The Wedding of Emma and Keith at Pah Homestead

Love stories are timeless, each one unique and beautiful in its own right. Today, I'm thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Emma and Keith, a young Kiwi couple whose love knows no bounds. Their journey culminated in a breathtaking wedding at Pah Homestead in Auckland, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

From the moment I met Emma and Keith, I knew theirs was a love story worth capturing. Their infectious laughter and unwavering affection for each other set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

The anticipation was palpable on their wedding day. As Emma prepared to walk down the aisle, a momentary hiccup arose when her veil went missing. However, thanks to her quick-thinking brother, the crisis was averted, and he emerged as the hero of the day, ensuring that Emma looked every bit the radiant bride she was meant to be.

The ceremony itself was a testament to their love, witnessed by family and friends who had eagerly awaited this joyous occasion. Against the backdrop of Pat Homestead, Emma and Keith exchanged vows, with the lovely Elain Spearman as their celebrant.

Following the ceremony, we embarked on a magical portrait session during the golden hour, capturing the essence of their love against the picturesque backdrop of Pah Homestead. The venue was nothing short of perfection, providing the ideal setting for their special day. From the stunning décor to the impeccable service, every detail was carefully curated to reflect Emma and Keith's unique style and personality.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible vendors who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, and family members who also helped set up and put in those finishing touches.

Reflecting on our journey together, from our initial Zoom conversation to their engagement session at Muriwai Beach and finally, their wedding day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to capture their love story. Emma's kind words are a testament to the joy I find in my work, and I am humbled to have played a part in documenting their special day.

In Emma's own words, "Sarah did a wonderful job capturing me and my hubby's special day. She is an excellent photographer who is clearly very skilled and talented, and our photos turned out AMAZING. Sarah is also kind, patient, and funny – if you are looking for someone to make you feel comfortable and at ease behind a camera, Sarah is your girl!! Couldn't recommend her higher, would give 100 stars if I could!!”

To Emma and Keith, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your love story. May your journey together be filled with countless moments of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers to a lifetime of cherished memories and adventures yet to come.

An Intimate Kiwi Wedding

A few years ago I met Jenny when I ventured into my new local coffee shop. I distinctly remember Jenny's welcoming and infectious smile, and her wicked sense of humour. She instantly made me feel right at home, and from then on I chose her café as my place to go to edit my photos.

During the first New Zealand lockdown, of 2020 Jenny messaged me to say she was expecting her first baby. I was absolutely delighted for her, and I was even more thrilled when she said she was planning to get married too. 

Jenny was due to give birth to her little girl in July, so had planned to marry her lovely partner Fernando before they became a family of three. With both Jenny and Fernando's family overseas, they had agreed to throw an intimate Kiwi wedding with their closest friends in Auckland. Thankfully, despite the threat of another lockdown, their planned date was able to go ahead and a few days before their big day Jenny and Fernando popped to my house so we could go through their final details, and Jenny could choose one of my maternity dresses to wear for their celebrations. 

Before we knew it, the day had arrived and I met Jenny and Fernando at their celebrant's beautiful home in Northcote. Surrounded by their closest friends, Jenny and Fernando said their vows in the garden to the sound of beautiful Brazilian music. With words spoken from the heart, so many hugs, tears, and a lot of laughter, we celebrated the beginning of Mr & Mrs Honorato.

And would you believe, their daughter decided she didn’t want to miss out on the celebrations, and she was born the very next day! Imagine my surprise when I sent through some sneak peeks only to receive some sneak peeks of baby Carla in return! Magic!

Here are some highlights from Jenny and Fernando's intimate Kiwi wedding. Congratulations again guys - and thanks so much for allowing me to capture such a special time in your life!

Mr and Mrs Wilson

Lisa and I met through a group set up for Mums in Auckland from the UK. We instantly clicked and when she asked if I would be interested in photographing her wedding I of course said YES! Initially Lisa and Lee, her fiancé planned to say their vows at an Air BnB however, three weeks before the wedding their plans changed and they settled on a new venue - Flaxmere House near Bethells Beach.

In the lead up to the wedding

I have lost count of the amount of voice notes and emails we exchanged before the big day! It was SO much fun helping Lisa with tips and tricks and recommending other vendors that might be helpful for her vision. Lee of course was involved in some of the planning but he knew Lisa was a woman on a mission to make their day just perfect! The fact Lisa was planning everything so well, while also being Mum to their twin daughters was something I really admired!

Everything from the colour scheme, to the smaller details was meticulously planned by Lisa, and it paid off!

Lisa and Lee’s families travelled from Manchester and Scotland to be at the wedding, with a few very close friends here in New Zealand joining in the celebrations. It was such a beautiful ceremony, with lots of heartfelt and humorous speeches at the reception. Congratulations again Mr & Mrs Wilson - thanks for having me along to capture the start of your future together!

Cost saving ideas to help the budget conscious couples

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but expensive endeavor. There’s a lot of pressure to do things how everyone else does, or to follow traditions of yesteryear. So here are some tips for cost-saving when planning your special day:

1. Set a budget: Before you start planning, determine a realistic budget for your wedding. This will help you make informed decisions and prioritise your spending.

2. Write down your must-haves: Make a list of the most important elements of your wedding and allocate your budget accordingly. Focus on the aspects that matter most to you, such as the venue, food, or photography, and consider cutting back on less essential elements like wedding favours.

3. Choose an off-peak season or day: Wedding venues and some vendors often have higher rates during peak seasons and weekends. Opting for an off-peak season or having your wedding on a weekday can significantly reduce costs.

4. Trim the guest list: Consider having a more intimate wedding by inviting close family and friends. Cutting down the guest list can help reduce expenses on catering, venue size, and even invitations.

5. DIY or enlist help: Explore do-it-yourself options for wedding decorations or invitations. You can also ask talented friends and family members to contribute their skills, such as baking the wedding cake or providing musical entertainment.

6. Consider alternative venues: Traditional wedding venues can be costly. Look for alternative locations such as parks, gardens, or even private homes that can be transformed into charming wedding venues at a lower cost.

7. Simplify the menu: Opt for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner. It can be more cost-effective and still offer a delightful dining experience for your guests. A grazing table is also a fantastic option for smaller weddings with a less formal reception.

8. Borrow or rent decor: Rather than buying new decor items, consider borrowing or renting items from friends, family, or local rental companies. This can save you money and reduce waste.

9. Skip the extras: Evaluate extras like elaborate centerpieces, or wedding programs. Focus on the essential elements that will make your day memorable, and skip the unnecessary expenses.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is celebrating your love and commitment. By prioritizing your budget and making thoughtful choices, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.

Where to Begin with Styling your Wedding

When it comes to styling your wedding, there are SO many options it can feel quite overwhelming. From your arch, to your flowers, to your colour scheme, and wedding theme where do you begin?

Here’s a few ideas to help you get started …

1. Define your wedding theme: Choose a theme or overall style that reflects your personality and preferences. It could be rustic, vintage, modern, bohemian, beachy, or glamorous. This theme will guide your choices for decor, color scheme, and attire.

1. Create a cohesive colour palette: Select a color scheme that complements your theme and venue. Consider the season, and your personal preferences. Use these colors consistently throughout your invitations, flowers, table settings, and other decor elements. Make sure you both feel included in this decision, even if you just ask for a “yes” from the other … it’s always nice to feel like you’ve made decisions together.

2. Pay attention to lighting: Lighting can transform the ambiance of your wedding. Consider using different types of lighting, such as string lights, candles, chandeliers, or uplighting, to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. If you’re getting married at a venue, ask them what’s available for you to use and make a note, (better yet, take some photos), so you have something you have a starting point you can build on. If you’re getting married at home, or you have a DIY venue, ask friends and family members what they have that you might be able to use, or if you’re wanting to outsource check out companies such as La Lumier.

3. Choose appropriate decor elements: Select decor elements that enhance your chosen theme and venue. This could include flowers, centerpieces, table linens, backdrops, signage, and more. Keep in mind the size and layout of your venue to ensure your decor choices are proportionate and don't overwhelm the space. In a lot of cases, less is more! Some things to consider - backgrounds for things like signing the register at your ceremony (often an afterthought), and where you’re going to cut your cake (if you’re having one!)

4. Personalise your wedding: Incorporate personal touches to make your wedding unique and memorable. Display photos, create a photo booth area, use customised signage, and consider DIY projects that you can do together to lighten the load.

5. Consider the season and location: Let the season and location guide your styling choices. If you're having a summer outdoor wedding, opt for lightweight fabrics, neural or bright tones. For a winter wedding, choose cozy textures and warm hues.

6. Coordinate attire and accessories: If you have a bridal party, consider the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, and groomsmen suits. Coordinating accessories, such as jewellery, shoes, and boutonnieres, can tie everything together.

7. Take care of the small details: Sometimes it's the little things that make a big impact. Pay attention to details like place cards, napkins, menus, and favours. Consistency in these small details can elevate the overall aesthetic of your wedding. This could be both a DIY project or something you outsource depending on your budget. Also bare in mind with favours, unless they’re edible, they’re quite often left behind. Consider if wedding favours are really necessary, or think outside the box. Donate money to your favourite charity in the name of your guest, have a lolly station for guests to raid after a few drinks; or put the money you save towards a nicer wine for the table. Remember you’re not forced to do things how everyone else thinks you should.

8. Don't forget about your backdrop: Whether it's an outdoor landscape, a beach, a vineyard, or an indoor venue, consider the backdrop for your ceremony and utilise it for your reception too.

9. Trust professionals and seek inspiration: Work with experienced wedding planners, stylists, florists, and other vendors who can bring your vision to life. Additionally, seek inspiration from wedding magazines, websites, social media platforms, and real weddings to gather ideas and refine your own style.

Remember, your wedding styling should reflect your unique taste and preferences as a couple. Have fun with the process and create a day that is both beautiful and meaningful to you.

Need more help? Get in touch for my vendor recommendations specific to your needs.

Tips and Tricks for Camera Shy Couples

If you and your partner feel shy in front of the camera but would like to capture some beautiful moments together, here are a few tips and tricks to help you prepare for your wedding day …

1. Start with a warm-up: Before your wedding day, book an engagement photoshoot! An engagement session is a fantastic way to get used to having your photo taken by a professional photographer.

2. Choose a comfortable location: Select a setting where you both feel at ease and can be yourselves. It could be a favorite park, your home, or any place that holds sentimental value for both of you. Feeling comfortable in the location will make it easier to relax in front of the camera.

3. Hire a professional photographer - like me! A skilled photographer can make a big difference to how you feel when having your photo taken. My experience working with couples means I know how to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Let me guide you through the process, offer posing suggestions, and capture your authentic moments.

4. Plan an activity: Engaging in an activity during the photo session can help distract you from feeling self-conscious. For example, you could go for a walk, have a picnic, or do something you both enjoy. This can create a natural and candid environment, allowing me to capture genuine moments.

5. Practice beforehand: Put on some music, crack open a bottle of your favourite tipple and spend some time practicing posing and expressions in front of a mirror. Practicing together will help build your confidence and give you an idea of what to expect during the actual session. It’s also a great way to have fun with your best mate, and biggest cheerleader!

6. Communicate with your photographer: Talk to me about your shyness and any specific concerns you have. I can offer you guidance and reassurance, and use techniques to help you feel more comfortable. Clear communication will ensure that we’re all on the same page and can work together to create beautiful images.

7. Focus on each other: instead of worrying about the camera, focus on your partner. Remember why you love each other and let your genuine emotions shine through. The more you focus on each other, the less you'll be aware of the camera, and your love and connection will be captured naturally.

8. Take breaks: If you're feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious during the session, don't hesitate to take breaks. Step away from the camera for a moment, take a deep breath, and regroup. Give yourselves time to relax and recharge before continuing.

At my engagement sessions I like to keep things fun and relaxed so you feel like you’re just going for a walk or hanging out with a friend. It’s a great way for us all to get to know each other and for you to feel more relaxed when we see each other on your wedding day.

Remember, the goal of a photo session is to capture the love and connection between you as a couple. Embrace your shyness and allow it to be a part of your unique story. The most important thing is to be yourselves and enjoy the experience together.