With a cyclone forecast to hang around for the week and a wedding date locked in, these two were ready for whatever the day might bring! The cyclone did indeed bring strong winds, flooding and heavy rain in the days prior, but on Easter Sunday we were incredibly lucky to hit the weather JACKPOT! All day sun, a light breeze and not a drop of rain at the beautiful Red Barn. Paul and Brook tied the knot under the oak trees as planned, a short and sweet ceremony filled with light-hearted jokes and their families coming together as one.

The beauty of The Red Barn is that everything is onsite so while the guests kicked back and drinks were flowing, we explored the grounds to take a few photos before joining them as the sun set for the day. A day well spent on all accounts!

Congrats Paul & Brook, I wish you a lifetime of happiness together. x

​Redd & Courtney kick-started their day together on Ohope’s coastline with private first-look, a quiet moment with each other and their paparazzi photographer who was quietly admiring their excitement and snapping from a distance. It was the perfect spot to connect, ease the nerves and enjoy moment with each other. Soon after we joined the rest of the bridal party for a bit of banter, a few laughs and a quick pre-ceremony bevvy before heading off to the stunning Waingarara Valley.

Nestled in the valley is the most idyllic log cabin which on this special day was surrounded by their families and friends. With barely a dry eye in sight, Redd and Courtney exchanged their very heartfelt vows and it was OFFICIAL! Husband and Wife! Mr & Mrs Kirkbride!
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We made great use of the surrounding landscapes for more photos and just as we had requested, the sun tucked itself quietly away and produced a nice soft light in the middle of the afternoon. It was perfect! Everything was perfect actually, Redd and Courtney had thought about every tiny detail for their big day. It’s always hard to narrow down the images for a post when there is so much to capture, but think of this as an insight into the awesomeness of the day that was 29.11.2024.

Thanks again for choosing me to be there alongside you both, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Mr & Mrs Kirkbride! 

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Adam and Kim chose to tie the knot on the hills of Pioi Station with short and sweet vows to maximize the time spent celebrating with their friends and family, and celebrate they did!! The champagne tower was the first job on the list for the married couple which was enjoyed overlooking the ocean, the view from up on the hill was truly breathtaking. The drinks caravan kept everyone well hydrated while we snuck away for landcruiser adventures, big belly laughs and creating a few more memories. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Black, cheers to a long and happy lifetime with many more special memories shared between you both.

In their backyard in Tirau, Jock and Kathleen officially became Husband and Wife! It was a stunner of a day, with beers at the ready and a delish feast tucked away in the smoker they tied the knot under a canopy of trees. Holding such a special occasion right there at home sets the scene for a chilled vibe where everyone can sit and enjoy the company of their loved ones with all the home comforts. The children roamed free, feasting on sweet treats and cooling off in he pool - you couldn't ask for a better set up!

Firstly, how GOOD are all these backyard weddings! Honestly, there is something pretty spesh about getting married at home, not having to worry about going anywhere and hosting your loved ones for such a special occasion. Shane and Niki opted for a low key ceremony with just their immediate family followed by a big party with all their other family and friends later in the evening. 

We made good use of their rural property for their creative wedding photos before heading to a quick spot near Morrinsville where a handful of blossoms were still holding on - we were obligated to find a pink spot given the choice of wedding car!

Enjoy x

Photography: Emma Steiner Photography
Makeup: Suzie Rutz
Dress: Astra Bridal
Celebrant: Matt Martyn Celebrant
Flowers: Bloom Room Florist
Rings: Pattison Jewellers Morrinsville
Cake: Sweet Little Treat
Props: Creative Barn

This wasn't your typical wedding, it was one epic celebration! Starting the day off lakeside at Oar & Paddle with the girls it was super chill. Two very handsome little boys arrived soon after in their tiny tuxedos and melted the hearts of all, children + tuxedos = the cutest thing you will ever see! 

Next stop was Takapoto Estate near Cambridge for nuptials and to kick off the festivities. Lawn games, canapes, wine pairing, a rather loud card game as well as the traditional speeches and cake cutting were all on the agenda for the day. Cam & Georgia planned to spend as much of the day with their guests which meant we quickly snapped just a couple of images of the bridal party before they joined their family and friends for the remainder of the afternoon before dinner. The party was well and truly started when I left so I can only imagine the celebrations which went well into the night!

Thanks for having me along guys, I'm so pleased our paths crossed!

Photography: Emma Steiner Photography
Hair: Laura - White Salon
Makeup: Makeup By Kendall / Gabrielle Houghton
Celebrant: Pete Moore
Caterer: No Biggie
Flowers: Poppyseed Flora

The 19th Feb marked the day when these two made it officially official and what a day it was! 
Marrying at the place where they first met surrounded by their family, friends, race mates and a few lawnmowers (one of which was mistakenly started up mid-ceremony by the rather adorable ring bearer).

The ceremony was heartfelt,  I don't think there was a dry eye in the park when the families united as one - It's pretty hard to see through the camera lens whilst wiping tears (just saying).
The onions however were an interesting touch, one that Kelly wasn't overly pleased about when the boys whipped them out but they had everyone going!

Together you laughed, loved, shared tears and a few sneaky kisses. Congratulations to you both, thanks for having me along for the ride.

MC/Celebrant: Cameron Wakefield
Hair/Makeup: Naomi Pitcher
Food Truck: Che Lucio BBQ

Cheers, Beers, 11 Years!
Anna and Jason planned the ultimate low key, chilled, backyard celebration for their Wedding last Saturday and honestly it was incredible! Family, friends and food trucks gathered together on their Matamata property to seal the deal in what was quite possibly the most humid day ever recorded. 

The brief was simple: We don't really like photos!
Me: Not a problem...



​Photography: Me!
Makeup: Hayley @ Blush & Bee
Celebrant: Weddings by Nina H
Video: BW Filmography

A few things to think about:

- Middle of the day/bright sunlight = big no no! No one really wants harsh shadows and squinty eyes which is why I recommend as early as possible in the morning or late arvo. Golden hour can be pretty neat too but I'm all too familiar with the hangry, tired children at this time of day so most of the time late arvo is a more child-friendly option so we have happy little faces.

- Some locations are best suited to either a morning OR afternoon depending on the sun whilst others are great at both times of the day.

- The colours of the backdrop, is a fresh green your thing? Old rustic building with a bit of character? Pastel tones of the coast? Earthy browns of a dry meadow? If you are aiming for a particular colour palette for the base of your images keep the colours of the location in mind.

Below are a few snippets of local spots that I frequent at and their approx location. If you have another spot in mind that you would like to use I recommend heading out there at the time of day you are hoping to have your session and see where the light is, what direction you can easily look in without having sun in your eyes and if there are any distracting elements that may be visible in your images. If in doubt, send me some iphone snaps of the spot and we can discuss or if nearby I may be able to pop out and have a look prior to your shoot if I think that's required.

The options are truly endless, there's far too many to list below so if you have seen something somewhere please chat with me! I'm here to bring your vision to life. Of course if you don't have 'a vision' then just leave that up to me - I'm all over that stuff!

The Forest, Morrinsville
This is a public reserve that has a forest of mature (and very tall) trees, the ground is mostly overgrown with a slight wild look in places and a mow patch in other areas. It is seasonal so from late Spring through to Autumn it is at it's prime. The light, lush green growth comes from early Sprint through to Summer. As you can see there are several areas to this reserve which all photograph differently. 

​The Oaks, Morrinsville
Lined with mature oak trees this one is on the outskirts of Morrinsville. A public reserve with a driveway right through which gives great depth and plenty of space. Spring & Summer boasts fresh green growth, Autumn is a burnt orange with all the rustic tones. Winter - basically a no go! Stick to the warmer months for this one. Adjacent to the oak lane is a field that at times can be left with long grass that lends itself to a second area within the same reserve. As it's on a random mow schedule it is a case of pure luck on the grass. 

​Rustic vibes, near Hamilton 
An old, very rustic building loaded with character - This one has been a popular choice lately as it offers places with places to sit, lean as well as stand in your portraits. Best in the morning.

​The Beach, Waihi/Mount Maunganui/Raglan
Lots of areas from rock faces to the vast beach. The lighting changes dramatically during the day. One thing to consider when looking at a coastal shoot is the sea breeze  so expect movement in your hair (and any children's hair). Travel charges do apply to any of the coastal areas.

​Overgrown Meadow, Hamilton
This little area is a pull-off/truck stop off the main road. A frequent spot for many photographers, unsure of who actually owns it but fairly certain it's not a public spot. So only for those that are a little game ; ) 

​Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton
A popular spot for visitor and tourists so as early as possible is key here. Many gardens are in full sunlight as the day progresses so early morning.  There is a nearby forest that is not in the actual gardens which is a very popular choice.

​Your home
Some of my favourite images have been captured at my client's very own home or a property of their family or friends. I have had families on tractor buckets, in barns, driveways and amongst their cows. If you have an idea, we can make it happen together!