Introduction

After shooting countless weddings across this beautiful city , we’ve learned a thing or two about creating an atmosphere that leads to stunning, natural photos.

Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind of emotions and events. Our job? To capture it all while helping you stay relaxed and in the moment. In this guide, We’ll share some down-to-earth tips on how to create the perfect vibe for beautiful, genuine wedding images that truly reflect you as a couple. Whether you're tying the knot in the heart of the city or out on Waiheke Island, these insights will help ensure your photos are as amazing as the day itself and ultimately feel like the represent the two of you.

Fostering Open Communication

Clear, open communication is key to a smooth wedding day. As your photographer, I'm not just here to take pictures - I'm here to help guide you through the day and make sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

In-Depth Pre-Wedding Chat

I always recommend having a thorough conversation well before the big day. This isn't just about discussing your photo wishlist (though that's important too). It's an opportunity for me to share insights from my experience shooting weddings all over Auckland.

We'll talk through your timeline, potential photo locations, and any logistical challenges we might face. I've seen it all - from unexpected downpours at outdoor ceremonies to last-minute venue changes. By tapping into this experience, we can plan for various scenarios and ensure we're prepared for anything the day might throw at us.

During this chat, don't hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns. The more we communicate upfront, the more relaxed and confident you'll feel on the day itself. And that confidence? It shines through in your photos.

Establishing Rapport with Your Bridal Party

Your bridal party plays a huge role in setting the tone for the day. If possible, I love to hear about them and be introduced on the day, This helps everyone feel more at ease when the cameras come out on the big day, resulting in more natural, relaxed group photos. Help them understand the importance of the images too, maybe they can even help with some photo mood boarding.

Clear Communication with Family Members

Family photos can sometimes be a bit chaotic, but they don't have to be. I recommend creating a list of must-have family photo combinations in advance.If there are family dynamics worth mentioning this can be good to chat over with your photographer before hand so we can make sure we don’t put our foot in it. It's also helpful to designate a family member (who knows everyone) to help gather people for these shots. This way, we can capture all the important groupings efficiently, leaving more time for you to mingle and enjoy your day.

Planning for Weather Contingencies

As any Aucklander knows, our weather can be... unpredictable. But with a bit of planning, we can be ready for anything:

Layering Up

Even in summer, Auckland evenings can get chilly. I always recommend having a nice cover-up option for you and your bridal party. For brides, a shawl or a blazer can look amazing in photos while keeping you comfortable make sure your bridesmaids have something warm too. Ideally the warm option is part of the outfit and can be included in some of the images as no one is comfortable or relaxed when they are freezing. These layers can also add variety and fun to your photos and ensure everyone stays comfortable as the day progresses.

Embrace the Rain

Don't let the fear of rain stress you out. Some of my favorite wedding shots have come from rainy days! Clear umbrellas can be a fantastic prop, adding a touch of fun to your photos. Plus, overcast skies create beautifully soft, flattering light. If there's a chance of rain, we'll discuss backup plans for outdoor shoots and I'll scout some sheltered locations that can be just as beautiful.

Remember, sometimes unexpected weather can lead to the most unique and memorable photos!

Incorporating Moments of Reflection

In the excitement of your wedding day, it's easy to get swept up and forget to truly experience the moment. As cheesy as it sounds, building in time for reflection not only helps you stay present but can often result in some of the most special photos of just the two of you.

Scheduling A few minutes

I always recommend scheduling at least 5 minutes of quiet time before the ceremony or sometime in the day. This could be a moment alone, a few minutes with your bridal party, or a private first look with your partner. These moments of anticipation often yield beautifully emotive photos. We chose to drive ourselves from our photoshoot to the reception and it was nice to have a few minutes on the day just to hang out just the two of us.

Remember to Breathe

It might sound simple, but remembering to take a few deep breaths throughout the day can make a world of difference. Before walking down the aisle, during the portrait session, or just before entering the reception - take a moment to breathe deeply and compose yourself. This small act can help you take it all in plus, it helps you relax in front of the camera, resulting in more natural, genuine expressions in your photos.

Capturing the Day as it Unfolds

Some of the most powerful photos come from simply observing and documenting the day as it happens. This documentary-style approach captures the real essence of your wedding:

Candid Moments

I'll be on the lookout for those unscripted interactions - a tearful hug with a grandparent, a burst of laughter during the speeches, or a quiet moment between you and your partner amidst the reception buzz. These candid shots are usually the ones that people end up loving the most years later, The kind of photos that really capture the essence of who people are and the fun and emotion of the day.

Behind the Scenes

We see wedding days as a storytelling event and so it always helps to start th story at the beginning of the day. The 'getting ready' photos are so important for capturing all the details of the dress and the shoes but more than that they often capture the best moments between the bride and groom and the people who they have chosen to be their important few aka the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. We love capturing parent’s seeing their daughter in her wedding dress for the first time or a special moment when the bridesmaids all gather around getting hair and makeup done. If youre getting ready in the home you share as a couple or even the home you grew up in, these photos can be a lovely snapshot of that location too.

From the anticipation as you put on your dress to the chaos of the bridal party preparing together, these behind-the-scenes moments tell an important part of your wedding story.

Reactions and Emotions

I'll be capturing not just the main events, but the reactions to them. The look on your partner's face as you walk down the aisle, your parents' expressions during the first dance, the crowd's response to the best man's speech - these all contribute to telling the full story of your day. As much as possible try and forget that I am there, be yourself and don’t feel pressure to act in a certain way. Embrace the imperfections things happen and sometimes the best pictures come from the things that didn’t go exactly to plan.