It was an absolute dream come true to get to photograph my first wedding in New Zealand for the wonderful Hanna & Allan. I knew they were going to be a lovely couple to shoot from the moment we had our first meeting over Skype. They were huddled up in thick winter coats in their Sydney apartment making plans for their wedding in Queenstown. Allan’s parents lived just outside the city and it was decided that the wedding would take place at the family home in Arrowtown, and I was told it had “the most beautiful views”.
I really had no idea what to expect… as I’ve had views described as ‘incredible’ that really were not so much – so when I arrived to have a look around the house I was utterly gob smacked to have my expectations SO blown away. What a place! And what a lovely family. Everyone was so kind and friendly towards me from the moment I turned up. I always think it makes a set of photographs really ‘ping’ if you have warm vibes amongst everyone. You can really capture people as themselves in a way that you never can if you simply approach it as a ‘job’.
After the ceremony we decided to head to the river where they had spent hours skimming stones when they first started dating. The shimmering light and the pure tranquility of the place was beautiful. We then headed up to Coronet Peak where I had done a recce the day before. I knew we could take some shots that would incorporate the mountains with the light behind and infront. The light… WOW… it’s just every photographer’s dream. We managed to spend a few minutes in a couple of different spots taking some shots before heading back (and some respite out of the sun) to the house for the reception.
Wonderful food was followed by great speeches, howling laughter and some very beautiful tender moments before everyone kicked back into some caterpillar dance moves. Oh yes!
Thank you so much for having me!
