Aug 11, 2020

Martinborough forest and farm engagement portraits from Gemma and Sam

couple walking across a river valley in bare feet, Martinborough

You may recognise Gemma and Sam from their wedding photos. You may also find the location familiar: Gemma's grandparents' farm near Martinborough, Wairarapa.

I met this couple who live on the south island, around the kitchen table of the farmhouse. We shared biscuits and cups of tea with granny and grandpa and talked about previous family weddings held at the farm. There was a photo of a bride, groom with their bridesmaids and groomsmen being chased by a dinosaur, which suited the couple perfectly! We had a chuckle! As a documentary-style wedding photographer I decided to leave the photoshopping to others.

Gemma and Sam had booked one of my wedding photography packages including an engagement session. All Lucalia Photography wedding collections pair an engagement portrait session with wedding photos. Some also have albums, framed prints and parent albums (small books). So we combined their engagement portraits with a site recce!

One of the ways I help couples feel relaxed on your wedding day (and avoid awkwardness!) is by really getting to know you before hand. I do this during the engagement session. Gemma said she didn't like having photos taken and they weren't a lovey-dovey type-couple: "it was still awkward but Sarah definitely made it easier than we thought it would be." I love learning about you, your love story and what you do in your daily lives.

All my wedding photography couples have an engagement shoot. This session allows you to see how I work and relax having your photos taken. Plus you'll have some gorgeous nature-based portraits to document this unique time in your lives: your engagement. So when I turn up on the morning of your wedding, it feels like a new best friend just arrived.

Gemma and Sam enjoyed showing me some of their favourite spots on the farm. We wandered around the old woolshed in a paddock. Then we drove down the four wheel drive track to a clearing by the river. This is where their wedding reception was held (think the longest grazing table I've ever seen laid our under the trees; drinks on ice in an old bath tub; and picnic blankets on the grass). Gemma pointed out where guests would pitch their tents before leading the way through the river to a picturesque pool.

They originally planned on getting married on top of the hill above the pool with glorious views down the valley. But it was decided to hold the ceremony at the house which was a bit more accessible for elderly guests.

We waded through a river with bare feet and rolled up jeans.There is something so unique about that feeling of putting socks and shoes back on still damp feet! The dog came too and there was even a tree swing!

I'm Sarah from Lucalia Photography. I provide outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses, getting married in the Wairarapa and Tararua regions, with documentary-style photography by a new best friend, so you will feel relaxed, and your photos will be an authentic memory of your day. If this resonates with you, please feel free to check out my wedding photography.