Foxglove Wellington Wedding Ceremony and Reception - Claire and Brendan

Congratulations to Claire and Brendan! They tied the knot at Foxglove on Wellington's waterfront and it was my pleasure to document the full day for them. Claire was wearing a beautiful Sophie Voon Bridal dress, which you don't realise is actually made up of two pieces, a dress and a lace top.

My favourite spot right outside the venue is a brick wall, which you’ll see in their photos. Thank you mother nature for looking out for us, the rain stayed away long enough for us to have their bridal photos outside!

Lifestyle Newborn Photos At Home

Having your photo taken isn’t something we do every day which is why my family and newborn sessions are easy-going, less about industry trends and more about the experience I can provide. Here are some cute moments with Ange, Rory and Marlow. The great thing about being at home for their photos was they were about to feed Marlow between shots and settle her throughout our whole session.

Bringing a baby into the world is the perfect reason to have your pictures taken. I’ve had lots of newborn sessions lately! They are one of my favourite kind of photo sessions.

Titahi Bay Family Photos!

Family is everything. I think a lot of us this year have reevaluated our priorities and been reminded of how important it is to stick together and make time for our family.

My cheeks hurt from smiling so much while editing my family session with @merlephotographs. These photos and the beautiful people in them bring me so much happiness! The doggos loved the beach and being involved too.

Ohariu Farm Wedding Venue - Nicola and Daniel's outdoor wedding ceremony

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Geraghty! I had the pleasure of photographing Nic and Dan's wedding at Ohariu Farm. They made my job of photographing so easy because A) they looked amazing and B) they were so relaxed and fun! The best part was making the last-minute call to brave the weather and have their ceremony outside ... no regrets, the light was so beautiful and the rain held off for us!

Venue Ohariu Farm
Celebrant Wendy Morrison
MUA Jaymie Jarvis Makeup Artist
Dress Astra Bridal Wellington
Florals Twisted Willow
Bridesmaid dresses Evolution Bridesmaids

Postponing your wedding because of Covid19 and eloping instead - Magda and Fraser's Wellington Elopement

Magda and Fraser originally had a small wedding ceremony planned for earlier this year which was postponed due to Covid19. Their new plan to go ahead with an elopement style ceremony out in the hills of Ohariu valley was just as special and I know those who couldn't make it from overseas will be feeling so happy for them!

Some couples choose to elope instead of having a wedding so they can have that "just us" experience. Some couples want to have the freedom to spend the day together without all of the traditional rules and distractions that come with hosting a wedding.

Saving money is also a huge benefit and you're valuing memories rather than the materialistic side of having a traditional wedding. Overall elopements are less stressful and require less planning - perfect in today’s climate!

What to expect from your family and newborn photography at home

My newborn and family photo shoots capture a mix of unfiltered real moments done in a stylised way. These sessions are a personal favourite of mine, especially if you have younger children as they feel more relaxed and the images look more authentic being in your own space. It also means I travel to you rather than traveling to a location or studio.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SPACE FOR FAMILY PHOTOS

A home is made to be lived in and no one is expecting every room in your house to be clean or tidy, especially if you have younger kiddies! There is absolutely no pressure to prepare your entire house for photos but having one or two spaces ready to use is key. Often your bedroom, living area, or children’s bedroom/nursery is a great space to use for this style of session. You may want to put away some toys or hide clutter but you definitely won’t need to clear everything out of the space, you still want it to look like your home and not something out of a flashy magazine.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS

You’re at home so you want to be comfortable but pick outfits that make you feel good. My style isn’t over-the-top swaddled baby poses but if you want to you can wrap your baby in a special blanket and have a one-piece underneath so we can do a mix of outfits for baby, some with hands and feet out because there is something about seeing a baby’s little toes and fingers!

Coordinate your outfits with each other and with your space, think of using similar tones and complementary colours. I personally love earthy and light tones, whites and creams are particularly great for a newborn session. Avoid busy patterns and text on shirts.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

It’s ok if your newborn isn’t settled when I arrive. These sessions are usually 1 hour long which is always plenty of time to feed, nappy change etc in between shots. While parents finish getting ready I normally ease into the session by sitting down and building trust with toddlers/younger children, rather than jumping straight into taking photos which can be a little intimidating. I might ask your children to show me around the house or show me something that interests them which helps everyone relax while I scope out the best spots and the best lighting. You can also prepare other children by telling them you have a friend coming to take photos.

EXPECTATIONS

If you go into your photoshoot feeling stressed and nervous about how your toddler or baby is going to do, the chances are they are going to pick up on this tension. Your toddler might not want to sit still, look at the camera and smile for every photo, which is completely normal. While your newborn may need some settling, take your time and do what you need to do in order to help soothe your little one. I’m not in a rush during these sessions and 1 hour is usually plenty of time to get the photos we need.

My best piece of advice is to go with the flow so we can capture natural moments together, these are often the best photos. You might need to make it fun and let your child play! I’ll also provide some guidance and suggestions for getting moments of everyone looking happy and interacting.

Styling your maternity session - Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington

Pregnancy is one of the biggest life-changing experiences you will go through. It’s incredible that our bodies can grow and nurture a new life. I loved this relaxed maternity session on Paraparaumu beach with Steph, Anthony and their two dogs. The Kapiti coast always feels special to me, I lived there for three years while I studied at The Photo School.

Couples are deciding to have maternity photos before their baby is born for lots of reasons, one being pregnancy comes with its own challenges and excitement, this is a chance to embrace all of those emotions and document this time with your partner. I’ve put together some tips for couples who are thinking about booking a maternity session and how you can style it in a way that is made easy.

FIND A SPECIAL LOCATION

Let’s make the most of our shoot by choosing a location that’s going to inspire you (and your photographer) and make you feel good. Turn the session into a memory, somewhere you think you will enjoy the scenery. Light is everything, so talk to your photographer about the best time of day at a particular location. Steph and Anthony’s pet dogs loved the beach because it meant they could run around while we took photos.

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

Think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast with the background. The colours could be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy).

HAVE OUTFIT OPTIONS

While you and your partner don’t want to look too matchy-matchy, pick outfits that will complement each other. Neutral colour pallets tend to work best, or fabrics with some texture but not overly patterned. Flowy dresses look stunning but keep in mind the length if it’s going to be windy at your location. Don’t be afraid to wear white, this looks great during sunset. If you’re not sure, bring along some options and we can pick together. If you’ve booked a 1 hour session there may be time for an outfit change.

10 year friendship anniversary photos!

To celebrate 10 years of friendship Jess and Annah traveled to Wellington for the weekend and while they were here Jess organised a surprise photoshoot! It was such a thoughtful thing to do and a special way to document their friendship anniversary. I personally would love to do the same thing with my best friends! These moments are forever and having the photos to look back on later in life is going to feel so sentimental.

This was a 30-minute photo session which is great if you’re not looking for a 1-hour photoshoot. These sessions are currently $490, this pricing is set as of October 2020 and subject to change. Which makes them more affordable and more of a reason to book photos in even if it is just for fun.

*pricing set as of October 2020 and may change in the future

Tips for styling your family photo session - D.I.Y. mini hot air balloon

Booking a family photoshoot can be an important milestone for your growing family. It’s an important event and I understand why you would want it to be perfect because it’s not often you get professional photos taken.

It's been 6 months since my newborn and family session with baby Albert, take a look at our last shoot here to see how much he has grown! Claudia has been so supportive of my business, this is our third shoot together and when she said she wanted to do a creative session for Albert... of course I was all in! Take a look at what she came up with and the amazing homemade hot air balloon.

START WITH YOUR LOCATION

Planning what your family is going to wear is going to add an element of styling to your photos. To form a cohesive look start with your location. Where will you have your family photoshoot? What kind of vibe are you wanting - do you want the environment to be outdoors, or do you prefer an in-home session? Do you want to add in some props for this special occasion and do they match what you’re going to wear?

WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND

Think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast with the background. The colours could be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy). The grass and soft tones of the beach worked perfectly with the earthy tones this family chose to wear.

MUM PICK YOUR OUTFIT FIRST

Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit first! I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love. You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfit around what you’re going to wear. You might think it sounds a bit selfish but you also deserve this moment to shine.

ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR

Add in some extra textures so it doesn’t become too matched and don’t be afraid of an extra pop of colour. Avoid big and bold patterns (like floral tees), the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions. No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable then keep it authentic.

The Power Plant - Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast

Who else is obsessed with indoor plants? The Power Plant is fuelling my addiction in the best kind of way! I caught up with my friend Sam to take some shots of her store for an upcoming magazine feature! How amazing is this space though? It’s definitely plant goals. There is something therapeutic about caring for plants. I started this week off by spending a whole day tending to my collection - watering, dusting, rearranging my shelves, rearranging some more.

D.I.Y. Bridesmaid Gift Boxes

I made my own bridesmaid gift boxes! We are starting to plan our own wedding for next year and I'm so excited to have three of my best friends as bridesmaids and my sister as my maid of honour!

The chocolates are from House of Chocolate NZ, sparking Rose from Spoil Me Gifts and personalised cookies made by Personalised Cookies NZ. I added in some lemon-scented bath salts as an extra to fill the boxes. The reason I made my own is that I couldn’t quite find the right already made box and I had specific item’s in mind. That being said there are some amazing businesses in NZ offering custom made boxes if you’re wanting it taken care of!

Reasons to Elope! Wellington Elopement Ceremony at Makara Wind Farm

The number one reason couples choose to elope instead of having a wedding is so they can have that "just us" experience. Some couples want to have the freedom to spend the day together without all of the traditional rules and distractions that come with hosting a wedding.

Saving money is a huge benefit and you're valuing memories rather than the materialistic side of having a traditional wedding. Overall elopements are less stressful and require less planning!

Jess and Matt contacted me a couple of weeks prior to their elopement ceremony. We had to postpone due to weather but we were able to reschedule with the shortest notice possible (literally same day notice). They chose Makara Wind Farm as their location and their celebrant Mirandar Zander joined us for an intimate ceremony looking out over the ocean and hills. Karl and I are honored to have been their witnesses.

Pregnancy announcement photos and overcoming the heartbreak of two miscarriages

I feel really honored to have been a part of documenting Hayley and Tim’s story! These photos have been taken at an exciting time in their pregnancy as they are now 13 weeks along and the images have been a perfect way to announce the news to their friends and family! Leading up to this moment in their journey it has been a whirlwind of emotions. Talking about their two previous miscarriages has been an important part of overcoming heartbreak and finding hope. I admire their honesty and bravery, I hope their story inspires others who are or have been in similar positions.

“After a tough road getting here, when the time came to share our news we wanted our pregnancy announcement to be really special. This is why we decided to have Jaymee take some professional photos so we could truely capture and remember this special time in our lives and thought it would be a beautiful way to special share our news with those close to us, especially those who knew about the heartbreak we had gone through in getting to this point.

Despite being young and healthy, our pregnancy journey has been harder than we originally thought it would be. While we were lucky enough to get pregnant relatively quickly, unfortunately, this was short-lived and we had our first miscarriage last year at 6 weeks while on holiday in Australia. Before this happened to me, I’d honestly underestimated how hard it was to lose a pregnancy so early on. We were devastated and felt so alone not being able to share with those around us what was going on. We remember seeing other people we knew announce their pregnancies and while we were so happy for them, it hit us hard because we wondered why it seemed so easy for others and why this had happened to us.

After a rough couple of months, we decided to try a second time and once again got pregnant straight away. Yet again, the 6-week mark rolled around and we had another miscarriage right at the start of the NZ covid19 lockdown. We were crushed and once again felt so isolated and alone. We were left wondering why this kept happening to us and thinking that surely more people must be going through the same situation given how common our doctor had assured us miscarriages are, yet very few people seemed to talk about it.

We took so much comfort in those few stories we did come across of those who were brave enough to share their experiences - we clung to those stories with so much hope that things would eventually work out for us too and we knew that when they did, we too would be open about our own journey in the hope that it could hopefully bring comfort to others who are going through the same thing. Thank you Jaymee for helping us share our story!”

Tips to prepare for your in-home lifestyle and newborn photo session

Family sessions at home capture a mix of unfiltered real moments, done in a stylised way. These sessions are a personal favourite of mine if you have a newborn! I’ll be able to capture your family in an authentic way and you’ll feel more comfortable being in your own space.

PREPARING YOUR SPACE

A home is made to be lived in and no one is expecting every room in your house to be clean or tidy, especially if you have kids. There is absolutely no pressure to prepare your entire house for photos but having one or two spaces ready to use before your photographer arrives is key. Often your bedroom, living area, or a children’s bedroom is a great space to use for a lifestyle session. You may want to put away some toys or hide clutter but you definitely won’t need to clear everything out of the space, you still want it to look like your home and not something out of a flashy magazine.

PREPARING YOUR NEWBORN AND TODDLER

Let your children know a photographer is coming to your home for some fun and they will be taking some pictures. Asking your children to sit quiet and still usually doesn’t work and it can make your photographer seem like a scary person coming into their space. Make it fun and playful, prepare some activities that you can all do together. Let your kids run around and your photographer can interact with them, we love building trust with them and making the process enjoyable for everyone. Relax and try not to stress over their behaviour on the day.

For your newborn, do what you need to do. Stick to your feeding routine and don’t be afraid to feed during your session if you need to. You’ll likely plan to have your photos taken at a time when your baby usually sleeps but come the day of your photos their sleeping habits might be out the window. Your photographer will be able to adapt and allow you to settle your newborn if you need extra time.

WHAT TO WEAR

You’re at home so you want to be comfortable but pick outfits that make you feel confident. Coordinate your outfits with each other and with your space, think of using similar tones and complementary colours. I personally love earthy and light tones, whites and creams are particularly great for a newborn session. Avoid busy patterns and text on shirts. At the end of the day, if you want to be in your PJs and your baby wants to run around in their nappy, that’s completely ok too! The goal is to capture authenticity.

Tips for your winter photo session - Whitireia Park Family Photos

Lam and Peter braved the cold and wind for their recent engagement shoot which we also combined with some family photos of Lam and her sisters. We had originally planned to take these photos back in March, followed by their wedding in May but had to postpone everything due to lockdown. I'm so glad I was finally able to take photos for them! Winter is a little unpredictable but the light on this afternoon was worth the wait and being out in the cold.

FIND A SPECIAL LOCATION

Let’s make the most of your photo session by choosing a location that’s going to inspire you (and your photographer) and make you feel good. Turn the session into a memory, somewhere you think you will enjoy the scenery. Light is everything, so talk to your photographer about the best time of day at a particular location.

HAVE WARM OUTFIT OPTIONS

My sessions range from 30 minutes to 1 hour long. Neutral colour pallets tend to work best, or fabrics with some texture but not overly patterned. Flowy dresses look stunning but keep in mind the length if it’s going to be windy at your location. Don’t be afraid to wear white, this looks great during sunset. Bring a warm coat that you don’t mind wearing for some of the photos.

BE FLEXIBLE WHEN RESCHEDULING

I wish we could control what mother nature does on the day of our photo session. If your photos aren’t urgent I always recommend rescheduling to a different day if it’s raining or too windy. There is no extra cost for rescheduling and I do my best to be flexible with back up days. If rescheduling isn’t an option consider having an indoor location for your photos.

Bronzed Goddess Wellington Photo Shoot

I recently photographed this fabulous group of ladies for Bronzed Goddess, Wellington and Christchurch based spray tanning salon. We tuned into goddess vibes and danced along the beach taking in the stunning views. FYI it was the very beginning of winter but you wouldn’t even know it from these photos!

The best part about this experience was actually trying the product after our shoot. It was my first EVER spray tan (I’m really low maintenance when it comes to beauty) and I was so impressed by how natural it looked. The Wellington team matched my skin colour perfectly. Going into the salon with your Bridesmaids would be a perfect pre-wedding pamper and I’ll definitely be booking an appointment for my wedding!

Wellington Newborn and Family Photographer - In home portrait session

At-home lifestyle sessions are perfect if you have a newborn. You're probably still figuring out your baby’s routine so being at home will make it that little bit easier for you. These relaxed sessions are intimate and personal. If you're wanting natural and less posed photos, this kind of session might be what you're looking for!

Sarah and Anthony invited me to their home to photograph their newborn Theo. We timed the shoot for what normally would be nap time for Theo but he definitely had other ideas! Being at home made it much easier for Sarah and Anthony to soothe and settle him in a comfortable space. The photos of him awake turned out great and it was a bonus that we were able to get a few sleeping shots of Theo at the end of our session.

How photographers and videograhers work together?

Often couples will pick their photographer and videographer separately based on style and price, however, the truth is it’s not always easy for the two to work together so you want to make sure they are compatible.

It’s a balancing act. Both are being paid to create their best work for you. Most importantly, this isn’t something you want to be worrying about on the day. My partner Karl offers videography services alongside my photography packages. Couples tend to feel more reassured hiring a team or duo that has experience working together and knows how to produce the best results for your special day. We have put together key points to consider when looking for your videographer and photographer.

DO THEIR STYLES MATCH

Are their styles candid (natural) or posed, or a mix of both? Does their work resonate with what you’re looking for and can you see yourself enjoying the process of working with them? Are you drawn to the way they edit their work, do you like the colours and tones? If your photographer’s style is to capture candid photos using natural light but your videographer wants to use a video light then the two are going to have a hard time working together.

HAVE THEY WORKED TOGETHER BEFORE

Don’t be afraid to ask both vendors if they have worked together before. If they haven’t worked together previously, perhaps ask if they would be willing to both meet with you for coffee so you can get a feel for how well they communicate. Your videographer may want to set up a tripod or sound equipment that could limit your photographer’s angles, they will need to establish some boundaries so both can get the right shots.

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU

Establish what’s most important to you. There might be a particular moment that you’d like photographed but you’re not too bothered on video, or vise versa. Make sure you communicate this to both vendors so they know who takes priority.

Our top Wellington wedding venues

Wellington and the Kapiti Coast has a range of wedding venues for your ceremony and reception. This list showcases different venues with links to their websites where you can access more information!

Anam Cara Gardens

Anam Cara Gardens offers 10 acres of serene garden settings, an indoor venue and two separate spaces for getting ready making it the perfect venue for your day. Their venue has capacity for up to 120 guests, includes a modern commercial kitchen for caterers and a bar for BYO. Pick from 6 different ceremony locations and many areas for photos, including the beach which is only a short drive away for sunset photos.

BOOMROCK

Boomrock Lodge is an out of city experience with panoramic views across the Tasman sea. The clifftops are a perfect spot for your outdoor wedding ceremony and The Lodge can comfortably seat up to 120 guests or 140 cocktail style. Their resident chef Warren Maddox will design a menu to suit your requirements and budget. Boomrock is a 30 minute bus ride from the CBD or a 6 minute helicopter transfer. They also offer fun activities for guests during cocktail hour like clay bird shooting and golf.

SUDBURY

Sudbury is a Kapiti Coast wedding venue set on a ridge overlooking a valley in Peka Peka, 40 minutes north of Wellington City. Dinner in the stables can seat up to 150 guests and their catering partner Mark Harman brings a delicious dining experience while you provide BYO alcohol with no corkage fee. The venue offers a range a stunning photo backdrops and is only a short drive from the beach if couples would like sunset photos. The onsite accommodation Cottage 103 is the perfect spot for getting ready.

OHARIU FARM

Ohariu Farm is a countryside venue found only 20 minutes outside of Wellington CBD. Their in-house catering team will cater for weddings with up to 230 guests seated and 450 standing. Their menu is prepared on-site using fresh and organic ingredients. Their wedding packages can include lawn games, a prosecco wall, a mobile gin bar and a golf driving range.

DOCKSIDE

Dockside is a venue and restaurant located on the edge of the Wellington waterfront. The Main Deck downstairs can seat 140 guests and features an opening roof, so it’s perfect for any weather and large enough to host your ceremony and reception.

Clem and Lox's Garden Wedding - Lower Hutt Wellington

There's no place like home so why not make it your ceremony venue. I loved this outdoor garden wedding at Clem's family home. It made the day extra special and intimate, plus their house was incredible so it was a photographer's dream to be there. The Bridesmaids looked stunning in their emerald green dresses, which also matched the Groomsmen’s bow ties.

Clem and Lox met through friends in 2013 and after spending time together they started dating in 2014. Since then, they have spent time in Canada working and road-tripping the entire country. They then moved back to NZ and adopted a cat called Robert Redford. Lox proposed on the wharf at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne as the sun was setting, he knows romance!

A big thank you to Amy Schulz for photographing alongside me on the day!