Trelise and Alan: West Auckland - Markovina {Kumeu} wedding {New Zealand wedding photographers}

Excited to share with you a beautiful and emotional wedding: Trelise & Alan get married in Markovina Vineyard Estate {Kumeu, West Auckland - New Zealand} surrounded by close friends and families. It was such fantastic time and a great honour for us, their wedding photographers to capture all candid and raw moments.

The best thing we met on their engagement photo shoot on Piha Beach one year earlier and one of our photos even won an Iris Awards NZIPP. It was just fantastic!

The couple shared their love story and proposal: Alan proposed on our 1 year anniversary in Santorini, Greece in June 2016. We had woken up early to watch the sunrise, so the paths were empty except for us. It was beautifully quiet, a lovely warm temperature, and just such a beautiful moment. We were at a view point on the island, looking out towards all the white houses and blue roofs, with the sun rising behind them, and we had a blue domed house right next to us (which we now refer to as "Our Dome"). Alan got down on one knee, on a cobbled path, and had to wait a few moments for an answer from me as I thought I was still asleep and dreaming!! A beautiful stray dog was the only witness to our special moment. We then had a champagne breakfast at our Cave, and spent the rest of the day out on a catamaran exploring Santorini and swimming in the bluest of blue oceans." That's how couple described each other: "Alan re Trelise - caring, stubborn, beautiful, passionate, honest Trelise re Alan - loving, carefree, handsome, calm, loyal".

This wedding was a day of their lives!

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights in the gallery and contact us with any questions!

bride getting ready {West Auckland New Zealand wedding photographer}
mother of bride wiping tears from brides face at getting ready - Auckland top wedding photographers
bride and groom laughing at reception speeches {West Auckland Kumeu Markovina wedding photographers}
bride and groom cake cutting at reception - Markovina {West Auckland best wedding photographers}

Amazing Creative Team:

Dress - made by brides mum - Maryanne
Suits - Hallenstein Brothers
Shoes - Grooms - Barkers, Brides - own
Jewellery - Naveya & Sloane Jewellery 
Makeup & Hair - Lipstick and Co
Celebrant - Kimberly Sanders, Lucky in Love Marriage Celebrant

and Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland wedding photographers 

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

St Andrews Church - Stables {Matakana} Alexandra & James wedding {Weddings photographers based in Auckland}

It was such a beautiful day in Matakana where Alexandra & James get hitched surrounded by close friends and families in St Andrews Church and Stables - such amazing venue, where everything gathered in one location, such a paradise for wedding photographers. We been travelling from Auckland to Leigh, where our day started from getting ready moments follow to the traditional church ceremony, family formals, brief 30 min shoot at Big Omaha Wharf and great time on wedding reception. 

The Stables {Matakana} have such a special country style atmosphere and cosy warm feeling.

Couple shared their love story: "We have been together for four years. 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 10 days together before James flew around the world to work in the Caribbean for 3 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." How was made a proposal: "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 gazing 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 - in 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." Such a breathtaking moment, so romantic!

Enjoy our great time - video highlights and gallery!

Big Omaha Wharf - bride and groom photos {Matakana - Auckland wedding photographer}
bridal portraiture {first great wedding photographer Auckland}

Great Creative Team:

Brides Dress - Trish Peng
Brides Shoes - ALEXANDER WANG
Brides Earrings - Custom made by K. Amani Fine Jeweller 
Grooms Suit - Working Style
Bride and Groom Rings - Partridge Jewellers Cufflinks - Tiffany & Co.
Bridesmaid Dresses - Miss Crabb
Groomsmen Suits - Hallenstein Brothersi
Flowers - Flowers w/ Flare
Makeup - Shona Stevenson Makeup Artistry
Hair - Hair by Hannah
Celebrant - Jannette Marie Brown - Marriage Celebrant
Cake - Amy's Secret Kitchen 
Flower Wall - @Wallflower
Band - @Matt Stone and Coachella
MC - Simon Harris
Videographer - Rohan JBK
Wedding Coordinator - Karma Roberts

and wedding photographers in Auckland, New Zealand and beyond - Levien & Lens Photography, Olga & Matt

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Moody Styled Shoot - MOTAT {Auckland wedding photographers and vendors}

Styled shoot always a great help to get inspiration and make photography juices flow! I so glad I trying to do at least 1-2 of them per year. This time it was amazing day at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) with beautiful and talented people working to put together a special moody Styled Shoot. I as a wedding photographer been so honoured this amazing team contacted me to represent my style and vision in this collaboration. It was a pleasure to met friends | best wedding vendors in the industry again! I so happy to work alongside the true professionals. Please contact them if you love their work!
Many Thanks to Great Creative Team, its been impossible without your talent and love to what you do the best:
Models - Georgia and Helena
Stylist: Envy Events Photography: Olga from Levien & Lens PhotographyFlorist: Deb from Creative Crew Make up & Hair: Boutique Bride & Amy Ryan - Make Up Bridal Gowns: Vinka Design Stationery: Inkberry Calligraphy Cake: Magnolia Kitchen Macrame: Envy Events
Venue: Leah from Motat Videography: Wild Souls NZ

Enjoy highlights in this gallery!

Inkberry calligraphy - image by Levien and Lens photography - Auckland Wedding photographers
bride at the MOTAT {Auckland wedding photographers}
bride at MOTAT - styled shoot by Levien and Lens photography
macaroons from Magnolia Kitchen - photos by Levien and Lens photography - Auckland wedding photographers | styling Envy Events
bride at Old School - MOTAT | Auckland wedding photographer
bride at old school - MOTAT {Auckland weddings photographer}

CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

NZ Herald publication - Inkberry Calligraphy {Auckland wedding photography}

I am so excited for this publication in NZ Herald, for my friend Emma from Inkberry Calligraphy. The leading newspaper in the country shared her fantastic story "From hobby to job: Calligrapher's skills brings ancient art back to life" with some of my photos from our collaboration Styled Shoot in Motat {Auckland} last year. It's such an honour when our photography used for such good reason.

We are so happy for our friend in the wedding industry and look forward to our future collaborations!

Inkberry Calligraphy custom work just amazing, out of this world!

Enjoy the publication and watch this space for more images from our amazing Styled Shoot in Motat {coming next in our Blog}! Can't wait to share with you a full photo gallery with beautiful, romantic and real photographs! Not long to go now!

styled-shoot-by-olgalevien- Auckland wedding photographer - Inkberry Calligraphy

Follow Inkberry Calligraphy everywhere:

Website, Facebook, Instagram

styled-shoot-by-olgalevien- Auckland wedding photographer - Inkberry Calligraphy

Contact us with any questions!

Auckland City - Sails wedding: Ellie and Craig {New Zealand weddings photographers} Hilton

Congratulations to Mrs & Mr Leonard! Another amazing wedding is up in our Blog:
Ellie & Craig celebrated their special day in   St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland and Sails Restaurant {Westhaven} with their close friends and families. Such a great romantic, fun and cosy atmosphere!
Great Creative Team:

Getting ready - Hilton Hotel
Dress - CocoMelody Flowers - Blossom Wedding Flowers
Suit - Marc New York Rings - Seventy six design
Band: Whitewash
Hair and Make up:  Alison Brewer Hair and Makeup Artist and Dry and Tea
MC - Matty Sheehan
and Olga & Matt - Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland wedding photographers

Couple shared their love story, Ellie: "Craig and I meet at the gym, 7 years ago.. He was my personal trainer for about a year and I thought he was a good looking man! Lol.. He dumped me as a client and we started dating.. To this day, we still can't train together as either of us don't like been told what to do!" The proposal was "kinda mutual decision! We discussed it, and thought; heck we have been together for this long... Might as well get married!"

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights in the gallery!

Contact us with any questions!

groom getting ready {top wedding photographers in Auckland - recommended first documentary}
bride getting ready - under the veil {Auckalnd wedding photographers} Hilton
bride and groom in Auckland City {New Zealand wedding photographers}
bride at the waterside - view from the back {Auckland top wedding photographers}
black and white night photography {Auckland wedding photographer}
bride with guests at reception {New Zealand wedding-elopement photographer}

Mahinepua Beachfront House - Tim and Leanne {Northland - Auckland wedding photographer}

Leanne & Tim

It's such a pleasure to travel from Auckland Up North, come back exactly one year later {after shooting two weddings in Russell and Kerikeri} and as photographers to be a part of a special celebration - Leanne & Tim wedding in Mahinepua Beachfront House {Northland, New Zealand}. It was rainy but such a happy day with warm and cosy atmosphere, love and positive emotions, all on outskirts of Northland. It was a pleasure to work with Susi Liddington again, she as a wedding planner and stylist created such gorgeous tropical atmosphere in the marquee and around the space. Everyone has been amazed by this creative and talented approach!

The couple shared their love story:" We met at the university during a class we were both taking while Tim was studying towards his Master of Nursing and Leanne was doing her Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences. We travelled together to Nepal on a global health university project. After four weeks working together in a rural Nepal community, we then went on a flight around Mt Everest together. Tim took Leanne to the cockpit of the plane and just as we were in front of Mt Everest he proposed." Hard to imagine anything more epic for a proposal! Just funny that instead of giving full attention to Tim Leanne been fascinated looking at the Mount just the moment before.

Its so exciting to hear some unique facts about couple relationship: "We are both nurses who had had a long-standing desire (before we met each other) to work and live in rural communities and locations and have since been fortunate enough work together in places like rural Nepal, remote Kenya and remote outback Australia. Next, we are making a move to rural Northland NZ."

Its all come together with their families and friends celebrated together their special day in Mahinepua Beachfront House far north.

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery!

Great Creative Team:

Wedding planner: Susi Liddington Creative
Dress: Bridal Brilliance
Suit: POLITIX
Flowers: @Paradise Florist, Rachel Kennedy
Shoes: Novo
Hair & Makeup: Liv King Makeup Ashlee Hunter Hair & Makeup
Celebrant: Russell Watts, Whangarei Baptist Church
MC: Eric Groves
Band: @TCB (Taking Care of Business)
and New Zealand wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Auckland weddings Real Wedding publication - Tayvia and Kyle {New Zealand documentary photographer} The Hunting Lodge

So honoured to share with you recent Real Wedding publication in Auckland weddings "Tayvia & Kyle". This wedding was just amazing with a rainy, rustic and elegant atmosphere in The Hunting Lodge {Kumeu}, Woodhill Forest and Muriwai Beach. Rain can't stop the beautiful and emotional celebration with close friends and families.

So beautiful romantic and moody atmosphere! 

Enjoy Auckland Weddings publication representing Real Weddings from all over New Zealand from top wedding photographers in the country. I am so thrilled to be in this row of such talented photographers! Have a look at our Blog for more photos and video slideshow from couple's special day!

Bay of Plenty wedding | Sonya and Ryan - Happy Anniversary | New Zealand weddings photographers

Its hard to believe we shot this amazing wedding with Sonya & Ryan near Tauranga {Bay of Plenty} one year ago, on New Year's Eve. Time is flying so fast! As wedding photographers, we have been travelling all over New Zealand to capture so many beautiful and emotional weddings around the country and beyond. This wedding take a special place in our hearts!

We love to remember all these unique and emotional moments on the wedding day, as each of them so treasured for our awesome clients and us.

Enjoy these highlights! Happy Wedding Anniversary, Sonya & Ryan! Hope all goes well for your adventures overseas!

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:

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

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

{ENTER OUR GIVE-A-WAY!}

The Hunting Lodge - Muriwai Beach - Kumeu wedding - HU's Art Farm {Weddings photographers in West Auckland, New Zealand} Tayvia and Kyle

As a wedding photographer, I'm so lucky to meet awesome couples and capture so special for them moments on weddings in beautiful venues around New Zealand and beyond. This time I'm presenting you a highlights form amazing Tayvia & Kyle's wedding in The Hunting Lodge and HU's Art Farm, so beautiful venue in West Auckland, Kumeu. 

Even raining weather can't stand in the way of emotional celebration. We walk in the rain on couples special session at Muriwai Beach and Woodhill Forest. Such a great memories!

The couple shared their love story: "We met on a snowboarding trip with our families in 2013". How was proposed: "we went down to a wharf near where I live, and he popped the question in the pitch black haha".

Enjoy these video slideshow and highlights in the gallery:

The Hunting Lodge west Auckland wedding {Kumeu weddings photographer}
Kumeu wedding photographers - bridal portraiture - West Auckland
Muriwai beach bride and groom photo shoot {West Auckland wedding photographer}
bride and groom entering reception in The Hunting Lodge {Auckland - Kumeu wedding photographer}

Venues: HU's Art Farm, The Hunting Lodge Winery

Wedding Dress: custom made by a family friend, Marata.

Makeup: done by bridesmaid Hannah.

Celebrant: Robin Stolph

Hair: Hair by Hannah

and your photographers - Olga & Matt at Levien & Lens photography {L & L} - West Auckland, Kumeu, Matakana wedding photographers

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

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:

couple at register office {Auckland wedding photographer}
bride in Winter gardens {Auckland wedding photographers}
Hotel DeBrett wedding - getting ready photos {Auckland wedding photographer}
bride in Winter Gardens {Auckland wedding photographer} - candid natural moment

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

Waitakere Estate - West Auckland wedding {New Zealand weddings photographers} Susannah and Jayden

Susannah & Jayden

Our wedding season start rolling with Susannah & Jayden's wedding in Waitakere Estate {West Auckland, New Zealand}, where couple spend time with close friends and families in such picturesque surroundings. 

Jayden shared couple's love story:

"Susannah and I worked at the same company but never saw each other. One day we we're separately called into a group meeting, once Susannah started talking I was mesmerised. A few months later I moved onto the same floor and kept saying hello, eventually she said hello back and the rest is history." I love how was made a proposal: "I proposed as per Indian tradition; I asked her father for permission, then took Susannah to India to share the celebration with her family."

It was amazing wedding with beautiful and romantic atmosphere, full of positive moments, laugh and relaxed atmosphere.

Such a  great start of the season!

Great Creative Team:

Venue coordinator - Renee
Dress - The Bridal Outlet
Suit - Cambridge Clothing Company
Flowers/Decorations - Themes by Design
Hair/Makeup - Ruth Baron
Celebrant - Margaret Sauvarin
MC - Tiffany Campbell
DJ - DJ Cade (@Discotech) 
and Matt from Levien & Lens Photography - New Zealand weddings photographers

Contact us with any questions!

cake cutting - bride and groom at reception {Auckland wedding photographer}
bridal portraiture {Auckland wedding photographer}

Villa Maria Wedding published in German Blog Hochzeitsplaza {Auckland - New Zealand International Weddings Photographers}

Excited to share with you fantastic news: Jessica & Chris's wedding at Villa Maria Winery {Auckland, New Zealand} just been published in prestigious international german blog-magazine Hochzeitsplaza {Romantische Hochzeit auf einem Weingut in Neuseeland}. We, Auckland wedding photographers, always so thrilled to see our awesome clients | friends weddings go live in the world. So happy to share this unique event.

This classic and elegant wedding was just amazing, full of beautiful and emotional candid moments, we documented a complete story of couple's special day with all our passion and love for romantic wedding photography.

Enjoy this publication and contact us with any questions!

Thank you to Great Creative Team:

Dress: Tiffany's Vancouver Bridal
Suit: Barkers
Flowers: Orlando Flowers
Shoes: Trousseau
Make up: Martina Phillips
Hair: Makeup Station
Celebrant: Auckland Marriage Celebrant, Suzanne Teague 
MC: Giovanni Pericolini
DJ: DJ-Marrs
and Auckland wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography

Happy future together, Jessica & Chris! It's such a great memories about your wedding!

Wedding Photographer Society Awards - September'17 {New Zealand weddings photographers}

Excited to share with you exciting news - photograph from Jenny & Andrew wedding in Castaways where we honored to be a wedding photographer just won a Wedding Photographers Society Award - September'17. Its a pleasure to be in company of such a talented photographers from all around the world.

Thank you so much our amazing couples for sharing with us such a special moments, we appreciate the opportunity to spend time with such awesome brides and grooms and their close friends and families in gorgeous places around New Zealand and beyond.

Looking forward to wedding season 2017-2018, starting rolling this Saturday with the first wedding in Waitakere. We are so excited to capture the first wedding of the season!

Look forward to chatting soon with all our clients/friends shortly and capturing such amazing moments as this awarded one:

Jenny & Andrew {Castaways, Auckland} - Wedding Photographer Society Award

Jenny & Andrew {Castaways, Auckland} - Wedding Photographer Society Award

Contact me with any questions!

x Olga & Matt

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

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!

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

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.

Auckland city styled shoot Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland City Styled Shoot Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers} inspiration
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}
Auckland city styled shoot - Chancery Chambers {New Zealand wedding photographers}

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

bride getting ready {Bracu - Auckland wedding photographers|
Bracu wedding {Auckland weddings photographers}

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

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

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

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

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: Kathleen & Steve wedding

Bridal party: Hana & Aidan 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

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

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

Night time photos: Ellise & Wasim

Reception

Reception: Megan & Chris wedding

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

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

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

Wedding reception

We will help you with everything run smoothly!

x Warmly, 

Olga & Matt

Guests dancing {Langham}

Guests dancing {Langham}