Steve & Desiree's Magical Hobbiton Wedding (New Zealand photographer)

There are wedding venues, and then there are places that feel like they belong in a fairytale. A wedding at Hobbiton is exactly that - a truly magical experience and one of the most unique places to get married in New Zealand.

When Steve and Desiree travelled all the way from Michigan, USA, to celebrate their wedding in Hobbiton, they turned their dream into reality. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows in one of the most iconic and enchanting locations in the world. It was an honour to be their photographer and to be part of such a special celebration.

For many people, visiting Hobbiton is a dream come true. Rolling green hills, charming Hobbit Holes, beautiful gardens, and the unforgettable atmosphere make it feel as though you've stepped into another world. As a wedding venue, it offers something truly extraordinary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Steve and Desiree's journey together began in 2011 when they met through a mutual friend while in high school. Although they attended college together, life took them in different directions before they reconnected in 2021 when Desiree moved back to Michigan and they were both living in Grand Rapids. Since then, their relationship has continued to grow, leading to an engagement and ultimately this incredible wedding day in New Zealand.

Their proposal was just as memorable as their wedding location. Knowing Desiree had always dreamed of being proposed to in front of a waterfall, Steve planned a special trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After a short hike, he proposed at the base of a beautiful waterfall - creating a moment they would never forget.

When asked what they were most excited about on their wedding day, the couple shared:

"To start the beginning of the rest of our lives together while enjoying it with family and a wonderful venue."

And that is exactly what their day was about - celebrating love, family, friendship, and the exciting future ahead.

From heartfelt moments with loved ones to exploring the magical landscapes of Hobbiton as newlyweds, every part of the day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Congratulations to Steve and Desiree! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love together.

Enjoy the highlights from this magical Hobbiton wedding in New Zealand.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russell wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer} Hana and Aidan

Its been amazing weekend Up North in Paihia - Russell {Northland, New Zealand} with shooting beautiful destination classical wedding in The Duke of Marlborough Hotel and Pampallier Mission Gardens where Hana & Aidan celebrated their special day with close friends and family who come all the way up from other places around NZ to have enjoyable and peaceful weekend with so much positive emotions! Everything been just in walking distance on the Strand, really handy.

We started with groom getting ready photos, reception entails, bride getting ready, follow through the ceremony, family formals in the gardens and bride and groom session around the gardens and on the Long beach at Oneroa Bay, such a beautiful, romantic and special atmosphere, full of love and tender moments!

Couple story start at the blind date 4 years ago with proposal made on surprised holiday in Queenstown, Aidan proposed at the edge of the Milford Sound!

Great Creative team:

Grooms suit - Barkers; Groomsmen suits - Hallensteins
Wedding gown- Secret Lace Bridal; Bridesmaid dresses- Made by Julie Smith; Wedding bands and engagement ring- John Franich Jewellers
Hair- Laurel Stratford Wedding Hair Stylist
Make Up - W.I.X Makeup; Flowers - Donna Nicholas

Celebrant - Ida Birch MC - Andrew Brees

Videographers - MATA Films {check out their amazing videography - highlights from the full wedding day coverage}

and New Zealand destination wedding photographer {Hamilton based} - Levien & Lens Photography

Enjoy this video and gallery:

Russell wedding photography {New Zealand destination weddings photographer}
flowers- The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bride getting ready - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bride portrait - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bride portrait - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
Pompallier Mission Garden ceremony - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
view from Pompallier Mission Garden ceremony - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bride with grandmother - Pompallier Mission Garden
bride with flowers - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bridal portraiture - bride under veil - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer}
bridal portraiture - bride under veil - The Duke of Marlborough Hotel - Russel wedding {Northland-New Zealand weddings photographer} beach

Langham Hotel Wedding {Auckland-NZ weddings photographers} Basma and Mohammad

What amazing day in Langham hotel {Auckland, NZ} celebrating Basma & Mohammad's wedding with their families and friends. It was truly special event! {need to say I never before captured any weddings all day long in the hotel environment, truly interesting experience for photographers :)}.

There was so much positive emotions, love, fun and beautiful atmosphere around. Hotel stuff and all wedding vendors worked together for create a stunning weddings atmosphere with bride and groom getting ready, first look at Great Room, family formals, bridal party shoot around and couples intimate session around the hotel and outside {Grey room, lobby etc.} - so many beautiful places. The evening take over with beautiful reception {amazingly decorated tables and stage with chandeliers), hand made chocolate items on each plate, flowers around and much more. Enter the reception, traditional dances, speeches, bride and groom first dance, father and daughter dance, cake cutting, and guests dancing away, so much fun with awesome people around!  

Couples Love story started about 3 years ago at a mutual friends graduation. Funny enough they had mutual friend during 10 years but never seen each other before! There might be a special time for it :)

The Proposal was really romantic:

Basma: "Mohammad surprised me with a beautiful dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, then took me home and there was a path of candles from the door leading into a heart outside in the courtyard. It was sunset and everything was perfect. Then once he got down on one knee and I said yes, the whole family appeared and we celebrated".

Their wedding was just amazing!

Great creative team:

Dress: Sottero and Midgley from Astra Bridal; Suit: Munns; Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Makeup: Sam Hart; Hair: Amelia Motuliki
Flowers: Fadia at Flowerpak - Flower Factory; Cake: Sweet Bites Cakes
DJ: DJ BAGHDADY. Light - La Lumiere. Event coordinator in Langham - Anna.
and Auckland-NZ wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography {thank you Matt and Fengjin for assistance! You done a great job :)}

Enjoy this gallery!

bride getting ready - Langham {Auckland wedding photographers}
bride getting ready Langham {Auckland, NZ} wedding photography

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Photo featured in Auckland weddings - The truth about what really matters on your wedding day {NZ couples photographer}

Have a look at beautiful article on Auckland weddings "The truth about what really matters on your wedding day". You can find there useful tips and wedding inspiration as well as our featured photo {in the row with other talented NZ couples photographers}.

Its not surprising image with laughing Maya was chosen by editors - this pre-wedding happiness at getting ready moments and raw emotions made the picture, and well deserved to be mentioned the first in moments what really matters!

Maya

Maya

Enjoy this publication and have a look back to Maya & Andy's amazing outdoor garden wedding in St. Margarets Cafe {Karaka, Auckland}. One of my favourite weddings in past wedding season, there was just amazing emotions, candid moments, and warm atmosphere!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}