Emma & Jono’s recent vintage-inspired travel-themed engagement shoot. We had period dresses, bowties & bowler hats, antique suitcases and a genuine railyard museum. More to come.
A few recent favourites from Kat & Mike’s mid-winter engagement session around Waitangi Park on the Wellington waterfront. Keep an eye out for their upcoming summer wedding, we can’t wait!
Enjoy. 
Check back for more.
From Anna & Leighton’s recent wedding.
More soon!
And finally, rounding out our summer season: the rocking vintage wedding of Katrina & Ant, held at the always awesome Erskine Wedding & Events, Island Bay.
A first viewing and photoshoot before the ceremony; beers and canapes outside on the lawn; Shaun Preston pounding away on the piano as late night entertainment – this was as relaxed and non-traditional as you could get. And, this is the first, and possibly only, time I get to accompany a wedding blog with Guns ‘n Roses. That’s how cool these guys are!
(This wedding was also recently featured over at Polka Dot Bride – don’t forget to head over there for your very own wedding inspiration.)
Katrina & Ant – thank you!
More coming soon. Check back!
We learnt a lot over the last weekend at the NZIPP Infocus conference. We even managed to pick up a few print awards in the Wedding category (but that’s the subject of another post).
But one of the things highlighted to us was that Kiwis are terrible at SSP – “Shameless Self Promotion”. We’re far too modest to jump around proclaiming how good we are, so this blog post is going to break that mould, just for once!
We’ve been getting a few features on wedding blogs recently, so I thought I would share them with you all.
The Australian bridal blog Polka Dot Bride featured Katrina & Ant’s Erskine wedding yesterday:
The amazing and always beautiful Wedding Chicks blog featured Leigh & Giles’ Wairarapa wedding at Tarureka Estate:
And New Zealand’s very own Wedding Wise featured Nat & Brett’s Wellington wedding:
Enjoy!
I started by taking off my shoes. Of course, that’s the polite thing to do in anyone’s house – right?
Our conversation deviated from wedding photography through to website design, SEO and social media… What? Not all photographers discuss SEO techniques with their prospective clients?
I brought up the fact that Aneta and myself were married at Erskine – it only seemed fitting to mention it.
I was sitting in Kahiwa’s apartment discussing the prospect of photographing her upcoming wedding to Grant. All of the above seemed fairly respectable and on-topic at the time – the conversation just wandered as we got to know each other a little bit more. Little did I know that a few weeks later we would receive an email from Kahiwa confirming her choice of photographers and the following posting appeared on her blog:
“But here was someone I felt comfortable talking to, almost straight away. I *love* that it’s a husband and wife team, and that they got married at Erskine too. I like that they’re trying for something a little bit different. I like that he took his shoes off when he came inside. I like that I found them through a friend (Jake). I like that I got to talk to him about their website and marketing strategies (I’m such a nerd).”
Well, what do you know?
It was just meant to be. And I’m glad I’m polite enough to take off my shoes, that I too am an internet nerd and that we love Erskine so much, because I got the chance to photograph the beautiful occasion that was Kahiwa & Grant’s wedding. It. Was. Awesome.
Boys & Girls – I present to you: Team Grahiwa.
Kahiwa & Grant – thank you.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about technical (im)perfection.
Much of our craft has been dedicated to not allowing technical deficiencies to get in the way of delivering a good image. We own the best pro-level cameras for this line of work (Nikon FX digital SLRs if you’re interested!) We carry an array of fast prime lenses that focus quickly and allow us to shoot in very low light (we love our f/1.4 Nikon primes). We carry backups of everything. The only thing getting in our way should be our creativity.
But sometimes it doesn’t help. Getting a technically perfect image isn’t easy. Sometimes, throughout the frantic pace of a wedding day, you miss a shot. Your judgement of the light is off. Your exposure is off. Your focus is off.
This is one of those images. A mistake. In the dark bridal preparation room my camera hunted for the focus. I snapped it anyway. Ordinarily I wouldn’t dream of delivering an image like this to a client, let alone blogging it for the world to see. But I love it. The shadows and subtlety almost say more than the fully-focused image would have.
More to come.
“Hey, Lizzie and I got engaged. Hurrah hurrah.” Matt’s email arrived in our Inbox.
Lizzie & Matt were after a chilled out afternoon tea & cocktail affair, they told us before the wedding.
The beautiful Gear Homestead was Lizzie & Matt’s chosen venue, and on a calm mid-autumn Wellington day I’m not sure there’s a more suitable and pleasant venue in the Wellington region. Perched on the hill, overlooking the harbour, that beautiful autumn sunshine slicing through the trees, their friends and family gathered for that perfectly relaxed afternoon.
They brought many personal touches into the day: Lizzie’s gorgeous birdcage veil complimenting her 50’s dress, pink & red flourishes delicately scattered throughout the day, a great selection of canapes and drinks, plenty of sweet treats (M&Ms, anyone?), and of course Lizzie made her very own cupcakes.
Oh, and of course – there was a wedding too! After all, isn’t that what this is all about? 
I think the following track is simply the perfect accompaniment to these images. Enjoy!
“Hurrah hurrah” indeed. Congratulations Lizzie & Matt, and thank you!
More to come. Stay tuned!
You may recognise Leigh & Giles from earlier, here.
You may also recognise Leigh from here.
Or maybe you saw Leigh & Giles’ feature over at Wedding Chicks today here.
Either way, you’ll want to stick around to see a little more – these say more than our words ever could.
Ladies & Gentlemen, the beautiful Leigh & Giles at Tarureka Estate, Featherston. Enjoy!
Leigh & Giles, thanks!
Lizzie & Matt. Gear Homestead. Autumn.
More soon.
Remember Katrina & Blair? That was a quick preview from their engagement session – now buckle yourselves in and prepare for the full force of their wedding!
We work with a lot of couples – clearly that’s what weddings are all about, right? However, I don’t think we’ve come across a couple that seem so perfectly suited to each other than Katrina & Blair. And they worked in such close harmony in the build up to preparing their big day together.
All the details were perfect, and everything was planned down to perfection. They each brought so many aspects of their own style, and more importantly, their own personality to their wedding day. It was a fantastic gathering of some really close family and friends, and you can experience the day in full detail below. Enjoy!
We began in Kilbirnie for a little hairdressing for Katrina and her bridesmaids.
Crystal Clear Productions were also present on the big day, and it’s amazing how few of my photos they appear in. They did an extremely good job of covering the wedding in a non-obtrusive manner, much like our approach. Well, apart from the odd interview, like below, of course!
Meanwhile Blair, his groomsmen and father put the finishing touches on the Audi wedding cars.
And Katrina and the girls headed back home to Katrina’s parents to continue with the morning preparation.
Blair and the boys donned their Sunday best, and with a few small pocket knife alternations managed to get the cufflinks fitted. :)
And Katrina’s bridesmaids helped her slip into her wonderful dress.
The Wesley Wellington Parish was the venue for Blair & Katrina’s beautifully touching ceremony.
Meeting up again at The Wellington Botanic Gardens, we spent the afternoon cracking into the bubbles and generally enjoying ourselves. Oh, we got a few photos too! :)
With the afternoon fading into the evening we made it to Island Bay for a few quick photos on the foreshore.
One of my new favourite Wellington venues – The Lodge @ Shelly Bay – looked magnificent. Not only is the isolated setting on the Shelly Bay coast a brilliant spot for the late evening sunshine, but the interior of the venue is elegantly renovated and beautiful. Add Blair’s lighting handiwork to the exterior of the venue and the place is truly stunning.
Katrina & Blair – thanks!
Sometimes we like to precede our blog entries with a little background. A little bit of a story.
Sometimes we like to let that story flow through the rest of the blog entry. A few more details scattered throughout.
But then I thought about it – we’re photographers. Our images should tell the story. You don’t need to know these guys were married at St Mary of the Angels, that the walking bus through the heart of Wellington City to the Boat Shed was quite possibly the coolest idea ever, that we had the best possible fun taking formal photos around the grounds of the Boat Shed and Frank Kitts Park, and that their reception involved the groomsmen dropping their dacks.
No. If a picture can say a thousand words, then the following 100 images should be akin to a novel.
So ladies & Gentlemen, I present to you: Sharelle & Craig. Enjoy reading.
Sharelle & Craig, that rocked.
Thanks. :)
Remember Nella & Talia?
If you remember the invitation, it was a cocktail affair at the stunning Massey Tea Gardens. But there’ll be some traditional Samoan dancing, they told us. There’ll be plenty of singing and dancing, they said. Oh, and Samoan people *love* the attention of the camera, they also mentioned.
And Nella & Talia weren’t wrong. What followed was one of the most amazing wedding celebrations we’ve ever witnessed.
Nella was also the Featured Bride over at Astra Bridal so check that out too!
Have a listen to this song as you browse the images, all will become clear later in the post!
Nella and her bridesmaids & flower girls begun the morning getting prepared at their house, Bon Jovi playing in the background. Being a huge Bon Jovi fan Aneta felt right at home!
Meanwhile Talia and the boys had spent the morning putting the finishing touches in place at the venues and generally chilling out. Oh, and laying out all their gear quite nicely for me!
The Soundshell at the Botanic Gardens provided the perfect venue for a wedding amidst the beauty of the green trees and surrounded by almost 200 guests.
Taking the opportunity we scooted into the Gardens for some fun times and bridal party portraits.
And the we ventured to the Tea Gardens at the Massey Museum Building (Tokomaru) for the reception and the rest of the day’s festivities.
After the laughter and tears of the speeches and traditional Samoan dancing Joosy Froot kicked off the rest of the evening.
And then it happened. The most amazing part of the day. Amidst the chaos, laughter and dancing Nella reluctantly took the microphone and sang the most amazing rendition of “Last Dance” I’ve ever heard. Ah-mazing.
Not to be outdone, Talia then followed with his karaoke rendition of Elvis.
And then it continued. the wildest, craziest dancefloor I’ve ever been a part of.
Nella & Talia, thank you.
Lauren & Logan wanted a wedding invitation that captured both their love of travel and their different backgrounds – St Louis and Wellington.
Presented in a slightly vintage style based loosely on a 1940s travel brochure, with a teal colour that was consistent with their wedding theme, the design hinted at the story of how they met: working together on a cruise ship.
And just a little bit of Wellington because it was looking particularly gorgeous that evening:
“How did Matt get a hottie like that to a party like this?”
Gear Homestead. Actually the scene of the infamous alien battle from Peter Jackson’s Bad Taste, although this day was nothing like that movie.
Replace gore and blood splatter with sunshine and warmth, replace guns with bottles of bubbly and replace aliens from space with a bride and groom clearly in love, and you have the recipe for a fantastic wedding!
The always awesome Rowan from Invision Photography was a second shooter for me on this particular wedding, and he rocked it. Thanks buddy.
Mel & Matt – thank you for allowing Rowan and myself to be a part of your special day.
“You’re a legend Matt.“
We’re at the same time chuffed, a little embarrassed and overly delighted to receive this recent review by the beautiful Hannah.
It’s been posted over on our WeddingWise profile. Isn’t this the cutest limerick ever written? :)
WE DO… We Did and You Should
~ An Ode to the Ever Clever Jason and Aneta
We once met a nice guy called Jace,
Whose skinny black tie is quite ace,
As as for Aneta
WE DO hope you’ve met her,
They’ll both put a smile on your face
We said “Guys we are quite a big fan,
We need help and WE DO think you can,
Take a photo quite arty,
And join in the party,
Will you help? We’ve a wedding to plan!”
Willingly as a bride I confess,
We do know about pre-wedding stress,
But Bridezilla or not
They will capture that shot,
WE DO mark them “A plus” and no less!
And then, WE DO highlight the truth,
Their black box will then capture your youth
It’s four poses of fun,
WE DO love this one,
It’s their magical, cool photo booth!
WE DO love the result – can’t pretend,
You must tell each and every friend
There’s no doubt they’re the best
And their blog tells the rest
In summary: WE DO recommend!!
