How to choose wedding photographer {Auckland couples-engagement photography}

Choosing a wedding photographer one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning! Its feels so important and so right when you found a good fit. So how to choose wedding photographer for your couple?

I will talk about few steps which feels really important to me as a lifestyle wedding photographer.

1. Wedding Portfolio.

Check wedding photography portfolio - best photographs which represents photographer's style, favourite things to shoot, editing preferences {some of us love airy light images, another ones draw to moody dark atmosphere, or even do mix of both depending on session}. 

2. Check full wedding galleries.

You checked best images in photographer's portfolio, now time to see a full wedding from start to finish { getting ready, ceremony, formals, intimate bride and groom session, reception etc.}. You can find full weddings in the Blog or contact photographer via email and ask for pass online complete wedding galleries.

You can see how we capture moments, emotions, details, posed shots, unposed images etc. Its truly represent the ability to keep it up during this hectic day and produce amazing images which speaks from the heart.

3. One of the most important - Connection.

Get in touch with photographer and check the connection, communication and mobility {Im trying to answer for inquiries as soon as possible, often during first few hours}, but please allow a couple of days delay, especially on weekends, as we can be away on the road at destination wedding. :)

Sometimes really hard to get a personality via email especially if English not a mother tongue {I love to catch up with my awesome clients for cup of tea / coffee, have a chat and discuss their wedding plans}. We usually build a good trust and its make us feel comfortable during the wedding day {photographer the only one person who all the time with you without any minute of break, so its important to find the right person, feel relaxed and comfortable}.

4. Last but not least - Packages and Pricing.

Please contact photographer to find out pricing details and collections {how many hours, how many photographers, if there engagement session included, any prints | products what you would like to add}. Feel free to share your wedding plans and needs as a lot of photographers can create a custom package which best suits your needs.

For example I working in a team with my husband and have options with one or two photographers on the day, coverage from elopements with capturing just ceremony and bride and groom intimate session to full day packages including engagement - pre-wedding session and album + wall fine art print. There options for every couple!

You found your dream photographer, but can't afford your dream package? Still get in touch, tell about your wedding plans and planning date. There always a chance you can find the compromise as your wedding sounds just amazing and photographer in love with your couples personalities {you can also order prints | products when you discover your images, or make its a part of wedding registry}.

Follow your gut and go with the flow! Good luck with your wedding planning!

bride and groom under veil {Auckland wedding photographer} couples photography

Please contact me with any questions that you might have!

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In-home couples lifestyle session {New Zealand wedding-engagement photographer}

Lifestyle sessions are my favourite to shoot {wedding, engagement, events, family etc.}, especially if its in-home photo shoot, which really shows what couple love to do together, and make things more easy going and relaxed. This type of session not so popular in New Zealand yet {not surprising with so many opportunities for great photographs at wild landscapes and beautiful nature}, but maybe at winter time we can warm up with cup of tea / coffee, snuggle with partner and show our emotions in everyday moments.

Last weekend I arrived to Kylee & Rob's place at morning to capture special for them moments {need to mentioned couple having 10 years anniversary and they still crazy in love! hope we all be the same after 10 years being together with your partner}.

It was real fun to do and capture simple things as making cup of tea at kitchen, sitting at the dining table, and even dancing in the living room {we laugh with Kylee and remembered one of our favourite movies "Dirty dancing", even tried to reproduce some movement, poor Rob!, ha-ha :), wait, he actually done a great job!

There was so many sweet moments and I just loved our session, so special for this couple!

Happy anniversary and many more years together!

Enjoy this video and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

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Inspiration board #4 - couples | engagement photography {Auckland wedding photographer}

Who wants to get more inspiration in couples photography? Here we go!

Today I am sharing with you my Pinterest board with chosen couples | engagement photographs from photographers all around the world with intimate couples moments. Feel free to visit this board and share your ones!

Im always happy to see new ideas, styles and also get some inspiration, feel the mood for my Auckland wedding photography. Love to be inspired and create something new :)

couples | engagement photography {Auckland wedding photographer}

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New Zealand wedding photographers workshop {South Island -Queenstown-Wanaka NZ lifestyle couples-engagement photographer}

What an exciting news I received this week: Two Mann, best wedding photographers in the world, coming in New Zealand with their workshop and I had a honour to be in the limited list of talented wedding photographers from NZ, Australia and USA who will participate in this workshop in December 2016 in South Island {Queenstown-Wanaka area}.

As a professional lifestyle wedding photographer I know that learning process is endless and never stops, I am taking any opportunity on my way to learn a new skills, practice, look at photography and life from different angle and improve myself and my photography level, and get inspired.

I will be happy to share with you a review on this amazing workshop with my experience at the end of this year. I am happy to be in company of amazing Fearless photographers  with so talented people as Erika and Lanny from Two Mann Studio.

If anyone planning to be married at 2-11 December 2016 in South Island {Queenstown-Wanaka and surrounding areas} Im happy to capture your special day moments with no extra travel charge with special offer {as Im anyway will be there for workshop on 6-8 December!}, so exciting to shoot at such a picturesque and legendary place on breathtaking South Island! 

Please contact me with any questions!

New Zealand wedding photographers workshop

 

 

Inspiration board #1 lifestyle couples photography {Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga wedding photographer}

I love to create different type of boards on Pinterest. So today I decided to start a new rubric in our Blog where I can share with you some of my inspiration in different type of photography. Im doing weddings and couples | engagement photo shoots around Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga areas in New Zealand and always search for new ideas, trying to find inspiration everywhere (in books, movies, art galleries etc.), sometimes easy way to go is to open the Pinterest app and look through the photographs with ability to observe, find connection, emotions, light, something to drive me in and connected to my style. Its can be even nature and picturesque view and landscapes around. 

So today Im sharing with you one of my Pinterest boards :)

I love to start from lifestyle couples photography with inspiration board #1. Feel free to check it out and get some ideas!

lifestyle couples photography inspiration board {Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga wedding photographer}

I love lifestyle photographs, emotions, atmosphere. It's so great to capture something what couple love to do together, what mean a lot to them. Thats my inspiration choice.

I think it's always a good idea to have an engagement | pre-wedding couples photo-shoot what let us better to know each other and feel more relax on wedding day! Im often travel around Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga areas for my awesome clients couples sessions. It's so special moments!

Please feel free to share your boards, I would love to have a look :)

Contact me with any question!

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Castaways wedding published in Paper & Lace {Auckland couples-engagement photographer}

I love to receive a good news about new publications and featured images in different blogs and magazines around the world. Thats a great recognition and ability to showcase favourite photographs with my awesome wedding couples. They are just amazing!

Gorgeous wedding with stunning couple Juliette & Jonny {Castaways, Auckland} just been published in Paper & Lace. Thank you so much guys for sharing with me your special moments, I'm appreciate it!

Enjoy this gallery!

Great creative team on wedding day:

Photographer: Olga from Levien & Lens Photography

Dress: Parkland Bridal & Shirley from I Sew 4 U- Dressmaking & Alterations

Makeup: Catherine Campbell Make Up

Hair: Sam Graham from Framed Hair & Beauty

Shoes: Trousseau - bridal & evening shoes

Cake: Isabelle Edmonds

Flowers: Rosemary McNoe

Band: Twistin’ The Swing

Venue/Catering: Castaways

Celebrant: Fr John Craddock

Transport: Jaguars from Prestige Rental Cars

Ceremony Music: Louisa Neike (Vocals) Brendan Agnew (Pianist) Martin Sivertsen (Guitar) Logan Whyte (Piper)

Castaways wedding published in Paper and Lace {AUckland wedding-couples-engagement photographer}

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Early Bird wedding special 2017 | Winter Wedding Package 2016 {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty couples-engagement photographer}

Hi everyone! Hope you enjoyed these summer holidays in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty areas and on South Island. I have a special wedding news for your couple prior St Valentine's Day! :)

Bookings open now for 2017! Its time to announce our Early Bird wedding special 2017 and Winter Wedding Special 2016: 10% off any wedding package in our Pricing.

Early Bird 2017: Plan your wedding beforehand, stay calm and organise, save the money and celebrate: you just take off something from your list :) Happy wedding planning!

Winter Wedding Special 2016: Lets make these quiet months warmer and so much more exciting. I prolong winter special from May to September 2016, yay! Use the opportunity to save some money for your honeymoon! :)

I would love to capture for you special moments and document the story of your wedding day. Special bonus for couples - complimentary engagement session with your wedding package and no travel fees between Auckland - Hamilton - Tauranga areas. I would love to travel to destination sessions nationwide (Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and surroundings areas), and international!

Excited to meet you and look forward to your wedding!

Check out my Wedding Photography Portfolio

Please contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

*Offer valid for bookings till 29 February 2016

Castaways Resort - Kariotahi beach wedding {Auckland lifestyle couples-engagement photographer} Juliette and John

What a beautiful wedding in Castaways Resort (Kariotahi beach, Auckland) I been captured with Juliette & Jonny; just amazing couple and meant to be with each other. I been shooting their engagement party in April last year; what a warm and cosy atmosphere it was. I been really thrilled to be invited to capture their special wedding day!

It's even more meaningful for me because Juliette is my very first friend that I met in New Zealand in my first year when I joined ice skating coffee club (I been doing figure skating for 5 years back in Russia :). She is a presenter at Radio New Zealand concert. We both love ice skating, dance and more :) it was a big honour to capture these beautiful moments for this stunning couple.

Juliette & Jonny met each other on tropical island on holidays few years ago and thought they never met again, but it was destiny :) Jonny moved to Auckland and started to work just few buildings over from Juliette's office and they met each other again and together forever from this point :) They have amazing story of relationship (there even been a moment when Juliette drove to rescue him in Northland where he was diving, luckily all finished good, but it was really strong check of their relationship). This couple meant to be with each other!

Creative team what made this wedding so special:

Dress: Parkland Bridal & Shirley from I Sew 4 U- Dressmaking & Alterations
Makeup: Catherine Campbell Make Up
Hair: Sam Graham from Framed Hair & Beauty
Shoes: Trousseau - bridal & evening shoes
Cake: Isabelle Edmonds
Flowers: Rosemary McNoe
Band: Twistin’ The Swing
and Levien & Lens Photography ;)

Day started from getting ready moments in nice Castaways chalet with amazing views to the ocean, what a great place to be! It was emotional moments with first look with Juliette's dad and time with all her close family and 3 bridesmaids (one of them Rosemary is Juliette's sister, she also made gorgeous flowers bouquets for bridal party: need to mentioned other sister Catherine created make-up for her, what great family support!). Juliette's veil is very special and kept in family for a few generations, what a beautiful tradition!

Then we moved towards St Anthony's Catholic Church in Waiuku, Auckland where wedding ceremony was held. It's such a beautiful place with nice Christmas display and warm atmosphere. Music and amazing, singing made this ceremony special as well. Scotland national music finalist at the wedding with couple walking down the aisle as husband and wife! 

We not missed the family formals after the ceremony, it was a big fun with so many relatives from both sides and also little ones - nieces and nephews (8 kids in total!).

Then became time to have rest and relax on the top of beautiful hills near Kariotahi beach, where we made bridal party shots and intimate session for bride and groom. Amazing views, beautiful landscapes and couple's emotions and connection made this location shoot really special. I love to give my couple time to be themselves and get a peaceful moment in between of this hectic day :)

Reception been held in Castaways Resort Restaurant on the top of the hill with stunning views, where we get a chance to sneak to a few shots before the sunset in between of speeches, cake cutting and first dance.

What beautiful memories!

Congratulations Juliette & Jonny! Happy future together!

Enjoy this video and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Wedding details pictures {Auckland-Hamilton couples-engagement photographer}

Rings, flowers, veil, shoes etc, I love all these little details, treasured thing on the weddings. Each couple put a lot of effort to choose wedding style, theme, details, items which mean a lot to them.

This planning process start right from engagement till last day before the big day! I absolutely understand how much work couple put into this and how important to capture all this little details for them.

Its also add a lot to the wedding story, let feel the atmosphere and also showing this day decor, which can take a good spot in wedding album as well.

Its such a treasured moments showing this important for bride and groom day!

Look at these flowers bouquets from Juliette & Jonny wedding. Juliette's sister created them with big love:

wedding flowers bouquet {Auckland couples-engagement photographer}

You can see these details in each wedding gallery what I created, its so lovely memories and took their good place in a wedding story.

Yes, I love to capture candid moments, emotions, connection and lifestyle moments follow my style, but I also love to take the break, slow down and capture these details!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Little White Book {Auckland lifestyle wedding-engagement-couples photographer}

I just excited to share with you a new listing, Little White Book directory, great place to find your wedding suppliers/vendors and of course wedding photographer ;) Im happy to be listed in this warmly community based by Karleigh from Paper and Lace

I'm serving mostly Auckland and Hamilton but happy to travel to destination sessions to Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, around Waikato and all New Zealand!

Dear brides please feel free to check this wonderful website for those who get engaged. If you already had weddings with me, please feel free to leave a few kind words, Im really appreciate!

Thank you so much for be with me all this time!

I look forward to a future busy wedding seasons!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Parnell on the Rose Garden {Auckland lifestyle wedding photographer} Zydon & Olga

Parnell Rose Garden is a beautiful place in Auckland NZ to be married! I had the honour to capture an amazing wedding last weekend for Zydon & Olga, such a stunning couple!

Their photographs turned out just amazing which was not surprising when you look at all factors around: gorgeous bride Olga and handsome groom Zydon, stunning locations (rose gardens, old style reception and St Heliers Beach photo shoot after reception), great warm atmosphere (these families know how to have fun! I just loved every single minute of this wedding!). Olga fly over from Australia to New Zealand to Zydon to make this wedding happened :) Even distance not a barrier for a true love!

Great creative team been working together to making this wedding so special:

Celebrant: Andrew Brook
MC and dance teacher: Valeria Antipenko
Make-up: Grayson Coutts Makeup Artistry
Flowers: Tomuri & Co. Floral Designs 
Dj: Nikeil Deo 
Covers Decoration Hire 
and Levien & Lens Photography 

Enjoy this video and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

My 365 Project. December {Auckland-Hamilton lifestyle photographer}

Last month of this year gone and its last month in my 365 Project - December.

It was a month full of positive lifestyle moments and emotions. I been doing photo shoots in Auckland and Hamilton, weddings and lifestyle sessions and also capture my family and kids everyday moments.

Enjoy this gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

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Happy New Year! Best lifestyle-wedding photographs {Auckland-Hamilton documentary couples-family photographer}

Hello everyone!

Hope you having a great holidays!

I just want to wish you a Happy New Year and share with you our best lifestyle moments - couples-engagement , wedding-elopement , and family-kids-baby-newborn sessions what I been capture in 2014 year.

It was an amazing year with a lot of positive emotions. Thank you for share with me your special moments!

Enjoy this gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Fun couples photo shoot {Auckland wedding-engagement photographer}

What a positive, full of fun and laughing, photo shoot I had last weekend in Auckland. Kylie & Warwick just amazing couple.

Guys met each other 2 months ago and feel strong connection. It was first their pictures together.

I love to shoot these special for couple moments with relaxable atmosphere, fun and joy. It's a treasure to see their raw emotions and feelings!

Enjoy my new couples-engagement photo gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Footbridge Lodge Wedding {Auckland-Bombay couples photographer} Tammie & Ross

What a great cosy wedding I captured last weekend in Footbridge Lodge {Bombay, Auckland}. Tammie & Ross such a stunning couple! Their photographs turned just amazing!

Ross is a navy guy and Tammie is paramedic girl and they found each other. Celebrating their special day with family and close friends and sharing their feelings. Lily going to have a great step-dad!

Morning start for me in guys place getting ready in Pukekohe with relaxed and warm atmosphere. Ross and his 3 groomsmen  been joking, having fun, eat some lunch and getting ready for special event!

Footbridge lodge is a beautiful place in Bombay Hills, Auckland with beautiful picturesque views and old style architecture with wooden chapel (which has great big window at the back). What an amazing place to be married. 

We had some fun at location shoot near the pond with pier and boat, then follow up reception with emotional moments, speeches and of course dance time!

What a beautiful couple and cosy atmosphere!

Happy future together!

Enjoy this gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

Thank you Sharni for take me on board!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Elegant Formosa Golf Resort Wedding {Auckland couples-engagement photographer}

What an elegant wedding I captured last weekend at Formosa Golf Resort in South Auckland. This couple looks just stunning and photographs turned out just amazing. Meet...

Dominique & Owen

Venue: Formosa Golf Resort | Celebrant: Neena Maxwell

Makeup: Makeup by MeagsHair: Camilleri HairDesign

Decor: Lautofa Tulagalua | Bouquets: Flowers by Lisa | DJ: Andy Wilson

What a great place guys choose for their wedding - beautiful golf course in picturesque sea side location with views of Rangitoto island.

Getting ready moments started at Formosa Villas with beautiful set up, light, views, Dominique and her best friends - three bridesmaids met me while doing their makeup and hair. The atmosphere was full of fun and positive emotions. Girls been in villa 10 while boys in villa 12 had their own fun. I been heading over to get details shot with wedding rings and some creative shots with guys  :) 

Weather been rainy all morning so ceremony moved inside the lounge (planned to be an outdoor), but lucky rain eventually stopped and we had opportunity to get all main family shots done, guests had cocktail hour and we with bridal party, Dominique and Owen moved to travel around golf course on 4 seater golf cart (I been riding at the back, holding tight :) 

What a great location shoot with intimate session and some fun shots. Could be the best memories ever for stunning couple and their bridal party. Need to mentioned we had siblings from both sides in the party, what great traditions!

Reception been beautifully set up with white colours decor and light material around. What an airy feeling its created! Music been on and guests impatiently been waiting main couple to come in. What a great party just happened, amazing atmosphere!

Dominique & Owen, happy future together!

Enjoy this video and gallery!



Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Wedding Location {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty NZ couples | engagement photographer}

Its really important to choose a right place to your big wedding day. Each location should have a special meaning to the you and made makes celebration moments unforgettable.

It's a lot of different options in Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, indoors and outdoors (could be handy to do a rain check and have a back up plan ;)

Traditional wedding ceremonies are held in a church / registry office / hotel. I always enjoy to hear stories that couple choose the church where their parents been married. Its such treasured connection between generations, what great family traditions.

Wedding Location {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty NZ couples | engagement photographer}

Outdoor locations had a lot of variety, especially in New Zealand: beach, domain, winery, gardens,  farm, park, bush, golf course, resort etc. So many different options! Summer is almost all the year around with high plus temperature so its really tempting to organise picturesque ceremony/reception in the beautiful nature side. I just love to capture these natural light beautiful moments.

Wedding Location {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty NZ couples | engagement photographer}

Other option what I often see with small family weddings - ceremony and reception at parents house with BBQ in the garden area. Thats so sweet memories as well.

So what type of wedding location close to you, where you want to celebrate your engagement and have fun with close to you people / family? It's all up to you! I'm happy to capture for you all these special moments with relax, natural style. I love to show raw emotions and connection!

Wedding Location {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty NZ couples | engagement photographer}

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Intimate photography - couples moments {Auckland-Hamilton wedding | engagement photographer}

Intimate couples moments are one of the most important and special at wedding day (and engagement session as well). Each couple is so different and have own special wedding schedule and ideas in place, but still very important to have at least half an hour during this hectic time to have quiet romantic moments and get stunning photographs.

These pictures will be one of the most treasured ones and these moments along away from the guest will give you some ability to rest and relax.

Thats why I always recommend to include an intimate session | location shoot in the schedule and do my best to have enjoyable and relaxable time together.

There could be different options to incorporate these moments in your wedding day: first thing in morning after getting ready (its often goes with first look), between ceremony and reception, during the reception (have some moments away from the guests and get stunning light at sunset).

I also love to do bridal session (pre-wedding photo shoot) or post-wedding photo shoot, which allows to choose different location (be really far from the wedding location and have different atmosphere). No on elicited in time, so no hurry! Everyone feel relaxed :) Also its gives the ability for brides trash the dress (lay on the sand, move in the water, what can be big fun!).

Intimate photography - couples moments {Auckland-Hamilton wedding | engagement photographer}

For example, one of my recent weddings with Daria & Dmitry been in Auckland city (Russian Orthodox church and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron), so there was no option for incorporate outdoor photo shoot on the nature, so we organised beach post-wedding session 2 weeks after their wedding. Pictures turned just amazing!

Intimate photography - couples moments {Auckland-Hamilton wedding | engagement photographer}

Sometimes location just perfect for natural shots. My last weekend wedding been at South Auckland Formosa Golf Resort. It was so great to have a ride around golf course located next to the seaside with amazing views.

Intimate photography - couples moments {Auckland-Hamilton wedding | engagement photographer}

It is so important to do an intimate session in this stunning picturesque views!

Intimate photography - couples moments {Auckland-Hamilton wedding | engagement photographer}

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Casting call | Auckland-Hamilton couples photographer

Casting Call
I am looking for:

- Two crazy in-love couples who are easy going and would like to have fun lifestyle session. If you a blond with long hair + a brunette with short/medium hair + a redhead with long curly hair definitely note that in your message!

No modelling experience necessary. Sessions will take place in Auckland-Hamilton. Send me a message on Facebook page or contact me if you are interested.

Featured Photo #TTF magazine {Auckland-Hamilton lifestyle wedding photographer}

Im so proud to show you my new feature with #TTF magazine. My photo from stunning post-wedding session on Kariotahi beach, Auckland with beautiful Daria & Dmitry (you can check their wedding gallery and video) chosen as cover photo and for Photographer Inshot Awards. Also #TTF magazine published an article:

"4 details of this Costal New Zealand wedding what we love", hope you enjoy it!

Its a big pleasure to see your style and photographs noticeable and appreciated.
Thank you!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}