Nectar Photography

26/04/2026

Three tips for writing your vows by Soph from Married by Friends (an incredible team of celebrants based in Wānaka) 💛

1. Your celebrant will very likely supply you with a vow guide - full of prompts, examples + ideas on where to start. Use it. Starting with guidance is a whole lot easier than staring at a blank page wondering if you’ve ever had a thought in your life.

2. Use the notes app on your phone and add to it as things pop up. The weird little habits you adore, the things they do that make life better, promises that actually matter to your relationship. You can't pick when inspiration will hit!

3. Honest, personal + slightly imperfect > ChatGPT scripted vows. Every. Single. Time (and yes, we will know).

Bonus tip: Don’t leave it until the last minute. We ask our couples to send vows through two weeks prior for printing, which means less stress for you, and no panic-writing at 11:47pm the night before.

### Much love, the Friends

25/04/2026

Today marks our 11 year wedding anniversary! 🎉🎊 Always love revisiting these photos from our special day. ☺️

Photo Credit:

24/04/2026

Rebecca and Callum’s intimate Wānaka wedding is now live on the blog! ☺️✨

This day had so many incredible moments, from the lakefront ceremony at Weddings at Edgewater to portraits beneath the Aurora Australis later that evening.

My favourite Wānaka celebrant Soph from Married by Friends also contributed to the blog, sharing three tips for writing your vows.

To see the full story here - https://www.nectarphotography.co.nz/wanaka-wedding-edgewater/

Dress - Trish Peng
Venue - Weddings at Edgewater
Celebrant - Married by Friends
Flowers -
Hair and Makeup -
Rings -

14/03/2026

It’s amazing how many beautiful wedding venues are tucked away in Clevedon!

Over the summer I visited and photographed several of them while creating a Clevedon Wedding Venue Guide — something to help couples explore different options while planning their day. 💛

I loved meeting the venue owners behind these spaces, people who care deeply about the experience they create for their couples.

Venues included in the guide: La Maison · Kauri Bay Auckland · The McCallum Residence · Farm House Cafe Clevedon· Nocton Woolshed · Hallertau NZ · Vin Alto Restaurant and Functions Venue

If you're searching for the perfect place to celebrate, the full guide is now live.

Read it here:https://www.nectarphotography.co.nz/clevedon-wedding-venue-guide-2026-seven-stunning-auckland-venues/

Save this for later or share it with someone planning their wedding.

A curated list of 7 beautiful Clevedon wedding venues near Auckland—plus practical tips, venue vibes, and photo insights from a South Auckland wedding photographer.

19/02/2026

Throwback to Hanna Lee + Chris’s surprise celebration ✨

On a cold winter night last year, we gathered in a local hall for what everyone thought was a 40th birthday… which turned into a surprise wedding! ☺️

Family, friends, live music, and a dance floor that stayed full all night. It was one of those evenings that just felt really special - heartfelt, joyful, and full of connection. 💛

Here are a few highlights from their beautiful night.

09/02/2026

Kind words like these always mean the world. 💛
Sharing a little love from Rebecca + Callum’s engagement session:

"Melissa is so easy and amazing to work with, with her attention to detail being next level. From the day of the shoot you could see her creativity flowing with the location we had chosen, right down to receiving our package with our photos and the detail and care put into the package.

My fiance Callum and I were both unsure and didn't know how to act in front of the camera for our engagement photoshoot, but Melissa made us feel relaxed and guided us through the whole process. She was also amazing at working with our dogs that we brought along and snapped some beautiful shots of them.

Would also highly recommend an engagement shoot prior to wedding photos. We have Melissa booked for our wedding and I know we're both going to be more relaxed on the day, now knowing what to expect."

- Rebecca McAra

12/01/2026

A little update from me 💛

I’ll be on maternity leave from January–June 2026. Over this time I’m still taking bookings for weddings and couple sessions for when I’m back in July — so feel free to get in touch anytime.

Right now I’m having some slower days at home, getting ready for the arrival of our newest family member, excited for the season ahead ☺️✨

10/11/2025

I woke up to some very exciting news this morning! 🎊One of my photographs have been selected as a Finalist in the 2025 International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards — in the I-Do Crew category. https://iwpoty.com/gallery/2025-i-do-crew-finalists/

The Awards celebrates creativity, storytelling and the art of wedding photography from around the world.

This year’s competition had over 2,600 entries from 568 photographers across 61 countries - amazing! To have this image recognised among so much heartfelt storytelling is an honour I’m deeply grateful for. 🙏🏼

This photograph is from Melissa + Nathan’s wedding on their family farm in Pūhoi. It was a day full of meaning, whānau, and joy. Thank you both for being so open-hearted and adventurous… and for stepping into a rowboat, in your wedding attire, with full trust and laughter. This moment will forever stay with me. ☺️

Winners for these awards will be announced on December 1st 2025. ✨

Thank you to everyone who supports, encourages, and welcomes me into your stories. It means more than you know. 🌿

28/10/2025

Short, relaxed, and filled with heart — my once-a-year Spring Mini Sessions are now open for booking! 🌿

The perfect way to create beautiful, sentimental printed gifts for Christmas.

These sessions are designed to feel easy. You just show up, take a breath, and I’ll take care of the rest — so you can simply enjoy being together. ✨

Dates: 1st + 15th November 2025
Location: 100 Brewster Rd, Pukekawa

💛 Book your session here: https://www.nectarphotography.co.nz/2025-spring-mini-sessions/

Spots are limited, so if you’d like to reserve one, now’s the perfect time. :)

Fine Art Portrait Photography

01/10/2025

Eek! Excited to share that Nathan and Melissa’s wedding has been featured on Slay My Day NZ— a NZ wedding platform bringing together inspiration, planning tools, and a vendor directory to help you create your dream team. 💛

Here are a few highlights from their special day! One of my favourites was slipping away from the reception for a quiet paddle on the Puhoi River. ✨

See the full feature here:
https://slaymyday.com/puhoi-farm-wedding-melissa-nathan/

Vendors:
Celebrant: Blake Northover Marriage Celebrant
Make-up Artist: The Beauty Hub
Furniture & Marquee Hire: Willow Lane Events
Catering: Hapunan
Groom’s Suit: Barkers
Cold Brews: Flight Coffee