But the secret is, all of us photographers use natural light, and most of us use some non-natural, additional light as well. In a point-and-shoot camera, this light does a brilliant job of making even the beautiful look ugly. However, properly controlled, additional light just brings out the wow. I mean, who doesn’t really love sparklers.

So the secret is, mix a little romance with a bit of sparkle, and there’s almost no limit as to what photos you can create.

These shots are usually done at the end of your wedding day – a kind of photography night-cap. Because as we know, some fireworks is the perfect way to end your perfect day.

Wellington has the odd breeze gatecrash a wedding. Some fight it with indoor shoots or masses of hairspray. Natalia and Adam embraced it – and just as the wind made the trees, flax and grass dance, our lovely couple joined in.

With wedding photography, the weather is the boss (followed very closely by the bride), and the best thing to do is make the most of the unique photo opportunities (and enjoy the no-sweat moments that wind and rain provide).

Now, the more observant among you might be seeing red by now. It’s pretty common amongst Indian and Chinese brides, but not so much here in New Zealand. But then again, Natalia and Adam don’t really do common, so why should their wedding be any different.

Mind you, the biggest surprise for me wasn’t the red – and it certainly wasn’t the wind. It was what a beautiful place the SPCA is. Grand and historic, it’s nestled happily in Wellington’s town belt, making it perfect to pop across the road and get some of that wild Wellington in the wedding photos.

There’s something about sunsets. They’re a time of reflection, of taking a deep breath and appreciating the beauty of the world and the completion of an amazing day. There’s also something special about a Whanganui wedding sunset. I’ve shot a few weddings here, and each time (with a crossing of the fingers, and some nervous glances at the sky), voilà – another spectacular end to the night.

But before the end, there’s always a beginning – and a middle. You know how weddings go. Throw in some crazy, a touch of romance and everyone has a great time.

That’s the best thing about being a wedding photographer. Not only do you get to gatecrash the most important day of a couple’s life, but you get to capture it – take those special/crazy/romantic moments and make them last forever…. you know what I’m saying…..

And so it went with Laura and Stephen’s stunning wedding. Right from the beginning, where the girls looked beautiful

and the boys, well, they were boys….

Add in one very cute church (part of the beautiful Pukatea Estate)

and one very happy couple……

“Brent, thank you for the photos. They are truly fantastic. We can’t get over how beautiful it all is.” Laura & Stephen

Hawke’s Bay Wedding Photography

 
México always has a strong place in my heart. It’s where I first started shooting professionally, and over the three years of living there, I immersed myself into the colour and noise that created some of the world’s greatest artists.

So when Kim had a vision, based on the hypnotic Frida Kahlo, I jumped at the chance to capture a little bit of Mexico in Hawke’s Bay. Kim looked more like the Salma Hayek version of Frida (minus the famous mono-brow), so the focus was in bringing out the glamour, colour and elegance of the look.

With a Napier day as hot as México (well into the 30s), Kim and Keith still managed to look cool, as we targeted succulents, blue walls and and the rustic-themed OMG bakery in Hastings where the ceremony took place. Viva el amor…

“LOVE our pictures!!! I can’t stop looking at them… Thank you for just ‘listening’ to my idea/vision and producing exactly what I dreamed my wedding memories to be like xox.” Kim & Keith