Settlers Country Manor Wedding

Photographed by Amber

Angeline got ready at the beautiful Tanglewood Retreat in Muriwai – just down the road from Settlers Country Manor. They were so busy setting up the venue that I arrived before the Angeline and the girls. I took the chance to have a wander around the grounds – I can’t wait to get back there and explore some more. Once the girls arrived, a quick dash around the cottage and we realised that part of the rustic charm of the Aroha cobhouse – is no power.

A relocation to the communal kitchen for hair and makeup meant that we had a rather different backdrop than planned, but the light was perfect!

Angeline and Ian-Dominic’s ceremony was officiated by their own pastor, meaning that it felt incredibly personalised. They included a traditional tea ceremony as a way to honour both their parents, as well as a sand ceremony to represent the joining of their two lives.

After a few quick bridal party photos around the grounds at Settlers, the three of us headed off to Muriwai Beach. I know I’ve said this before, but Muriwai never ceases to amaze me. We spent about 40 mins total at Muriwai (super quick when you factor in the walking time that is needed!), and in that time we were able to get some many different looks and variation.

We finished up the night on the dance-floor and one of my favourite first dance images ever! One of my favourite parts of photographing at familiar venues, is that it’s always a challenge to step back and try and find a better way of telling the story. For the final photo you see in this blog, I decided after a couple of ‘safe shots’ to flip my angle 180 degrees and head outside to frame them through the doorway. A bit of magic lighting and voila!

Thanks so much for sharing your wedding with me Angeline and Ian-Dominic. Enjoy the photos!