Eastbourne is a popular Wellington spot for its long grass, beach setting and harbour views. Here are some of my favourite photos taken at this location from a recent session with Hannah, Josh and Archer, who had the best smile! This session was to celebrate Archer’s 1st birthday.
Wellington Newborn and Family Photography at Home!
My at-home newborn sessions are perfect for parents who have recently welcomed their newborn into the world. The reason I offer this type of photography and not studio photography is that being at home feels truly authentic and natural, while also making it so much easier for parents to get professional photos!
You may still be figuring out your baby’s routine while possibly feeling like you haven’t quite had enough sleep. I’ll be able to take away the pressure of having to be somewhere and the logistics of planning an outing with a newborn. If you have a toddler or younger children, they may feel most comfortable and settled being at home for these photos. We can also include any pets, which is a nice bonus!
I also really love that these sessions are taken in a space that is personal to your family, so in years to come your little one can see the home they grew up in (I know I feel nostalgic looking at my old family photos). Your space doesn’t need to be stylised or overly tidy. I’ll use 1-3 spaces that have minimal clutter and can help clear away anything that isn’t suitable when I arrive. I can make any home work for photos if there is enough natural light.
I like to capture moments of your family interacting in your everyday life setting while keeping things relaxed and easy-going. When your little one needs a feed or if your toddler wants a snack we can pause photos and since you’re at home you’ll have everything you need right there. We can also use any props or special blankets in the photos so you’ll get a lot of variety (Grandparents and Aunties love seeing their knitted gifts being put to good use).
At this point in time, I don’t offer studio portraits for newborn photography but if you're wanting natural and less posed photos taken in your home, this kind of session might be what you're looking for! These sessions are available all year round, so you can pick any time to update your family photos (weekends are limited during summer so do get in touch to find out more about my availability).
Here are some reviews and testimonials from families I’ve photographed! You can also check out my Google reviews for more up-to-date feedback.
“Jaymee took some family photos of us with our 4 month old. We are so happy with how they turned out and will treasure them for many years to come. Thank you Jaymee for your prompt communication and turnaround, as well as your fun and easygoing nature during our shoot.”
“We are so happy with our photos and would 100% recommend Jaymee and go back to her again. The shoot was super relaxed and we were really impressed with Jaymee’s quick turnaround, great communication and professionalism.”
“Jaymee took some incredible photos for us. But not just that, she was friendly, calm and created a great atmosphere, which really helped make the session in our home with two young kids a success!”
Using two different locations for your family photo session!
Celebrating turning one year old with baby Teo and his proud parents Daisy and Diego. To remember this time in their lives they booked a family session with two locations, starting with their new home!
If you can’t choose between having photos at a location or in your own home, my 1-hour sessions often allow enough time for an indoor and outdoor setting within the same area. Look for a park or a reserve close by to your home, or even your own backyard might be suitable. Here are some of my favourite moments from the first half of our shoot together (before we braved the freezing cold winter weather at the park.
This was our second location, I often drive past this reserve which was only a 5 minute drive from their home so it worked out perfectly for a second location.
We got married! Things we did differently when planning our own wedding!
OUR ENGAGEMENT STORY
Karl and I had only been together for 2 years when we got engaged, but we had been friends for a year before our dating relationship started and I quickly realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. The proposal was a surprise, I had a feeling it was coming and it had crossed my mind but he planned it so well and so sneakily. We had a photoshoot planned with our friend Yvonne Liew, I thought we were just meeting to get some cool pics together but during the shoot, Karl popped the question! It was such a cool moment caught on camera.
Soon after the proposal, NZ went into lockdown due to COVID. It was during this time we started talking a little bit about what we would do for our wedding and then once things started to open up again we just decided to jump straight into planning with very little money but knew that we wanted to make it happen for May the following year.
WE MADE OUR OWN WEDDING VIDEO!
When looking for a videographer we found it really tricky picking a style that we liked so we decided to approach it differently. With Karl working as a wedding videographer we knew that we could edit our own video to make it suit our personality and editing style. We couldn’t just ask any professional videographer for the RAW footage as it comes across as a bit of a disrespectful request, therefore we asked a fellow videographer friend who doesn’t usually shoot weddings to take footage for us and they were happy for us to edit ourselves.
Our approach to creating the video was we wanted more of a 'vlog’ style short film, so there are some parts with funny audio and authentic moments. It’s fast-paced, shows the full day but without being too static and repetitive. We hope that anyone can watch it and feel entertained right to the very end even if they don’t know us personally. We really wanted our personalities to come through and we didn’t want it to look too polished or serious because it’s not us!
p.s. If you’re ever worried about mucking up your own wedding vows just remember I swore during mine, so it's totally ok. Woops!
PREPARATIONS
We decided to get ready together, so all of the bridal party was hanging out the night before and the morning of the wedding. Originally we had an Airbnb booked for our preparations but it cancelled on us 1 week before the day!! Not a great situation to go through but it ended up being a blessing because we found this incredible accommodation which was much nicer and everyone loved the experience (despite it being more expensive). It even had heated floors which made us feel extra special.
Getting ready together felt more relaxed and we went into the day feeling so connected and supported by one another. I didn’t care about Karl seeing my hair and makeup. We did a first look at the accommodation before heading off for our bridal photos.
OUR $60 BRIDESMAID DRESSES!
Finding bridesmaid dresses wasn’t easy! We tried so many online stores that specialised in bridesmaid dresses. We ordered samples but had no luck with the styles or they were overpriced for the quality that they were. One of my girls suggested Pagani, at first I thought there is no way we would find something there but we found the perfect style that all 5 of my bridesmaids loved. We also saved so much money buying at Pagani which was a bonus! My advice is, don’t knock it until you try it. No one knew they were dresses from a chain store.
MY LOVERS SOCIETY WEDDING DRESS
I found it really hard picking the right wedding dress. I must of tried on about 50 gowns before this one and I knew straight away that this was ‘the one’. There definitely was an ‘aha’ moment when I saw it on. It was more expensive than I originally wanted to spend but it was worth every cent, I was 100% happy with how it looked. My best piece of advice is if it’s not feeling right then keep looking. I also found it easier going to fittings alone, that way I had less people around me and could think to myself without conflicting opinions.
I really wanted to wear white or cream boots, but they were really hard to find. I ended up finding a soft grey coloured pair at Mi Piaci. Again, more expensive than I originally planned but worth it. My feet didn’t get sore and they looked so cool.
BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS
For our bridal shoot, we wanted a location that looked different from what we usually see in our industry. It also needed to be somewhere that had the option to photograph inside just in case of bad weather. We somehow came across this old building at Trentham Racecourse. It’s run down and not often used for this purpose but we fell in love with its old charm. One of the floors has been used as a cafe and bar scene on the set of King Kong and the other space we really liked was the pink ladies powder room.
PICKING OUR VENUE AT SHORT STRAW EVENTS
Short Straw in Whitemans Valley was the first and only venue we visited when planning our wedding. We knew as soon as we walked in the door that it was perfect for us! We loved the wooden furnishings and farm setting, which was fitting since we both grew up in rural towns.
Mckenzie the venue coordinator was so accomodating and helpful throughout the whole process. She gave us access to set up earlier than most venues provide and said yes to all of our requests. The only mishap on our end was inviting more guests than the number that was recommended to us. We squeezed in 72 guests, it was a tight seating plan but everyone had a good time and that’s the main thing.
Our vision for the reception room was rustic and laid back, with a minimal but eclectic look. It didn’t need to feel big and bold, or too matchy. I love that the space alone didn’t need a lot of decorations, that’s what caught our eye. My Mum did all of our table arrangements from the dried flowers that we collected prior. The pink vases are from our friend over at The Power Plant NZ plant and the name placements and our larger sign at the back of the room from Peg Creative.
With the help of family and our bridal party, we put this all together on our own! We felt so pleased with how it turned out.
A DIFFERENT CEREMONY ARCH
I fell in love with these geo stands from The Vintage Party. We wanted something different to the very popular wooden look archways, which don’t get me wrong always look good but we wanted an installation that no one would be expecting for a wedding ceremony. Floriade created these beautiful floral arrangements, as well as our bridal bouquets and the guy’s buttonholes.
LATE AFTERNOON CEREMONY
We timed our ceremony to be as late in the day as possible about 1.5 hours before sunset. This was intentional so we had the best possible light since we wanted to get married outside. Often ceremonies are planned for the middle of the day in Summer, which is usually when it’s very hot and sunny. Bright light isn’t always the best as it’s harsh on skin tones and casts uneven light/shadows. We have photographed so many weddings in these tricky lighting conditions and it was something we wanted to avoid which is partly why we choose to have a May wedding so the light would be soft and golden at 3:30pm.
UNPLUGGED CEREMONY
We made a big deal out of it being a strictly no cellphone event during the ceremony. We had a huge sign at the entrance and we asked our celebrant to announce it at the start which worked perfectly. Our ceremony was so short and we really wanted everyone to be in the moment with us.
QUICK AND EASY FAMILY PHOTOS
We made sure our family photo list wasn’t over complicated. On my side of the family, I had about 3 different family groups and 2 friend groups that I knew were really important to capture. It meant that not every person was photographed but our guests were able to relax more and not have to wait patiently for photos. We didn’t do a group photo, these are always the hardest shots to get as a photographer, especially when there is more than 50 people because you can’t clearly see everyone in the back rows.
MISSED OUT ON SUNSET BUT NO BIG DEAL
There wasn’t really much of a sunset out in Whiteman’s valley that day and honestly we didn’t even mind. We still got these beautiful photos that still have nice light and a bit of drama in the sky.
MY ONE REGRET…
We had the best day ever filled with lots of laughing and love. It was perfect! The only thing that was unfortunate was my Grandma wasn’t well enough to come to Wellington for the wedding. This meant setting up a Livestream video really last minute. We didn’t really discuss placement for the camera and guests accidentally stood in front of the camera so during the stream my Grandma couldn’t really see. If you have guests that can’t make it then I suggest investing in a proper Livestream and hire a cameraman to operate.
LIST OF VENDORS
Venue: Short Straw Events
Flowers: @floriade_wellington
Hair: @dollhousedo and @alana__muha
Makeup: @kellymichellemakeup and @jaymiejarvis.makeupartist
Photography: @yvonneliewphotography
Celebrant: @aingiemillercelebrant
Dress: @paperswanbride @loversxsociety
Signage: @daydream.nz
Geo frames: @thevintagepartynz
Wellington Family Photographer - Newborn Session 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.
REASONS TO HAVE YOUR NEWBORN SESSION AT HOME
You're probably still figuring out your baby’s routine so being at home will make it that little bit easier for you. All you need is one or two spots that are tidy enough with minimal decorations and distractions (you don’t need all rooms to be perfect or clean before I arrive).
The best thing about being at home is your little one will feel more settled, having a stranger pointing a camera at you is one thing, so it’s good to keep it as comfortable as possible. If you need to feed or change an outfit then we can also make that happen with no stress!
Old Saint Paul's Ceremony and Foxglove Reception - Mia and Phuong
Mia and Phuong originally had me booked for their wedding in 2020 but going into lockdown, unfortunately, meant rescheduling. I’m so grateful to have been a part of their planning and seeing it all come to life after the anticipation of waiting patiently for their new date. It really was an incredible day and the best way to end my busy season.
They had their ceremony at Old Saint Paul’s Wellington followed by bridal photos at Moa Point on the windy coastline. We then made our way to their second location for bridal photos along the waterfront which was the perfect way to go into their reception at Foxglove.
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Thanks so much Mia and Phuong! Here are a couple of my favourite moments from the day.
Ohariu Farm Wedding Ceremony and Reception - Leah and David
Beautiful people and a beautiful wedding! Leah and David’s wedding had us all in happy tears. The love they have for one another is truly something special and I feel so lucky to have captured it alongside Karl who did their videography. Thank you to Ohariu Farm for having us two weekends in a row!
Ohariu Farm Wellington Wedding - Bryleigh and Ruben
Ohariu Farm is a wedding venue located 20 minutes North of Wellington city, it’s perfect if you’re wanting a farm or barn type of wedding setting without the hassle of traveling too far from home. Bryleigh and Ruben asked me to photograph their full wedding day from preparations through to the beginning of the dancing. Karl also made a highlight film for them documenting the most important parts from their first look through to their first dance, he captured it so perfectly!
They both had airbnb’s/accomodation for their prep photos which were stunning! A tidy space for getting ready makes a huge difference in the quality of your photos. A lot of thought went into the smaller details of their whole wedding... like designing and crafting their own arch, wedding invites, signage and rings, just to name a few. I loved the personal touches! Bryleigh works in the wedding industry so she has a good eye for detail.
It has been a pleasure getting to know Bryleigh over the past year. She actually played an important part in helping Karl design my engagement ring when she was working with the team at The Village Gold Smith.
Bryleigh and Ruben thank you so much for asking us to document your special day!
Brackenridge Country Retreat Wedding Ceremony - Gemma and Sam
Congratulations to Gemma and Sam who tied the knot at Brackenridge Country Retreat in Martinborough! Karl and I documented their day from preparations through to when the party started with dancing.
We did a first look before their ceremony in an olive grove on the property of a couple whose wedding I photographed back in 2018! It was near the same spot where we did their first look all those years ago, so it was really special being back in this location.
We lucked out with the weather. Did you know that cloud on your wedding day is not a bad thing! It makes the light so soft and we can take photos anywhere (makes our job much easier). The sunset broke through the clouds for not even 10 minutes during their reception. We didn’t think anything was going to happen but then it all changed so we quickly stopped eating our dinner and rushed out to catch it (dedicated clients, I'm all for it)!
The Weddingcoach NZ did the most incredible job of coordinating the whole day! It was the first time I’ve work with a coordinator and it blows my mind how much of a difference it made for us vendors and the couple. Everything was exactly where it needed to be and the whole day went so smoothly. Thank you Britt!
Martinborough Tree Church wedding ceremony - Becky and Rupert
Becky and Rupert tied the knot at Martinborough Tree Church and we had the most incredible day, from their preparations right through to their reception, there were so many beautiful moments for us to capture!
A highlight for me was driving out to Rupert’s family farm in Tora for bridal photos and the first look. I love being out on the farm and it felt so inspiring being at a new location. I don’t know anything about sheep and beef farming (despite growing up on a beef and dairy farm) but I do know how to make my way around a bit of poo and I still get a thrill from off-roading.
We also managed to get sunset photos in between their speeches! Sunset photos don’t need to be for 30 minutes, this is a perfect example of popping outside for not even 5 minutes to get the dreamy shots that you’ll see at the end of this blog post!
The best thing is if you want to see some of this beautiful landscape for yourself well you can because this is also where you go for the Tora Coastal Walk! Congratulations Becky and Rupert! Karl is currently putting together a highlight video which I can’t wait to share.
Wellington wedding anniversary photo shoot
Suné and Mark celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary with a portrait session! I'm so grateful to have documented this special time for them. We met at Truby King Park in Melrose for a 45 minute portrait session as the sun was setting. This is such a beautiful location for photos and sometimes you can hear the lions at the zoo roaring, just an added bonus.
Summer Romance Styled Shoot at Anam Cara Gardens Kapiti Coast
This styled shoot gives me that summer romance feeling! Britt from The Wedding Coach NZ did an incredible job of bringing these elements together. Our wonderful models Caitlin and David who are married (in real life) made the vision come to life and honestly made my job of photographing so easy.
Thank you to my partner Karl from Traveller Audio and Visual for this incredible highlight film! We now offer videos like this with our wedding packages too! Full list of all of the other talented vendors below.
Check out these luxe-rustic wedding vibes! Britt from the Wedding Coach put together this styled shoot with the help of lots of Wellington Wedding vendors. A...
venue: Anam Cara Gardens
planner and stylist: The Wedding Coach NZ
florals: Love Stomp Floral
signage: Day Dream NZ
mua: The Makeup Artist
hair: Wedding hair by Rachel
props and furniture: Made Lovely Hire
cake: Cake It Forward
dresses: Astra Bridal Wellington
suit: Mandatory NZ
video: Traveller Audio and Visual
Wellington family photography and styling tips for your photo shoot
Woooowie, how beautiful is this family! I had so much fun with Sam, Stefan and their two boys. They also gave me the best testimonial which seriously made my week! I freaking love my job.
"Jaymee did an amazing job with our family photos, I am so glad to have found her. She felt like a part of our family and was a true hero in making the whole experience a calming and sentimental time for us. Jaymee was so good with our two boys, she is a natural with children!"
I wanted to use this session as an example of different ways you can style your outfits. 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.
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 photo shoot? What kind of vibe are you wanting - do you want the environment to be outdoors like this session here, or do you prefer an in-home session?
Next 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 might be seasonal but most importantly, try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright vs. earthy).
Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit and then style your children around what colour you’re wearing. I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love so do a little research and spend an afternoon trying on some options (might be a good excuse to buy a new dress). You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. 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.
Relaxed Maternity Photos at Petone Beach Wellington
If you’re expecting a baby there are a few reasons why you should consider having a maternity shoot! A maternity session allows you to book in a time that is dedicated to you and your partner celebrating your little bundle of joy. It’s actually a great chance to just hang out at an epic location and enjoy some quiet moments together.
To the Mums, this is your moment to shine and appreciate how amazing and beautiful your body is. Around 30-34 weeks is usually a good time to have photos taken as this is when your bump is showing but it’s not too uncomfortable for you to be walking around.
I loved this relaxed maternity session with Holly and Sam at Petone Beach. We took their photos right before and during sunset, the light was so beautiful and they looked incredible together! My maternity shoots are 30 minutes long, which is actually plenty of time for a photo shoot with two people (perfect if your partner isn’t too keen on having photos taken). You’ll receive a bunch of beautiful photos like in this blog post, delivered to you in an online gallery ready for you to use as you please.
I offer these sessions all year round during weekends and weekdays. Get in touch for pricing!
Peppers Parehua Martinborough Wedding Ceremony
Corona may have delayed their original wedding plans and restricted some guests from being there in person, but it did not stop them from having the best day! Congratulations Liz and Dom! Their intimate wedding ceremony at Peppers Martinborough was so special. They had zoom calls and Karl there to help capture the day through video. I'm so grateful to have been there to document the occasion for them!
Video by Traveller Audio & Visual, audio/singing by the Brides Sister.
Two stunning Brides Married at Sudbury NZ - Grace and Gemma
A big congratulations to these beautiful ladies who got married out on the Kapiti Coast at wedding venue Sudbury NZ, Mrs & Mrs Prescott-Whitaker!
Grace and Gemma met through work, Gemma being Grace’s mentor in her first year of nursing practice. After 3 years of friendship they fell for each other! Grace proposed to Gemma at the peak of The Cardrona ski field in Wanaka. After convincing Gem to climb the hill in her ski boots “for the view”, Grace waited for the right moment to ask the question and she said yes!
Grace and Gemma celebrated their wedding at Sudbury in Wellington. Filmed on the 12th of December 2020. Crafted by Traveller Audio + Visual with Jaymee Photo...
They envisioned a day of love, family and friends, with relaxed vibes and a romantic atmosphere to create a day that everyone would look back on and smile. They wanted the mimosas flowing and the food plentiful. Some special features about their day, Grace’s brother wrote and read a personalised reading during the ceremony and their nephew who is just about to turn one danced his way down the aisle with his mum, it was the sweetest moment! Where they could they used local businesses and close friends with businesses and materials that could be recycled and used again, for example, their table names are now made into a birdhouse behind their house.
Karl and I had the most incredible time photographing and filming their special day. I’ve been photographing for the Whitaker family for a few years and had happy tears during their ceremony (did my best to keep my cool). It’s a day I’ll never forget and I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of it. This was my last wedding for 2020, it was the best way to end the year.
Florist: Holly and Twine
Makeup: Kerry from Amber and co.
Outfits: Grace wore a Made With Love dress that she bought on Still White, second hand and in perfect condition. Gem found her dress on ASOS and it was magical.
Cake: Courtney Wylie
Catering: Sarah Senecke
Celebrant: Sarah Topliff
Feeling nostalgic and the best types of family photos at home - Wellington family photographer
When I think about what best represents a family photograph it's more than just a posed image. It's your home that you've built, the space that you are most comfortable in, and your most favourite place. I look at photos of myself as a kid and the images that speak to me the most are the ones where I am sitting on the couch with Mum and Dad, or playing outside wearing gumboots and farm clothes. These photos give me a feeling of nostalgia.
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If you've been thinking about updating your family photos, an in-home lifestyle shoot might be perfect for you! One day your children will have the same feelings looking back on old photos. I offer these sessions all year round and I travel to you, so it's perfect if you have a newborn or younger childen.
This is my third time photographing Amanda and her family, it’s such a pleasure seeing clients again as their family grows.
Styling your maternity session - Island Bay beach
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 mini maternity session on Island Bay beach with Meron and Jordan. This was a quick and easy-going 30-minute shoot, which is often plenty of time for maternity photos. 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 AND CHOOSE APPROPRIATE COLOURS
Let’s make the most of your 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.
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
We managed to do one outfit change in 30 minutes. 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 soft and light colours, this looks great during sunset.
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.
