My destination South Island wedding dream came true just before Christmas in 2024, when I was engaged to photograph this incredible wedding in Christchurch.
I had been manifesting for the perfect couple to take me down south to photograph a wedding in the hills with views forever. This wedding did not disappoint, and every aspect of the wedding was divine. I had so many moments pinching myself, knowing I truly am so privileged to do this job, and felt so grateful to capture this wedding for my lovely couple.
I arrived at the destination a week before the wedding to thoroughly scout out locations and light, and to see where we would best be able to get the images I was hoping for. I arrived on very blustery day, and the tops of the Port Hills that overlook Christchurch were in full mist and cloud with very strong winds. It was still spectacular and I knew whatever the weather dished out we would be out in it, and would make the most of the opportunity to photograph in this space.
We had a set runsheet with timings that allowed for a first look at midday in these gorgeous hills, but I knew the light would be harsh so I knew we would need to venture back up the hills for a quick shoot during golden hour.
I was working alongside a local video crew who knew the area, and we had a lot of communication before the day to make sure we were completely on the same page to get the optimum results for both mediums for our client. Having ventured over these hills for the week prior to the wedding, I made sure the Bride had a pair of flat runners with her to ensure no sprained ankles while we were out on the rough terrain.
The groom had his location shots at the Crown Plaza Hotel, it was a great room with awesome light so it made our shoot pretty easy. Our Bride got ready at a local venue, and as soon as I saw the room I understood why she wanted me to shoot it - the mood, dark shadowy spaces with natural light flooding through the windows - it really was the perfect location for me. I spent time here in the week prior to familiarise myself with the light.
It was a short and emotional ceremony full of love and culture, and incredible dancing with their family and friends for an hour and a half before they ate their entrees.
We ventured back up into the hills after some cloud and rain passed over, and we were met with beautiful mood and the views I was hoping for. The light sunset golden hour light didn't quite reach where we were, but the results were spectacular. We only spent around 20 minutes shooting so they could get back to their family and friends.
Hopefully this is the first of many epic location weddings in the South Island of New Zealand and elsewhere. I'm very excited at what 2025 and beyond will bring x
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