Lydia & Anthony's Summer Wedding at Markovina Vineyard Estate (West Auckland wedding photographers)

Markovina Vineyard Estate is one of the most popular wedding venues in West Auckland, and it's easy to see why. With its beautiful gardens, charming atmosphere, and everything conveniently located in one place, it offers countless opportunities for creating stunning wedding photographs and unforgettable memories.

Lydia and Anthony celebrated their special day surrounded by their closest family and friends, including their daughter Maddison, who played an important part in their wedding day. The celebration was filled with love, laughter, and the joy of bringing together the people who matter most.

Every couple has a unique story, and I always love hearing how their journey began. Lydia and Anthony shared that they met on Tinder and have been together for seven years, building a happy life and a beautiful family together.

When asked about the proposal, Lydia's answer perfectly reflected their relationship:

"We were at home, in our robes, and he was giving me plants for my birthday. Then he proposed in our living room."

Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in the simplest settings. No grand gestures, no elaborate plans - just two people who knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

It was such a privilege to capture this beautiful chapter of their story at Markovina Vineyard Estate. From the heartfelt ceremony to the joyful celebrations that followed, every moment reflected the love and connection they have built over the years.

Enjoy this sneak peek from Lydia and Anthony's wedding day. More beautiful moments from their celebration will be coming soon!

Gen & Gerald's Relaxed Kumeu Valley Estate Wedding (Auckland wedding photographers)

Kumeu Valley Estate is one of West Auckland's most popular wedding venues, and it's easy to understand why. With its beautiful rustic charm, relaxed atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings, it provides the perfect setting for couples looking to celebrate their wedding day with family and friends.

This time, it was Gen and Gerald's turn to say "I do."

Surrounded by their closest loved ones, they celebrated a beautiful and heartfelt wedding day that focused on what mattered most to them - spending quality time with the people who have been part of their journey together.

The couple has a wonderful story that spans more than a decade.

Gen and Gerald first met in the United States at a New Zealand Embassy party on election night in 2014. At the time, Gerald had just started his PhD, while Gen was working at the Embassy. As they got talking, they discovered they shared mutual friends and had actually attended the same wedding three years earlier, sitting back-to-back without ever meeting.

Eleven years, two children, and countless memories later, they finally made their way down the aisle together.

Their proposal was just as genuine as their relationship.

As Gen describes it:

"Rather last minute and, in true us style, slightly awkward! We were having a picnic in Manchester Garden Park and Gerald tried very hard to keep it a surprise. He gave a lovely speech before proposing."

Not every proposal needs grand gestures or elaborate plans. Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones that perfectly reflect who you are as a couple.

Their wedding day itself was a wonderful example of celebrating in a way that felt authentic to them. Although rain made an appearance throughout the day, it certainly didn't dampen the atmosphere. Friends and family gathered together to celebrate, laugh, reconnect, and create new memories.

One of the things I particularly loved about this wedding was the couple's approach to photography. Rather than focusing on formal family portraits or a dedicated couple's session, Gen and Gerald chose to prioritise documenting the day as it naturally unfolded. They wanted to spend as much time as possible with their guests and capture genuine interactions, emotions, and moments with the people they love.

As a documentary wedding photographer, these kinds of celebrations are always a joy to photograph. There is something special about stepping back, observing, and allowing the story of the day to unfold naturally.

The couple also requested that photos of their children remain private, a wish I was very happy to respect. While they played an important role in the celebration, preserving their privacy was a priority for the family.

Despite the rain, the day was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments—everything a wedding should be.

Congratulations to Gen and Gerald! Thank you for trusting me to document such a special chapter of your lives.

Enjoy some highlights from this beautiful Kumeu Valley Estate wedding.

The Stables Matakana - Alice and Andrew {Auckland and Northland wedding photographers} - St Andrews Church

This time Im excited to share with you a gorgeous celebration at The Stables Matakana where Alice & Andrew celebrated their special day {Auckland and Northland}, such a honour to be their wedding photographers and document their beautiful natural moments through the day!

Couple shared their story: “we grew up in the same church, where Alice's father was the pastor. we eventually became friends while attending a church young adults group. we both really liked each other, but on advice from his sister he decided to wait to ask me out, leading me to believe he was just being nice. we then went to a young adults camp where we hung out alot, and andy then messaged after camp to ask me out for coffee after, where i then suggested lunch instead. out first date we talked for over 2 hours, and the rest was history.

we have been together 1 year 3 months, we got engaged a couple of days after our one year anniversary. “ Proposal: “On the beach at sunset, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. There were also shells laid out in a heart shape conveniently which Andy claimed was him. Andy had also brought cake from my favoirte cafe which ate in the car as it was cold outside before heading back to his. He had made pad thai for dinner, since its hard for me to eat out with my dietary requirements, it was also the first thing he ever cooked for us. Then we had a candle spa where we talked and discussed wedding stuff. “ Such a beautiful story! We had an amazing pre-wedding photo shoot at Muriwai Beach with this gorgeous couple, that helped to better know each other and feel on ease on the wedding day, go with the flow.

We had such amazing time at St Andrews Church and Stables Matakana and done a photo shoot at Big Omaha Wharf. Bring back memories!

Great creative team: hair by hannah , Makeup - Luisa poilio , Celebrant - Andrew syme , Flowers by vidabela flowers and Auckland / Northland photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}.

Enjoy highlights of this wedding celebration:

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

P.S.: Do you want to push your photography to another level? Join 4-weeks online workshop “Love, Light & Laughter”

Mudbrick Vineyard Estate: Charlotte & Joseph {Auckland wedding photographers}

One of the last weddings of this season took place in Mudbrick Vineyard Estate {Waiheke Island, Auckland} in May, where Charlotte & Joseph celebrated their special day surrounded by close friends and family. It was a honour to be invited to document such magical moments as their wedding photographers.

Couple shared their story that been on the reception tables as well: “The tale of how they met is a classic modern-day romance. Charlotte and Joseph matched on tinder in 2015 over the Easter break when Joseph was down in Wellington visiting his family. They connected over similar pasts and spent the next couple of days playing 2 truths and a lie and getting to know each other. On the 6th of April 2015, a few hours before flying back to Auckland Charlotte and Joseph agreed to met up at a café in Wellington. While walking to the café Joe asked Charlotte ‘Have you ever watched friends?’ Charlotte played it cool, tried not to let her inner friends freak out and said ‘who hasn’t?’. He had mentioned to his sister that he was going on a tinder date and her response was ‘do you think she is going to walk in, see you and leave?’. It was then that she knew she would get along with his Family. From the start the relationship was long distance with Charlotte living in wellington and then moving further away to Sydney. Although the distance was hard on them both they knew that this was something different, special, and distance or not they needed to figure out just what this was…”

The proposal: “ In September 2017 Charlotte and Joseph were off on a holiday to Samoa.. Charlotte had a small hope that this trip might involve a proposal, knowing that joe had already gotten a ring and despite him telling her before the trip that it was not going to happen as he hadn’t had a chance to talk with her dad yet. The first 3 days in Samoa Charlotte and Joseph stayed in some beach front fales in a smaller village. These fales had no locks on the doors so we were advised to take anything of value with us when we were out during the day. After going out a few times the only valuables joe took with him was his phone and money so Charlotte came to the conclusion that he must not have the ring with him as surely he would not be that careless. Thinking now that the proposal was not going to happen on this trip Charlotte decided to give joe a hard time and point out all the beautiful places in Samoa that would be perfect for a proposal, little did she know that he was that careless and had the ring. After 4 days and about 6 perfect proposal opportunities pointed out by charlotte they went back to the main island in Samoa and checked into a resort. At dinner that night joe took the ring with him and was planning to propose. After dinner he asked charlotte if she wanted to go for a walk along the beach, thinking that sunset on the beach would be perfect. But charlotte’s response was “ Na, I don’t feel well, can we just go back to the room”. The next morning, with charlotte feeling a bit better they decided to go for a walk before breakfast. They walked out on this beautiful natural pier that was lined with palm trees and had a landing at the end. Charlotte was about to point out another beautiful location for a proposal when joseph shut her up by getting on his knee and asking her to spend the rest of their lives together, and of course she said YES!”

Such an amazing love story!

Great Creative Team: Dress- Stella york (from bridal brilliance); Makeup and hair- Olga Gill; DJ- Will Kapa; Acoustic singer- Alex London and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L - Olga & Matt {Levien & Lens photography}.

Enjoy highlights in photo gallery and contact me with any questions!

Learn how to capture storytelling on weddings at my upcoming workshop in October - Love, Light & Laughter at Click Photo School. It’s going to be amazing 4 weeks full of learning, inspiration, new friendships and personal feedback and growth. I would love to have you join!

Rainy day wedding in Mantells {weddings photography in Auckland}

It was a rainy day, but weather cant stand on the way of this beautiful celebration - Alyssa & Josh get married in Mantells surrounded by close friends and family. I shot many weddings this season, but doing photography in this rustic venue with character in Auckland is something special!

Everything been just gorgeous on this day! It was a pleasure for me to document the story of the day and capture all beautiful, emotional, real and natural moments with lots of love and laughter.

Couple shared their story: “Met at a bar in Ponsonby. Been together 10 years! Josh proposed in Vietnam while we were on holiday. After dinner at the resort we walked down to the water where he ordered 2 glasses of champagne at the outdoor bar which had been closed for a few days because of bad weather. They only had enough for one glass (which was flat and murky). We strolled down the beach with my flat champagne and Josh with his beer to a sun lounger where he proposed under the stars.” SO beautiful story!

Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding day!

Great creative team:

Dress - Jessica Bridal Suit - Rembrandt Flowers - Twig & Twine Celebrant - Suzanne Teague DJ - Murray Sweetpants Cake - The Caker and your Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Kumeu Valley Estate - Lauren and Damon {West Auckland wedding photographers}

Im so excited to share with you highlights of the Kumeu Valley Estate wedding where Lauren & Damon celebrated their special day. It was such a special moments in West Auckland, we had such a honour as wedding photographers to document every single treasured memory.

We started the day at getting ready in Riverhead {West Auckland} and then follow to ceremony in the Kumeu Valle Estate and warm and cosy reception. This venue is one of the best in our list as wedding photographers for rustic atmosphere.

Couple shared their love story: “We met at the place we both worked at a Restaurant in Albany. We both had a love for food/wine and travel. We have now been together over 7 years.” Proposal happened at weekend getaway in Coromandel, in a treehut cabin, proposed amongst the treetops.”

Creative Team:

Dress: Astra Bridal Makeup/hair: Rouge & Scout Flowers: Zimzee Flowers (Tash) Celebrant: Jenny Pullin MC : also Jenny Pullin Band: Wolves & Ravens Special lighting: la lumiere

and Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}, thank you Matt and Natalia for assistance

Enjoy highlights of this wedding in the video and photo gallery:

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Best of 2017 | 2018 {Auckland wedding photographers}

Its time to reflect and look back at our amazing season when winter is a half way through and say Thank you to our awesome couples for constant love and support, we treasure every moment with you and so glad you choose us to capture so special for you moments.

Enjoy this Best of 2017 | 2018 {from yours L & L - Auckland wedding photographers}. We cant even count amount of epic weddings and engagement photo shoots, publications in prestigious magazines and awards. We been included in many top lists of best wedding photographers worldwide, such a big honour and such a pleasure to make all dreams come true. Thank you our awesome couples for this experience, it is impossible without you!

Can't wait and see what 2018 | 2019 season will bring {we booked up for most popular dates, but there still some chance your date is still available, don't hesitate to contact us}.

It was amazing year and we also have such amazing news - our big educational project that we worked on during one year!!! goes live - "Tales of the Moment: Your Secret Formula for Picture Perfect" BY OLGA LEVIEN with Click Photo School. Check it out if you want to improve your photography, find your sweet spot!

This photo gallery even can't fit all our fantastic engagement and wedding photo shoots!

{BOOK YOUR SESSION}

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20 Top Wedding Photographers by Hongkiat: TOP 12 Wedding Photographer Society 2017; 100 Photographers to Watch in 2018 by Click & Company; Rangefinder Contest Winner, TOP 100 photographers Shoot & Share contest wedding couple category; NZIPP Iris Awards {9 awards}, Top 60 Elopement Blogs; Lemonade & Lenses International Contest Winner, Editor's Choice 2016-2018

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Black Barn Lake Tarawera: Liz and Tony {Auckland - Wakato - Bay of Plenty wedding photographers}

So beautiful location and so lovely couple: Liz & Tony get married at Black Barn, Lake Tarawera. It was a pleasure as their wedding photographer to capture so beautiful, emotional and natural moments in a documentary approach. Need to mention we met the couple on their engagement session beforehand {check our Blog}, and had a fantastic time exploring Redwood Forest and Lake Rotorua.

We, Auckland wedding photographers, made all the way from Auckland through Hamilton and Rotorua to such a beautiful place at the lake. The bride was getting ready at Princess Gate Hotel while groom been getting ready at the venue. All day run so beautifully and unbelievably warm and cosy.

The couple shared their love story: " 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". 

Great Creative Team:
Addictive DJ's New Zealand
Lemongrass Catering Company Limited
Hallenstein Brothers 
Jessica Bridal - Dress
Our flowers
Forever New
Naveya & Sloane Jewellery - engagement ring
Hammond Jewellers - wedding rings
Final Touch MakeUp Artistry - NZ 
@Love is in the Hair
Jackie Brown - celebrant
Love in a box - Vintage Caravan Bar - Caravan Bar
@Cake Away

and L & L {Levien & Lens photography} - New Zealand weddings photographers 

Enjoy the video slideshow and highlights in the photo gallery:

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Contemporary Weddings Magazine - Romantic Beach Destination Wedding in New Zealand {Auckland - Northland elopement photographers}

Excited to share with you fantastic news - Leanne & Tim's wedding in Mahinepua beach house {Northland} just been published in Contemporary Weddings Magazine "Romantic Destination Wedding in New Zealand". Their wedding was so beautiful and unique.

Such a pleasure for us, Auckland wedding photographers, to see these photos go live around the world in prestigious international publication.

Enjoy this featured article with couple's gallery highlights. Have a look at more images from their wedding day on our Blog.

Tim & Leanne

Contact me with any questions!

{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!

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!

CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!