Ngaranui beach portraits in raglan – With Naomi & Ben

I fell in love with these two humans when I photographed Ben’s surprise proposal to Naomi two years ago.
Since then, they have been very dear friends who hold a special place in my heart.
We had reunited again in Raglan and it was as if no time had passed since we last were together, except so much of life had happened, years had gone by, Naomi and Ben had gotten married, and I had also found my love of my life. It was such a precious thing for me to see them years later, even more in love with each other, and flourishing together in life. There’s something so truly special about these two. They are two of the kindest and most generous and caring people I have ever met. They make you feel so safe and at home, in every moment you share with them. They never cease to make life feel abundantly full of beauty. Together we explored Ngarunui beach in Raglan, where all three of us were mesmerized by the salty air surrounding us and engulfing the hills around us. The peace and freshness that the ocean brought to our souls was enchanting and grounding at the same time. The sun set across the water filling the west coast with warm honey-coloured light that made you fall in love with the earth all over again.
So here’s to the love that is ever-deepening and ever-growing throughout life, like the love these two share, the kind that humbles me. I shot these images on a mixture of digital + 35mm film to capture these special moments in a way that feels slow and soft, like home. So grateful to know you both, and for the priceless experience of photographing you two together again.

xxx

You can also check out their proposal in the South Island right here.