Dream Team
Ever since I was small, I loved flying. But never did I imagine myself to be a helicopter pilot's girlfriend.
In the past 10 months, I've grown in my (very limited) knowledge of aviation, and I always look forward to the opportunity of going on a helicopter because Girlfriend Perks.
When we moved here to Hamilton Island, I wasn't technically going to work and simply be a Lady of Leisure because Why Not. I wanted some time to rest from wedding season and put travelling on hold (gasp) and just edit my travel photos from the past five years and maybe even update my website (so much backlog I tell you).
As we all know, life never really pans out the way we plan and imagine, and we get amazing surprises all the time. My surprise this time was that there was a job opening for a Wedding Photographer on the island. It meant I could still have my business in New Zealand (don't worry guys, I'm coming back for wedding season), but also add one of the most beautiful places in Australia to my wedding portfolio. Extra money never hurt anyone either. Maybe I can even save up for a six-month adventure at some stage next year?? ;) *maybe*
I ended up taking the job, and yes people, I am back in an office working a 9-5. It's kind of crazy/weird/fun/confusing to not fully be my own boss again, but I've missed having properly rostered days off where I can leave my work in the office. I guess when you have your own business, you're always looking after your clients and it never stops. I technically now have two full time jobs. What have I done. Haha! ANYWAY.
One amazing perk of the job is that we offer the Whitehaven Beach Photo Tour. This means on your wedding day, you can take a helicopter to Whitehaven and have a pretty epic photoshoot. You can also have Proposals on the beach — and I've actually photographed one of these!
My first time to Whitehaven Beach was for a proposal, and guess who was flying the helicopter?!
I honestly never thought I could work with my boyfriend. More so, do something pretty incredible together — in jobs that we both absolutely adore and excel in — and create a wonderful memory for couples to remember forever.
For this proposal, I had to pretend to be a tourist and not know the pilot, which was entertaining in itself. The pilots prepared a cute wee banner beforehand that says WILL YOU MARRY ME? on the beach, so before we landed, Matt (the amazing man proposing) turned to Jessica and BAM brought the ring out and made all their dreams come true.
Sam and I felt so honoured to be a part of their proposal — I nearly cried!
It was their two-year anniversary! She was so stoked, it was amazing to witness something as special as this.
Dat bling tho.
Before we landed and before the surprise proposal, I was blessed enough to have a chance to finally see the Great Barrier Reef up close and personal (as close as you can get from the air, I guess).
This is the home of the famous Heart Reef — and I saw it with my own eyes! It's not as gargantuan as people imagine it to be, but I still think it's beautiful.
We saw some turtles and manta rays too before we flew over the Hill Inlet.
Now, this next view is actually beyond amazing. When the tide is right, it's one of the most spectacular views on Earth. According to Sam's commentary, after Uluru, this is the most photographed place in Australia (I think, don't quote me on that).
Even on a cloudy and gloomy day, it's dramatically intense. I sometimes cannot fathom how gorgeous this world really is. I feel honoured to be able to live in this slice of paradise in this season of life we're in.
The best jobs in the world involve hammocks, and maybe even naps. I got schooled on how to hammock.
Agh I am actually so grateful, I could explode.
I know life isn't perfect. I have so much I still need to learn — about life, about being a responsible adult, about love, about looking after my inner world, and the list goes on. But right now, I am acknowledging the overwhelming blessings I've been given.
The chance to live here in paradise.
The warm winter days.
The jobs we have that give us meaning and enjoyment.
The incredible friendships and community we have formed in this place we now call home.
The ability to breathe, walk, jump, laugh, cry, eat, cuddle, and live life how ever we want to live.
The freedom to be who we are and discover more daily.
The opportunity to learn to trust again.
I am beyond blessed, and forever grateful. I will continue to do my very best to stay full of joy and hope for our life ahead.
Patty xx