I've never understood island weddings. Surely it means many of your friends and family wont be able to make it and you'd have a super stressful time organising everything from across the Pacific. But after traveling to Rarotonga to photograph John and Lauren's special day I have completely changed my mind. The couple had put together a week full of activities for them and their guests to enjoy, most of which had made the trip. Mini golf, boat cruises and relaxed BBQs meant that by the time the wedding day came around everyone knew each other, had a good laugh and was ready to party! Lauren had also spent a lot of time on the personal details; hand-written notes, personalised beer bottles, an embroidered handkerchief and photos of her mother attached to her bouquet and fathers buttonhole were some of my favourites. After a sun drenched ceremony overlooking the water we headed of the the old abandoned Hilton (which has a fascinating and very scandalous history) for some photos amongst the overgrown vines and plam trees then to the beach to bask in the last of the peach tinted light. We then headed back to the Edgewater Resort for an amazing island style feast and partied into the night.
A big thank you to my assistant Toni Hamlin. She had the seriously tough job of flying to Rarotonga with me, lying on the beach and drinking cocktails for 5 days. On the wedding day she kept me watered, fed and made sure I got all the shots I'd planned. It was such a fun trip, I'm so grateful to John & Lauren for having me as part of their special day. Bring on more destination weddings!
