Valentine's Day is upon us, and what better way to mark the day than to ponder the wonder of love. Charlotte Christian, wedding photographer and self professed enthusiast of all things love, talked to us about celebrating personal stories of love through photography. Love is something we should celebrate every day, she says.

"Sometimes in our busy lives we forget to take a moment to dwell on what we have in life, and all the different kinds of love that we receive. I think when we take the time to celebrate and appreciate people who give us love, it flourishes and then in turn, spreads to those whom they love, and becomes a cycle."

"Valentine's Day reminds us to pull aside the one we love and spoil them, although it has become about consuming, and making purchases. As the years have passed, for me, it's changed. It's a more intimate day, and becomes about time spent together. When I was young I would always make my parents a special candlelit dinner, and boss my siblings around, making them wait on them! Now it's about exploring our beautiful New Zealand and having some good kai!"

Of photography as a medium for showcasing love, Charlotte says, "It allows you to freeze a moment in time — one that may be like every other moment — a kiss, an embrace, a laugh with your loved one. It celebrates a moment of happiness that you can look to for strength in times of hardship. People use photos to remember and to be remembered."

Charlotte feels strongly about printing. "I find nowadays people aren't so quick to get things printed, as social media is such an instant way to share with a wider audience. I truly feel printing an album, or getting favourites printed through a quality vendor, is such a timeless thing. To be able to hold a tangible image is so much more real and intimate than looking at them on a screen."

One couple served as a source of inspiration, both in work and love. "I used to work in a cafe part-time where these two love birds would come and get their daily dose of long black with almond milk. Every time they came in they would light up the space. They really taught me to not be ashamed to show affection in public, and to be proud of the person you are with. A few years down the track I was fortunate enough to document their marriage and witness their love, that had only grown, in front of their family and friends."

"I am very lucky to have a wonderful man, Cameron, whom I treasure very much. I think supporting and showing interest in the things your other half loves to do is a great way to show them you care for them." It's all about spending time, and words of affirmation. "My partner loves the outdoors, so we spend a lot of time going for bush walks, camping and hiking. And in turn, Cam gets into photography, and always points out spots or light that would make a beautiful photograph. He actually takes more selfies of us than I do! Being honest and saying how we feel in every situation can be hard, but it's something that makes me really respect and honour my other half."

"I love my job," she says, "and I am so privileged to do what I do. The mushier it is, the more I love it!"

To see more of Charlotte's work, click here.

Victoria x