Photography by Sarah Finlay

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Photography by Sarah Finlay

Perfectly imperfect moments,
captured as they truly felt. Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Waikato and Bay of Plenty

26/05/2026

As Paris opens the doors to LOVE tonight, my photograph The Light Between Us is hanging there as part of LOVE: An Anthropology of Simulated Affect — a contemporary photography and art exhibition exploring intimacy, connection, and the way we experience love through visual language 🤍

Captured during a quiet “Tie the Knot Thursday” wedding at Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe here in New Zealand, this image has always felt incredibly special to me. Soft, still, emotional — the kind of moment that reminds me why I love what I do.

The thought of this little piece of New Zealand now hanging on a gallery wall on the other side of the world feels honestly a little surreal.

Very grateful to be included alongside so many incredible international artists and photographers ✨

25/05/2026

Some weddings just have a feeling about them ✨

currently lost in editing this beautiful day and falling in love with all of the little moments all over again 🤍

the movement, the emotion, the atmosphere… this one was magic!

19/05/2026

Somewhere between the timelines, the weather plans, the muddy shoes and the nerves…
these are the moments that end up mattering most.

The blink-and-you-miss-it kind.

A hand squeeze.
Wind in a veil.
That deep breath before walking down the aisle.

I think that’s why I love weddings the way I do.
Not because they’re perfect… but because they’re real.

Lately life has been full over here — editing galleries late at night between netball games and the everyday chaos of family life 😂

But honestly? I think that’s also why these moments mean so much to me.

Anyway… here’s a little throw back to one of those perfectly imperfect days 🤍

10/05/2026

Some wedding days feel less like an event and more like stepping into a real-life fairytale ✨

Jess & Tyne’s intimate elopement at Woodlands Estate on Thursday was exactly that.

Surrounded by only their closest people, these two promised forever inside the beautiful Woodlands Homestead on the most perfectly soft, overcast autumn day. Woodlands absolutely delivered that dreamy golden Waikato glow, wrapping the entire day in the most romantic atmosphere imaginable.

Their ceremony was deeply personal, emotional, and full of so much love — the kind that brings happy tears to almost everyone in the room (myself included 🥹). The way Jess and Tyne look at each other says everything without needing words. You can just feel how deeply in love they are.

There was something so special about the intimacy of the day. No distractions, no fuss — just two people completely present with each other and the people who matter most.

A tiny little sneak peek from a truly beautiful day 🤍

Huge thank you to the amazing team Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe and the gorgeous celebrant Michelle Morley always amazing working with you!

20/04/2026

A day that kept us on our toes in the best kind of way 🤍

With wild weather rolling in, we made the call to move things inside—and honestly, The Cargo Shed created the most incredible atmosphere for Jase & Jo’s ceremony. Warm, intimate, and perfectly suited to the day.

Thankfully the rain held off, and we were able to slip away for a few quiet moments by the rail bridge—creating some pretty special images in between it all.

These are the kinds of weddings that remind me it’s not about perfect plans, but about the moments in between… the laughter, the emotion, and everything that unfolds naturally.

Jase & Jo Swain 🤍

Vendor love:
Makeup: Charlie McLean Makeup Artistry
Celebrant: Katie Berry Celebrant
Hire: & Talent Ltd
Florals: & Jasmine
Catering: Hereford Kitchen
Venue: The Cargo Shed , Tauranga ✨

16/04/2026

After 20 years together, and on our 16th wedding anniversary, we chose to stand side by side and say “I still do.”

What started as a simple idea turned into something deeply meaningful — a moment to pause, reflect, and honour everything that has shaped us into who we are today. It wasn’t about perfection, it was about presence. About choosing each other again, with full hearts and open eyes.

We chose to keep it intentionally small — not because our circle isn’t wide, but because this moment felt like one that needed quiet, space, and intimacy. A chance to truly be present with each other. Please know it never reflected how much we value the people in our lives — just what we needed for this chapter.

Raglan really showed up for us. After some wild weather beforehand, we were gifted two perfect days — sunshine to soak it all in, then soft cloud cover for our vows that somehow held the warmth, followed by the most unreal sunset. And just as we packed up to head home, the cyclone rolled in… perfect timing.

And because no beautiful day happens without incredible people behind it…

✨ Photographer Karina KJPhotography — calm, grounding, and just got it. Letting me be part of the editing meant so much 🤍
✨ Flowers Sweet Pea Scented Art — completely breathtaking, so personal and completely us!
✨ Cake by Whippedbygeo — looked AMAZING and tasted even better.
✨ Dress from Zebubu, altered by fiesty needle ltd— incredible service and absolute perfection.
✨ Hair and Makeup Laura Adlam Beauty what a talented lady! Made us feel so relaxed and beautiful!
✨ Catering by Raglan Artisan Bread — so so SO yum (and yes… the slushy margaritas too 🍹)

And to our incredible witnesses, Steve and Sara — thank you feels too small. You stood beside us with so much love and support, and it meant more than we can properly put into words. We are so lucky to have you in our corner.

This day wasn’t just about celebrating love — it was about honouring the journey, the growth, and everything in between.

Here’s to choosing each other, again and again 🤍

07/04/2026

Tara & Bradley 🤍

A beautiful “Tie the Knot Thursday” at Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe ✨
With just four guests, their ceremony was incredibly intimate, heartfelt, and full of quiet, meaningful moments.

From the cozy, romantic interiors to the lush gardens and that stunning bridge… every part of their day felt like something out of a storybook 🌿

Thank you both for letting me capture something so special. Here’s a little glimpse into your day 💍

Address

Hamilton

Website

http://www.photographybysarahfinlay.com/

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