Doe & Jay | Viv Phillips Photography

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"Photography is the story I fail to put into words."

Destin Sparks


‘Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet.’ -Unknown


Meet Doe and Jay. Doe is a professional dancer and Jay is an ECE teacher - they are based in Rotorua and were in New Plymouth for a weekend when they decided to have their family portraits taken. I was quite happy to oblige, and felt honoured with the trust they bestowed upon me.

They have been together for nearly twenty years - but have never been able to openly express their love for one another - at least not until they moved to New Zealand. You see, Doe and Jay are both from a very conservative and very Catholic country. One that is openly accepting of LGBTQI ... as long as it's not from within your family. 

During rest breaks at Doe and Jay's photography shoot, they would share stories - snippets of their amazing journey. They'd openly talk about how some family members were supportive, while some weren't; how they had to "act differently" while they were at work; how they could not even hold hands in public for fear that workmates might see them. It was a struggle and I am so pleased that, finally, after years of hiding and pretending, they can finally come out and be their true selves.

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"You have to be willing to fight in order for a love story to last a lifetime.” 

Cristina Marrero

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If this quote were true, then Doe and Jay's love story will last for eternity.

To read their story, in Doe's words, click this → https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/no-ordinary-country-no-ordinary-love/