Jess & Sam's Fog Peak Elopement was incredible. Beautiful people in the amazing setting of Lake Wanaka. We explored the surrounding area and created some lasting, story-telling photos to look back on. Here’s how it went…

Olga & Tom’s Lake Tekapo pre wedding session (actually a post wedding session) was incredible. Recent snow on the mountains, the sun was out and temps were warming up a little from winter. Having recently returned home from their wedding in Russia, we lined up a nice weather window and headed to Lake Tekapo and the surrounding areas. They even bought their fur babies along for the last part of the shoot. Super connected souls, beautiful setting — couldn’t ask for more. 

isiting all the way from Houston, Cindy & Peter’s Pigeon Bay couples session was an amazing excursion, very much reminding me of how incredible those sleepy bays of Banks Peninsula are.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Summertime. It’s the dream to have your wedding on a beautiful warm day. Anne & Jono struck it perfect for the Cossars Wineshed wedding. Kicking off with a heated round of golf with the boys then to the relaxed vibes of the girls being pampered, we eventually made our way out to Cossars Wineshed in Tai Tapu for the rest of the day. Jono surprised Anne with a set of giant helium balloons which became a feature of many of the photos afterwards, including (of course) accidentally losing one. Finishing off an awesome day, festivities went late into the mild evening — an absolute blast.

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than strolling about the centre of Christchurch City with these two legends. Hayley & Josh’s Christchurch engagement session was fun, lots of laughs and breaking the ice in preparation for their wedding in a series of beautiful urban settings.