On this beautiful winter’s afternoon, in Ash and Cati’s back garden, we built a teepee and played in the leaves. This was not just a vow renewal; it was a celebration of family, marriage and life. To mark the end of Cati’s chemo we threw this back garden Native American styled vow renewal. There was so much light and love around it was insane!

This in essence was a styled shoot that included my very dear friends letting me take over their home and gorgeous children. On a deeper much more personal level, this was part of my own healing process. It felt like I had been holding my breath for months, watching my friend and her family go through the excruciating stages of cancer treatment. I couldn’t do anything, I couldn’t change anything. So when it finally did come to an end, this was my way of exhaling, rejoicing and doing something.

For me the point of the afternoon was to celebrate the fact that this family had gone through incredibly hard times and come out not only intact but thriving. I also think Cati looks smoking hot and rocks short hair like nobodies business!

The playful afternoon outside spent exchanging vows and showing the kids their wedding album, was followed by a romantic floor picnic. We turned their entire lounge into a cocoon of throws and pillows. Platters of their favorite treats and a bottle of wine by the fire finished of this stunning day.

Cati literally sparkles in these photos captured by my most favorite Niki  friend.

“When darkness falls beauty is lit from within” -Jonathan Jena-

Raw logs and discs sourced from  Jungle Rush.

Artisan food platters made from up cycled wood – please email me for details of this wonderful micro business.

Styling, décor, flowers and Teepee creation done by Runaway Romance.