Rainy day Patumahoe wedding: Evgenia and Anton {Auckland photographer}

Im excited to share with you recent rainy day Patumahoe wedding {South Auckland}, where Evgenia & Anton get married surrounded by close friends. Its such a honour to be their photographer and document such a special day {I also know Evgenia well as we are doing ice skating together and participating in competitions}. Such a pleasure to see this couple get married with incorporating russian traditions {caravan and many games}.

Even though its been pure rain on the wedding day, it can stand on the way of this celebration full of fun, love, and laughter! {by the way we decided to do a post-wedding photo shoot at golden sunset on the beach, so watch this space for more photos with this incredible couple}.

Great creative team: venue Ginagin @valeria_celebrant Weddings by Anya Boom Makeup Samui Bon Appetit BelleBouquetnz Dell'Amore Bridal

Enjoy highlights of this small and intimate wedding in the gallery:

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!


Hedges Estate {Auckland wedding photographers}

Some venues just have an amazing atmosphere, one of them is Hedges Estate {Auckland, Waiuku} where Kathryn & Michael celebrated their wedding surrounded by close friends and family. Its been amazing day full of love, light and laughter! So great we had an opportunity as their photographers to capture these special moments, including couple’s pre-weding | engagement photo shoot in West Auckland that was just magical!

Couple shared their story: “Not a particularly exciting story but met through friends and have been together 8 years by the time of the wedding . He proposed on a beautiful picnic at Anchor Bay on Christmas eve 2016”.

Great Creative Team:

Dress - White April design, purchased at Jessica Bridal Suit - Rod & Gun Flowers - ZImzee Make up - Christina Dellar, Freckles and Blush Hair - Amelia Mowat, Botique Bride Celebrant - Caroline Burgess (sister of groom) MC - Mark Hobbs and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga & Matt L & L - Levien & Lens photography

Enjoy these highlights in the photo gallery:

Kourawhero Estate {North Auckland wedding photographers}

The location where we met Sara & Matt on their special day was just magical - open space, stunning views on hills and farm land, perfect spot for a ceremony. Couple get married at Kourawhero Estate {North Auckland, not far from Warkworth}, it was a honour for me and Matt to be their wedding photographers and document all beautiful, emotional and happy candid natural moments!

Couple shared their story: “Ours is a story of best friends accidentally falling in love. We met in 2012 on set of NZ's Got Talent and quickly became good friends. In 2016 Matt left his wife and moved to Auckland to be with Sara. One year later we got engaged. He proposed in the middle of a speedway race at Western Springs after a surprise weekend of beach picnics, seaplanes, vineyards and car racing”. This is so romantic!

Enjoy highlights of couple’s special day!

Great Creative Team: MC/Celebrant/Singer/DJ: Aaron Bloomfield Dress: Astra Bridal Jewellery/Watch: Partridge Jewellers Hair/Makeup: Paula Taylor Suit: Barkers and your Auckland wedding photographers - L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

The Hunting Lodge {wedding photographers in Auckland}

Amazing time in The Hunting Lodge, one of the most exciting wedding venue with modern architecture and barn feel at stunning location with amazing hills and vinery. Such a pleasure to shoot there for us, wedding photographers in Auckland {New Zealand}.

Nicole & Brian come over from Hong Kong to celebrate this special day with their close friends and family. It was amazing day full of love and laugher.

“Their story began in 2014 when they were colleagues at the same company. Their friendship began as friends and the chemistry of love was ignited after a special Christmas boat party. Brian shared that this next step was just natural. They had so much in common, but it was special, and they both realised their friendship had a very special sparkle. They shared the same values, they enjoyed the same challenges, and they genuinely supported each other and trusted each other’s judgements, they were truly best friends. Their relationship blossomed and their love grew and deepened. When Nicole headed to the Netherlands to study, their trust and love was strong, and it sustained them both, and they were able to have a successful long-distance relationship for 2 years.”

Proposal” “In August 2017 Brian planned the proposal, He wanted to make a special surprise for Nicole. He told Nicole he had to work overtime when he was actually decorating their home. After dinner Brian suggested that Nicole go to the ATM, she needed a bit of persuasion but in the end off she went. And a very very relieved Brian had a few finishing touches for the surprise when Nicole walked in the door. Everything went according to plan, except Nicole turned on the lights and reduced the level of romance, but , to Brian’s delight Nicole said YES.”

Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:

The Hunting Lodge {West Auckland wedding photographer}

One of the beautiful venues that I had a honour to capture Nikki & Blake beautiful moments, at The Hunting Lodge Winery {West Auckland}. Its such a pleasure to be chosen as couples’s wedding photographer and capture natural and candid, emotional and romantic moments.

Love story: “We met in 2010 at a wedding, we started dating in 2014 and have been together since. He proposed at Mangawhai Beach, Labour weekend 2017”.

Creative Team:

Dress by Modes Bridal Suits from Barkers Hair & Makeup by Serenity Celebrant is Jennifer Frieling Ceremony Music by Nikau Quartet DJ - Ron Pereria Floristry by Twig and Twine and West Auckland wedding photographer - Olga Levien L & L {Levien & Lens photography}

Enjoy highlights of couple’s wedding gallery:

Nocton Woodshed - Clevedon {Auckland wedding photographer}

One of the fabulous venues that I shoot recently is Nocton Woolshed in Clevedon, such a dream for any couple and Auckland wedding photographer. Amazing location on the top of the hill, with stunning views and a great atmosphere!

Lexie & Marcus decided to get married in New Zealand, made their way from New-York {USA} and have such a awesome time with their friends and family!

Couple shared their story: “We met in New York at a bar when we were 23 and spent a week getting to know each other before Marcus left the country for good. After a year and a half of long distance, Lexie moved to New Zealand and we've been together since (7.5 years).” Proposal: “Surprised at Lexie's Finnish ancestor's cabin in New Hampshire. “ Such beautiful memories!

Enjoy this wedding ceremony on the beach following the reception in the Nocton Woolshed {Clevedon, Auckland} - highlights in the photo gallery!

Creative Team: Celebrant: JJ Johnston Day-Of Coordinator: Gail Hackwell MC: Hamish Ellis DJ: MixIt and Auckland wedding photographers - Olga Levien {L & L} - Levien & Lens photography :)

The Hunting Lodge: Eric and Nono {Auckland wedding photographers}

It was such a beautiful sunny winter day at The Hunting Lodge {Waimauku} where Eric & Nono celebrated their special day surrounded by close friends and family. Such amazing time for us, Auckland wedding photographers, to capture so many beautiful, emotional and real moments!

Couple shared their story: "t was July 7 2016 during a mid year getaway at Raglan. After a home cooked dinner we were relaxing and watching Chocolat starring Johnny Depp. My (Eric) heart was racing and I could barely focus (not because of Johnny Depp…). One hour in I asked Nono to grab another cider from the fridge. She was cosy and did not want to leave the sofa. Thankfully I won the most clutch round of paper scissors rock of my life and she reluctantly went. I had hidden the engagement ring in the fridge next to the drinks and coincidentally, the engagement ring box resembled a small box of chocolate. Thinking it was a welcome gift from our airbnb host she pranced around the room in excitement! She brought it over and was not keen on sharing the "chocolate". I told her that I should open it for her, got on one knee, muttered a few sentences while trying to maintain my composure and proposed to her. I picked the date July 7 so it’d be easy to remember, 07-07." Such a romantic tale!

We had such amazing time on this wedding day! Enjoy these highlights in video slideshow and photo gallery:

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!

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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

Kauri Bay Boomrock - Clevedon: Celeste and Leo {Auckland wedding photographers}

Kauri Bay Boomrock {Clevedon} such a stunning location in Auckland, not surprising Celeste & Leo choose this wedding venue to celebrate their special day. It was great honour for us to be their wedding photographers.

The weather was so amazing for this autumn wedding at the end of May. There was still plenty of beautiful colours on the trees. It was so great to spend a day in such an amazing place with everything on one site and to meet the sunset on the hills just before the reception.

Couple shared their love story: "12 LONG Years! Haha! We meet at high school, so yes high school sweethearts. I first caught sight of Leo as he was standing in the bus line. My friend liked his older brother and was pointing him out but all I saw was Leo. I was smitten. Leo first caught sight of me at a Rowing Regatta and during Mufti Day at school. We were friends for about a year and half before we actually became boyfriend and girlfriend. We've never looked back. We definitely have had our ups & downs but each bought our relationship a new memory, a new strength, growth in our love and friendship. We are so alike we can think of each other and one of us will call the other. Just like ESP. Two peas in a pod."

Their proposal was so amazing: "We were on holiday in BC, Vancouver. It was late Jan and still snow was all around. We booked a day trip out to Whistler where in the morning we did zip lining. Absolutely amazing! But Leo wasn't himself. I just thought jetlag. He then said he really wanted to do the peak to peak gondola. I turn and here Leo is down on one knee, and with the cheeky grin I know and LOVE so much he simple said. "Will you marry me". I cried and said "Yessss!" So we're so overcome with love and happiness (Leo because I said yes and me because I'd only been waited 11 years) that we spend the whole day taking photos with the ring on the wrong finger!"

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights in the gallery!

Congratulations to happy couple! {one of the images in this gallery been featured in LooksLikeFilm, such amazing community of world best photographers}

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Great Creative Team:
Dress: Jessica Bridal
Bridesmaids: Honey Peaches & @Forever New
Suits: Hallenstein Brothers.
Rings: Bride is Pascoes The Jewellers. Groom is KAVALRI 
Bride Braclett: PANDORA and Earrings: Swarovski
Makeup: Kate Solley Makeup Artist
Hair: Boutique Bride
Flowers: Dianna Marie "think flowers"
Celebant: Letitia Voss
MC: Stewart Pinny
Coordinator: Amanda & Yaman Kauri Bay Boomrock
Music: Spotify
and Auckland wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography L & L

Clevedon Farm Wedding: Olivia and Mark {Auckland weddings photographers}

We so excited to share with you our recent Clevedon Farm wedding where Olivia & Mark get marries in Vin Alto Winery, bride's home full of such a sweet childhood memories. This wedding was shot by Matt, my associate photographer and husband, together with Kimberley, second photographer. I think they done such an awesome job. I could FEEL the atmosphere, emotion and moment while I been editing this wedding in my custom style. It's so great to realise we have such amazing team of talented Auckland wedding photographers!

Couple shared the story of their proposal: "We were meant to go for a walk in our favourite park one afternoon, and Mark had hid champagne and flowers under the bed for when we returned, and booked dinner - but it ended raining - so it was in the lounge!" They love cooking together and their ideal date night "A lazy Sunday afternoon in the kitchen together making dumplings from scratch and eating them :)"

Enjoy this video slideshow and a photo highlights in the gallery:

Clevedon farm winery wedding {Auckland wedding photographers}
Clevedon farm vinery wedding {Auckland weddings photographers}

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Great creative team:

Dress: Martina Liana from Alma J Bridal Boutique
Suit: Tailor made from Working Style
Makeup & Hair: Olivia Davies from Servilles Academy Newmarket
Celebrant: Val Moore - Celebrant
Flowers: Clevedon Flowers and Mother of the Groom
Rings: Diamonds On Richmond
Zest String Quartet ; DJ: MIX it DJ
and Matt at Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland based wedding photographers. Thank you Kimberley for second shooting!

North Auckland Farm Wedding: Sophia and Jethro {New Zealand weddings photographer}

Fantastic time with Sophia & Jethro in North Auckland at their farm wedding near Mangawhai and Puhoi. As a wedding photographer, I love to capture beautiful weddings all around New Zealand and beyond, but farm - barn weddings have such a unique, freedom atmosphere with great spirit. We start getting ready in Mangawhai and then went to the farm at Puhoi, also ha an excellent opportunity to visit Wenderholm Regional park for couple's session with the bridal party, and finished at the reception under the marquee with 200 guests. It was such amazing day with a great atmosphere. 

The couple shared their love story with the proposal: "After an alpine hike in the Milford sound, on a snow-topped mountain at sunset (with wine and cheese) :) AMAZING!"

Great Creative Team:

Makeup- Kate Manihera- Makeup Artist
Celebrant - Sandra Turner
MC - Sarah Drum & Daniel Gillespie
Band - The Dukes of Hammersmith
Flowers - My little flower company, Mangawhai
and Olga at Levien & Lens Photography - Auckland based wedding photographers. Thank you Gemma for second shooting!

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights in the photo gallery:

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:

Rustic Wedding Chic - New Zealand DIY Farm Wedding - publication {Auckland weddings photographers}

Excited to share with you a recent publication of Kathleen & Steven's wedding in Gisborne {New Zealand}, where we, as their photographers, travel all way from Auckland to this gorgeous DIY farm destination wedding, one of the best weddings ever with freedom vibe and cosy atmosphere!

So great to see our photos again, go live around the world in prestigious international publications like this one from Rustic Wedding Chic.

Enjoy this publication and more photos in the gallery on our Blog!

Kathleen & Steve

Kathleen & Steve

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

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

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

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

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

Contact me with any questions!

 

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Photographers | Levien & Lens Photography with Olga Levien

Dresses | Thalia Boutique

Suits | Dorset Suites

Flowers |  Petite Posy Florist

Hair | Mint Hair Design

Make-up | Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education

Celebrant | Sue Collins

MC |  @Warren Willmot (brother in law)

Caterers | Classique Caterers

Venue | Rosenvale

Naked cake | BJ’s Cake

Décor | Cake Flowers: Florabunda & Cake

Wedding timeline - Planning 101 {Auckland weddings photographers}

Wedding timeline is one of the most important things on the wedding day and many clients ask us how better to plan photography events and how many hours of coverage do they need for capture all important moments. As wedding photogpraher who captured many weddings around New Zealand & International Im happy to share my experience and give some time frames for orientation.

Of course each wedding and their timelines are unique. Following information just something what can be considered for make your wedding day more enjoyable and create perfect conditions for stunning photos. Take on only those points what suits your situation!

Getting ready

Getting ready: Maya

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}

Best of 2016 | 17 {New Zealand wedding photographer | Auckland weddings photography|

Time goes so fast, one more wedding season in New Zealand just fly away. Its a great time to reflect, look back and say Thank you to my awesome clients for amazing time and support! Its not even possible without you!

We shot over 20 weddings in Auckland, Kerikeri {Northland}, Russell {Bay of Islands}, Leigh, Kumeu, Tauranga, Lake Taupo, Gisborne, Wellington; we been all around New Zealand, on South Island as well {Queenstown, Wanaka}. Also there was many beautiful and emotional engagement sessions {pre-wedding photo shoot} which made our hearts sing.

Matt, my second photographer and husband been always next to me in the wedding team. We work as a clock - understanding each other without words, support each other and share creative ideas. Its made our journey easy, flawless and more exciting. Our two little ones stayed at home well looked after by nana. Thank you so much all these amazing people for help.

Also need to mentioned great wedding photographers community, many meetings with creative minds for tea/coffee, its so great to share common passion, share ideas and recharge with positive vibe. Not forgetting an amazing vendors {venues, make-up artists, hair stylists, wedding dresses designers {we having amazing partnership with talented designer Trish Peng}, flowers, suits, and all wedding suppliers, the list is endless!}.

Also need to mention two wedding workshops what I visited {yes, learning never stops and they are a great way to get some inspiration and learn a new tool box}: Two Mann {amazing husband and wife team from Canada, Erika and Lanny a true inspiration!} and Free the Bird {Jai from Australia is a creative mastermind}. So good to met them and other inspiring photographers!

As you see past season been productive, positive and full on! We are so excited to recharge {not so we have much free time at this winter months} and looking forward to our next season 2017 | 18 {fully booked, but there always a spot for epic wedding :)} and even 2018 | 19 {as bookings are already open and filling up fast}. Its can be hard to imagine we plan so far in advance but its world of weddings :)

Enjoy this video slide show with highlights and our favourite photographs. Let me know if you have any questions!

x Warmly, Olga {Levien & Lens Photography} - Auckland, New Zealand wedding photographers.

Contact me with any questions!

 

Roselvale - Hamilton Gardens wedding {Waikato weddings photographers} Shantelle and Kelly

Shantelle & Kelly

Amazing day with Shantelle & Kelly, their little one and close friends, families, started in their farm house outskirts of Hamilton, first look in Hamilton Gardens and wedding ceremony and reception in Rosenvale, such a beautiful Waikato venue nearby Te Awamutu {New Zealand}.

There was so many special moments!

Couple met each other "through an online dating site. We have been together since early Jan 2015 and have a son, Brayden, who will be 1yrs old in March. Kelly said from the first time he met me he knew i was going to be the mother of his future children. ", Shantelle shared their couples romantic story.

Im so excited for this couple, congratulations and happy future together! Hope you had a great honey moon in Rarotonga :)

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

Great creative team:

Dresses: Thalia - Boutique. Suits: Dorset Suites. Flowers: Yvette Jackson - Petite Posy Florist. Hair: @Rebecca Hooper- Mint Hair Design. Make-up: Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education. Celebrant: Sue Collins. MC: @Warren Willmot (brother in law). Caterers: Classique Caterers.  Rosenvale wedding venue owners: Mr & Mrs Diprose. Naked cake: BJ's Cake Decor. Cake Flowers: Florabunda & Cake
and Waikato-Aukland-Bay of Plenty wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography with Olga Levien

Happy wedding anniversary {Northland wedding photographers} Claire and Josh

Im so excited to say Congratulations and happy wedding anniversary to Claire and Josh, their boho farm DIY wedding in Maungaturoto {Northland, New Zealand} been just amazing, I remember every single moment with warm feelings.

Not surprising their photos been published in Boho Weddings, wedding had such a great rustic atmosphere with lots of DIY items, which looks just beautiful!

So much work and love put into it. We enjoy every moment from getting ready in Maunghawai Heads to ceremony in family farm paddock and reception in marquee afterwards with great music from amazing irish band "Pat for President", everybody been up dancing!

Here is some highlights - memories, feel free to browse through their past wedding gallery in our Blog!

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}