Claire and Sam got married at Rataview in Barrytown. They had a beautiful wedding ceremony with their close family and friends. I had the joy of working alongside Photographer Rina Sjardin - Thompson. I’m so proud of the Wedding Film I made for Claire and Sam. It captures the day beautifully and I was able to try out a few cool new things in the process which I think turned out really well. 😁 Check out the Full Wedding film below or scroll to the end of the blog to watch the Highlights version. All of the images below are from Claire and Sam’s Wedding Film.

I was thrilled to be shooting a wedding in Punakaiki. I drove over from Christchurch the day before> later that evening I shot some scenic footage that I use to open Claire and Sam’s film. It’s a great way to set the scene.

I started the day with Claire and her family at their bach. It was somewhat cramped at times with so many people in essentially one room but everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves. I got my macro shots of the rings against a nearby tree and Rina and I worked together to hang Claire’s wedding dress in the backyard. I love how beautifully simple the shot of Claire’s dress is. The sunlight streaming in from behind really makes the shot.

Just before I shot off to catch up with Sam and his mates I got this cute moment of Claire’s Mum and Dad outside the bach reading the paper together.

Sam, his groomsman and friends were getting ready around the corner in a very funky and colourful bach.

Meanwhile, Claire was finishing up her make-up and hair with Blush Makeup Artist. Once she put on her dress and pink All-Stars we headed out for the ceremony.

Sam and Claire were married on the deck of RataView with family and friends standing close by. The ceremony was short and to the point, just the way Claire and Sam wanted it. I do believe that signing the register took longer than the ceremony. 😆
Before long everyone was enjoying drinks and chat.

For the photoshoot, we went to a suspension bridge just inland from Punakaiki. It was very cool to capture some of the West Coast bush and colours here. The suspension bridge made for a challenging location (hardly the most stable spot to work) but the shots were absolutely worth it.😁 A simple structure that makes for some very cool shots with great leading lines. Taaaake me back 😊 I’d love to shoot more weddings in Punakaiki!

The beach at Punakaiki is spectacular and we were determined to make the most of it. Sam and Claire were up for anything so I got them to walk into the surf. It’s hard work shooting at the beach but it was so worth it.

Just before we got back in the car and headed back to RataView. Claire put on a special jacket and we got some shots on the lawn. By getting really low to the ground I was able to put the sun directly behind Claire and Sam which made for a striking silhouette. Their jumping shot was the icing on the cake! 😁 😁 😁

Back at RataView we enjoyed speeches and dinner before we hit the deck for some dancing. Once the sun had set the party really got started. I only had a hotel to get back to so I wasn’t in any rush to finish up. I tried a few new things. I got a time-lapse over sunset and some shots of the coastline from a distance and even a shot of the moon. 😁 It made for a great way to transition from daytime to night time in the final film.

It was a full and totally awesome day. Sam and Claire had exactly the wedding at the speed they wanted. It was fun at every turn and a blast to be involved with. Shooting a wedding on the West Coast was awesome and I can’t wait to go back. To any prospective brides and grooms - I’m always happy to travel!!! Take me with you to your epic weddings around the country!!! 😁 😁 😁

Here’s what Claire and Sam had to say about my services.

Thanks for reading my blog, Check out the highlights of Claire and Sam’s full Wedding Film below.