Castaways wedding: Robert and Pei {Auckland couples - family photographer}

Castaways is a perfect location for a wedding! Thats what Robert and Pei chose for their celebration with close friends: ceremony on top of a stunning hill above the beach and reception in a restaurant with amazing views, one of the best in Auckland! Its such a pleasure to see couples and their family and capture all important moments for years to come, to be their wedding photographer!

We met with this beautiful people on their engagement session {check out their pre-wedding photo shoot highlights in our Blog!}.

Couple shared their story: “We met at work and bonded over several on call shifts together, team dinners/events and mutual friends/colleagues hangs. We eventually really got to spend some quality time together at a close mutual friend's birthday party and really bonded over our shared culture, interests, faith and upbringing. It just felt so organic and simple from the get go and we really hit it off from there. We would have been together just over 2 years by the time of our wedding.” The proposal: “I had very elaborate plans I was contemplating but the ring I bought was made available to me much much earlier than anticipated and I just couldn't wait to start our lives together and I knew we both felt ready for it. We have a joint day off on Waitangi day and the weather was great, Pei planned a day of hiking, beaches and cafes and I figured this would be the best way to catch her by surprise. We eventually spent the afternoon lying on the sand at Castor Bay in a secluded part of the beach and I knew this was the place. There were some minor highjinks but we got there in the end”. :)

Great creative team: Wedding Dress: bought second-hand from Stillwhite by Maggie Sottero Wedding dress alterations: Shirley at I Sew 4 U Bride's shoes: Merchant Bride's make-up: Face by Chelsea Bride's hair: Yu Yu Celebrant: Pastor Michael Huffman MC: Patrick Cho and Auckland best wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

Enjoy highlights of this perfect day at Castaways Resort {Waiuku, South Auckland}:

Settlers County Manor {Waimauku - West Auckland wedding photographer} Megan & Carlo

Im so excited to share with you beautiful gallery - Settler County Manor {Waimauku - West Auckland} wedding, where I had a honour as a photographer to document all special moments for Megan & Carlo celebrated their wedding day with close friends and family. This is truly incredible chapter, as this wonderful event happened just before the lockdown when New Zealand put restrictions on travel, weddings etc. SO its really strange to see how we moved through this day smoothly without knowing what coming ahead.

It was a great day that started at getting ready moments in Te Atatu and Huapai, wedding ceremony and reception at Settlers County Manor and sneak out for quick photos to Riverhead Forest.

We spent some time with couple just few days before their wedding {couple fly all the way over from Australia}, it was such amazing pre-wedding session!

Couple shared their story: “We met at a high school social dance (we went to an all boys & all girls school and our schools were brother/sister schools). We were friends first and then lost contact. Megan moved to Sydney & Carlo one day reached out to reconnect. From there a long-distance relationship started before Carlo moved to Sydney. We have been together almost 10 years.” The proposal: “Carlo booked a fancy steakhouse restaurant under the pretense of an early anniversary celebration. He ended up getting nervous and wasn't going to propose, but luckily for him the waiter broke the ice by ruining the surprise! (When Carlo had made the booking he had selected the option of celebrating an engagement. The waitress was serving dessert and said "I hear you are celebrating an engagement" before he had actually popped the question!)”. Such a romantic story!

Enjoy highlights of this beautiful people wedding in our photo gallery!

Great Creative Team:

Wedding planner: Koko (K Inspire Events); Suit: Woolcott St; Makeup: Kate Solley Makeup; Hair: Huong Phan (Tousle); Celebrant: Matt Gould; DJ: Bo Marcelo; MC: Paula Bituin-Pita & Allan Pita; videographers - Jet (Jetmo Films) and your Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}.

Contact us with any questions!


French Bay wedding - Diane & Jared with kids {Auckland weddings photographers}

Such a beautiful moments on this French Bay wedding where Diane & Jared celebrated their special moments with kids, family and friends. Its such a honour to document these special moments as Auckland weddings photographers. We gad such amazing time at couple’s engagement shoot before the wedding at Muriwai Beach {photos turned just amazing!}

Couple shared their story: “We have been together 21 years and engaged for 8 years. This has been a long time coming. Diane was 17 and Jared was 18 when we got together. It was a typical teen romance that evolved as we have grown and now with our three children in tow.” The proposal: “The proposal was a surprise for Diane, even after 12 years. We had taken a weekend away to the Coromandel together and Diane planned it all with a detour to Cathedral Cove. Jared thought it the perfect time to catch me unaware and got down on one knee to propose.”

It was a wonderful day full of love and laughter.

Enjoy highlights in the photo gallery:

The Stables Matakana - Alice and Andrew {Auckland and Northland wedding photographers} - St Andrews Church

This time Im excited to share with you a gorgeous celebration at The Stables Matakana where Alice & Andrew celebrated their special day {Auckland and Northland}, such a honour to be their wedding photographers and document their beautiful natural moments through the day!

Couple shared their story: “we grew up in the same church, where Alice's father was the pastor. we eventually became friends while attending a church young adults group. we both really liked each other, but on advice from his sister he decided to wait to ask me out, leading me to believe he was just being nice. we then went to a young adults camp where we hung out alot, and andy then messaged after camp to ask me out for coffee after, where i then suggested lunch instead. out first date we talked for over 2 hours, and the rest was history.

we have been together 1 year 3 months, we got engaged a couple of days after our one year anniversary. “ Proposal: “On the beach at sunset, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. There were also shells laid out in a heart shape conveniently which Andy claimed was him. Andy had also brought cake from my favoirte cafe which ate in the car as it was cold outside before heading back to his. He had made pad thai for dinner, since its hard for me to eat out with my dietary requirements, it was also the first thing he ever cooked for us. Then we had a candle spa where we talked and discussed wedding stuff. “ Such a beautiful story! We had an amazing pre-wedding photo shoot at Muriwai Beach with this gorgeous couple, that helped to better know each other and feel on ease on the wedding day, go with the flow.

We had such amazing time at St Andrews Church and Stables Matakana and done a photo shoot at Big Omaha Wharf. Bring back memories!

Great creative team: hair by hannah , Makeup - Luisa poilio , Celebrant - Andrew syme , Flowers by vidabela flowers and Auckland / Northland photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}.

Enjoy highlights of this wedding celebration:

P.S.: Do you want to push your photography to another level? Join 4-weeks online workshop “Love, Light & Laughter”

Markovina Vineyard Estate: Ria & Jeremy {West Auckland wedding photographer}

Hello beautiful people! This time Im sharing with you a beautiful celebration in Markovina Vineyard Estate where Ria & Jeremy get married surrounded by their close friends and family. It was a great honour for me, West Auckland wedding photographer, to capture such a beautiful, emotional and real moments with indian culture vibe.

Couple shared their story: “We have been together for 4 and a half years - met through mutual friends at university.  Funny story - our dads used to be neighbours when they were little kids growing up in South Africa! He propose Intimately in our home :) Very quiet but personal” Couples ideal date night: “Somewhere we were could see stars and stargaze - one of our first dates was lying on top of a car and watching the blood moon :)” We had such amazing engagement shoot just before their wedding.

Wedding took place in amazing Kumeu venue - Markovina with everything in one site, such a perfect place for a celebration.

Great creative team:

Jessica Bridal - Bride's dress; The Stockroom - bridemaid's dresses; Jaiss - Groom & groomsmen suits; Face Me Make up - Hair & make up; Forage & French - florist; Laura Giddey - celebrant; Jeweller's Workshop - bride's ring and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}.

Enjoy highlights of this beautiful wedding! Happy future together, Ria & Jeremy:

Markovina Vineyard estate {West Auckland}
Markovina vineyard estate - west Auckland photographer

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

P.S.: I’m so excited to teach again - “Love, Light & Laughter” online workshop at Click Photo School {begin 8 June}

Elopement | Wedding photography Giveaway {Auckland weddings photographers}

This Time of the Year! It’s time to share the LOVE!

I decided to giveaway an elopement | wedding package to one lucky couple who are getting married in 2020-2021 season!
For a little, over two weeks I’ll be accepting entries from engaged couples who are searching for their perfect photographer to document their most special day - elopement | wedding. I would LOVE to capture these special moments that will be treasured forever! Whether you’re local or far away, this giveaway is an incredible opportunity to have your story captured as real and romantic as it was. Can't wait to hear from you!
Tag your friend who may be interested!
For entries simply visit the L & L page below and fill the form:
www.levienphotography.com/wedding-photography-giveaway
Entries will be closed on 8th January {my birthday!}, the winner will be announced on 27th January 2020.
Let the adventure begin!
Good luck!

* This Wedding giveaway cannot be sold, traded, transferred, or exchanged for cash or any other item of service. This giveaway is not in any way affiliated with Facebook or Instagram.

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Castaways Resort beautiful wedding {Auckland weddings photographers}

Im so excited to share with you Kelly & Lik’s Castaways Resort beautiful wedding, such a beautiful Auckland venue located right next to Kariotahi beach with stunning views, maybe best in Auckland. Such a honour to be chosen to capture these weddings moments as couples photographers.

This beautiful celebration begin from first look on the top of the hill, ceremony inside {wind was extremely strong, which not stand on the way of beautiful celebration}, but helped to create some stunning photos at couple intimate session on the beach where we sneak out at reception.

Enjoy highlights of this gallery - Castaways Resort. Great creative team: Celebrant = Nicky Taylor

Makeup and Hair = Ruth Baron and L & L - Olga Levien, Auckland wedding photographers.

Mudbrick Vineyard Estate: Charlotte & Joseph {Auckland wedding photographers}

One of the last weddings of this season took place in Mudbrick Vineyard Estate {Waiheke Island, Auckland} in May, where Charlotte & Joseph celebrated their special day surrounded by close friends and family. It was a honour to be invited to document such magical moments as their wedding photographers.

Couple shared their story that been on the reception tables as well: “The tale of how they met is a classic modern-day romance. Charlotte and Joseph matched on tinder in 2015 over the Easter break when Joseph was down in Wellington visiting his family. They connected over similar pasts and spent the next couple of days playing 2 truths and a lie and getting to know each other. On the 6th of April 2015, a few hours before flying back to Auckland Charlotte and Joseph agreed to met up at a café in Wellington. While walking to the café Joe asked Charlotte ‘Have you ever watched friends?’ Charlotte played it cool, tried not to let her inner friends freak out and said ‘who hasn’t?’. He had mentioned to his sister that he was going on a tinder date and her response was ‘do you think she is going to walk in, see you and leave?’. It was then that she knew she would get along with his Family. From the start the relationship was long distance with Charlotte living in wellington and then moving further away to Sydney. Although the distance was hard on them both they knew that this was something different, special, and distance or not they needed to figure out just what this was…”

The proposal: “ In September 2017 Charlotte and Joseph were off on a holiday to Samoa.. Charlotte had a small hope that this trip might involve a proposal, knowing that joe had already gotten a ring and despite him telling her before the trip that it was not going to happen as he hadn’t had a chance to talk with her dad yet. The first 3 days in Samoa Charlotte and Joseph stayed in some beach front fales in a smaller village. These fales had no locks on the doors so we were advised to take anything of value with us when we were out during the day. After going out a few times the only valuables joe took with him was his phone and money so Charlotte came to the conclusion that he must not have the ring with him as surely he would not be that careless. Thinking now that the proposal was not going to happen on this trip Charlotte decided to give joe a hard time and point out all the beautiful places in Samoa that would be perfect for a proposal, little did she know that he was that careless and had the ring. After 4 days and about 6 perfect proposal opportunities pointed out by charlotte they went back to the main island in Samoa and checked into a resort. At dinner that night joe took the ring with him and was planning to propose. After dinner he asked charlotte if she wanted to go for a walk along the beach, thinking that sunset on the beach would be perfect. But charlotte’s response was “ Na, I don’t feel well, can we just go back to the room”. The next morning, with charlotte feeling a bit better they decided to go for a walk before breakfast. They walked out on this beautiful natural pier that was lined with palm trees and had a landing at the end. Charlotte was about to point out another beautiful location for a proposal when joseph shut her up by getting on his knee and asking her to spend the rest of their lives together, and of course she said YES!”

Such an amazing love story!

Great Creative Team: Dress- Stella york (from bridal brilliance); Makeup and hair- Olga Gill; DJ- Will Kapa; Acoustic singer- Alex London and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L - Olga & Matt {Levien & Lens photography}.

Enjoy highlights in photo gallery and contact me with any questions!

Learn how to capture storytelling on weddings at my upcoming workshop in October - Love, Light & Laughter at Click Photo School. It’s going to be amazing 4 weeks full of learning, inspiration, new friendships and personal feedback and growth. I would love to have you join!


Delaware Estate - St Mary's Church {North Shore wedding photographer}

Im so excited to share with you one of the beautiful events in Delaware Estate and St Mary’s Church {North Shore} - Gabrielle & Luke’s wedding that I had honour to be photographer at.

Couple shared their story: “Luke and I have been together just over 9 years. We met when I was about 14 and started dating when I was 16, we have been through a lot together. When I was in year 11 I was in a very bad accident and was in a neck brace for months, Luke was incredible. When I was 19 my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 4 and after horrible treatment she recovered. 4 years later my Dad was diagnosed with neck and nose cancer who also had to go through severe treatment. Once my Dad's treatment was coming to an end, we found out my Mums cancer had returned. 6 weeks later my mum passed away. Life hasn't been easy, but Luke has been there through it all with me and has always been there for my family, just as I am for him. We are not only partners, supporters but just best friends.”

Great Creative Team:

Wedding Planner - Becks at EnvyEvents; Band - The Pick upz; Make up Artist - Agnes; Hair - Amy; MC - Matai Rangi Smith; and Auckland wedding photographer - L & L photography {Levien & Lens}, thank you Tashina for assisting.

Enjoy highlights in photo gallery, contact me with any questions!

Best of 2018/2019 Season {Auckland wedding and engagement photography}

I want to share with you today best of 2018/2019 season - my amazing couples - in Auckland, wedding and engagement photography. Traveling to Europe, Fiji, Bali and around New Zealand.

Last season started at the end of August and finished at the beginning of May, with so many amazing romantic and real moments, such a great memories. Its so hard to choose just one picture from the session/wedding from hundreds and thousands of them, Im so in love with all couples and weddings!

Enjoy these highlights in Best of 2018/2019 season gallery!

Thank you so much my amazing couples for your support and love!

  • Learn how to capture real and emotional moments at my upcoming workshop “Love, Light & Laughter” at Click Photo School. It’s going to be amazing 4 weeks {from 21 October} full of learning, inspiration, new friendships and personal feedback and growth. I would love to have you join!

Moody Styled Shoot - HU's Art Farm {Auckland wedding photographer}

We had an exciting collaboration this winter - moody styled shoot at HU’s Art Farm {West Auckland}. Few wedding vendors come together to create an amazing atmosphere and some stunning photos: photographer - Olga Levien at L & L; make-up artist and hair stylist Olga Gill; gorgeous model - Ioana Damiani; dresses - Jessica Bridal; planner, stylist, flowers - Becks at EnvyEvents and stylish venue - HU’s Art Farm {with variety of shooting locations}.

It was a rainy day and we been happy to work under the cover in such a gorgeous location, get creative and “capture the beauty in details and harmony in moments” - my mojo!

Enjoy highlights in photo gallery!

  • Learn how refine your style at my upcoming workshop “Love, Light & Laughter” at Click Photo School. It’s going to be amazing 4 weeks full of learning, inspiration, new friendships and personal feedback and growth. I would love to have you join!

Orakei Bay - Kings Garden Cafe {Auckland wedding photographers}

This was one of amazing event in Orakei Bay venue and Kings Garden Cafe {Auckland} where Danielle & Hugh get married surrounded by close friends and family. It was a honour for me, their wedding photographer, to document such a special moments on this day where even rain cant stop on the way of this celebration. We spent the couples photo shoot at Hobson Bay walkway between the ceremony and reception at cafe.

Couple shared their story: “He proposed on a Samoa trip. We were snorkelling out in the deep and he hid the ring underwater on a piece of coral... I thought I had found someone elses beautiful diamond ring by chance, I turned around and he was on one knee ! ROMANTIC” Such incredible story!

Great Creative Team:

Dress: Bariano Suit: Cerruti Flowers: Roses Mt Eden Makeup and Hair: Rouge & Scout Celebrant: Cora-Allan Wickliffe and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga at L & L, Levien & Lens photography.


Markovina Vineyard Estate {West Auckland wedding photographer}

It was an amazing day in Markovina Vineyard Estate {West Auckland} where Nicole & Juan celebrated their special day, it was a honour to be their wedding photographer. This lucky couple was a winners of my Wedding Photography Giveaway, and it was a pleasure to document their full day. Need to mention from the first meeting we became friends and i was so thrilled couple shared these warm and cosy atmosphere, love and positive moments with me.

Great Creative Team:

Dress: Kellylin Couture Suits: Hallensteins Flowers: Bloomin Krazy Make Up: Kate Manihera Celebrant: Joe Shave Mariachi: Mariachi New Zealand

and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L - Levien & Lens photography


Hedges Estate {Auckland wedding photographers}

Some venues just have an amazing atmosphere, one of them is Hedges Estate {Auckland, Waiuku} where Kathryn & Michael celebrated their wedding surrounded by close friends and family. Its been amazing day full of love, light and laughter! So great we had an opportunity as their photographers to capture these special moments, including couple’s pre-weding | engagement photo shoot in West Auckland that was just magical!

Couple shared their story: “Not a particularly exciting story but met through friends and have been together 8 years by the time of the wedding . He proposed on a beautiful picnic at Anchor Bay on Christmas eve 2016”.

Great Creative Team:

Dress - White April design, purchased at Jessica Bridal Suit - Rod & Gun Flowers - ZImzee Make up - Christina Dellar, Freckles and Blush Hair - Amelia Mowat, Botique Bride Celebrant - Caroline Burgess (sister of groom) MC - Mark Hobbs and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga & Matt L & L - Levien & Lens photography

Enjoy these highlights in the photo gallery:

The Northern Club {Auckland wedding photographers}

Such amazing celebration for Jade & Jared in the Northern Club and Kings College Chapel. Such a big honour for us, Auckland wedding photographers, to capture so special for this amazing couple moments.

Even rain cant stand on the way of this beautiful wedding. We had so many emotional moments, full of love and laughter, including unexpected flash-mob at entering the reception and much more.

Couple shared their love story: “We met in Britomarts 1885. We were two young 22 year olds. 8 years later here we are getting married. We have renovated apartments, traveled and been air bnb host together. we have also spent 3 months apart while Jade worked in the states.”

Enjoy highlights of this elegant wedding!

Contact me with any questions!

Gracehill Vineyard Estate {Auckland wedding photographers}

Im so excited to share with you highlights of Amy & Michael’s wedding at Gracehill Vineyard Estate, such a stunning venue in Auckland, paradise for all wedding photographers with everything on one site {beautiful old style building, gazebo, vineyards, pond, trees and much more}.

Couple shared their love story: “We met during uni - both studied engineering and met through common friends would have been together for 7 years in 2019”, proposal: “We went to Sydney in Aug 2018. I knew he would propose during this trip. Michael suggested to go for a walk in the botanic garden before dinner but I was too lazy. So instead of proposing in the botanic garden at sunset, he just did it in front of the restaurant outside of Opera house. He wanted the moment to be intimate not in front of everyone in the restaurant. “

Creative Team:

suit: barkers flowers: Wildly Madly Deeply shoes: Ziera Shoes Jewelry: Naveya & Sloane (engagement ring). Tiffany & Co (wedding bands), Swarovski (necklace, earrings, and bangle) Makeup: Ellie Choi Hair: Yujin Lee celebrant: Valeria Antipenko coordinator: William Adair MC: none DJ: Mixit DJ

and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

Enjoy highlights of this beautiful wedding in photo gallery:

The Hunting Lodge {wedding photographers in Auckland}

Amazing time in The Hunting Lodge, one of the most exciting wedding venue with modern architecture and barn feel at stunning location with amazing hills and vinery. Such a pleasure to shoot there for us, wedding photographers in Auckland {New Zealand}.

Nicole & Brian come over from Hong Kong to celebrate this special day with their close friends and family. It was amazing day full of love and laugher.

“Their story began in 2014 when they were colleagues at the same company. Their friendship began as friends and the chemistry of love was ignited after a special Christmas boat party. Brian shared that this next step was just natural. They had so much in common, but it was special, and they both realised their friendship had a very special sparkle. They shared the same values, they enjoyed the same challenges, and they genuinely supported each other and trusted each other’s judgements, they were truly best friends. Their relationship blossomed and their love grew and deepened. When Nicole headed to the Netherlands to study, their trust and love was strong, and it sustained them both, and they were able to have a successful long-distance relationship for 2 years.”

Proposal” “In August 2017 Brian planned the proposal, He wanted to make a special surprise for Nicole. He told Nicole he had to work overtime when he was actually decorating their home. After dinner Brian suggested that Nicole go to the ATM, she needed a bit of persuasion but in the end off she went. And a very very relieved Brian had a few finishing touches for the surprise when Nicole walked in the door. Everything went according to plan, except Nicole turned on the lights and reduced the level of romance, but , to Brian’s delight Nicole said YES.”

Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:

The Officers Mess {wedding photographers in Auckland}

Tea & Michael wedding was in The Officers Mess {North Shore} and was just epic, we, their wedding photographers, truly enjoyed such amazing atmosphere with their close friends and family in Auckland. Need to mention not a long time ago we captures Tea’s brother wedding in Kerikeri, bring back memories! So good to see again old friends Elisah & Heremaia and their big friendly family!

Couple shared their love story: “we both meet in the navy 2012 and have been together for 6 years “, he proposed while on a cruise in Fiji . So romantic!

Great Creative team on the wedding:

dress - Maggie soretto; suit - custom made in Singapore; flowers - Wild & Yellow; hair and makeup - Amber from verdo; celebrant - Navy Padre; DJ - Highkings and Auckland based wedding photographers - L & L - Levien & Lens photography.

Enjoy highlights in photo gallery:

The Hunting Lodge {West Auckland wedding photographer}

One of the beautiful venues that I had a honour to capture Nikki & Blake beautiful moments, at The Hunting Lodge Winery {West Auckland}. Its such a pleasure to be chosen as couples’s wedding photographer and capture natural and candid, emotional and romantic moments.

Love story: “We met in 2010 at a wedding, we started dating in 2014 and have been together since. He proposed at Mangawhai Beach, Labour weekend 2017”.

Creative Team:

Dress by Modes Bridal Suits from Barkers Hair & Makeup by Serenity Celebrant is Jennifer Frieling Ceremony Music by Nikau Quartet DJ - Ron Pereria Floristry by Twig and Twine and West Auckland wedding photographer - Olga Levien L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:

Nocton Woodshed - Clevedon {Auckland wedding photographer}

One of the fabulous venues that I shoot recently is Nocton Woolshed in Clevedon, such a dream for any couple and Auckland wedding photographer. Amazing location on the top of the hill, with stunning views and a great atmosphere!

Lexie & Marcus decided to get married in New Zealand, made their way from New-York {USA} and have such a awesome time with their friends and family!

Couple shared their story: “We met in New York at a bar when we were 23 and spent a week getting to know each other before Marcus left the country for good. After a year and a half of long distance, Lexie moved to New Zealand and we've been together since (7.5 years).” Proposal: “Surprised at Lexie's Finnish ancestor's cabin in New Hampshire. “ Such beautiful memories!

Enjoy this wedding ceremony on the beach following the reception in the Nocton Woolshed {Clevedon, Auckland} - highlights in the photo gallery!

Creative Team: Celebrant: JJ Johnston Day-Of Coordinator: Gail Hackwell MC: Hamish Ellis DJ: MixIt and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga Levien {L & L} - Levien & Lens photography :)