Sarah + Sam, Markovina Estate - Romance and family, celebrating in Kumeu, Auckland
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
Bridal Portraits in Kumeu
Sarah + Sam. A powerhouse couple so beautifully connected on so many levels. This was a magical day that felt so effortless to capture, the chemistry and energy they had towards each other made my job feel so effortless, on this rainy dark day in April.
Matua Villas, Kumeu
I had visited Markovina the day before, scoped the grounds and was buzzing over the possibilities of how to showcase my couple's wedding love story there. It's an exceptional venue, with incredible gardens and ambient indoor reception spaces. When Sarah and Sam booked me, I was so excited for many reasons, partly because we are extended family, but also because Markovina is located in Kumeu, the town I grew up and raised in. Our old gorgeous family home located a stones throw from Markovina, so many memories came flooding back of the years I spent in Kumeu, on rolling hills with our horses outside the front door.
Markovina Estate, Kumeu, Auckland
I was watching the weather forecast closely over the weeks leading up to the day, as I do with every wedding. The days either side of this April wedding were clear and warm, but the weather gods had different plans for the actual wedding day. So on the day, when I saw the skies open and the rain was pelting down, I called Sarah first thing in the morning to suggest a change of plan and to dedicate more time to doing couple portraits after their First Look, before the ceremony in case the rain meant we couldn't get outside later in the day. Being an April wedding, the sunset was much earlier so daylight was precious, so we decided to pivot and change the timings to do more photography in indoor spaces at the girls' getting ready location (Matua Villa).
The hair and make up team were incredible and got the girls ready earlier, and the film crew accommodated and changed their timings too. It takes a team to get the best outcome for clients.
Matua Villa is a very impressive accommodation located in Kumeu, and Sarah chose the most perfect space that paired beautifully with the old world charm and style of my images. Doing her bridal portraits there, along with the couple's first look and a short portrait session of the two of them before the ceremony was fantastic. I'll most definitely be encouraging any Kumeu couples to consider this accomodation for getting ready and portraits.
Sarah looked incredible. Her dress was perfectly selected and fitted, and her veil had embroidery beautifully detailed on its edges, cleverly done by her sister in law. Antique vintage jewellery pieces, and sublime hair and make up. Timeless, sophisticated elegance. Sam wore a classic tailored suit, his tie masterfully put in place by his Dad.
The couple had their First Look at Matua Villas, I love how after this moment all the nerves of the couple just wash away. First Looks also mean the bride and groom get to spend a lot more time together on their wedding day, and it's a moment that is always so intimate and beautiful to capture.
The huge rainfall meant that Markinova was very wet so their ceremony was moved off the lawn. They have an incredible indoor/outdoor space on paving and covered over with louvres and overhead heating for guests outside. This meant we had wonderful outdoor light to use while the guests and couple remained dry and warm despite the weather. A definite bonus if looking for a venue that can cover all bases, no matter what the weather does on the day.
We had the opportunity to get out for a few minutes after the ceremony once the rain stopped, so we ventured out into the vines drenched in autumn colour for a few moments before the couple celebrated the night away with their tribe.
Sarah and Sam, I utterly adore you both. Thank you both, for having me capture your wedding day story.
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