Sharing another special day with you today – Kristie and Josiah’s beautiful Nelson wedding! Kristie is a good friend of mine; we used to live just five minutes down the road from each other in Auckland and quickly became besties thanks to our shared dry sense of humour, our love of bringing people together, and […]

I’m excited to share with you Trudi and James’ beautiful Queenstown wedding today. They got married at Winehouse, the most gorgeous wedding venue in the Gibbston Valley. This one was particularly special to me as Trudi and James are friends of mine. Trudi and I flatted together in Auckland and also moved over to London […]

So, you’ve got a business you’re proud of. You’ve poured your heart, soul, and probably your weeknights and weekends into building something real. But here’s the thing: if your photos don’t reflect the magic you bring to the table, you’re doing yourself (and your dream clients) a disservice. If you’ve been sitting on the fence […]

An extensive list of Auckland Wedding Venues by Wedding Photographer Lydia Rachel – Updated for 2025. We are spoiled with Auckland wedding venues, there are a lot! With our sprawling coastlines, a harbour full of islands, lush bush and gardens, rural landscapes and iconic city architecture, there is something for everyone. I have organised this […]

I’m so excited to announce a project I have been thinking about (and procrastinating making) for a long time… The Kiwi Wedding Podcast! I wanted to create a space and community for people getting married in New Zealand. To share stories, learn from those who have gone before and get advice for planning your Kiwi […]

A little throwback today to a wedding in Tuscany, which I second shot with the lovely Jerri from Big Love Photography (London). This was a dream come true, shooting a wedding at the beautiful Villa di Ulignano. It’s pretty hard to find a more incredible place to get married than Italy! If you ever want […]

A wedding reception is a special event, and often it’s what your guests look forward to the most. It’s a time to celebrate the beginning of a couple’s new life together, making memories to last a lifetime. However, planning a wedding reception can be a daunting task, and couples often struggle to choose from the […]

The wedding industry continues to scale steadily in the right direction, making a comeback after the pandemic caused many ceremonies to be put on hold. All those extra weddings mean a lot more work for wedding celebrants across the globe. The celebrant (sometimes known as the ‘officiant’) is the person whose job it is to […]

On a rainy day in a picturesque venue in Pongakawa, Alanna, and Jovhann tied the knot in a heartwarming and unforgettable celebration of love at their Old Forest School wedding. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple exchanged their vows in a ceremony that was both down-to-earth and full of special moments. Despite […]

A list of the best 13 wedding venues in wider East and South Auckland by local photographer Lydia Rachel. Updated for 2023. As a local Auckland wedding photographer, I have shot hundreds of weddings working in the industry for over ten years. Auckland is a wonderful city with a variety of different landscapes and many […]