Light heart films launch wedding photography and videography services in Sydney

Company provides one-stop solution for wedding photos and videos at affordable price

Today, Light Heart Films and Photography is proud to announce their professional wedding videography and photography service in Sydney. The company combines the services of well-trained photographers and videographers, with quality production equipment to capture the best moments on client's wedding day. Customers can select from a range of video and photo service options, which includes Standard, Essential, Full day and Ultimate coverage.

"We don't just do coverage; we tell stories. At Light Heart Films and Photography, there is no one size fits all. We approach every wedding with a different style and approach, to tell a unique story of two people who have found love. Our videographers and photographers have been on the job for years. You are in safe hands," said a company representative.

Light Heart is about professionalism, the color, the light, texture, and combining these essential elements to produce a believable and exciting story, which will last forever. They are reliable, affordable and provide highly completive pricing in all of Sydney.

"Light Heart was the right decision. The handled my wedding with care and professionalism, beyond my imagination. They made me feel the wedding is also an important event in their lives. Every great moment captured, every event documented in stunning colors of video and still. I am forever grateful," said Lara M, a customer.

Light Heart's storytelling approach to wedding coverage is made possible by a combination of creativity, inspiration, and experience. They also provide high-resolution digital photos on USB, enlargement prints, canvas prints, 3-5 minutes cinematic movie clip, Online wedding photography showcase and much more.

About Light Heart Films and Photography

Light Heart Films and Photography is a wedding videography and photography company based in Sydney, Australia. The company provides professional on stop solution, for weddings, helping new couples cover and document their most important day forever. The company's videographers and photographers have many years of experience, with each of them haven filmed and photographed at least 100 weddings in and around Sydney.

For more information, please contact 02 9568 4385, admin@lightheartwedding.com.au, or visit their website at www.lightheartwedding.com.au

Media ContactCompany Name: Lightheart Films and PhotographyEmail: Send EmailPhone: 02 9568 4385Address:79 New Canterbury Road, PetershamCity: SydneyState: NSWCountry: AustraliaWebsite: http://lightheartwedding.com.au

Source: Light heart films launch wedding photography and videography services in Sydney

A Rift in the Clouds

Mobius Arch at night, Alabama Hills, CA, USA

We just finished a nighttime workshop in the Trona Pinnacles and Alabama Hills. The forecast for our last evening wasn't promising, calling for mostly cloudy skies and a 70 percent chance of showers. But I told the group that as long as it wasn't raining there was still a lot we could do, and if we got just a few small breaks in the cloud cover the mix of stars and clouds could be really beautiful.

As sunset approached we headed out to the famous Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills. We photographed some interesting cloud formations in late-afternoon light, then at dusk set up our cameras to frame the arch with the sky above. The skies were mostly cloudy, just as predicted. Radar images showed showed heavy rain falling west of the Sierra crest. But from our position in the Alabama Hills, in the rain shadow created by the mountain wall, a patch of sky to our west-soutwest stayed partially clear, and remained that way most of the evening. Something about the trajectory of the wind and rain created that rift in the clouds and kept it in place.

From our vantage point that rift was conveniently positioned behind and above the arch. We captured frames as the sky turned deep blue and stars began to appear. When it got completely dark portions of the Milky Way appeared, and the underside of the clouds turned orange, lit by the faint glow from nearby Lone Pine. We couldn't really see all this, but the backs of our cameras revealed an astonishingly beautiful scene.

We photographed this constantly-changing view for quite awhile, but eventually the clouds got thicker, and we decided to add some light-painting frames. One of our participants, Louie, volunteered to do the lighting while someone else tripped his shutter, and the rest of us directed the lighting. We tried a variety of lighting angles, but I ended up using only two of these: one from the left, raking across the front of the arch, and another from behind and to the right, adding a rim light to the right side of the arch and the foreground boulders. So the final image you see here is a blend of three frames – one for the sky, and two for the light-painting. And since I know you'll ask, the exposure for the sky was 30 seconds at f/4, 6400 ISO. (We used 15 seconds, f/5.6, and 400 ISO for the light-painting frames, but those settings can vary greatly depending on the brightness of the light and the distance from the light to the subject.)

Light-painting is more art than science; there's no formula, because every subject and situation is different. I'd like to find lighting angles that accentuate and enhance the unique form and character of the subject. Sometimes this is a lot easier said than done, but I was pleased with out how the lighting turned out here (thanks to Louie for his excellent work!).

And we got lucky with the sky and that perfectly-positioned break in the clouds. When photographing at night I'm usually happy to just have clear skies, but sometimes a mix of clouds and stars is even better. Serendipity has been a friend to many photographers, and it graced us that night.

— Michael Frye

Related Posts: Downtown Bodie; Jeffrey Pine Under the Stars

Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He is the author or principal photographer of The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite, Yosemite Meditations, Yosemite Meditations for Women, Yosemite Meditations for Adventurers, and Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters. He has also written three eBooks: Light & Land: Landscapes in the Digital Darkroom, Exposure for Outdoor Photography, and Landscapes in Lightroom: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide. Michael has written numerous magazine articles on the art and technique of photography, and his images have been published in over thirty countries around the world. Michael has lived either in or near Yosemite National Park since 1983, currently residing just outside the park in Mariposa, California.

Source: A Rift in the Clouds

YouTube Channel Is A Hidden Trove Of 90’s Fashion Photography Inspo

Everything is cyclical, and there's still nothing much new under the Sun. Perhaps, this may be more true in fashion than just about anything else, spare the truly trivial things, like market fluctuations, politics, and human behavior… But how frequently have you heard something is 'back in style', or 'today's design cures are from such and such decade'? Often. It seems every decade is relived at some point. But if we had to choose s single one to be iconic, to be somewhat the golden age, it's hard to argue that it wouldn't be the 90s.

The 90s weren't a time just for luxury, but for excess, for exuberance in fashion. It's the decade of fashion everyone today sort of wants to be part of – the days where Linda Evangelista famously was quote as saying neither she nor Christy Turlington, two of the highest paid models of the time, would even get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day (about $18k in 2016 money). But of course they wouldn't because they were part of an elite that doesn't quite exist anymore, they were the ultra models.

But 90s fashion was a bit more than that, as it saw a large shift in men's fashion too, which left the Bruce Weber version of the ideal male (Think, Top Gun) for the sinewy 'Euro' male, that was more androgynous than an early 80s 'hair band'. The effects of the 90s in fashion were never fully 'recovered' from, and perhaps that's not a bad thing. And if you want to relive some of it, get a behind the scenes look into the world of fashion then, the photography, the looks, the trends, and the thought processes, there's a YouTube Channel that's a trove of 90's fashion.

In it there are full shows where you see the works of a young Marc Jacobs, or Versace, and clips that explore the good and the questionable actions of the icons of the time and legends today. You get insight into how photographers got the big gigs with the likes of Ralph Lauren, why models loved Patrick Demarchelier, and even get a look at the somewhat exorbitant feed expected and or paid to or by models and designers. It's a throwback, but it's gold, and probably good inspo into looks that may be just around the corner. Check it out here.

[REWIND: Breed's Fashion Photography Exposed | Now Available for Streaming and Purchase!] [RELATED: Image Deconstructed | How To Recreate & Shoot A Modern Mario Testino Shot]
Source: YouTube Channel Is A Hidden Trove Of 90's Fashion Photography Inspo

TFC goes above and beyond in statement playoff win

TORONTO - 

With his tongue out amid an expression of complete post-goal elation, Sebastian Giovinco posed as he sprinted by photographers behind the north-end goal — as if it wasn't the 40th in his fantastic MLS career.

It was more opportunistic than anything. The first playoff goal in Toronto FC's decade-long history was the product of a hustle play from Giovinco's Yorkville condo mate, Jozy Altidore.

The American international raced onto a defensive miss-clearance from Philadelphia's Ken Tribbett before squaring a ball that Giovinco hammered off the underside of the crossbar and into the goal a quarter-hour in.

"He was digging the whole game," TFC coach Greg Vanney said of Giovinco. "You see the flashes of brilliance. It's off the charts."

The goal felt different than anything we've experienced inside this venue. It was a first, of course, but also a moment that lifted untold anxiety inside BMO, a moment that was just the start of a convincing 3-1 win.

When Jonathan Osorio banged home a ping-ponged corner minutes after halftime, it kicked off celebrations you'd expect from a beleaguered fanbase, desperate for its first-ever playoff win — 10 seasons in the making.

"It's just the first step for us this postseason," Vanney added. "Hopefully the fans could feel it. The speed and tension was a different level than any of the regular season games we participated in. We were ready for it."

The Reds didn't just win here Wednesday night. They went above and beyond what we're used to.

This was a statement game that demonstrated a collective effort and commitment to get the job done — something you'd expect from a side littered with playoff experience and big game minutes

The Union began Wednesday night's first-round fixture with only three players with MLS playoff experience. The Reds had nine, including a collection of new signings with hundreds of MLS appearances.

"The guys stood up for themselves," Vanney said. "They looked ready. Guys were saying the right things in the locker room. There was a different intensity.

"It was going to be a street fight more than a soccer game. We had to be ready to compete and scrap and challenge first balls and win."

Nights like this are why Toronto FC cracked open the coffers to sign guys like Giovinco and Altidore, whose determination and win-at-all-cost mentality was palpable.

"Jozy was huge," Vanney explained. "He played big, physical. He looked possessed to track down the ball and take it from people."

Behind him, Michael Bradley appeared determined to keep everyone alert. The club's captain, its quarterback, was the architect of a tic-tac-toe passing sequence that brought fans to their feet with 20 minutes remaining.

The superior display produced chants of "Ole!" upon every touch until the Union's Alejandro Bedoya capitalized on Toronto FC's only bad moment of the game — a corner kick in the 73rd minute.

The Reds lost back-to-back 50-50 headers inside the penalty area before the ball bounced to wide-open Bedoya, who rocketed a half-volley past a stranded Clint Irwin to create unnecessary drama.

Irwin came up big with under 10 minutes remaining when he got down to parry a whipped-in restart that evaded every player and might have nestled side-netting had he not pushed it away.

Indeed, this was a match in which every Red contributed — one that showed the club's offseason acquisitions and big time players have this team in position to do something special this year.

"Everyone stepped up," Vanney added. "Everyone answered the call. This is the time of year where you have to."

With the game still in question five minutes from the end, Giovinco — in another MVP calibre performance — picked out Altidore's run at the back post.

The American striker's attempt to head back across goal came back off a defender before he settled, cut to his right, and beat Philly's Andre Blake at the near post to re-extend TFC's lead to two goals.

"The goal was massive," Vanney said. "It took tension out of the game when things were getting a little stressful."

Then the singing began from the 21,759 in attendance. They serenaded Giovinco on a night in which he continued his pursuit of TFC lore.

At full-time, Bradley lifted the Atomic Ant into the air as they made their way towards supporters, none of which bothered leaving the stadium despite a frigid night down by Lake Ontario.

"It's a happy group, but a group that's focussed," Vanney said. "Most of the guys are icing and cleaning up scrapes.

"The celebration is for the fans. It's to celebrate our relationship with them and what they give us during the game."

They'll be back Sunday night when the Reds open the Eastern Conference semifinals against New York City.

NEW YORK CITY NEXT

The league's head honchos must be drooling. Toronto FC will host star-studded New York City on Sunday in the opening leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

That means a visit from Spanish World Cup-winner David Villa, who tallied 23 times during the regular season. Oh, and Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

Ex-England international Frank Lampard also is expected to play a part as he returns form injury.

"I do think New York is different than Philly," TFC head coach Greg Vanney said. "They're tactical. They have players who are seasoned. They're going to be tactical and savvy. It will be a different game for us."

The Reds are 0-1-3 in four previous meetings against New York City.

Second-place City finished a point ahead of Toronto FC in the East standings to lock up a first-round bye in these playoffs. Toronto FC will travel to Yankee Stadium a week from Sunday for the second leg of the aggregate series.

"We'll do the recovery," Vanney added. "We have to be ready to go, whatever day, whatever opponent."

Source: TFC goes above and beyond in statement playoff win

Your used wedding decor could be worth some serious cash

After you've tied the knot, what are you supposed to do with things you bought just for the wedding? Do you really need seventeen mason-jar floral arrangements in that exact shade of green? Chances are, your fancy new married life will not require any of your folksy wedding decor, but it can be hard to part with things that meant so much to you just a few days ago. 

Luckily, weddings are a big business in this country. While yours might be over and done with, there are plenty of people who are looking for exactly what you have, who will be more than willing to pay to take it off your hands. Here are a few ways to clear out your closet and make a little extra cash while you're at it.

Where to sell it.

If you had a good photographer, there's no need to hang on to all your old wedding decor forever. All those flowers, old wagon wheels and string lights have been captured forever in your wedding pictures, and they're not going to bring you any joy gathering dust in the attic. Instead, you can help out another bride or groom-to-be by selling them. Here are a few places to look:

Wedding venues -- When I was looking for a venue for my wedding, I was surprised by how many of them offered decor packages. Several of the places we looked at had a storage area with tons of ready-made centerpieces, candle holders, table numbers -- you name it! I asked them where it all came from, and they told me they bought it from previous couples who didn't want to keep their decor.

If you have a lot of extra stuff, chances are there's a bride out there who favors your style and needs help gathering decor for her upcoming wedding. If the venue you used offers decor packages, ask them if they want to buy any of your old things. Even if they don't offer them, bring it up anyway and ask if they'd be interested in buying your stuff to rent out to future brides. If the answer is no, shop your things around to other venues.

Facebook� �-- Do a search on Facebook for 'wedding garage sale' or 'wedding items for sale' with your city name to get an idea of what people are selling in your area. I've found a lot of local pages that you can join to buy, sell or trade items. If you decide to list something on one of these pages, be sure to price your items competitively. I know it's tempting to try and make a profit from your sale, but the reality is that you're not going to sell anything for full market price. People go on these pages to find discounts, because weddings are expensive. Set a reasonable price point. Making any money on things that would otherwise be rotting away in your closet is a win.

Wedding recycling sites -- There are a ton of wedding re-use sites popping up all over lately. These sites allow you to list your gently used items for buyers who visit the site from your local area. Some of my favorite wedding re-sale websites are:

Traditional online marketplaces -- We've writ ten before about how to sell your stuff on eBay, Craigslist, Amazon and Etsy, and wedding decor is always in high demand on those sites. Check out our comprehensive guide to online sales here!

Where to rent it.

If you're not into the idea of parting with your old wedding decor forever, look into renting it out! Here are a few places to try:

Photographers and wedding planners -- I have a friend who ended up getting quite a bit of her reception decor from her wedding planner. The planner had ended up with so many unwanted items over the past few years that she allowed new clients to use them on their big days.

Seek out wedding planners and photographers, who might not have much space to store a ton of wedding decor options for clients. Offer to let them rent out your things as needed. If you offer a better price than what the bride and groom would pay to buy these things themselves, you can end up making a quick buck once in a while. Sure, this requires a bit of logistical planning in terms of pickups and drop offs, but if the stuff was going to sit in your closet anyway, why not make some money off of it?

Local rental companies -- You'd be surprised to find how many local businesses exist solely to rent out party decor. Gone are the days where party rentals consisted of tents and dinner plates; today's brides can rent vintage wooden dinner tables and mismatched vintage chairs, table runners with matching centerpieces, or their ceremony gazebo. Do a quick search for 'local party rentals' and see which companies match your style. Contact them and see if they'd be interested in using your items for rentals.

Wedding dress rental companies -- This might seem crazy, but even your wedding dress is rentable. We wrote about it a few months ago, so check out that article to learn more about how to do this. Sites like Get the Gown are a great option for both newlyweds with dresses taking up space in their clos ets, and brides-to-be who don't want to spend a fortune on a something they're only going to wear once.

Just want to get rid of it? Don't trash it.

If you're not looking to make a quick buck, donate your old wedding decor to a friend in need. At my wedding, a lot of people asked me where they could find my aisle decor, and I just told them they could take it home with them. We got married out of state, so it was a lot easier for us to let other people take our decor than it would have been for us to cart it back across state lines. While I could have probably sold some of it, I was just happy that my guests wanted to take a part of my big day home with them. You can also list things on many of the sites listed above as free with local pickup. I guarantee you'll make some soon-to-be brides very happy!

This story originally appeared on Brad's Deals.

Source: Your used wedding decor could be worth some serious cash

10 Signs a Couple Is Doomed, According to Wedding Photographers

When it comes to the most intimate moments of a wedding day, photographers are there. They witness the bride's final minutes getting ready, the couple's first time seeing each other, and their exhausted limo ride home from the reception. But sometimes that means witnessing some not-so-great instances — like constant bickering. These are things wedding photographers say are signs a couple hasn't actually found their happily ever after.

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1. When the couple lacks an emotional connection.

"We spend 8, 10, 12, or more hours in a day looking at the bride and groom through a frame that isolates them alone and together, largely stripping away the broader context and focusing on their interactions," says Reddit user SuccessiveApprox. "We are looking specifically for moments of contact, of intimacy, of emotional connection. It pretty quickly becomes evident when those things are there, and when they are not."

9 of the Most Expensive Wedding Dresses Ever No, Your Kids Can Not Come to My Wedding Get Married at Disney, Late at Night 10 Awful Things Wedding Guests Have Done 37 Stunning Wedding Dress Styles You Have to See 2. When the groom admits to his own concerns.

"I went to the bathroom at one [wedding] and the husband was washing his hands next to me and I made some compliment about how things had come together and joked that it must be a good sign for the future," a Reddit user says. "He, in a very very apathetic tone said, 'Well, we'll see how we do' and walked out."

3. When the bride refuses to kiss the groom in photos.

"My very first wedding was a couple who was getting married by the art museum in Philly. I had my friend whose been a wedding photographer for 10 years with me to show me the ropes after doing a lot of second shooting with him," says Reddit user CoLmes. "So he poses a kissing shot of the couple, and when he asks them to kiss the bride goes 'oh, no, no thank you' in this weird little mousey voice."

4. When the bride and groom don't interact during the reception.

"One couple worried me, because the bride was a tense wreck during the whole ceremony and reception to the point that I didn't get many useable pictures of her because she looked so stressed out and unhappy," a Reddit user says. "Meanwhile the groom was with his friends having a great time, but not helping her with anything or responding at all to her panic."

5. When the couple focuses on the wedding — not the marriage.

"We spend a lot of time listening to the language they use in pre-meetings, engagement shoots, on the wedding day and it becomes pretty clear in a short time what the focus is," says Reddit user SuccessiveApprox. "Many couples, particularly young couples, pretty clearly have in mind a wedding but have put little thought and planning into a marriage."

6. When the bride hits on the photographer.

"When I first got started I assisted for a photographer who was a good looking fella," says Reddit user deweysizemore. "During the reception the bride told him they were going to have an open marriage and basically offered herself up to him, which he politely declined."

7. When the couple takes the cake cutting too seriously.

"Every once in a while someone will retaliate, which is a bad sign," says Reddit user 2Dprinter. "I think it's indicative of the sort of contempt which will doom the relationship. Even if you don't want that fondant on your face, you need to be able to laugh it off and have a good time."

8. When the speeches from friends and family aren't positive.

"What people who give speeches say about the person their friend/relative is marrying is a huge giveaway," says Reddit user 2Dprinter. "I've heard some truly heartfelt, touching words shared during toasts... and have heard others that were seriously underwhelming. If it isn't easy for you to think of why this person is a good match for your friend, that's a bad sign."

9. When the couple can't stop bickering.

"I wonder about the brides and grooms who make snarky remarks during the day," says Reddit user eatcheeseordie. "If I only know you for eight hours, but I know you're upset your new spouse didn't let you plan any of the wedding, then I'm not sure you have your priorities straight."

10. When the groom has sexual tension with someone other than the bride.

"There are many other little things that factor in," says Reddit user SuccessiveApprox. "Like once when there was more sexual tension between the groom and the best man than between the groom and the bride."

[h/t Mirror]

Source: 10 Signs a Couple Is Doomed, According to Wedding Photographers

Ex-wedding photographer accused of tricking dozens of women into sex

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A former wedding photographer faces multiple charges after allegedly tricking dozens of women into having sex with him, then blackmailing them to ensure their silence.

Mario Antoine, of Raymore, Missouri, was indicted Monday before a federal grand jury on 21 counts. Antoine is  accused of luring dozens of Kansas City-area women to fake pornography auditions.

Antoine, 33, was the subject of multiple investigations by WDAF-TV for allegedly defrauding brides and grooms out of wedding photos and services, and, following a recent conviction, he served a jail term a judge ordered after he violated probation in late 2015.

The newest allegations against him claim that he posed as a talent manager, photographer and videographer for fake companies with names such as "Playboy Worldwide," "Playboy Asia," and "Dash Agency." Court papers say he claimed to manage private overseas porn websites, and, beginning in 2011, he auditioned victims, telling them he was scouting models for the fake websites.

A news release says that Antoine searched on Google for "rape by deception," "rape by deception Kansas," and "Illegal to trick girls into sleeping with you." He's said to have looked at law journals to investigate the criminal aspects of rape by fraud or deception.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says he promised to pay tens of thousands of dollars when victims agreed to contracts where they performed for modeling shoots and engaged in sexual activity, which he shot and recorded, but then never paid them. When they complained about the non-payments, he's accused of sending lewd images of the victims to their employers and significant others.

He's also accused of forging and falsifying documents, including tax forms and checks made out to other models, to make his operation appear real. The federal indictment says he would communicate with prospective victims online while using an alias, and used pictures of other victims that he shot as proof of legitimate photo shoots.

In one case where a victim wasn't paid for shoots between 2011 and 2012, he allegedly told the victim she could either pay him $9,000 in exchange for not selling or distributing the images, or she could have sex with him. The news release says the victim had sex with him in order to keep him from releasing the images.

In another case where a victim pressed him for payment, he allegedly sent nude images of her to her employer that he had recorded when they had sex.

Antoine faces 12 counts of wire fraud, two counts of cyberstalking, two counts of online enticement, two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, one count of obstructing justice, one count of extortion and one count of falsely registering a domain name.

He's in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday. The U.S. Attorney's Office says this investigation is ongoing, and asks for other potential victims to contact the FBI at (816) 512-8200.

Previous Coverage:

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Source: Ex-wedding photographer accused of tricking dozens of women into sex

Community collaborates to promote Maniototo as a wedding destination

Wedding celebrant Val McSkimming, photographer Peter Andrews, florist Lynda Galt, Jan Rutherford of the Ancient Briton Hotel and florist Jan Mackenzie. They are part of a group of Maniototo business people who pitching the region as a wedding destination.

A community of Central Otago entrepreneurs have collaborated to promote the Maniototo as a wedding destination.

About 30 business people ranging from wedding celebrants, florists, photographers to landowners, tavern owners and helicopter pilots have complied a wedding guide for the region

Wedding celebrant Val McSkimming said the idea to create a comprehensive guide had been "murmuring" a while.

"The idea was a no-brainer really. We don't have to put any capital into it, the facilities are already there."

The Maniototo was renowned for its magnificent scenery, wide open spaces and relaxed, country hospitality. The area's landscapes made perfect wedding photo backdrops and venues ranged from rustic country woolsheds, gardens, taverns and hotels to quaint churches and country town halls, she said.

"The key one is affordability. We think we can do it cheaper than the likes of Wanaka and Queenstown, but every but as nice."

Florist Jan MacKenzie said people worked together in a small community - and this initiative was no different.

"For this to work we have got to work together...Quite often when you are doing a wedding, people ask who can do my hair, who can do my photos - everyone knows everyone basically but this way all the information is easily accessible and a good way to promote what is available. 

"The community is trying to think outside the square and see weddings as a real opportunity."

It had all the ingredients needed to create the perfect wedding with a wide range of accommodation choices, great hospitality, award-winning food providers and operators passionate about the region.

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Florist Lynda Galt said there was a lot of talented people in the community, and a lot chose to offer wedding services a side-line hobby.

Photographer Peter Andrews, of Naseby, said they were just like "one big family". 

"Divided we are nothing, but together we can be everything."

Ancient Briton Hotel owner Jan Rutherford said the scenery and accessibility to different landscapes was a huge drawcard.

"Weddings are more affordable here but you still have the beautiful scenery. You might have a wedding venue in Naseby or Ranfurly but it is not far to go for photographs. You can be in the mountains within 20 minutes - helicopters and four-wheel-drives are available."

The Maniototo region formed a key part of the Central Otago Rail Trail, while Ranfurly's wide range of Art Deco buildings offered fantastic photographic backdrops and the option of a specialty Art Deco-themed wedding.

The Maniototo is approximately an hour and half drive from Dunedin Airport and two hours from Queenstown Airport.

 - Stuff

Source: Community collaborates to promote Maniototo as a wedding destination

Wedding Photographers Have Revealed The Signs That A Marriage Will Last

Your wedding day is a celebration of your nuptials, and most wedding parties share their day with a traditional bunch of people - family, friends, and a photographer or two.

Most couples meet their photographer way before the big day, to discuss the ins and outs of how they want to remember it, and to ensure they're right for the job. Once that's all done and dusted they're with you every step of the way, taking a snapshot of the events, for you to look back on for all of time. Well, that's the plan anyway. But what if it goes wrong?

Given the insight photographers have into weddings, someone asked the good people of Reddit to describe if there were any signs that a couple might not last, and they delivered. So what are they? Take it away guys...

SuccessiveApprox writes that the intimate moments are important.

We spend 8, 10, 12 or more hours in a day looking at the bride and groom through a frame that isolates them alone and together, largely stripping away the broader context and focusing on their interactions. We are looking specifically for moments of contact, of intimacy, of emotional connection. It pretty quickly becomes evident when those things are there, and when they are not.

They also speak about the difference between a wedding and a marriage.

We also spend a lot of time listening to the language they use in pre-meetings, engagement shoots, on the wedding day, etc. It becomes pretty clear in a short time what the focus is. Many couples, particularly young couples, pretty clearly have in mind a wedding but have put little thought and planning into a marriage. The difference we see between a young couple and an older/second marriage couple is pretty significant.

As well as this, the support around a couple is a telling factor.

Also, the differences we see in the families' and friends' behavior at a wedding - the bridesmaids talking, the groomsmen interacting, the parents' glances and body language, the frigging toasts - all are very telling about how much they think this is a good idea and how much community support there is around a couple.

Credit: Pexels

Another user (who's now deleted their account) recalled that problem solving and working as a team was paramount.

...because we work so intimately with them coordinating things and directing them as a pair, we do get to see how they interact and deal with problems, of which there are many as in any wedding.

One couple worried me, the bride was a tense wreck during the whole ceremony and reception to the point that I didn't get many useable pictures of her because she looked sooo stressed out and unhappy, meanwhile the groom was with his friends having a great time (which is good and normal) but not helping her with anything or responding at all to her panic. She wasn't terribly pleasant to work with.

On the other hand, I did another wedding where everything under the sun went wrong, including the fact that the limo transporting the grooms party from the house to the venue broke down and caught on fire on a highway bridge en route; I affectionately refer to it as The Shit Show Wedding.

The thing that stuck with me was how well the couple rolled with the punches and comforted each other when things happened. Towards the end one of the family members was beyond drunk and started breaking things and the wife was getting upset, husband swept in, kissed her and told her he'd take care of it, which he did.

As well as this, actually being excited on your wedding day could be a telltale sign of your success.

Last example, I went to the bathroom at one and the husband was washing his hands next to me and I made some compliment about how things had come together and joked that it must be a good sign for the future, he, in a very very apathetic tone said, "Well, we'll see how we do" and walked out. Haven't talked to them since but they just are never happy or excited in any of their photos in general even outside of the ones I took.

And it isn't just photographers who had their say, hairstylists get a look in on those intimate moments too. H-ly writes,

One wedding I did I could tell it wasn't going to last. She was young, couldn't even drink yet, he was at least ten years older. They were getting married because her family was very religious and I got the impression that they chose him and thought she should marry him more than she wanted to marry him, she liked the idea of a wedding (and moving out of her parents place) more than she was in love. A year later it was over but she was so much better off. She'd grown so much and had moved out on her own and had become a grown up. I was really happy for her.

And events planners too - chrislbraman writes...

Not a wedding photographer, but I planned events (mostly weddings) for several years. The number one I would say is contempt. If either of the couple has contempt for the other (not respecting their opinion, minimizing their thoughts, puts down their partner, etc) I guarantee the couple will divorce. Unless they are Catholic. Then its 50/50.

2Dprinter breaks it down into two points.

1) What people who give speeches (maid of honor, best man, father of the bride) say about the person their friend/relative is marrying is a huge giveaway. Do they feel like this person enriches their new spouse's life? Do they see them as an extension of their family or as a close friend? Are their anecdotes about how each person complements the other? Or are they simply "happy for them"?

I've heard some truly heartfelt, touching words shared during toasts... and have heard others that were seriously underwhelming. If it isn't easy for you to think of why this person is a good match for your friend, that's a bad sign.

2) This is going to sound totally cheesy but I feel even more strongly about this: what happens during the cake cutting. Sweetly feeding one another? Good sign. A playful smear of icing on the nose? No problem.

But every once in a while someone will retaliate--bad sign. I think it's indicative of the sort of contempt which will doom the relationship. Even if you don't want that fondant on your face, you need to be able to laugh it off and have a good time.

However, it isn't always obvious. Videographer BigIdeaPhotoVideo explains,

We do wedding videography, and last year we shot the wedding for a couple that were together for a few years prior to it, and had a kid together. They honestly seemed like they would truly last. Just 2 weeks ago, my partner, who is friends with the groom on Facebook, told me they are getting a divorce. Truly saw no signs. Only thing i can think of is he didnt give her another baby which she claimed she wanted in the video.

The truth is, one day will never define how your whole relationship will turn out, as there are so many bumps and challenges along the way. However, it's interesting to see the story from the other side of the wedding day! Have you ever been to any weddings you thought wouldn't last? Let us know!

Featured Image Credit: Pexels

Source: Wedding Photographers Have Revealed The Signs That A Marriage Will Last

Romantic & Bohemian Wedding in Spain

I'd sum up today's gorgeous wedding in three words – pretty in pastels. Julia and Enrique tied the knot on the 25th of June 2016 in Ferrol, which is on the Atlantic Coast of Spain. The location on its own was magnificent and this loving couple used plenty of soft florals, cultural traditions and fun components to really make their day memorable.

I love love love learning about different rituals from around the world. Julia shares with us a local custom in Galicia, where they soak wildflowers (like rosemary, clover, fennel) and other fresh flowers outside overnight on June 23rd. Then the next morning, on St John's Day, "you wash your face with them to heal your body and soul". The photos of Julia with the soaked blooms are beautiful, as you will see.

Nothing beats the look of pure joy and excitement on a bride or groom's face and you can clearly see Enrique and Julia's elation at making their union 'official'.

Thank you so much, Sara Lobla Photography, for letting us share your wonderful images today.

THE PROPOSAL | Last year on San Fermín's Day, we were trying to take photographs of the stars in a beautiful country house in Arçais, the so-called 'French Venetia'. He then asked me to marry him. There were no ring because I rarely wear jewellery.

THE VISION | It's a Galician wedding in a colonial country house, prepared with special attention to details and much enthusiasm. It's my favourite time of the year and it's my birthday two days later. The palette was composed of pastels.

THE PLANNING PROCESS | Lucía @tusdesign, Quique's sister, has helped very much with the planning. She is very elegant. Her patience, ideas and willingness were amazing. She has designed the favours, the invitations, the seating…

CHURCH | San Julián Concathedral in Ferrol

THE VENUE | Pazo Libunca (Narón, A Coruña, Spain).

THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES | Dress: Marcela Mansergas

Jewellery: Joyería Jar

Headpiece: India Tiaras y Tocados

Shoes: LODI

Makeup and Hair: Peluquería Chus Ferrol

FINDING THE DRESS | What I like most about the dress is its lightness, it's really fluid and comfortable. Made in crepe and tulle embroidered with lace, it has many details: the ballerina neckline, the U back with lace and buttons…

GROOM'S ATTIRE | Jacket: Sastrería Madariaga

Shirt: Hackett

Tie: Loewe

Cufflinks: Montblanc

Shoes: Conti Ferrari

THE READINGS & MUSIC | The soprano from Ferrol, María José Ladra, sang during the ceremony. The ceremony was in Spanish and Galician.

The music during the ceremony was by Mas Music. They also played during the cocktail hour.

LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS | My nephews and nieces were the children that accompanied us during the ceremony ("niños de arras"). A couturier from Ferrol made the girls' dresses, as well as the sashes of the boys. The shirts and trousers of the boys were by Neck & Neck.

THE FLOWERS | On 23rd June, in Galicia the flowers are left outdoors and the following morning (Saint John's Day) you wash your face with them to heal body and soul. The typical flowers are wild or from markets: clover, rosemary, verbena, fennel… and other flowers in pastel shades. La tienda de Emma prepared the bouquet and the floral arrangement.

CATERING | During the starters there was a beer corner with homemade beer from Ferrol, La Ferrolana (Pale Ale type). Apart from tasty, the bottle has an artistic label. The lunch was a banquet. In Ferrol, the monkfish is very appreciated, especially from the Cedeira area. Moreover, we had lobster. It is a must in any Galician wedding.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER | Sara Lobla for her style. The colour and light of the photos, so original and fresh. She can take wonderful photos in any background, which requires much talent.

VIDEOGRAPHER | Catu Martínez, one of my best friends at school, has a natural and simple style. I have always admired how she makes everything beautiful. Her style is really amazing.

THE DETAILS & DÉCOR | My sister-in-law, Lucía helped very much with the décor and the designs.

Imprenta Paramés from Ferrol has been till the day before packing the illustrations and presents, printing menus, missals… They enjoy their job and that is evident. They are very good professionals.

@_yolandia made the tipi for the children with cushions and baskets to put away the toys. A big success!

To finish with, @tiajulita inspired us very much.

FAVOURS | An illustration painted by Lucía from Las Meninas. It represents Ferrol because there is an important cultural movement in Canido neighbourhood. We also gave an Albariño wine bottle from a family wine cellar from Cambados. I recommend this wine of high quality called O Casal.

THE HONEYMOON | Bali and Gili islands. We love to surf, sightseeing, go to the beach, walk through the rice fields… Above all, we wanted to take a rest.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS | The dance was very special. I was a dancer for years and Quique has learned ballroom dancing. We decided to be quite traditional, so we danced the Wine, Women and Song Waltz by Johan Strauss.

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES | I think it's very important to rely on good professionals, especially if you are not at the spot to prepare everything. The priest, Xaquín, told us that the important thing was to get married. When we were stressed, we remembered his words.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Photographer | Sara Lobla

Dress | Marcela Mansergas

Makeup and hair | Peluquería Chus Ferrol

Headpiece | India Tiaras y Tocados

Jewellery | Joyería Jar

Shoes | LODI

Flowers | La tienda de Emma

Jacket | Sastrería Madariaga

Shirt | Hackett

Tie | Loewe

Cufflinks | Montblanc

Wedding rings | Joyería Suárez

Venue and catering | Pazo Libunca

Décor/illustrations |  Lucía at @tusdesign

Stationery (printing/packing) | Imprenta Paramés

Vídeo | Catu Martínez

Tipi | Yolandia

Wine (favour) | O Casal

Music | Mas Music

Beer corner | La Ferrolana

Little boys (shirt and trousers) | Neck & Neck

Enrique and Julia, thank you for sharing your delightful celebration with us. I will definitely be adding your part of Spain to my ever-growing bucket list. Abby xx

Source: Romantic & Bohemian Wedding in Spain