Author Archives:

Sam and Julia

Not long after meeting Sam and Julia for the first time, I knew that their wedding would be something really special. Both Matakana farmers, this down-to-earth couple picked an amazing time to get married (Autumn) and chose to do it in a style in which only they could pull off….

The girls got prepped in The Castle, a very classy and luxurious local bed and breakfast.

My second shooter Tony hung out with the guys before the ceremony and got some great shots of Sam with his son.

Everyone was waiting with anticipation as the bridal party arrived in black Fords.

With the vows given and the rings exchanged, it was time to jump onto the John Deere’s waiting out back, and go for a bit of a ride!

At this point Sam led the convoy off-road and up an incredibly steep hill, so Tony and I parked our cars and hitched a ride with them. With all the bumpiness, we somehow managed to get a few clean shots… was pretty awesome to see Tony hanging off the outside of his tractor with one hand, shooting with the other (that’s dedication to the job).

At the top of the hill we were met with a stunning panoramic view of Matakana, Omaha beach and the surrounding areas. One of the images below gives some idea, but you had to be there to properly experience it.

With tables and benches set up, it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some champagne, beers, crackers & cheese.

As the sun was starting to set, it was time to let the town of Matakana know that Sam and Julia were married.

So the convoy set off down the hill and into town to do some loops of the main roundabout.

Last location of the day, the beautiful Matakana wharf… where we took photos until the light faded away.

And if you run out of natural light, there’s nothing more romantic for a farm girl than to be kissed in the headlights of a John Deere…

So after working up a good appetite, it was time to head back into town for dinner (and a few more loops of that town roundabout).

Congratulations Sam and Julia, and thank you for picking me to capture your amazing day!

Jinisha and Stanton – Engagement Session

Summer evenings are always my favourite time to shoot, nice and warm outside, and a bright setting sun always means there’s a bit of magic in the air.

Jinisha and Stanton are a young couple getting married next year. In our little engagement photo shoot it was obvious how madly in love they were and I bet they can’t wait for that big day.

We met up at Parnell Shops, where a few quaint little areas make the perfect setting for this kind of photo shoot.

It’s always great to work with a couple that likes to have fun…these two were laughing away and having an awesome time, which makes my job so much easier.

If you’d like an engagement or couples shoot done, please contact me for a quote. (Note: The sessions are currently a free extra featured in my Deluxe Wedding package).

Those Good Ol’ Days

As mentioned a couple of posts ago, I had just recently acquired a film camera, and a Vintage Glamour shoot set up by Vintage THE HAIR ROOM was the perfect opportunity to test it out.

The film I used was Kodak Ektar 100, a film not really suited to low natural light situations…but I went ahead and used it anyway as the very kind folk at Photo & Video had gifted it to me for free!

With 16 shots to one roll of film, you really have to pick your moments carefully, something which us newer breed of digital photographers are not used to. So the first time doing this has been a really interesting experience, and I think my new analog kit has lots more in store to teach me.

Models: Laura Love, Christy Gibbs, Baylee West

Hair by: Vintage THE HAIR ROOM

Stylist: Maria Griffiths

Makeup by: Melina Pruden | Make Up Art & Effects