Tuesday 24 March 2015

SAKURA CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES // AT WUHAN UNIVERSITY - CHINA


Spring has officially sprung in Wuhan, China and my husband and I took the opportunity to go on a special date to see the Japanese Sakura blossoms in full bloom at the Wuhan University. These splendid trees line an entire street near the traditional style buildings of the University grounds in an area which used to be occupied by the Japanese. They are a renowned attraction in China bringing thousands, if not millions of people to see them for the few short weeks they are in bloom. I was sure to wear my new blush & rose kimono style top that I recently bought on sale at H&M.

Seeing these cherry blossoms me makes me reminisce to one of my favourite photo shoots which you can see here.

Thursday 19 March 2015

FOREST & ROSE // BY WILD HEART STUDIO


Photography The Love Collective  | Videographer Luke Marshall Images | Styling Balencia Lane | Floral Styling Perfect Style | Stationery Renée Calder Design | Props Honey Hire Co | Hair + Makeup Michelle Nalder Professional Make Up Artist | Bridal Lingerie + Robes Liah Roebuck Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses Victor Bridesmaid + Ruby | Flower Girl Outfit Frida & Fauna | Flower Crowns Rose Tinted Illustration | Cake + Sweets Raindrops on Roses | Models Alesha, Hannah, Eden + baby Emilia

This dreamy shoot took place in the dappled light of a forest and was inspired by vintage boudoir, pretty florals, an adventurous spirit and the celebration of friendship. If you'd like to watch the video made by Luke Marshall Images, click here to view. It's well worth it!

I can't begin to express how excited I was to have my handmade flower crowns featured in such a beautiful shoot by Wild Hearts Studio. If you haven't heard of them already, they are a collaborative wedding / style dream team consisting of The Love CollectiveLuke Marshall ImagesBalencia LaneRenée Calder DesignPerfect Style and Honey Hire Co.

Wild Hearts latest venture, is a beautifully curated boutique wedding fair called "Love at the Grove" taking place Saturday 21st March in Nelson, NZ. With a list of some very stylish vendors, you can expect a whole lot of pretty at this event. Book your tickets here. There will also be a runway show featuring some of New Zealand's best talents in the wedding industry. Keep an eye out for the unveiling of Blush Magazine pocket edition. You'll soon find out why I'm so excited about this one! How I wish I could attend!

Did I mention this was featured on the blog of Hooray Magazine! One of my favourites!

Monday 16 March 2015

PRETTY IN PINK // FOOD STYLING


My obsession with pinning has lead to a whole board full of  of pretty edible things most of which are in my favourite shades of candyfloss, fushia and rose. There's something quite spectacular about these delectable treats being styled in such a beautiful way. They are works of art when combined with a well lit space and a superb photographer who knows how to compose the image in a dynamic way. Such tasty looking treats for which I would eat incandescently if my health allowed it.

Be sure to follow my pinterest for more pretty inspirations. I am convinced that following good pinners is the best and most efficient way to use this site.

If you are after more foodie blogs to keep in your regular reads I can certainly recommend a couple:
Made from Scratch is a New Zealand based blog by Rachel McMahon who has a love for baking and all things lifestyle. Her blog is built around the idea of small business and things that are handmade with love. Not to mention the clean style of her website combined with stunning photography and well written posts.

I also love the look and style of Lydia Bakes for which the title is quite self explanatory. Full of delicious recipes and baking inspiration by Lydia, this blog (also New Zealand based) is worth following for sure!

Tuesday 10 March 2015

A BIRD TO BE // KITCHEN TEA


I recently travelled back to my homeland New Zealand (from my current dwelling in China) for the wedding of one of my longest and dearest friends. You may recall Ashley and her beau Nathan Bird from this engagement shoot that I photographed sometime ago. I'm so excited to say they are now married!

A Kitchen Tea (Bridal Shower), was hosted by us bridesmaids in honour of Ashley and the beautiful woman she is. It was a wonderful afternoon with lovely company, delectable treats, fun games and ladies all dolled up in their prettiest frocks and hats/flower crowns (spot how many #rosetintedflowercrowns you can see).

I made a very special flower crown especially for the "Bird to be" which featured a couple of lovebirds that I picked up from Iko Iko. Still pretty happy about how well it matched her butter yellow dress she wore for the event. How radiant does she look?

I also had a hand in designing the invites which were very feminine and floral. Note: This is not a real address, please don't stalk my beautiful friends!

Be sure to be following Nicole Paton Photography and Claudia Williams Photography on facebook if you are interested in seeing images and videography from the wedding. It was such a beautiful day and an absolute honour to be a part of. x