I recently captured an engagement session at Mount Maunganui Beach in Tauranga. I travel to Tauranga a few times a year to visit family, and capturing some magic at this epic beach has always been a dream of mine.

Vignesh got in touch with me a few weeks ago to organise this surprise proposal for when they were visiting Wanaka. Abi had no idea, surprised by a little picnic, a beautiful handwritten poem and the most perfect sunset. (Plus me hiding in the bushes ha.) Some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken.

Surprise proposal picnic for Shafiq & Jessie, who were visiting from Australia.

Beautifully curated by My Secret Picnic.

Darby and Jack reached out to book an engagement/birthday shoot, and they mentioned the Motatapu Gorge near Glendhu Bay as a special spot for them. Excited about a new photo location in Wanaka, I scouted it beforehand to understand the lighting and sunset timing. Them just being gorgeous humans inside and out, made it easy to capture their genuine love for one another.

I got to capture these engagement photos in Hawea for Emma & Mat, one of the couples that have booked me for their wedding in Wanaka next year.

Lynn & Alex got engaged recently and wanted to get comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day. We originally planned to take their photos by the lake but the wind picked up in the afternoon, so we decided to go to the Bannockburn Sluicings in Cromwell. We found some beautiful sheltered spots and the moody weather added to the vibe of their photos. You don’t need the perfect sunset for epic couple photos!