Why Family Photos Matter

There’s something truly special about seeing a family grow through the years, and my recent session with Michelle and her beautiful family of boys under the pohutukawa trees at Hatfields Beach was no exception. This was my third time capturing their story, and each session has been a joy. Watching the boys grow and change is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Baby Koa, who I first met when he was just one day old, has already changed so much - it’s incredible to see his personality shining through as he grows. And of course, big brother Niko brought all the smiles and hilarious moments to the session - he is such a character, with the biggest heart.

Life moves fast. One day, your children are taking their first steps, and before you know it, they’re off on their own adventures. That’s why I treasure clients who come back time and time again - because it means I get to help them freeze these fleeting moments in time. It’s always a fun, laughter-filled experience, and this session was no different.

At Sarah Denison Photography, I specialise in capturing beautiful, natural family portraits on the Hibiscus Coast and surrounding areas. My goal is to provide families with stunning, light-filled images that showcase love, connection, and authentic moments.

Why Family Photography is Important

Family photos are more than just pictures, they tell your story. Years from now, you’ll look back at these images and remember not just how you looked, but how you felt. The way your child’s tiny hand fit into yours, the laughter shared between siblings, the love in your eyes. These are the moments that deserve to be preserved.

The Best Time for Family Photos? Now!

Many families put off booking a session, waiting for the "perfect" time. But the truth is, the best time for a family photoshoot is right now. Life doesn’t slow down, but professional photography lets you hold onto the moments that matter.

Book Your Family Photography Session Today

Whether you're looking for a full family session or a quick and fun mini session, I’ll help you create images you’ll cherish forever. Let’s capture your family’s story with beautiful, timeless portraits.

The Wedding of Emma and Keith at Pah Homestead

Love stories are timeless, each one unique and beautiful in its own right. Today, I'm thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Emma and Keith, a young Kiwi couple whose love knows no bounds. Their journey culminated in a breathtaking wedding at Pah Homestead in Auckland, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

From the moment I met Emma and Keith, I knew theirs was a love story worth capturing. Their infectious laughter and unwavering affection for each other set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

The anticipation was palpable on their wedding day. As Emma prepared to walk down the aisle, a momentary hiccup arose when her veil went missing. However, thanks to her quick-thinking brother, the crisis was averted, and he emerged as the hero of the day, ensuring that Emma looked every bit the radiant bride she was meant to be.

The ceremony itself was a testament to their love, witnessed by family and friends who had eagerly awaited this joyous occasion. Against the backdrop of Pat Homestead, Emma and Keith exchanged vows, with the lovely Elain Spearman as their celebrant.

Following the ceremony, we embarked on a magical portrait session during the golden hour, capturing the essence of their love against the picturesque backdrop of Pah Homestead. The venue was nothing short of perfection, providing the ideal setting for their special day. From the stunning décor to the impeccable service, every detail was carefully curated to reflect Emma and Keith's unique style and personality.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible vendors who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, and family members who also helped set up and put in those finishing touches.

Reflecting on our journey together, from our initial Zoom conversation to their engagement session at Muriwai Beach and finally, their wedding day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to capture their love story. Emma's kind words are a testament to the joy I find in my work, and I am humbled to have played a part in documenting their special day.

In Emma's own words, "Sarah did a wonderful job capturing me and my hubby's special day. She is an excellent photographer who is clearly very skilled and talented, and our photos turned out AMAZING. Sarah is also kind, patient, and funny – if you are looking for someone to make you feel comfortable and at ease behind a camera, Sarah is your girl!! Couldn't recommend her higher, would give 100 stars if I could!!”

To Emma and Keith, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your love story. May your journey together be filled with countless moments of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers to a lifetime of cherished memories and adventures yet to come.

Tori’s Maternity Session

I met with Tori for what turned out to be my last photoshoot before New Zealand went into its first lockdown in 2020. Looking back now, it’s so hard to believe it all even happened. And at the time of these photos we had no idea of what was to come. And thank goodness for that!

We were blessed with a beautiful evening full of laughter and happiness, all finished with a magnificent west-coast sunset at Piha Beach in Auckland. Piha is one of my most favourite places to take maternity photos, and I just love the close knit community out west.

For all my maternity photoshoots I have a number of maternity dresses available for you to use. I know first-hand how much these photos mean to Mama’s and their families. I think back to my own maternity photos and remember how wonderful I felt at a time when I had generally been feeling very, bleurgh! The third trimester can be pretty brutal so it was nice to have my hair and make-up done and wear a nice dress to make me feel a little more like myself. It was a far cry from my usual leggings that’s for sure!

As you can see Tori looked absolutely stunning in one of my maternity dresses. In fact the dress fit so perfectly it felt like it was meant to be. 

If you’re looking for a location to have your maternity photos you really can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on Auckland’s west coast. The sunsets and scenery are breath-taking, and the light during golden hour is extremely flattering. And hey, sometimes when you’ve had a really long day or you’re feeling particularly tired or worn out from growing a small human, you need a walk on the beach to bring you back to base.

An Intimate Kiwi Wedding

A few years ago I met Jenny when I ventured into my new local coffee shop. I distinctly remember Jenny's welcoming and infectious smile, and her wicked sense of humour. She instantly made me feel right at home, and from then on I chose her café as my place to go to edit my photos.

During the first New Zealand lockdown, of 2020 Jenny messaged me to say she was expecting her first baby. I was absolutely delighted for her, and I was even more thrilled when she said she was planning to get married too. 

Jenny was due to give birth to her little girl in July, so had planned to marry her lovely partner Fernando before they became a family of three. With both Jenny and Fernando's family overseas, they had agreed to throw an intimate Kiwi wedding with their closest friends in Auckland. Thankfully, despite the threat of another lockdown, their planned date was able to go ahead and a few days before their big day Jenny and Fernando popped to my house so we could go through their final details, and Jenny could choose one of my maternity dresses to wear for their celebrations. 

Before we knew it, the day had arrived and I met Jenny and Fernando at their celebrant's beautiful home in Northcote. Surrounded by their closest friends, Jenny and Fernando said their vows in the garden to the sound of beautiful Brazilian music. With words spoken from the heart, so many hugs, tears, and a lot of laughter, we celebrated the beginning of Mr & Mrs Honorato.

And would you believe, their daughter decided she didn’t want to miss out on the celebrations, and she was born the very next day! Imagine my surprise when I sent through some sneak peeks only to receive some sneak peeks of baby Carla in return! Magic!

Here are some highlights from Jenny and Fernando's intimate Kiwi wedding. Congratulations again guys - and thanks so much for allowing me to capture such a special time in your life!

Mr and Mrs Wilson

Lisa and I met through a group set up for Mums in Auckland from the UK. We instantly clicked and when she asked if I would be interested in photographing her wedding I of course said YES! Initially Lisa and Lee, her fiancé planned to say their vows at an Air BnB however, three weeks before the wedding their plans changed and they settled on a new venue - Flaxmere House near Bethells Beach.

In the lead up to the wedding

I have lost count of the amount of voice notes and emails we exchanged before the big day! It was SO much fun helping Lisa with tips and tricks and recommending other vendors that might be helpful for her vision. Lee of course was involved in some of the planning but he knew Lisa was a woman on a mission to make their day just perfect! The fact Lisa was planning everything so well, while also being Mum to their twin daughters was something I really admired!

Everything from the colour scheme, to the smaller details was meticulously planned by Lisa, and it paid off!

Lisa and Lee’s families travelled from Manchester and Scotland to be at the wedding, with a few very close friends here in New Zealand joining in the celebrations. It was such a beautiful ceremony, with lots of heartfelt and humorous speeches at the reception. Congratulations again Mr & Mrs Wilson - thanks for having me along to capture the start of your future together!

Cost saving ideas to help the budget conscious couples

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but expensive endeavor. There’s a lot of pressure to do things how everyone else does, or to follow traditions of yesteryear. So here are some tips for cost-saving when planning your special day:

1. Set a budget: Before you start planning, determine a realistic budget for your wedding. This will help you make informed decisions and prioritise your spending.

2. Write down your must-haves: Make a list of the most important elements of your wedding and allocate your budget accordingly. Focus on the aspects that matter most to you, such as the venue, food, or photography, and consider cutting back on less essential elements like wedding favours.

3. Choose an off-peak season or day: Wedding venues and some vendors often have higher rates during peak seasons and weekends. Opting for an off-peak season or having your wedding on a weekday can significantly reduce costs.

4. Trim the guest list: Consider having a more intimate wedding by inviting close family and friends. Cutting down the guest list can help reduce expenses on catering, venue size, and even invitations.

5. DIY or enlist help: Explore do-it-yourself options for wedding decorations or invitations. You can also ask talented friends and family members to contribute their skills, such as baking the wedding cake or providing musical entertainment.

6. Consider alternative venues: Traditional wedding venues can be costly. Look for alternative locations such as parks, gardens, or even private homes that can be transformed into charming wedding venues at a lower cost.

7. Simplify the menu: Opt for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner. It can be more cost-effective and still offer a delightful dining experience for your guests. A grazing table is also a fantastic option for smaller weddings with a less formal reception.

8. Borrow or rent decor: Rather than buying new decor items, consider borrowing or renting items from friends, family, or local rental companies. This can save you money and reduce waste.

9. Skip the extras: Evaluate extras like elaborate centerpieces, or wedding programs. Focus on the essential elements that will make your day memorable, and skip the unnecessary expenses.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is celebrating your love and commitment. By prioritizing your budget and making thoughtful choices, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.