Stephanie and Jiankai
Settlers Wedding
I was in Europe on vacation having breakfast when I saw that I had a new wedding enquiry with just over a month until the big day. So, like any good photographer, I found myself walking with my family from Covent Garden to Buckingham Palace on the phone to the bride to be Stephanie. I like to think I have been really lucky in that I have only had lovely couples and Stephanie was no exception. We chatted and laughed, and she told me that her cousin had seen my website and declared ‘this is the one, this is who you need to photograph your wedding’.
I knew we had to move fast so I booked her in and we arranged her practice shoot for the day landed back in New Zealand. I always do a practice shoot and it’s just included in my packages. It gives me a chance to get to know the couple, to show them some nice poses and have a little bit of practice in front of the camera. I edit and supply the images so the couple can give me feedback about what they like or don’t like.
The wedding was the six days later as Settlers Country Manor in Kumeu. I am a trusted partner at Settlers and can happily recommend it because they do such a great job and everything you need is in the one venue. One piece of advice I would give any bride is, if you can, have your wedding at a venue. You get back so much compared to leaving the wedding, going off for photos and then coming back. The other advantage is that the venue will have created beautiful spaces for the photos that will really enhance the images.
Stephanie and Jiankai, are so obviously head over heels that it’s hard not to smile when taking the pictures and then again when editing and sharing them. It was such a priviledge to be their on their special day. The bridesmaids were super supportive and just having that time with the whole bridal party where we had laughs and took time to recognise this very special day was a thrill for me.
Whilst the bridal party changed I joined the guests who were having a drink and canapes overlooking the garden and setup for some portraits in one of the leather armchairs, It was really special for me to be able to capture a precious image of Stephanie’s parents and to gift her a print of this as a reminder of their love on her wedding day.
The onto the reception where many of the guests took turns performing and singing which was a combination of New Zealand got talent and a true family gathering. The after party was a livelier affair where I was able to get in amongst the action and grab some fun shots.
I really enjoy wedding photography and days like this make me happy to be able to be a part of such special memories.
