Not going to lie, I love all the couples that engage with me, and Alyce & Ben’s Wanaka Wedding was no exception. These two bought some fresh country air to their wedding, complete with a stunning dress, flat caps and two pair of New Zealand’s legendary Red Bands. The wedding ceremony took place at Wanaka’s Holy Family Catholic church, reception celebrations at The Venue, separated with a helicopter ride and mountain top photos. An incredible story I felt hugely grateful to be part of. 

Love can be as strong as you want it to be. Imogen & Logan proved this to be true during the lead up to their Wanaka wedding. Studying and working across the globe and organising a wedding is no easy task, but through a supportive family and pure dedication, these two knocked it out of the park! Criffel Station were hosts to the special occasion, there were heart-felt vows, beautiful sunshine and helicopters — all a photographer could ever wish for! Aaron from Amico Films in Sydney even jumped in at super short notice to create an incredible film on the day. Absolutely epic!

Jamie & Andrew’s Cromwell wedding was even more beautiful than I anticipated. Having known these two for a while beforehand made fitting in with a camera to capture their wedding story absolutely seamless. Preparations begun on their family vineyard with the surrounding Pisa Range glistening in the warm sun. There was an abundance of laughter, good vibes and all round an incredible day shared by two incredible people — stoked to be able to be part of it!

The thing I love most about being a wedding photographer is venturing to new places and meeting amazing people. I hadn’t been up to the West Coast of the South Island in a while, so when Hayley & Jared booked me in for their Reefton wedding, I was pretty excited. Of course we had a little rain (wouldn’t expect anything less from the West Coast!), but it soon cleared and made way for an awesome celebrations and a wedding I’ll never forget. Venturing about the local forest and the edges of the mighty Inangahua River, the senses were overwhelmed with the happy vibes from the newlyweds, the incredibly fresh air and a few sandflies! Here’s the story of an American groom being welcomed to the Reefton family… 

Heading out of town is always exciting, particularly when it’s to a place I haven’t been to for a long time. Jane & Matt’s Taranaki wedding was one I’d been looking forward to not only for the destination, but more so getting to know the personalities of these two legends well before pointing a camera their way. Having a strong background in the fire service, the ceremony at Tairoa Lodge was dressed for the occasion, and the North Island summer heat certainly didn’t hold back! A good post-ceremony trek up Mt Taranaki served for a great adventure to document which the full bridal party embraced. An incredible day with an incredible party to follow — definitely a day to remember.

Ange & Cam held absolutely beautiful Queenstown wedding at Millbrook Resort. Along with many of their guests travelling over from Australia, they were treated to a cool rainy day with a few Plan B's taking place. Nothing phased these two though, in fact I think they embraced the natural turns of their day more, evident in their persistent smiles.

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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!

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.

Some people just click. They work together beautifully as a team and make you feel welcome, like part of the crew. Clare & Hayden are just those people. Organising their Ohau Lodge wedding from the North Island didn't seem to cause any troubles at all, though Lake Ohau known as 'The Place of Wind' certainly lived up to its name. Raw and beautiful landscapes are abundant around here, as was the evening festivities. One of my longest days behind the camera, and one of my most memorable.