing while editing this film. Geez, I get a lump in my throat just when the opening note of the music starts. I am SO tired because it's literally draining to watch - in the best possible way.

Jeni and Oscar were destined to be together. After dating 14 years ago, they walked very different paths for a long time, and something bigger than them brought them back together. The thing is, I can't even properly describe their love for each other. They have this incredible connection that very few people find in their lives, but the absolute gratitude that they share in having found each other, is something beyond the word 'love'. Spending those few days in Mexico with Jeni and Oscar, with absolute bedlam all around them (Mexicans + Tequila + Bunnies = Carnage!) I just watched their relationship exude a feeling of utter contentment and a deep peace with one another.

No matter what was happening - they were always right there together in the moment. A momentary glance across the party, a shoulder rub by the pool, tears, laughter and lots of dance moves. I guess if you get a second chance to find that thing that makes you happiest in the whole world, you grab it with both hands.

We often tell stories of chance meetings, and fate conspiring to bring two people together, but Jeni and Oscar's story is not exactly like that - and maybe why I like it so much. I love these two souls and their relationship together and it really gave me a different perspective of finding another person in your life. When we lose something precious, and we look all around and still can't find it, then I guess you don't have to be completely heartbroken. Everything and everyone has a place to be. It’s just a matter of how they get there and when. Even if it seems like the chance has gone - you still have that child-like part of you that provides a comfort, knowing that one day when you grow up and are free to travel your own path, you can go and find it again.
#SobbingAgain


Nick x