How I photograph weddings around New Zealand

Getting ready

Getting ready is one of my favourite parts of a wedding day. Kids run around and family comes and goes. I stand back and photograph what’s going on. If you’d like group photos with your people, or photographs of your jewellery or dress, ask and I’ll do them.

Parents, bridesmaids or close friends often see you dressed for the first time that morning. Sometimes it happens naturally as they arrive, and sometimes it’s planned in advance.

First look

For most weddings I recommend that the first time you see each other is at your ceremony. First looks are staged by nature.

A first look works well for some couples. Some are nervous about seeing each other for the first time in front of all their guests, and would like that to be more private. Others want to take their portraits before the ceremony and spend the rest of the day with their guests.

At a first look I stand the first partner, most often the groom, somewhere with a nice background. They wait while the second partner walks up behind them, and turn around when they’re nearly there.

Ceremony

Your ceremony is more than what happens at the front. Guests are arriving. Family who haven’t seen each other for months or years are catching up. Someone is rushing around with the final touches. One of you might be waiting nervously for the other to arrive.

During the ceremony itself I work hard to photograph your declarations of love, your reactions to them, your first kiss and the walk back down the aisle.

Family group photos

Before the wedding you send me the list of groups you want, such as everyone, each side of the family and the bridal party. You also name someone who knows your families to help me gather people.

On the day I work through your list.

Couple portraits

This is the one part of the day I direct. I give you ideas about where to stand and move, and prompts if you need them.

How long it takes is up to you. Most couples choose anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Tell me how long you’ve set aside and I’ll work to it.

Sometimes that’s a quick walk around the venue or a nearby park. Other times it means getting to some of New Zealand’s natural scenery.

Engagement sessions

I recommend an engagement session to anyone getting married. It’s a chance to get to know each other, and good practice for your wedding portraits. I send you a questionnaire first so I know what you want from it.

Ask about an engagement session

Drinks & canapés

Drinks and canapés fill the time between your ceremony and your reception. I photograph your guests mingling.

If you choose to take your portraits during this time, I keep them short so you’re back among your guests quickly.

Reception

Speeches, cutting the cake, bouquet tosses, cultural items and more. I’ve photographed a Cook Islands dance item, kids discovering the photobooth props and a sparkler exit.

Sunset

If you’d like portraits at sunset, tell me beforehand and I’ll time them for the evening.

Dancing

I love photographing the dancing, whether it’s a first dance or a dance floor that runs into the early hours. At most weddings it’s the only time I use flash, so a dark dance floor still comes out clearly. I also photograph some of the dancing without flash.

Scenes & details

I spend most of the day with you and your guests. If I get a chance, I also photograph the details and the place where your wedding is happening.