Pre-wedding | engagement session on Piha beach {West Auckland weddings photographer}

Excited to share with you amazing moments from Silvia & Chris's engagement pre-wedding session on Piha Beach {Auckland, West Coast of New Zealand}. I am so delighted to be their wedding photographer next year, not long to go now! Can't wait till couple's wedding!

We met on the gorgeous seaside, surrounded by rocks and mountains. It was such a great time, just walk and talk, discuss couple's story, wedding plans and relationship. It was a fantastic time, full of fun, love and positive vibe. I will always remember Chris's trick with jandals - intend carrying them in the hands while we were walking from one location to another {so they not in the frame while we walking bear feet} he just threw them in the air and needed to mention they fly far. Can't wait to see what else going to happen on their wedding day {ready for any surprises ;).

{Love story: Couple met when they were 17 through a mutual friend and fell in love from then on. They love to do together - "Everything, we consider ourselves best friends as well as a couple. We love travelling, we have been to 22 countries together, we love being outdoors but also like watching movies and relaxing with friends." Such a romantic relationship!

Congratulations on your engagement!}

Enjoy our pre-wedding session highlights in video slideshow and photo gallery!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Wedding Photography Giveaway {Auckland weddings-elopement photographers in New Zealand}

I'm so excited to announce a Christmas | New Year Wedding Photography Giveaway from us, L&L, Auckland {New Zealand} international wedding photographers.

We been giving away an engagement session last Christmas and had the fantastic time on Bethells Beach with Katrina & Marc. This year we decided to go further and offer a full day wedding coverage with two photographers in any destination in New Zealand or around the world. We happy to give back to the community and to say "Thank you" for your constant support and love!

We want to celebrate our three years anniversary in business, over 6k followers on Social Media and hundreds of awesome people that we met on our way. Hopefully it only happy beginnings!

If you know anyone getting married in 2018 - 2019 please share this link and tag them on our Facebook and Instagram posts. 

We are so excited to meet new awesome people and read amazing stories, connect with everyone, especially our couple that wins an ULTIMATE Wedding Collection valued at 5k.

Find more details of our Wedding Photography Giveaway following the link and read below!

Let the adventure begin!

Warmly,

Olga

LEVIEN & LENS PHOTOGRAPHY is an Auckland wedding photographers, available to travel worldwide | specialising in fine art - documentary wedding-elopement couples photography.

To ENTER:

1. COMPLETE THE CONTEST APPLICATION BY JANUARY 8TH 2018 {most important!}

2. LIKE LEVIEN & LENS PHOTOGRAPHY {L&L} ON FACEBOOK

3. FOLLOW L&L PHOTOGRAPHY ON INSTAGRAM

All steps must be completed to qualify!  {just note: you can skip a step if you don't have FB or IG account}

Legalities:

* Please read before submitting entries!

The wedding date is subject of availability.  Wedding must occur before Dec 31st, 2019.  You must NOT have already booked a wedding photographer.  Current booked wedding clients are not eligible for this giveaway.  Complimentary engagement session MUST take place in Auckland, NZ on an agreed upon date.  Winning couple must sign a contract agreeing to terms within 7 days of winning.  Winning couple agrees to pay all travel expenses if the venue is outside of a 170 km from Auckland, NZ.  This includes an accommodation for two nights and transportation for two photographers.  If venue is more than 230 km away from Auckland, NZ airfare MAY be required.  If the winning couple cannot claim their prize, it will be awarded to the next runner-up at the discretion of Levien & Lens Photography {L&L}. 

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.

WEDDING PORTFOLIO

RECENT WEDDINGS

RECENT ENGAGEMENTS

Contact me with any questions!

Chasewild Workshop {Wedding photographers in Auckland}

Amazing time with great people on Chasewild workshop this weekend in Auckland! Its so great to catch up with other creatives, wedding photographers, share ideas, get creative inspiration and just hang out during so busy wedding season.

We had such a great experience in Pilkintons {Auckland City}, midday shoot on the streets, an evening stroll to Karekare Falls and Piha beach at sunset and dusk.

Need to mention a great add-on next day on editing and remarkable speech from Sascha Kraemer {Germany} on wedding photography business questions.

Love to share a few images - sneak peek from these fantastic days of "Only the goodness"!

Thank you, James, Cameron, Sascha and photographers from all around New Zealand for a great time!

Models: Emily & Tim

Make-Up: Lipstick & Co

Dress: Reu De Seine

Contact me with any questions!

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!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Happy Anniversary {Bay of Islands - Northland wedding photographer}

I just last weekend been in Northland {such a pleasure to be a wedding photographer on Leanne & Tim wedding} and remembered my two beautiful couples who get married exactly one year ago: Hana & Aidan in Russell {Bay os Islands} and Elisah & Heremaia in Kerikeri {Liddington Gardens}.

Its hard to believe, time flies so fast! Their weddings were just amazing, with their own unique and unique atmosphere. They both were unforgettable.

Enjoy these weddings highlights - from old classic style Duke of Malborough Hotel and rocky beach in Russell to elegant and romantic rustic chic garden wedding in Kerikeri!

Happy future together!

Hana & Aidan

Elisah & Heremaia

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Have a look at recent weddings!

West Coast Beach Engagement Session {Auckland wedding photographers} Jackie and Matt

Jackie & Matt

Fantastic time with Jackie and Matt on their engagement session on beautiful Auckland West Coast Beach and Karekare Falls. It is just a gorgeous couple of beautiful souls. It was a real pleasure for me, an Auckland wedding photographer to capture so unique for couple moments on their pre-wedding photo shoot.

Couples love story started on the beach. Jackie shared their sweet memories: "We met through a friend on the beach, we've been together ever since that day! " Proposal was made "In Gum Boots after he was finishing chopping up wood, he said a little speech, got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. " Such a great and romantic story!

Enjoy these video slideshow highlights and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Karekare Falls engagement photo shoot {West Auckland wedding photographer} Alexandra and James

Alexandra & James

We had a terrific time with Alexandra & James on their pre-wedding engagement photo shoot at Karekare Falls next to the beach {West Auckland, New Zealand}. This couple was just amazing, brave, adventurous, ready to walk and talk under the rain and capture some stunning photographs, such a dream for any wedding photographer! Can't wait till their wedding in December in Matakana! Not long to go now!

The couple shared their love story: "We first met at Chapel Bar on Ponsonby Road on Sunday, 10th November 2013. I saw James from across the room and said: "I am going to marry that guy." When we first met, it was a world wind love affair. We spent ten days together before James flew around the world to work in the Caribbean for three months. I waited for him, and it was the best decision I ever made. He then quit his job and moved back to NZ full-time."

The proposal has been so beautiful and romantic: "It was a Monday. We went for a walk after work, and we were just chatting as normal until James suggested a change in our usual route. He took me down to Herne Bay Wharf which is somewhere very special to him. We walked down and stood to gaze out at the water taking in the beautiful view. After a couple of minutes, I noticed that James was acting a little strange and asked him what was wrong - at that moment he looked at me, and I just knew what was about to happen. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes." It is such a unique story!

Excited to share with you highlights of their engagement pre-wedding photo shoot on Karekare Falls {West Auckland, New Zealand}, enjoy this video slideshow and gallery:

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

Olga Levien in Wedding photography: 20 Top Photographers {New Zealand weddings photographer}

Its such an exciting news and great honor to find mine name in the row of 20 Top wedding photographers around the world. I'm, Olga Levien, a New Zealand based wedding photographer with experience of capturing beautiful and emotional meaningful moments on weddings all around NZ: Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland including a South Island: Queenstown, Wanaka, etc.

I never thought my romantic and real photographs get noticed and mentioned in such a prestigious publisher and get viral around the world. 

Congratulations to all international wedding photographers from overseas and local Rambo Estrada who been included in this list! Thank you for choosing me and showcase my work, I appreciate it!

Its mean a lot and at the same moment not allow to stop and enjoy the moment, but move forward, progress and create natural, candid, and breathtaking imaginary.

You can find the details in this Article: "Wedding photography: 20 top photographers and their masterpieces"

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Romantic engagement in Lemonade & Lenses {Auckland wedding photographer}

Excited to share with you fantastic news - Dahlia & Ibrahim romantic engagement session in Mangawhai Heads Beach just been published in Lemonade and Lenses! Its such a significant honour for me as a wedding photographer to showcase couples photos in such prestigious international publisher.

This session was truly wonderful and unforgettable. Thank you so much, Dahlia & Ibrahim for this amazing time together! Congratulations on your engagement and happy wedding planning!

Enjoy highlights of our pre-wedding photo shoot in Lemonade and Lenses and have a look at more images from couples session in our recent Blog publication!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

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!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

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!

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

Redwood Forest - Lake Rotorua pre-wedding photo shoot {Bay of Plenty weddings photographers}

I am so happy to share with you today a beautiful pre-wedding | engagement session with Elizabeth & Tony in Redwood Forest and Lake Rotorua {Bay of Plenty, New Zealand}.  Even more excited now about couple's upcoming wedding in Black Barn on Lake Tarawera, such a great honor to be their wedding photographers!

We started our engagement photo shoot in the dark forest, walking among tall trees to talk about little details, couple's story and other moments and then on to Rotorua city, lake side, with geysers nearby.  Liz shared some details about their relationship:

" We have been together for nine years; we met when we were teenagers through mutual friends, and our paths crossed 2 or 3 times before we started dating. We are both from Tauranga, so it was great having so many friends who now got to know each other because of their connection to us and each other".  

Fantastic proposal story:

"He proposed at home!!  We have a cat called wolf which means everything to us, so he wanted Wolf to be there for the proposal.  Tony also knows I don't like too much attention in a crowd, so he wanted it to be private so that I could react naturally.  He hung an envelope of the front door which has the letters Y E S N O, and when I opened the door, he was holding a sign which the letters were designed to fit into.  He had arranged Champagne and booked a car to come pick us up and take us to a special dinner.  Greatest night!"

Sounds like unforgettable memories!

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery!

{Makeup: Final Touch Artistry NZ

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

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}

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 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}