Monthly Newsletter - Wedding planning and Inspiration {Auckland weddings photographer}

Hello, friends!

Do you know you can receive all News and Updates first in our Monthly Newsletter - Wedding Planning and Inspiration {Auckland wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography}.

We try to keep you on track of all our events, photo shoots, Blog posts, engagement, and weddings sneak peeks, new Instagram and Facebook feed, Publication | Awards in prestigious Blogs and Magazines, peek in my personal life and much more. You can just get a feel of our work, plan your wedding or enjoy our imaginary after your event already done.

We love to keep in touch with our clients | friends and wedding vendors. I amazed by the amount of response I get after each Newsletter went live, it's so lovely to keep communicating with my audience.

Hit Submit button below or fill the form on our Contact page and receive Monthly updates {you know you can always unsubscribe from newsletters, just in case, so you know as I receiving so many notifications from everywhere I registered or shopped around, so I try not to forget to unsubscribe from junk emails {its not about my Newsletter though, ha-ha}

Contact me know if you have any questions!

Ellise and Wasim - Happy Wedding Anniversary! {Auckland weddings photographers} Markovina

Time is flying so fast!  Just want to say "Happy Wedding Anniversary" to Ellise & Wasim!  Your wedding in Markovina {Auckland, NZ} was just amazing with a warm and cozy atmosphere.  Even rain can't stand in the way of a joyful celebration!

I look back on this wedding with such a warm feeling!

I wish you a happy future together, and many more years to come!

Enjoy a few highlights!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Kara + David - featured wedding publication by Auckland Weddings {New Zealand photographer}

Excited to share with you this featured publication by Auckland Weddings with Kara + David, one of my favourite weddings from the last wedding season.

The wedding took place on Waihi Beach, such a gorgeous place with plenty of photo opportunities.  There was such warm and unique atmosphere.  We enjoyed every single moment of this day!

Enjoy this publication by Auckland Weddings and have a look at more images in our Blog {including video highlights}.

Contact me with any questions!

Kara & David

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Follow Us on Instagram {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty New Zealand wedding photographers}

Most of you, I'm sure already follow us, Levien & Lens Photography on Instagram. Thank you for your support, we appreciate it! If not it's time to explore, follow us, Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty {New Zealand} wedding photographers to see first our recent weddings and engagement sessions, everyday moments in IG Stories and much more. Just go to @levienlensphotography and you can find out everything first!

Have a look at our Instagram Feed:

@levienlensphotography

For those who are interested in my everyday moments with family, kids and personal projects, lead to my personal account @olgalevien and enjoy all messy and beautiful moments!

@olgalevien

Come and say Hello! Look forward to see you there!

Warmly,

Olga & Matt

{CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS}

CHECK OUR BUSINESS INSTAGRAM @LEVIENLENSPHOTOGRAPHY

AND PERSONAL INSTAGRAM @OLGALEVIEN

Save The Date - Forever I Do Wedding Festival {Hamilton-Waikato weddings photographers} Planning

Hello, friends!  I just wanted to remind you to Save The Date for this fantastic event:

"Forever I do" Wedding Festival in Woodlands Estate {42 Whitikahu Rd, Taupiri, Gordonton, Waikato}, on 17th September from 10 am to 6 pm.  It is less than one hour drive from Auckland and you can meet amazing wedding vendors from all regions nearby.  Here is a list of some of them:

Inkberry Calligraphy, White Wedding Club, Sienna Reid, She Said Yes, Kerr & Landbrook, Phoenix Decoration Hire, Pretty Prop Shop, Bride & Groom Magazine, Sweet Avenue Cakes, The Bridal House, Elizabeth May, Love Rocks, Twelve Tables and much more.

Levien & Lens photography will be there too, together with our friends-amazing photographers: Tinted Photography and Anne Paar Photography.

Come and say hello!  We can't wait to see you there! {you will also have a chance to win exciting prizes in our Spectacular Giveaway!}

See you there!

Warmly,

Olga & Matt

P.S. Check out this amazing schedule that includes flowers | styling | make up workshops, dancing lessons, fashion parade and more:

Contact us with any questions!

Wild Hearts Real Wedding publication {New Zealand weddings photographers in Auckland}

I am so honored to have been interviewed by Wild Hearts {gorgeous source for wedding planning, inspiration and much more} - Blog and Fairs.  Thank you for the incredible opportunity to open my heart and soul, and share the moments of our fine art and documentary work around Auckland, New Zealand and beyond.  Thank you so much for this beautiful publication and feature of the wedding of Kara & David, who made it all the way over from Canada to Waihi Beach {Waikato, NZ}, to celebrate their special day with close friends and families.  We were thrilled to be invited as their wedding photographers to document their special day.

The wedding was so gorgeous!  Full of romantic, real and timeless moments, and unforgettable!  One of our photos won SILVER in recent NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 {Wellington, New Zealand}.  Such a significant achievement!

Thank you, Sophie Isabella, for all of your questions and warm communication in Wild Hearts!  It was such a pleasure to talk to you!

Enjoy this publication in Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs Blog and have a look at more details of Kara & David beach wedding in our Blog!

Waihi Beach

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Kara & David

New Zealand Bohemian Wedding publication in Desiree Hartsock {Bridal Style and DIY} Auckland weddings photographer

SO excited to share with you wonderful news: Madeline & Barry's New Zealand Bohemian wedding has just been published in Desiree Hartsock Bridal Style & DIY, fabulous international publisher. It's a great honour for me, as an Auckland wedding photographer, to get featured in this wedding publication. We are thrilled to be published in so many beautiful Blogs and magazines lately, great news keeps on coming!

The couple's wedding in Sawmill Cafe {Leigh, NZ}, was one of the most amazing weddings with such a warm, cozy and gorgeous atmosphere. Bride style was up to the notch!  Flowers in the hair, stunning dress, and such a beautiful family!  Please take a look at their wedding gallery in our Blog where you can find more photos and a video slideshow.

Enjoy this special publication in Desiree Hartsock Bridal Style & DIY "Brighten up your Wednesday with this New Zealand Bohemian Wedding" - Bride Featured Weddings!

Madeline & Barry {Leigh, New Zealand} photo by Matt

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Vineyard wedding in Auckland published - BG Bridal Gallery {Waikato - Bay of Plenty weddings photographers}

Excited to share with you: Jessica & Chris's vineyard wedding in Villa Maria {Auckland, New Zealand}, has just been published by BG Bridal Gallery.  It is such a huge honour for us, their wedding photographers, to see our Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and other New Zealand weddings featured around the world in prestigious Blogs and Magazines.

Their wedding was elegant, beautiful, full of laughter and natural moments. We spent an amazing time in Cornwall park with "first look", and then on to the ceremony and reception at Villa Maria next to the grapevines and great landscapes.  We loved every moment of this gorgeous wedding.

Have a look at the publication in BG Bridal Gallery and more images from couple's wedding in our Blog!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Auckland City Styled Shoot {New Zealand wedding photographers} Chancery Chambers rooftop terrace

Hi everyone! I so excited to share with you amazing styled shoot in Auckland City {New Zealand}  at stunning venue - rooftop terrace of Chancery Chambers with view on Skytower. I honoured to be invited as a photographer to join a team of amazing wedding vendors {stylist, event planning, flower design, wedding gowns and groom attire and much more}. Its been a real treat and such a great way to find inspiration over the winter, off-wedding season.

Enjoy this photo gallery highlights and let me know if you have any questions!

Great creative team:

Models: Natalie Connell and Pietro Sassanelli
Styling by Becks Envy Events; Venue - Rooftop Terrace Chancery Chambers {venue event coordinator Jenna}; Ghada Gown from Vinka Design; Grooms attire by Working Style; Flowers and Honeycomb backdrop - Twig & Twine; Table settings - Envy Events & The Pretty Prop Shop; Engraving - Peg Creative
and Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland wedding photographers.

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Wild Hearts Wedding Fair highlights {Auckland weddings photographers}

It was a great pleasure to participate in Wild Hearts wedding fair {Auckland, New Zealand} and had a good chat with lovely brides and grooms and their close friends and families who come over to support. Also great networking with other wedding vendors, it was great to see familiar faces and had a good conversations about weddings and everything around.

This fair had also runway shows with wedding gowns designers and bridesmaids dresses as well as cute flower girls dresses. Also Together journal pick the panel of experts and had some interviews helping couples to plan their wedding day and choose their suppliers.

It was such amazing time! Here is some highlights including few snaps of my stand.

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Markovina Vineyard Estate {Auckland-Kumeu wedding photographers} Michelle and Shane - winter weddings

Michelle & Shane

Excited to share with you highlights of Michelle & Shane's wedding in Markovina Vineyard Estate {Kumeu, Auckland, NZ}, where me and Matt had a honour to enjoy this fun and romantic atmosphere and been an official wedding photographers on the day. Thank you so much to lovely couple for sharing so special moments, we been happy to document everything happening around unfold: emotions, candid moments and relax vibe with cosy atmosphere.

Couple met 4 years ago through mutual friends {Zowie and Michael both in wedding party}. They shared romantic story: "We met through the Brides best friend Zowie. Her husband Mike worked with Shane and for about 6 months both Zowie and Mike were trying to set up a blind date between Michelle and Shane. Finally the date happened, and there was an instant connection made. Proposal 2.5 years later, with a gorgeous view, on the deck of the house we purchased earlier that year, Shane proposed on Michelle's birthday"

This winter wedding morning started for us at Lichfields and Vineyard Cottages with bride and groom getting ready, first look with lots of emotional moments and then amazing ceremony and reception in Markovina Vineyard Estate {warm and cosy wedding venue}.

Enjoy these video slideshow highlights and gallery with our favourite images!

Great creative team:
Dress: Parkland Bridal Sarah Vincent
Bridesmaids dresses: Pagani
Flowers: Kauri creek gardens
Jewelry: Michael Hill
Make up/Hair: Lexia Dyer makeup and hair
Celebrant: Lee Weir - Marriage Celebrant
DJ: Karl Rooney
Wedding singers: McCaskill & Brown
and Levien & Lens Photography - New Zealand & International wedding photographers {thanks to Matt for great support, creative ideas and amazing assistance on the day}

Contact us with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Wild Hearts Wedding Fair - save the date + Magazine feature {Auckland wedding photographers}

We are proud to announce Levien & Lens photography {New Zealand and International wedding photographers} going to be part of Wild Hearts wedding fair in Auckland on 22 July from 1 pm till 6 pm {Shed 10}. Save the date, come and say hello, get some wedding inspiration, find your wedding vendors {venues, flowers, makeup artists, hair stylists, dress designers, photographers, videographers, stylists, planners, signage and accessories etc.}, enjoy this freedom atmosphere!

There going to be lots of surprises as runway show, Together journal lounge and much more!

Delighted to say L&L been honoured to had a feature in fresh issue of Wild Hearts magazine {check it out}.

Look forward to see you on this beautiful event for those who wild at hearts! If you are getting married or having an elopement in New Zealand and beyond let's have a chat!

Contact me with any questions!

Wedding photographer society award winner {Levien and Lens photography} - Auckland weddings photographers

Excited to share with you wonderful news: photograph from Kara & David's wedding became a winner of Wedding photographer society award {June'17}, such a big honour for me, Auckland - New Zealand wedding photographer} to be in company with such a talented wedding photographers from all around the world.

Enjoy this picture and have a look at other winners at Wedding photographer society! 

Contact me with any questions!

Happy wedding anniversary Sherrie and Simon - Highwic {Auckland wedding photographers}

Just want to say Happy wedding anniversary to Sherrie & Simon who made their way from Australia last year to celebrate this special day with their friends and families in Highwic - historical house {Auckland, New Zealand}. Their winter wedding had such a special feel and vibe, it was a pleasure to be their wedding photographers and capture so special for couple moments!

Happy future together!

Enjoy a few highlights from their wedding day!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Bracu wedding published in Truly Engaging {Auckland weddings photographers}

So excited to see Ilinke & Shaun's wedding in Bracu {Auckland, NZ} published in Truly Engaging blog | magazine {"Pale pink and mint green New Zealand wedding}. We as their wedding photographers been happy to document every little happy candid moment and so many beautiful shots in such a stunning Auckland venue as Bracu.

Enjoy this publication in Truly Engaging and have a look at couple's wedding highlights in our Blog. 

Great Creative Team:
Dress- Alma J Bridal Boutique
Suit- Barkers
Flowers - Twig & Twine
Jewelry- Roman & French ( earrings / bracelets) and Michael Hill (rings)
Make up - Lipstick and Co
Hair - McInnes & Co 
Wedding sign - Wild Co
and Auckland wedding photographers @Levien Levien & Lens Photography

Contact me with any questions!

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 results {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty New Zealand wedding photographer}

Great news coming from Wellington {New Zealand} - Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards: our prints won Silver + 2 Bronzes in Wedding Creative category and 2 Bronze awards in Wedding Classic category.

Its a good experience. Winning awards not make you a better photographer, but the process of evaluating your own images, moving through your weddings and engagement session, picking photos what best speaks to you and according to your Voice and Style, re-editing them many times till its feels right and sending off to the public, share with photographers community, listen to their feedback definitely make you step up and became stronger. I totally recommend it to everyone.

I would love to say "Thank you" to my awesome clients who supporting me all this time {its pity I can't submit images from each wedding | pre-wedding session, every one of them so special and unique {NZIPP limiting the number of prints entering, but I still can keep them for the next year :)}.

Also Thank you to judges for valuable feedback {i especially appreciate their discussing over my Silver award image in Wedding Creative category, good to listen it online, so valuable feedback} - approximate quote:

Nathan: "Strong and obvious story... We are seeing the bride at the end of her photo shoot and she put a lot of effort... Its more like an anti-wedding shot, not staged candid moment. Its great photographer shared this images with our community." Sarah: "Its not just about the bride, groom there too..."

Enjoy these aware-winnig images and let me know if you have any questions!

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - SILVER {Wedding Creative}

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Creative}

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Creative}

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Classic}

Epson | NZIPP Iris Awards 2017 - Bronze {Wedding Classic}

{I shooting weddings mostly around Auckland - Waikato - Bay of Plenty and surrounding areas, but also happy to travel around entire New Zealand and overseas, especially off-summer season in New Zealand} 

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING | SESSION}

Whimsical Wonderland Weddings UK published Lilac Rosenvale Garden Wedding {New Zealand wedding photographer}

Excited to share with you amazing news: Shantelle & Kelly's lilac garden wedding {Rosenvale, Waikato, New Zealand} just been published in Whimsical Wonderland Weddings - beautiful UK & International wedding blog.

Its a great honour for me, their wedding photographer see pictures goes live in such a prestigious publication.

Enjoy these beautiful highlights, have a look at extended couple's gallery in our Blog and let me know if you have any questions!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Photographers | Levien & Lens Photography with Olga Levien

Dresses | Thalia Boutique

Suits | Dorset Suites

Flowers |  Petite Posy Florist

Hair | Mint Hair Design

Make-up | Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education

Celebrant | Sue Collins

MC |  @Warren Willmot (brother in law)

Caterers | Classique Caterers

Venue | Rosenvale

Naked cake | BJ’s Cake

Décor | Cake Flowers: Florabunda & Cake

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!

Wedding Album {Auckland weddings photographers - New Zealand}

Wedding Album is one of the real things what can remind you of great moments on your wedding day. Its a treasured memories for years to come!

Thats why I feel its really important wedding photographers offering this option to our awesome wedding clients. I renewed my Welcome Guide with pricing and decided to offer my couples an option to upgrade their wedding packages with Album included. Its a Lifetime option.

To get feeling of the album and real wedding story unveiled have a look at following videos which I specially recorded for you! - 12 x 12 " Wedding Album from Kara & David's wedding on Waihi Beach {Waikato, New Zealand} and Photo Book from Madeline & Barry's wedding in Leigh {another awesome thing - photo book can be a great present for your parents or for you to keep your memories in light and easy way}.

You can get a real feel and touch on upcoming Waikato Wedding Expo {25 June, Hamilton Gardens} or Wild Hearts Wedding Fairs {22 July, Auckland}. Come and say Hello and get a feel for it!

Wedding Album

Photo Book {perfect gift for your parents}

Contact me with any questions! {Auckland - New Zealand wedding photographers}

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}