WE THE COLLECTIVE l THE INTERVIEW

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?
Well long story short, I knew this was my passion and I wanted to make money from it. I honestly couldn’t work for somebody else anymore, I hate having a boss and answering to “the man” and building someone else’s dream so getting out of the employment game, moving to Southland and having my wife go into full time work as a teacher, really gave me the opportunity to have a fighting chance at making this work. After, what seemed like, a year of “No thank you’s” and rejection emails/messages, I stuck at it and worked bloody hard and everything is now falling into place and people are realising there is a need for my work here. That’s what I think inspires me the most - the NEED for my passion. And the fact I get to say in my head “I told you so” is also very satisfying ;)

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN YOUR BUSINESS…
Well here’s how my day went yesterday (6/11/2018) -
- 5:15am alarm….snooze it until 5:30am and then get up.
- Brew all the coffee - a very large and very tasty Chemex coffee. Black - how it should always be.
- Check and reply to all emails, Facebook & Instagram messages.
- Start working on whatever project I need to get finished.
- I change hats from We The Co to Stay at Home Dad and get my daughter ready for the day. Breakfast, shower, clothed, plait in the hair. Then I will drop her with Grandma for a few hours.
- Travel 45mins to another town for a real estate shoot @ 11am. Finish at 1pm.
- 2pm - Back into Invercargill to film drone footage.
- Lunch = half assed made Quarter Pounder Combo, Fanta no ice.
- Another real estate shoot at 3:15pm. Finish at 4:30pm.
- Pick my little girl up, home and get dinner made before Chloe get’s home. Nachos baby.
- Then from 6pm until 9:30/10pm, it’s family time. Non-negotiable.
- After that, I’m right back into editing projects and all footage & photos shot from the day.
- Shower, brush teeth and bed at 12:40am.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

I’m really loving the first look stuff that people do. I guess couples have been doing it for ages and maybe I’m just noticing it more now.. I dunno, but it always gives me the happy feels whenever I see a choked up Groom.. because that was also me haha!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING (IN REGARDS TO YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE)

Get the speeches recorded. Even if it’s not done by me or a hired videographer. Get Uncle Jimbo or Cousin Willy to put a camera/phone on a tripod and press record. Those are the moments that you want to keep. Unfortunately, as human beings - our memories aren’t as good as we think they are. You’re not going to remember the stories that Grandma Tilly told in her speech. So it’s a really nice way to look back on all the kind and funny things people have to say about you on your day.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
I have many different pieces of advice but the one I live by the most is - “If you’re on time, you’re late” - always be 5-10 minutes early to any client meeting or interview or any important gathering of people. It shows that you’re professional, responsible, you manage your time well and that you have willingness to care. All very important traits for clients to see in you.
I personally STRONGLY dislike it when people are late, so if you’re meeting with me - be 10 minutes early!

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO…
Do a backflip! I’m not built for acrobatics so being able to pull a back flip out in any situation Is something I wish I knew how to do!

TV SHOW YOU WISHED WAS STILL ON AIR?
He-Man and the Masters of The Universe and The Office US. I have Lightbox and Youtube at my fingertips now so..
Do people even still watch On Air TV?
#bythepowerofgreyskull

NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION
Hmm.. somewhere with a bit of heat and not too third-worldy?! Venice is definitely a place I would love to photograph and climb to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 18YR OLD SELF?
If I had the ability to travel through time to visit my 18 yr old self, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. I would watch from a distance and reminisce on all my teenage antics. Everything I have done, has lead me here and I wouldn’t trade or change what I have for the world. So my advice would be - nothing. Then I would also travel back to 1840 to witness the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and take a few sneaky snaps! That would be something I would have loved to have witnessed!

www.wethecollective.com

What goes in to a surprise proposal ... when its for Radio

One of the things that excites us the most about building this directory of fabulous wedding vendors is the potential for amazing collaborations.  All our vendors are talented beyond all get out, but when you start bringing everyone together we can create magic! 
Jenna + Bryns engagement, a.k.a The MoreFM Surprise Proposal, was our first opportunity to organise such a collaboration, and this amazing crew pulled together an epic proposal setup with 3 days notice.  
Ashley and the team from Skeltz Jewellers had dreamed up the idea of a surprise proposal, and created the most stunning engagement ring for one lucky guy to surprise his girl with.  The biggest surprise was that More FM would get to pull all the strings, choosing the mystery man, getting the girl there unawares, and playing out the whole affair live on air for all of Southland to hear.  We were all hoping she would say yes!
We were so excited for Southland Wedding Collective to get onboard and help out, and all in the name of making the morning a truly memorable one, we gathered a dream team of vendors together to take care of styling, photographing and filming Jenna + Bryns special moment, as well as gifting them some special treats to complete the whole experience.
MoreFM's love gurus, Steve and Jack, scouted out locations, settling on a secluded spot in Queens Park that could be transformed into a magical setting by the talented team at Something Borrowed.  

This gorgeous duo, Kara and Tim, pulled together a collection of their amazing props that they have for hire, and with a brand new baby at home, they created the entire setup in their backyard, photographed it, and then Tim braved it alone to recreate it perfectly in our Queens Park setting in the early hours of the morning.  With an arbor and macrame hanging creating a perfect backdrop, a Turkish rug piled with cushions and a pair of the most perfect butterfly chairs was the scene for the down-on-one knee perfect proposal.  Lanterns with candles flickering added to the romantic bohemian vibe and the finishing touches included a gorgeous wild bouquet of flowers lovingly put together by Shani from Ambrosia Designer Florist, and the sweetest cake from Dani at The Urban Kitchen... because shouldn't every proposal include cake?

The only snippet of information we had been given about Jenna was that she loved white lillies... Shani built her bouquet around these perfect flowers and the inspiration gleaned from the vision of Something Borrowed, and Dani was inspired to create her perfect white chocolate drip cake to match.
The lovely Dominique of Dominique Cook Photography was there not only capturing all the little details, but chipping in to help with the setup aswell, arranging cushions and throws like a pro!  
Missing in amongst all this action was Cam from We The Collective who found himself at the last minute hanging out with the girls as part of MoreFMs elaborate ruse.  This played out a little something like this ... Jenna's bestie Corrina got sent an email saying that she had won a competition on The Edge and the prize was a mums day out with her best friend, starting with breakfast out and then yoga in the park.  They were told to dress up a bit as they would be being filmed for publicity - thanks Cam! - and so Bryn had to take the morning off work to look after their sweet baby Poppy.  As soon as Jenna was gone, Bryn donned his suit from McKnight and Brown, dressed Poppy up, and headed to the park with his speech and that amazing RING!  Nothing quite like rocking up to the park in a suit at 7.30 am and being greeted by a team of strangers to calm any nerves!
Musician Sam Cullen was at the ready with his guitar to accompany Jenna through the park... 
Jenna: Hey look! A guy playing a guitar in the park! ... OH! I love this song! ... umm.. he's following us ... is that a bit weird? 
Not quite the leisurely stroll anyone had been expecting, Sam had to chase them at pace trying to get through the chorus of Elton Johns "Isn't it funny" before they got to the spot where Bryn was waiting.
Charged with emotion, Bryn said some lovely heartfelt words before getting down on his knee and asking Jenna to marry him.  Still slightly confused about whether yoga in the park was actually going to happen or not, Jenna said yes and then slowly took in the clapping cheering strangers around her and the news that they were live on air.  Gretchen and Steve had been commentating the whole proposal from the bushes, Cam caught the whole thing on film which you can see here, and Dominique expertly captured the whole story in photographs to preserve this moment in time for this cute couple. It was a crazy whirlwind of preparation, emotion and congratulations and then it was over... Jenna + Bryn taking home Poppy to enjoy their cake and flowers with a little less publicity! Everyone has their love story ... Jenna + Bryns has just been shared a little more than most and is a testament to what can be achieved with a little planning, a great team and a whole lot of love!

Love Steph + Soph xx 

Fern McAulay's top five tips for nailing your engagement photos

#1 Be relaxed, it’s just you two as a couple and a chance to be a little more intimate - it’s helps with getting comfortable with your photographer.

#2 Bring ideas with you but remember that your photographer has their own style and can’t always copy/execute another photographer’s style.

#3 Engagement shoots can be at any location but are always nice if in a special location (first date, where he/she proposed etc)

#4 It’s about you as a couple so make sure you tell your photographer what you want and if you aren’t comfortable.

#5 Engagement sessions are fab because you get the chance to get to know your photographer and they get to know you!

Nostalgic Photography | Vendor Spotlight

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

I have always wanted a creative job! After studying photography and learning the technical rules I loved there was room to break these rules and create a different style that some people were looking for. Feedback from my friends, family and Facebook following is what gave me the confidence to start. a business

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Coffee!!! First comes coffee then comes a list. I enjoy being away from my computer for at least 30 mins in the morning to really make a goal of what I would like to have achieved by Friday and how I will get there. I have little jobs like answering emails, invoicing, updating my website & planning for upcoming shoots. There is always photos editing to be done but a very large portion of my day involves planning. I am always trying to think of new ideas to reach people that may not know about me or to up skill in areas I feel my photography needs to improve. I also sell plywood prints which can take up a lot of my time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

I’m not much of a trend follower. I love brides to choose what thy want without any influence of what is right. I am into natural and minimal set ups, lots of natural leaves and dark lips!

ADVICE FOR BRIDES TO BE PLANNING THEIR BIG DAY?

This is your day!!! Do not forget this. What is right for someone els may not be for you and that’s totally cool! That’s what makes us great. Choose from your heart and plan from your heart. To me there are no rules. I have so many brides with all sorts of plans that are very different and I love that!

ANY TIPS OR TRICKS YOU CAN OFFER BRIDES TO BE ?

Consider all options. For photos, you may want to do them before your ceremony which means your make up is fresh and your day is spent with guests! This does mean seeing your future husband before the ceremony so it may not work for you but it can be a great idea for people wanting to make the most of their guests.

 FAV PLACE IN SOUTHLAND TO VISIT?

Catlins!!! 

To find out more about the super talented Jordan from Nostalgic, check out her page in our directory where you can contact her directoy.