When winter hits Central Otago, getting out and amongst the elements is only for the adventurous. Coryn & Caleb were just that. They held their Queenstown wedding straight after a good snowfall and the temperatures barely got over 3ºC. Their intimate ceremony was tucked away in the historic Thurlby Domain, followed by a venture about the Crown Range with a signature Queenstown sunset, then warming up again at Postmasters in Arrowtown. An incredible day all round!

Parts of Canterbury take my breath away, which explains some of my excitement to photograph Sarah & Rhys’ Kaituna Valley wedding. Tucked away in Banks Peninsula, I had the pleasure of sharing the afternoon with this humble couple, and documenting their intimate wedding. Everything was low key and real, heartfelt and genuine — speaking so much about who Sarah & Rhys are as people. The portrait session to follow included a beaut sunset, getting amongst the nearby forest and hike up into the foothills. Couldn’t ask for more.

A Queenstown pre wedding session is pretty well up there in terms of doing a photo session right. Min Sun & Tae Wan travelled in from Korea, grabbing me for an hour to head up into the Remarkables. I’m glad they had heaps of enthusiasm, we had to contend with a howling southerly wind, but that didn’t seem to phase them. Starting on the sheltered side, we edged our way around into nature’s fury. Lining this up just before the sun just dipped behind the Southern Alps, we then ventured down to dusky pink lakefront to finish off.

Growing up in the country. Something I’ll always be grateful for. Georgie & David’s Canterbury high country wedding took me right back there. Turn off into the Rakaia Gorge, then keep driving until you think you’ve gone too far… then drive a little further. These two come are probably the most down to earth couple I’ve met so far, and not afraid to get their hands dirty (or the wedding dress!) Held at their family home, there was everything we needed right at our fingertips; a decent 4WD track to some spectacular views over the Southern Alps, a working woodshed converted into a cosy reception area, and a well supplied whisky bar. Thanks to Rino Sadha for shooting with me on this one. 

Mountains, helicopters, and a few enjoyable drinks… possibly one of the best combos for a wedding. Kat & Rich nailed it for their Hanmer Springs wedding, held at the Forest Campground. Being an ex local, I thought I knew most of the good spots, until we flew to the mountain top. Still hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Pair that with these two amazingly relaxed and honest humans who know how to party, and you’ve got what a wedding is really about.

Jess & Phil’s Cossars Wineshed wedding was exactly how any wedding should be — filled with people close to you, plenty of laughter and good times and enough quiet moments to take it all in. Nestled among the rolling hills of Tai Tapu, Christchurch, Cossars Wineshed has always been one of my favourite venues, the rich Southern European feel oozes everywhere you turn. Add to that a scorching February day and you have the ingredients for an incredible wedding.

Justine & Jonny’s Peel Forest Lodge wedding was everything expected it to be… sunny, vibrant, detailed, and a little wild. Set at the foot of the southern alps in Canterbury the February sun kept guest reaching for the drinks and enjoying the remote setting.

Josie & Mick’s Leeston wedding absolutely oozed a welcoming, homestyle vibe. Held out at the Leeston based venue Memorys, it made the perfect set up to hold the ceremony under the trees and the festivities under the stars. We took a roadtrip to Gebbie’s Pass, where we were welcomed with beautiful views east and west. Relaxed and real, this wedding was all about the right things.

If you know the Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo areas, you’ll know why the region is a haven for couples to have their photos taken. Jamie & Andrew’s Lake Pukaki pre wedding session was awesome. Hailing all the way from Christchurch, we met mid way to begin our session at Lake Tekapo, moving south toward the fields of Lupins and finally dancing in the last sunlight in the presence of Mount Cook. Too good!

Shortly after moving down to Central Otago, Abby & David’s Rosemount Estate wedding lured me back. Kiwis residing in the Netherlands, it was a warm welcome and gathering with family and friends back home — served with a stunning summer’s day. Their wedding was held out at Rosemount Estate, with photos taking place on their family property. Somewhere with meaning and a couple with a beautiful connection. Enjoy…

Arthurs Pass is an incredible Location, no matter where in the world you’re from. Leah & James asked me along to capture their Arthurs Pass pre wedding session and mother nature threw everything at us in the village. Traveling 10 minutes east of the divide, we were welcomed with some epic light and cloud formations. James, originally from the area helped guide us into the right places — bringing a beautiful, calm connection throughout the whole session.

So often we're shown big weddings as being the dream, however more of the couples I work with now are going very low key or simply eloping. I love it. It takes real courage. Felicity & Andrew's Lake Tekapo Elopement was awesome. Their ceremony was held in the nearby Raincliff church, intimate and close. We then trekked across the alps toward Tekapo for a picnic, a trumpet serenade, and more photos. With temperatures just reaching 5ºc, these guys were absolute champs and an absolute blast to photograph. Thanks to Erin Waldron for shooting with me.

Having the opportunity to head over to Australia for Mackenzie & Chris’ Sunshine Coast wedding was an amazing experience. I had an introduction to some amazing families uniting from the UK and Australia, some awesome wedding vendors and not to mention the incredible, down to earth couple themselves. Held at the beautiful rustic setting of Yandina Station, we had a blast venturing about the venue and stunning surrounds, with Queensland’s super early sunset started the party well in advance. Here’s a snippet of their wedding story…

Ever since first meeting with Lauren & Trent, I was excited to photograph their Mt Thomas Elopement. A special place found by Trent was the destination, starting our hike into beautiful forest of Mt Thomas. Beginning on the path, then veering into the bush and up an incline we found Trent's epic clearing, perfect for their ceremony. The only noise about was the calm voice of celebrant Jane Godfrey against the roaring wind in the trees high above. And the occasional camera click. An absolutely humbling day to be part of and have the opportunity to capture for their family and friends.

Lisa & Brad’s Mt Lyford wedding took me right back… the roaring alpine nor’ west winds, the cosy log cabins and the surrounding Manuka forests where all elements I remember fondly growing up in the area. A real piece of New Zealand with no compromise on landscape, yet hidden away from the hustle.

Emmeyln and Allen asked me along for their Akaroa Pre Wedding session, and we timed it perfectly. Akaroa is a beautiful little harbour town I love, settled on Banks Peninsula here in New Zealand. It has a strong French culture and the steep hills surrounding create the perfect landscape for any photographer. The sun slowly set as we climbed the hills finishing up shooting in the warm, soft, tranquil atmosphere. One of my favourite places, with two awesome people.

Possibly one of my most memorable wedding stories. Joce & Tim's Criffel Station wedding in Wanaka was easily the decider that locked in our choice to move south from Canterbury in 2015. We had always been in love with Wanaka, this just sealed the deal. Kicking off nice and early we gathered all of the little moments that show the bridal party's transition from fully relaxed to some beautiful emotional excitement. Local legend Ralph Fegan handled the wedding in great form amongst the epic surrounds that Criffel Station has to offer.

Having the opportunity to head over to Australia to photograph a wedding is always exciting.Teaming up with Suz Darling, Kara & Lucas’ Sydney wedding was a beautiful event. Held at Bather’s Pavilion overlooking Sydney Harbour, we couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. Heaps of nice personal touches, a very family oriented occasion finished with a golden sunset to shoot in along the waterfront… perfection!

Lisa & Brad were pretty keen on the idea of having a Newcastle engagement session, and I was pretty keen to make it happen. Beautiful weather, fresh ocean breezes the rugged coastal landscape of Newcastle made for an epic photo session, finishing off with joining them for a waterfront dinner, going from clients to friends. That's the kind of thing that makes what I do so much more than a job. 

From an incredible engagement session, I was certainly looking forward to Hayley & Josh’s Pemberton wedding. The sun was out in full force and everything was set. These guys had everything under control — clean, modern design on all the menu and favours, enough time for a pre-wedding swim, and a bride that blew away her family and friends (and myself!) when stepping out in her dress. The day was full, vibrant and relaxed, finishing off with a stunning sunset shoot and some iPhone torch painting into the night. Beaut.