Destination wedding published in Elysian Bride New York {New Zealand weddings photographer}

Excited to share with you great news - Hana & Aidan's destination New Zealand wedding just been published in Elysian Bride New York. It was amazing wedding with emotional and beautiful atmosphere in Russel, Bay of Islands; near traditional historical site and amazing beach rocky landscapes.

Enjoy this publication and let me know if you have any questions! {check out couple's highlights gallery in our Blog}

Hana & Aidan, Duke of Marlborough

Hana & Aidan, Duke of Marlborough

New Zealand destination wedding Photographer:  Levien & Lens Photography | Wedding gown: Secret Lace Bridal | Bridesmaid dresses: Made by Julie Smith | Accommodations: The Duke of Marlborough | Grooms suit: Barkers | Groomsmen suits:  Hallenstein Brothers | Flowers: Donna Nicholas | Wedding bands and engagement ring: John Franich Jewellers | Hair- Laurel Stratford Wedding Hair Stylist Make Up – W.I.X Makeup; Celebrant – Ida Birch MC – Andrew Brees

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Pre-wedding engagement photo shoot - Muriwai Beach {Auckland wedding photographer} Fiona and Silas

Fiona & Silas

Our pre-wedding engagement photo shoot with Fiona & Silas on Muriwai Beach {Auckland} was just amazing. We met with couple few months ago when they been looking for photographer for their upcoming wedding in Matakana.

Stars come together and we right away felt a good connection at first consultation :) Long story short pre-wedding session was a great idea and allowed us to see each other again, walk and talk and get some stunning photographs on the way :)

Couples story just amazing, Fiona shared some info: "We were from the same school growing up in Malaysia so we've known each other since we were 11. Never really talked to each other more until we met each other in Otago, Dunedin where we studied. We went to the same church, served on the team together, through Easter camp we got to know each other a lot better and realised we had endless things to talk about! We've been together for almost 5 years!" Proposal was really romantic too: "Planned to go to Gold Coast for a fun weekend with friends who were in on the plan. Last night before we left, we were taking photos as a group by the jetty, I had someone take a video while pretending to just take photos. Got on one knee and popped the question."

Our time together was so treasured and beautiful, couple really show up all their emotions and feeling towards each other, it was a great pleasure to observe moments happening unfold, couples love and care towards each other.

Enjoy these video highlights and gallery {nailing photos to certain number for the Blog post was really hard to not overshare as each image from this gorgeous session so deeply speaks to my heart!}

Contact me with any question!

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ClickinWalk 2017 - Muriwai beach Auckland {New Zealand lifestyle photographer}

Im second year in a row took part in international ClickinWalk and helped to organised it in Auckland, New Zealand. We been doing it in Wynyard Quarter last year, check Clickinwalk 2016.

This time we decided to make it more challenging and head over to Muriwai beach {Auckland, New Zealand} for shooting more landscape photography just before the sunset {funny enough we still tend to put people in the shot, to make a point of interest :) hard to give up what we use to}. It was a great opportunity to enjoy surroundings, breath in and try some technics as double exposure, camera painting with slow shutter speed, freelensing and more. We also talk about photogprahy, how to became a ClcikPro photogpraher and even thought about organising CM camp in New Zealand. Fingers crossed!

It was amazing walking, talking and evening at Riverhead Tavern with amazing women-photogprahers, ClickinMoms. Look forward to next year and more challenges and inspiration to try something new on another walk and talk.

Enjoy these highlights in unusual for me genre, but its make life more interesting! :) Highly recommend to everyone to change the routine and try something new and unexpected!

Contact me with any questions!

Click - What to expect when second shooting - for photographers {Auckland wedding photographer}

Excited to share with you: my tips and advice for photographers just been published at Click "What to expect when second shooting at a wedding" {by Levien & Lens photography - Auckland and Destination wedding photographers}.

I know exactly how its feels when you just starting out with shooting weddings or wanting to step up into new role. I discuss in this article for Click following questions:

  • What do you need to know about the second shooting role?
  • How long should you be a second shooter?
  • How do you start shooting weddings as the main photographer?

and much more.

Head over and let me know if you have any questions! Im happy to help and answer any questions you have.

Im really excited for your photography journey in amazing world of photographing weddings!

Bracu - First Presbyterian Church {Auckland wedding photographers} Ilinke and Shaun

Ilinke & Shaun

I been really excited about Ilinke & Shaun's wedding after their special engagement shoot where we spent amazing time on one of the Auckland beaches {Ilinke's mum made a special flower crown for her}. As a wedding photogpraher I love to spend time with couples beforehand to better know each other, feel on ease on the wedding day and get some great shots of course :)! Couple's wedding took place on amazing day in First Presbyterian church with traditional ceremony and following reception in Bracu {Bombay, Auckland, NZ}. There was such amazing atmosphere with great families and friends! 

Ilinke shares couple story: "Shaun and I met through friends. One day he invited me for a walk on the beach and a coffee. To this day this has been our favorite thing to do; it's a peaceful activity that allows us to connect and spend quality time together. ~In high tides or low tides i'll be by your side~" Their proposal was just amazing: "Shaun and I travelled with our family and friends to Wellington. I was getting admitted as a lawyer in the High Court of New Zealand. After my admittance we took a walk down the waterfront as the sun was setting; Shaun proposed at the love-lock bridge. There were bag pipes in the background by coincidence. He had a lock engraved and we threw the key in the sea and locked in our love. We got back to celebrate with friends and family. " Such a great and romantic story!

I love how couple incorporated their special tradition in their wedding day: "Shaun loves playing golf and i love watching golf. Instead of table numbers we have table names of the golf courses I have lived on growing up, Shaun's favorite courses he has played and the courses we wish to travel to together." Such original idea and I can totally relate to this as my husband Matt {second photogpraher} just loves playing golf. :)

Amazing day for amazing and truly loving people!

Happy future together!

Enjoy their beautiful wedding highlights and gallery!

reflection bride in the puddle {Auckland wedding photographers NZ}
bride and groom laughing in Bracu {Auckland wedding photographers}
couple sitting on the bench in Bracu {Auckland wedding photographer}
bride and groom in gazebo {Bracu - Auckland wedding photographer}

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 C
and Auckland wedding photographers Levien & Lens Photography {thank you to my husband Matt for assistance}

Contact me with any questions!

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First look with dad {Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty wedding photographer}

Its not a secret first look with groom became more and more popular lately {the moment when groom see the bride for a first time before the ceremony}. Im as wedding photographer capturing a lot of these beautiful moments on weddings all around New Zealand {mostly Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas} and overseas. 

But for traditional couples who prefer to see each other when bride walking down the aisle, there a great alternative and such a special moment: first look for bride and her dad. Its such a treasured moments and memories. I always exited to see happy tears and lots of emotions around {even if Im a photographer and observer I still can get teary as well :)

If you looking for tips to organise this moment, here they are:

1. Keep dad away from bride's getting ready location for some time {so he don't had a chance to see his daughter-bride accidentally before the curtail moment}.

2. Let dad take the best position turning back to the bride's location {can be great to set this scene at the getting ready place or just next to it where plenty of space for photographer to walk and shoot around the moment and bride have space to walk towards her dad}.

3. Let dad wait for a few minutes {its can make the anticipation and emotions even sharper and photographer had a chance to let know the bride her dad is ready and she can start walking and grab his attention when she close}.

4. Make sure mum + bridesmaids {or other family members} can observe the scene nearby. Its really special moment for them as well. Quit often then family members hug each other, cry or laughing.

5. Turn around! To make this moment happen Bride can call her dad, touch the shoulder or close his eyes when she comes closer {all depends from personalities and what feels right to do at this moment}. Make sure its not too early, but just next to the dad.

6. Let moment happening unfold {bride, dad, family and bridesmaids just enjoying the moment and photographer capturing all the emotions, moments and details from far and close.

Illustrating this moments I just want to showcase these amazing emotional event with first look {bride and her dad} from my two recent weddings {second wedding gallery not even ready yet, but these moments with dad was so treasured and emotional}.

Enjoy it!

Kara and her dad {wedding highlights in the Blog}

Ilinke and her dad {final gallery in progress :)}

and Juliette with her dad {this capture won NZIPP Iris Award in Wedding Classic category}

I just this morning been catching up with Juliette after in cafe and it was so nice to chat about her and Jonny and her amazing family. {one year after their wedding gone so fast! time just flying!}

first look with dad - Castaways {Auckland wedding photographers}

Contact me with any questions!

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Everyday moments - April - 365 Project {Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga lifestyle wedding photographer}

Amazing month April, keep going third year in a row capturing my personal everyday moments with kids and family. Such amazing time together on playgrounds, mini-golf, cafe, museum and home.

One of my April images been featured in LooksLikeFilm, yay! :)

Enjoy these highlights - images with so different moments and emotions around Hamilton NZ, Auckland, Rotorua,Tauranga and other areas where we had day trips {and just remember - my boy turned 5 years old, such a big date, we spent this time celebrating his birthday in Rainbow Springs and Agrodom, great memories!}:

Contact me with any questions!

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Flat White Waihi Beach {New Zealand - Waikato wedding photographers} Kara and David

Kara & David

Our journey with amazing couple started from their letter over one year ago, where I found out that Kara & David living in Canada planning their special New Zealand coastal wedding in Flat White Cafe {Waihi Beach, Waikato, New Zealand} and they are looking for two photographers to capture full day of special for them event with families coming from NZ South Island, Australia and Canada of course, all around the world!

Im not surprised with couple's choice of beach theme {believe me, Waihi Beach such a great choice} as Kara & David are adventurous, outgoing, loving nature. Flat White cafe been an obvious choice as couples love story started in coffee shop in Edmonton, Alberta. "They spent the day wandering through Edmonton and getting to know each other. Although Kara did not understand a word that Dave said, she knew there was something different about him, and they have been together ever since."

Proposal: "Dave popped the question New Year's Eve 2015 at Kaka Point beach, New Zealand. Dave had spoken to Kara's father, Jeff, prior to leaving for New Zealand. Jeff, an upholsterer, used his sewing skills to make Dave a special pouch to store the ring so that Kara did not find it on their holiday."

Their day was truly amazing and special, surrounded by friends and family, getting ready, first look with dad {brought tears in everybody's eyes}, ceremony in front of cafe {bear foot on the beach, I even went in the water to get some shots from the ocean with the waves, believe me I did it many times during the day, on bride and groom intimate session as well ;)}, family photos, bridal party shoot {groomsmen been climbing up high on the massive tree which reminded of Lord of The Rings :)} and couple photos was just stunning {bride and groom been climbing on the rocks, standing in the waves and much more!}, with sunset mini photo shoot of course, just before the reception roll on with speeches, dinner, cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance and guests dancing away! It was such a honour to capture all these moments.

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery!

Great creative team:

Wedding Coordinator - Melanie Gearson - Flat White Cafe
Bride's Dress - Paloma Blanca 
Bridesmaid Dresses - Adrianna Papell 
Groom's Suit- DKNY
Groomsmen Suits - Hallenstein Brothers 
Flowers- Beach Blooms Waihi Beach
Jewellery- @Karley Smith Jewellery Vancouver (http://karleysmith.com/)
Makeup- Junebug Wax and Lash (http://www.junebug.co.nz/) 
Hair- Stylist 2 U (Tessa Wilkinson-Joyce) 
Celebrant- Joy Stembridge
MC - Gerald Schenk & Sam Anderson

and New Zealand & International wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography {thanks to my husband Matt for great assistance!}

Contact me with any questions!

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LooksLikeFilm feature {Auckland NZ lifestyle wedding photographer}

Its such a great surprise to see my personal lifestyle image featured in LooksLikeFilm - community with over 40000 amazing photographers from all around the world. Its a great honour for me to be in this company with so talented wedding and lifestyle family photographers.

Im as wedding photographer and mama of two little ones capturing a lot of everyday moments, running my 365 project and really enjoying this special time. Its good to see images featured in different publications, blogs and magazines which means a lot to me, bring extra value to my work and more meaning.

Thank you so much! Im really appreciate it! 

"Split second on playground can be powerful"

Contact me with any questions!

Hamilton pre-wedding engagement session - Parana Park {Waikato wedding photographer} Michaela and Jayden

Michaela & Jayden

Amazing time with Michaela & Jayden, newly engaged couple on their pre-wedding - engagement session in Parana park {Hamilton, Waikato NZ}. Im as their wedding photographer really excited about couples upcoming wedding, not long to go now.

Time usually flying so fast - 1-1.5 year between booking and shooting wedding goes amazingly speedy as there so many things to plan and organise. 

Michaela & Jayden have an amazing romantic story. They are both a car enthusiast and met at car event. Its so great to have common passion and interests in relationship!  

Happy wedding planning! Look forward to your special day!

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery:

Contact me with any questions!

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Pre-wedding engagement session on Karekare Beach {Auckland wedding photographers} Megan & Chris

Megan & Chris

Amazing time with Megan & Chris on their pre-wedding engagement session on Karekare Beach {Auckland, New Zealand}. Im as wedding photographer always excited to spend amazing time with my couples beforehand, get to know each other for feel on ease on the wedding day and get some stunning photographs, of course :)

Megan come over here all the way down from USA "I was visiting New Zealand for only three weeks but met Chris and decided to stay. Going on five years and he proposed on the New Year's countdown." Such a great story, sometimes things happening how mean to be!

This day was truly special, full of positive emotions, lots of walk on the sandy beach and near waterfall, enjoying amazing New Zealand wild landscapes. Pictures turned just fantastic!

Enjoy this video highlights and gallery!

Contact me with any questions!

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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!

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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

Bethells Beach engagement-couples photo shoot {Auckland wedding photographer} Katrina and Marc

I met Katrina & Marc on Bethells beach {Auckland, New Zealand} at one of the Saturday's afternoons, they such a sweet couple, it was a real pleasure to walk together on the beach, talk about their engagement and wedding 's plans and get some stunning photos in between, emotional and romantic candid moments at pre-wedding session.

Couple shared their story:

"We met at university. The first thing Marc said to me was that he really wanted someone to cut into the rat bowel (because it was said that it was supposed to stink out the lab) – which made me laugh and I haven’t stopped laughing since. We’ve now been together 5 ½ years. We’ve travelled to a few places Samoa, Rarotonga, Bali and most recently Hawaii, as well as around New Zealand."

Proposal: " My friends and myself included were convinced that I was going to know when Marc was about to propose since we’d been together so long, we all expected that I was pick up on any subtle hints or clues. BUT one Tuesday (October 18th 2016) it happened! The day before Marc gave me a cute letter describing that he loved me and wanted a future together, but he did romantic things like that occasionally so I didn’t expect a thing. Then on the Tuesday when he got home after having our usual chat on the couch he said he had another letter… He gave this to me and there were no words apart from “this way up” and then cut out holes. I asked if this went with letter no.1 and he said yes and I fetched that (still none the wiser – expecting that he had planned a trip or something). I brought the letters back and then laid the cut out one on top of no1 and it said “Will you marry me”. Then when I moved the letter away from my face Marc was there down on one knee! Marc truly did surprise me because I couldn’t speak for minutes!". Such a great and romantic story!

It was amazing time on the beach just before the sunset, enjoy this video highlights from our engagement-couples photo shoot on Bethells Beach and highlights of couple's final gallery:

Best of March 2017 in 365 personal project {Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga wedding-family photographer}

Hi everyone! I just want to share with you some highlights - best images during March 2017 in 365 personal project, photos taken in Auckland, Hamilton NZ and Tauranga areas of New Zealand. Between my busy wedding photography season such a pleasure to capture some lifestyle family moments with kids, such a treasured memories!

Now when I became a Click Pro at Click and Co you can find my everyday moments in Daily Project.

Enjoy these highlights of my personal 365 project and contact me with any questions!

Publication in Inspired Bride - Vows In The Garden {Auckland wedding photographers}

Excited to share with you amazing news: Elisah & Heremaia's wedding in Liddington Gardens {Kerikeri, New Zealand} just been published in international blog-mazagine the Inspired Bride. This publication mean a lot to us, Auckland wedding photographers, husband and wife team.

We spent great time with beautiful couple on their special wedding day. Gardens at this day had such warm and cosy atmosphere. It was just natural to capture all beauty around with amazing people.

Check out the  publication and full couples wedding gallery with highlights in our blog.

One more time Congratulations to beautiful couple and happy future together!

Contact me with any questions!

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Beach wedding {Auckland - New Zealand destination weddings photographer} Georjarna and Gareth

Georjarna & Gareth

Congratulations to Georjarna & Gareth who celebrated their special day in such a great location as one of the North Shore beaches {Auckland, New Zealand}. Im as a destination wedding photographer seen so many beautiful weddings in so many stunning location and I can tell beach wedding have such a special relaxed atmosphere and freedom vibe. 

When you look at powerful ocean, tall trees and Rangitoto Island as backdrop for couples intimate moments you can feel its just right!

Georjarna shared couple's love story: "We both had just signed up to Tinder and met each together after only being on it for a few days. It was an instant connection. we went to Bali on holiday and on our second night ( first full day) there Gareth took me to beach, we were meant to be going out for dinner. written in a big heart in the sand was "Georgie will you marry me". It was a complete suprise and really romantic. He had organised a photographer from the hotel so we had photos of the whole thing. He got down on one knee and it was really nice. " Georjarna & Gareth looked forward to their wedding day "to become husband and wife and to say our vows in front of everyone", including Gareth's 9 years old son Malachi.

Happy future together!

Enjoy this video slideshow and highlights from couples wedding gallery!

  Great Creative Team:

Dress - Stella York - Felicitys Bridal; Shoes - Dune London 
groomsmen Suits - Hallenstein Brothers; Groom Suit- Barkers 
Make up - Elba Escobar - Professional Makeup Artist from FACE ME Makeup & Hair NZ ; Hair - Servilles Academy 
Celebrant - Jan Clark Celebrant 
Flowers - April Bezuidenhout; MC - Desmond (Des) Van Der Riet
and New Zealand & International wedding photographer - Levien & Lens Photography

Contact me with any questions!

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Happy wedding anniversary {New Zealand destination wedding photographer} Ailsa & Ropate - Brigham

Happy wedding anniversary to Ailsa & Ropate! Your wedding in Brigham {Auckland, New Zealand} was just amazing, full of romantic and positive emotions! As photographer I ca truly say how appreciate I that all my awesome couples sharing with me such a special for them moments!

Its such a great memories!

Many more happy years together!

You can find their wedding gallery in our Blog, I just want to share with you a few highlights, bring back memories! :)

Contact me with any questions!

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Celebrating Click Pro {New Zealand lifestyle wedding and family photographer} photography mentorship

Im so excited to share with you news about my little or big achievement. My lifestyle wedding and family photography portfolio set with 150 images was just accepted for Click Pro.

"Click Pro is a modern network of highly skilled professional photographers and independent artists. Membership to Click Pro is application based, and invitation is extended on the basis of an applicant’s portfolio evaluation.

The evaluation scale is broken into seven categories with six levels per category. Each level has a number/name explained in more detail below.

The rubric categories are:

1 — Exposure Triangle
2 — Color and White Balance
3 — Use of Light
4 — Composition and Posing
5 — Processing Cohesion and Polish
6 — Technical (focus, DOF, etc)
7 — Creativity, Expression and Intention".

As photographer and mum Im so happy to took part in this project and be in amazing community of wonderful women-photographers | artists ClickinMoms, offering support, photography education and much more.

Im over two years in this amazing community and its a big achievement to reach Click Pro Status, but at the same moment its a lot of responsibility, Im happy to help everyone in their photography journey, share everything what I know, teach | mentoring and help with personal and professional development. 

I also exciting to share my work in Daily Project.

Its exciting journey and its only beginning!

Click Pro Member Badge
Click Pro Daily Project_- contributor Badge

Sawmill cafe {Leigh, Northland} New Zealand destination wedding photographers {Madeline and Barry}

Madeline & Barry

Such a great time and amazing people I met on the special celebration on Madeline & Barry wedding in Sawmill Cafe {Leigh, Northland, New Zealand}. It was a great atmosphere starting at bride and groom getting ready in the venue following by first look on the nearby farm and ceremony inside the cafe with formals and reception full of positive and emotional moments, lots of laugh and cry. We also had a chance to sneak out of reception to catch last sun rays at sunset near seaside. Beautiful memories so treasured and special for us, wedding photographers as we leave and breath in this romantic and real atmosphere with creating special for couple and their families photographs which speaks from the heart! As husband and wife wedding photographers team we can totally relate to these moments and we love to be a part of this storytelling.

Couple shared their story. They met at a bar {thats why choice of wedding venue was so special and easy decision}, Madeline shared some details how was mad a proposal: "in our bedroom, on one knee Christmas eve 2015. He was supposed to do it while we were away on our Christmas holiday but Barry had a burning hole in his pocket and could wait." such a great story!

Happy future together!

Enjoy this video and photo highlights in the gallery:

Great Creative team:

BRIDES DRESS - Kellylin Couture. BRIDES SHOES - Mi Piaci. JEWELLERY - Zoe and Morgan. MAKE-UP - Nessa Warne. HAIR - Robbie Belll from Shout Hair. FLOWERS - Anna May. BRIDESMAID DRESS - DECJUBA. BRIDESMADE SHOES - Hush Puppies. MENS SUITS - Barkers. MENS SHOES - Merchant 1948. PAGE BOYS OUTFIT - Cotton On. CELEBRANT - Nikki Dare
and New Zealand & International destination wedding photographers - Levien & Lens Photography

Contact me with any questions!

{BOOK YOUR WEDDING}

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}