When Neil and Vinnie first walked into my gallery in Oneroa I could tell they were going to have a very stylish civil union.  They had just come from visiting Mudbrick Vineyard which they had seen for the first time and loved immediately.  We had a bit of a chat about their plans and they booked me in for their day on the spot… and I have been looking forward to it ever since!

When I arrived at Lavender Hill where they were getting ready I could tell they were a bit nervous about being photographed.  Actually, more than a bit.  Quite nervous.  Quite a lot nervous!  They had warned me ahead of time that they would probably feel like this, so I quietly went about photographing their suits and cufflinks, flowers, etc to give them a bit of a chance to get used to me.

Lance chatted away with Neil and I watched them slowly start to relax but they were still pretty self aware around the cameras and I must confess I was beginning to think I might have to pull some serious tricks out of my bag to get them to relax!!  BUT…  then their fabulous attendants arrived, Neil’s sister who was the picture of quiet calm and one of Vinnie’s close friends who was bubbling over with infectious laughter, and I knew my worries were all gone!

We headed out around Lavender Hill to take a few photos together before the ceremony.

Neil and Vinnie had Candice Youhanna from Make up by Design come and prepare them for the big day.

When they arrived at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, they joined their guests who were having champagne in front of the potager gardens, and led them up to their ceremony location up on top of the cellar overlooking Auckland city.

Neil and Vinnie wanted for everyone to light red lanterns to send off into the sky at the conclusion of their ceremony but the wind was being decidedly uncooperative and despite several attempts from everyone, only a couple of lanterns actually took flight.  Most ended up gracing Mudbrick’s vines!

Mudbrick looked gorgeous as always and we had some time before their reception to take a walk around the grounds and grab some shots among the vines.

Neil and Vinnie’s reception was held in the Mudbrick cellar room which looked great and was perfect for the size of their gathered friends and family – I loved the beautiful flowers atop their cake.

As the light was falling, I asked Neil and Vinnie to join me outside for a few last photos before we left for the night.  There was a hint of pink flashing through the sky and I love this last image that we grabbed before the light faded away.

Thanks so much for inviting us to be part of your gorgeous Waiheke Island civil union, Neil and Vincent.  It was a wonderful celebration of your love and we really enjoyed being part of it.  xx

Week after week, every wedding we do is different…  I love that about being a wedding photographer because even though the ‘form’ of a wedding follows a similar structure, each wedding presents a whole lot of different moments that are special and unique to each couple.

Amy and Mark’s wedding had quite a formal aesthetic to it, but their overall approach was very laid back and fun.  The guys were dressed in waistcoats and rouched neckties with Mark in a very stylish long jacket.  They got ready for the big day at Punga Lodge in Oneroa.

Mark said that his long coat made him feel like he should be holding a sword and charging into battle…. well, I couldn’t not shoot it, could I!?

Amy and her family were all together at a beautiful home in Gulf Place, Palm Beach with amazing views.  There was a very relaxed vibe with Amy’s two gorgeous nephews keeping everyone entertained.

Amy’s flowers were created by Lainy Fleming at Waiheke Flower Company along with a little help from Amy’s mum who according to Amy is a genius with all things crafty…  they looked gorgeous and had a beautiful scent.  Amy’s Hair and Make up was from Hannah Bylo

I love these photos as Amy’s Dad saw her for the first time in her bridal gown… it was such a lovely moment.

Cable Bay Vineyard looked glorious on a stunning day which was perfect for their display of kinetic sculptures… a little on the breezy side!

Did I mention that it was a little breezy…?

After a few images around the Cable Bay grounds, we whisked Amy and Mark down to Oneroa beach where they enjoyed the Cable Bay hamper that had been prepared especially for them.  Mark got some great height on the cork popping although we couldn’t quite persuade him to shake it up and spray it!  Really Mark, where IS your sense of adventure?!

Amy’s veil was amazing and I LOVED photographing it.  It was so airborne during the ceremony at Cable Bay that Amy just took it off!  So when it started wrapping itself around Amy at our photoshoot I thought it would be a good idea to pay tribute to ‘the veil with a mind of it’s own’!!

Back at Cable Bay we had time for a few more photos before Amy and Mark welcomed their guests one by one into their reception in the traditional fashion; a lovely and very personal way to say hello to all those attending their wedding.

Josh, the super-cute page boy was awesome during the day – I love this image that Lance captured of him waiting patiently at the table with Amy and Mark in the background.  The reception hall looked very elegant with clusters of central candles and floral wreaths.  It was a very stylish wedding and a wonderful day to be part of…  thanks Amy and Mark for asking us to capture it for you.  Hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

Dave and Josianne traveled from Canada to Waiheke Island to have their gorgeous intimate wedding ceremony at Delamore Lodge.  Dave wanted to give Josianne a wonderful wedding day that she didn’t have to stress about at all… and so he took care of all the arrangements.  Gotta love that!

Josianne had dreamed as a girl of a fairytale wedding and her dress was completely A-mazing.  Her hair and make up was by the talented and very lovely Sharon Kenny.  Flowers from Virginia from the Waiheke Flower Gallery.

They both chose rings for each other in secret so that it would be a surprise on the wedding day… Josianne had Dave’s ring engraved and Dave chose a ring with 13 diamonds in it – one for each year they had been together.

The one thing that no one could do anything about was the weather and it was a pretty intensely wet day unfortunately – not the bright blue sky they were hoping for -  but they both took it in their stride and enjoyed their wonderfully romantic ceremony by the Delamore Lodge fireplace.  Dave and Josianne enlisted the help of Minetta Stevens from The Wedding Company in Nelson to plan their day from afar.  Here she is below doing an excellent job of umbrella handler!

Josianne looked radiant as she came down the stairs and when Dave saw her… well, that was the end of him!    He composed himself very quickly though, and their vows to each other were gorgeous.  Written in secret, full of devotion and love they brought a tear to my eye.

We had originally planned an excursion around the island to capture the New Zealand landscape in their wedding photos but with the rain being as relentless as it was that day, we opted to stay at Delamore and take our photos inside!  Luckily Delamore Lodge is one of those fabulous venues that has no end of lovely indoor and undercover spaces…

Love these ones…

To finish with we had a little dance-off… you know, I am trying to think how we actually got to having a dance off but I can’t remember although I can tell you that those two have some smooth moves!  Dave had the flow and glide, and the ease of a masterful dancer, but Josianne… well, she had the faces!  Sorry, Dave, but Josianne has to be my overall dance-off winner.  No two ways about it.  Love those faces!

I coaxed them out into the rain for a few photos at the end, but when the umbrella blew in half we kinda thought twice about it!!  Dave and Josianne – I LOVED being part of your very special wedding day.  It was magical, and if there is any truth to the old wives tale about rain meaning good luck in your marriage, then you guys are sorted! xx