Photography by Sarah Finlay

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 🤍

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 💍

20/03/2026

Madelyn & Dylan 🤍

What a day… honestly one of those weddings that stays with you long after you’ve packed up your camera.

From the moment I arrived at Gilmore Manor, everything just felt magical. Madelyn spent the morning getting ready surrounded by her loved ones — many of whom had travelled all the way from Canada to be there. There was such a beautiful mix of excitement, emotion, and anticipation in the air.

Dylan, serving in the Navy, met Madelyn while working abroad — and you can just feel how strong their connection is. Watching them together, it’s so clear they’ve found something truly special.

Their ceremony was full of heartfelt moments (yes… I may have had a few tears behind the lens ), and the weather absolutely showed off — golden light, warm air, just perfection.

We then headed to Vilagrad Winery for the reception, and wow… what a celebration! So much love, laughter, and joy filling the space. These two are surrounded by the most incredible people, and it was such an honour to capture it all.

Madelyn & Dylan — you two are pure magic together. Thank you for trusting me with your day 🤍

Vendors who brought the day to life:
Gilmore Manor – Fiona
Vilagrad Winery – Shona
DJ – My Event DJ (Chris)
Flowers –Sylvias Summer, Waikato Flowers (Sacha)
Coordinator – Bridal Veil Events (Sophie)
Videography – Keepsake Films (Patrick & Ben)
Catering – Hazel Hayes

09/03/2026

Crystal & Ward tied the knot on Saturday at the beautiful Te Tumu Estate in Papamoa, surrounded by the people who matter most to them. 💛

This was such a special day — a relaxed, love-filled family wedding where their seven children were truly at the heart of the ceremony. Watching them all stand together as a family was incredibly moving and such a powerful reminder that weddings are about so much more than just two people.

The weather turned it on for us, the laughter flowed all day, and there was just so much genuine love in every moment. These are the kinds of days that remind me why I love what I do. ✨

Congratulations again Crystal & Ward — thank you for trusting me to capture such an important chapter of your story.

Vendor love 👇

Venue: Te Tumu estate
Hire: Tauranga Party Hire
Celebrant: Clare Wilson
Makeup: Desiree Osterman
Band: Damo Innies
Photography: Photography by Sarah Finlay

03/03/2026

And this one… deserved its own spotlight.

After the sun dissappeared we slipped away from the dancing to create something a little cinematic. A little dramatic. A little bit epic.

Smoke swirling. Lantern light glowing. Just the two of them in their own world — like a scene straight out of Middle-earth.

Aimee & Ryan’s greatest, most magical adventure…

Honestly, this is why I love what I do.

23/02/2026