New Zealand Beach Elopement: Simon and Tara {Auckland wedding photographers}

Im so excited to share with you my recent gallery with Simon and Tara, beautiful people who made their way from UK to get married on New Zealand beach. They choose for their elopement - Karekare Beach {Auckland, NZ}, celebrant with her two friends as wetnesses and me as their wedding photographer. Such a gorgeous intimate event in such a stunning location with rocks, ocean, grassy areas and freedom atmosphere. 

Simon shared their amazing loge story: "We met at work. Tara has a bold and fearless attitude and poked me with hot tea spoons until I asked her out. We have been together for 11 glorious years, the time has really flown. " Proposal: "In Scotland for Tara’s 40th. Staying in a quaint b&b in the highlands. I asked her over our first cuppa of the day. She didn’t want an engagement ring, she’s doesn’t like flashy things so I made her a ring with a squirrel on it. Squirrels feature in our lives quite a lot for some reason. They are ever present and we love it. It seemed fitting to have one on a ring".

Enjoy this video highlights and a gallery:

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Ming and Billie: Hedingham {Coatesville} - West Auckland wedding photographer - Forest Weddings

Amazing time with beautiful people - Ming & Billie who come all way over from Hong Kong to Hedingham {Coatesville, West Auckland, New Zealand} to get officially married, surrounded by few friends. As a wedding photographer, I love to capture such intimate weddings, usually warm and cosy events.

We started from a wedding ceremony in Hedingham, such a gorgeous old style building with fantastic land that has plenty of photo opportunities. Then move to Redwood Forest and come back to finish the day at the fabulous reception!

The couple shared their love story: "We have been together for almost four years. We first met at a boat party in 2011, but we didn't keep contact afterwards. We met again at a Xmas party in 2013 then we got very close and decided to be together." The proposal: "There was not a proper proposal, but the idea of getting married came naturally to us. ...Through the process of preparing the wedding ceremony and stuff, we have come to realise this is what we want to do because we share the commitment of loving each other for a lifetime." Such a romantic story!

Enjoy this video and highlights in the photo gallery!

Great Creative Team:

Celebrant: Angelika de Vere, owner of the venue.

and Olga, Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland based wedding photographers.

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Best of 2017 | New Zealand Wedding photography {Auckland weddings-elopement photographers} Happy New Year

Its hard to believe one year pass so fast from the first wedding in January in Villa Maria {Auckland} to recent one at the end of December 2017 in The Moose Lodge {Rotorua, NZ}. We, Auckland based wedding photographers, travelled for weddings all around New Zealand {from Kerikeri and Russel to Queenstown and Wanaka through the Wellington} to capture real - romantic - candid documentary wedding photography, met awesome people and saw great stories happening unfold. Each wedding had an own unique atmosphere as each couple, their families and friends, and fantastic venues - locations that couple thoughtfully chose to celebrate their special day. These wedding locations | venues honestly speaks to their personalities and represent their love story.

This year brought us a lot of positive emotions, great adventures and even around ten international awards! But your warm words, what our couples | friends said about us and our work just the best! It makes us feel we on the right track, on the top of the things even if sometimes it's hard to do. We love what we do and glad you too!

Thank you so much, my amazing couples | friends for a great time together! Congratulations on your weddings and engagements! Can't wait to see what 2018 will bring, what adventures and travels we will have! I'm so grateful to meet such amazing people on my way!

We wish you to have a warm holidays and a Happy New Year! Let all your wish come true!

Enjoy these highlights - Best of 2017 in the gallery:

New Zealand elopement | Auckland wedding photographer

couple standing on the rocks - NZ beach wild freedom nature with stunning landscapes

Good Bye 2017, Excited to see what 2018 will bring!

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{ENTER OUR GIVE-A-WAY!}

Raglan Beach pre-wedding engagement photo shoot {Auckland - Waikato wedding photographer}

So excited to share with you highlights of Jenna & Brodie breathtaking engagement session on Raglan Beach {Waikato, not far from Auckland, New Zealand}, it's such an honour for me, wedding photographer to capture such a special for couple moments on heir pre-wedding photo shoot!

We just walk and talk before the sunset; couple shared their beautiful and romantic story:

"We met February 2015 at work. Jenna a brand new police officer and Brodie had been on the street working as a police officer for a few months already. We were in the same section and worked together as partners in the police car together. After several months of being colleagues and becoming good friends, we fell in love. It has been two years since." The proposal was made in just unbelievable location: "On the top of Machu Picchu mountain overlooking Machu Picchu ruins."

It was a real pleasure to spend such a fantastic time with this gorgeous, romantic, emotional and crazy-in-love couple!

Contact me with any questions!

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Auckland City - Hotel DeBrett Wedding-Elopement {New Zealand weddings photographer} Bree and Victoria

Bree & Victoria

Excited to share with you beautiful and emotional wedding-elopement in Auckland City {Hotel DeBrett and Domain}. Victoria & Bree made all way over from Australia to New Zealand to get officially married in our country as same-sex weddings there not fully allowed yet. Luckily they had fantastic opportunity to make their dreams come true - elope in Auckland.

Our wedding story started in such gorgeous location as Hotel DeBrett with so many photo opportunities and emotional moments, then walk through the City to the registry office and get some beautiful photographs in Auckland Domain. This wedding was just gorgeous with so unique, romantic and real atmosphere. I loved every candid and natural moment of this celebration of love. LOVE IS LOVE!

Victoria shared couple's story, they met at work and been together for four years. Proposal details:"Away for the weekend in the Hunter Valley. Bree took me out for lunch at Bistro Molini. She arranged for my ring to come out on a plate with dessert, the proposal was written around the ring in chocolate sauce surrounded by strawberries and other fruit." Such a romantic story!

Creative Team: Make-Up - Olga Gill , Flowers - Floral Stylist {Sue Cameron}

Enjoy these video slideshow and highlights of couple's wedding gallery:

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Mangawhai Heads Beach Engagement Session {Auckland NZ wedding photographers} Dahlia and Ibrahim

Dahlia & Ibrahim

We had a fantastic engagement session with Dahlia & Ibrahim on Mangawhai Heads beach just before the sunset. It was my first time traveling to this amazing location, I'm as an Auckland wedding photographer shot weddings and engagements in so many places in New Zealand, but on this beach yet, so it was a great pleasure to explore a new stunning pre-wedding location. 

The couple shared their love story and how was made a proposal:

"We met 7 years ago through my cousin who came to visit me in my architecture studio and I showed him around. We've been friends ever since then but never quite thought the other would be interested in the other. A year and a half ago we started rock climbing together and we started going every week and became in separable in between sessions. So we have a foundation of the best of friendships. ", said Dahlia.

"On one of our first dates we went on a hike in the Waitakere ranges, what started off as a 3 hour hike turned into a 7 hour hike after getting lost. It was cold and the track was muddy and slippery and messy. We ran and climbed and swam in ponds all the way back (boot camp style) because the sun was going down. But it was the funniest, most memorable experience so the Zion hill trek was really special for us and that's where he proposed. Waiting at the top of the mountain for me as my friend and I hiked up and she disappeared behind me as we got to the look out. It was super romantic and beautiful. " The story sounds so special and romantic!

We had fantastic time with couple exploring the seaside, climbing rocks and walking and chatting.

Enjoy this video slideshow and gallery highlights!

Contact me with any questions!

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Wedding timeline - Planning 101 {Auckland weddings photographers}

Wedding timeline is one of the most important things on the wedding day and many clients ask us how better to plan photography events and how many hours of coverage do they need for capture all important moments. As wedding photogpraher who captured many weddings around New Zealand & International Im happy to share my experience and give some time frames for orientation.

Of course each wedding and their timelines are unique. Following information just something what can be considered for make your wedding day more enjoyable and create perfect conditions for stunning photos. Take on only those points what suits your situation!

Getting ready

Getting ready: Maya

1. Getting ready - 1.5-2 hours. Minimum time for getting ready photos is 1 hour {we usually start shooting when make-up, hair half way through. If you would like us to capture some special events as first look with dad, family portraits, lots of pictures with bridesmaids, many details shots etc you need to add on time. Better prepared beforehand all special for you items what you want us to capture {it will save the time and make morning less stressful for you}. Groom getting ready photos usually faster ones {as there no make-up and hair done :)}, but if groom planned something special with his groomsmen {as play golf on the morning, fishing, shooting etc.} definitely let us know, we would love to capture a complete story of your wedding day.

First look

First look: Madeline & Barry

2. First look - 30 min - 1.5 hours. First look is a special event which became more popular lately {not for traditional couples}. Its a moment when groom seen his bride before the ceremony {turn back to her walking towards him and then turn around}. First look is emotional moment and flow into the bridal party and couples photo shoot {thats why its up to 1.5 hours long}. This event allow to save some time between ceremony and reception when couple traditionally doing photo shoot on location, or add on extra location and variety for images.

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding ceremony: Ilinke & Shaun

3. Ceremony - 30 min {outdoor} to 1 hour {traditional church ceremony}. Ceremony usually take between 30 min and 1 hour. We need to arrive on site 20-30 min before ceremony starts to capture details, guests arriving, groom waiting etc. Also allow yourself at least 10-15 min after ceremony for greetings, relax and hug your family and friends.

Family Formals

Family formals: Kara & David's wedding

4. Family photos - 20-40 min {depending on amount of groups}. Something to consider: big group with all guests can take up to 10 min, each small group up to 3 min. We usually recommend to have up to 10 groupings as its can be exhausting for couple to wait for everyone and keep tuned {they are usually starving and thirsty at this moment {needed provide some drinks and snacks}. Also good idea to have a shepherd - a person who know well the family and can gather people together {which save a time}. Good to have a little breath after family photos {drink and snacks} to refresh.

Bridal party + Bride & Groom session

Bridal party: Kathleen & Steve wedding

Bridal party: Hana & Aidan wedding

5. Bridal party and Bride & Groom intimate session - 1.5-2 hours. Minimum time for photo shoot is one hour {20 min - tidal party photos and minimum 30 min bride & groom photos with basic amount of photos}. Extra time give more opportunity to be creative, walk and talk, relax and go with the flow. Also allow extra time if there few locations or travelling involved. Many couples worried about their guests waiting for them, but believe me your guests are fine, they talking, enjoying outdoor games and other activities, snacks and drinks. If you would like to mix & mingle with your guests its a good idea to arrive to reception 30 min before its starts and have a good chat with all family members and guests.

Bride & Groom session: Georjarna & Gareth

Best time for photos: morning or during two hours before the sunset. Placing couple photo shoot in this time frame can be ideal but often impossible at the wedding day. We used to work with different lighting conditions. Solutions can be: moving ceremony to later time during summer as 3.30-5 pm {later is better for outdoor ceremonies, otherwise there can be tricky lighting situation with light and shade and hot spots on the faces}. Winter weddings usually scheduled with 1-3 pm ceremonies. 

Sunset Bride & Groom intimate session: Jenny & Andrew

Other option: have a separate photo shoot just before the sunset during summer time - sneak out of reception while guests eating their dinner, relaxing, chatting.

One more option for night lovers - get creative photos when sun go down, at late evening with dark and moody atmosphere:

Night time photos: Ellise & Wasim

Reception

Reception: Megan & Chris wedding

6. Reception {coverage depending on amount of events planned, usually its around 3-4 hours, including speeches, dinner, cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son, guests dancing + any more cultural traditions}. You can move these events around to suit your needs and what you like to do, its your time to enjoy rest of the day.

First dance: Chauntelle & Jayden

Full day coverage {from getting ready till guests dancing usually around 9-10 hours {if there late evening events planned its comes to 11-12 hours which is rare}. Small weddings, elopements usually take around 3-5 hours. 

Hope this orientation and tips with wedding timeline will help your planning. Let me know if you have any questions! As I said each situation is unique, just allow yourself time to breath and move from one part of the day to another without rush and enjoy every moment!

Sony & Ryan

Its your time, time of your life!

{Other thing to consider - having a wedding planner can make you life so much easier and save lots of hours planning, putting things together, looking for wedding vendors and communicating with everyone. Experienced wedding planners know exactly how make your day run smoothly and allow you fully enjoy your time}.

Wedding reception

We will help you with everything run smoothly!

x Warmly, 

Olga & Matt

Guests dancing {Langham}

Best of 2016 | 17 {New Zealand wedding photographer | Auckland weddings photography|

Time goes so fast, one more wedding season in New Zealand just fly away. Its a great time to reflect, look back and say Thank you to my awesome clients for amazing time and support! Its not even possible without you!

We shot over 20 weddings in Auckland, Kerikeri {Northland}, Russell {Bay of Islands}, Leigh, Kumeu, Tauranga, Lake Taupo, Gisborne, Wellington; we been all around New Zealand, on South Island as well {Queenstown, Wanaka}. Also there was many beautiful and emotional engagement sessions {pre-wedding photo shoot} which made our hearts sing.

Matt, my second photographer and husband been always next to me in the wedding team. We work as a clock - understanding each other without words, support each other and share creative ideas. Its made our journey easy, flawless and more exciting. Our two little ones stayed at home well looked after by nana. Thank you so much all these amazing people for help.

Also need to mentioned great wedding photographers community, many meetings with creative minds for tea/coffee, its so great to share common passion, share ideas and recharge with positive vibe. Not forgetting an amazing vendors {venues, make-up artists, hair stylists, wedding dresses designers {we having amazing partnership with talented designer Trish Peng}, flowers, suits, and all wedding suppliers, the list is endless!}.

Also need to mention two wedding workshops what I visited {yes, learning never stops and they are a great way to get some inspiration and learn a new tool box}: Two Mann {amazing husband and wife team from Canada, Erika and Lanny a true inspiration!} and Free the Bird {Jai from Australia is a creative mastermind}. So good to met them and other inspiring photographers!

As you see past season been productive, positive and full on! We are so excited to recharge {not so we have much free time at this winter months} and looking forward to our next season 2017 | 18 {fully booked, but there always a spot for epic wedding :)} and even 2018 | 19 {as bookings are already open and filling up fast}. Its can be hard to imagine we plan so far in advance but its world of weddings :)

Enjoy this video slide show with highlights and our favourite photographs. Let me know if you have any questions!

x Warmly, Olga {Levien & Lens Photography} - Auckland, New Zealand wedding photographers.

Contact me with any questions!

Tree Church Ohaupo Wedding-Elopement {Waikato-New Zealand wedding photographer} sneak peek

Last week I been capturing amazing elopement with Jodie & Scott in Tree Church Ohaupo {Waikato, New Zealand}. Couple escaped from big city wedding to quiet and natural picturesque rustic weddings atmosphere. It was a great pleasure for me as their wedding photographer to capture all beautiful and emotional moments on the day: from getting ready in Cambridge, NZ through the intimate ceremony to couples photo shoot near the church.

Couple prefer to keep their intimate pictures private and I respect their will, but also have permission to share with you their sneak peek. I also would like to show few environmental photographs to give other couples feeling of Tree Church, as I know how hard to choose a right wedding venue and to find images from the wedding day in those venues; and just a few lifestyle moments happening on the wedding day around the couple :).

Enjoy it as I enjoyed this piece of paradise in Waikato, New Zealand :)

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR ELOPEMENT | WEDDING}