When Kiwi Meets Cambodia - Julynn & Bounhok's Hawke's Bay wedding

The Napier Soundshell at night is a dramatic place for wedding photography

Hawke’s Bay has so many options for beautiful wedding photography that sometimes the hardest thing is choosing where NOT to go. Julynn and Bounhok solved that problem by going pretty much everywhere! They kicked off their photography journey with a pre-wedding shoot at Te Mata Peak - not just one of the best places for wedding photography in Hawke’s Bay but probably all of New Zealand. Having these photos taken before the wedding meant they could share them with all the guests on the day and we were also able to pick the best time of day for a relaxed sunset shoot with no timeframe constraints.

When the wedding day itself came around, we met early to have photos before the ceremony - once again meaning we could take our time and make the most of the first of Julynn’s three (yes, THREE!) wedding gowns for the day (making a total of four!). I knew the photos would be shared with all the couple’s family back home in Cambodia so I wanted them to be a showcase for Hawke’s Bay, which despite the ravages of Cyclone Gabrielle, is looking so beautiful this autumn. We started in Ahuriri with some of the historic sawtooth dockside buildings then went on a tiki tour to my neighbourhood in Bay View, then back to Napier for a quick dress change prior to the ceremony.

More than 200 people from across NZ and the world were expected for the reception, so The War Memorial Conference Centre in central Napier was the perfect choice as there is so much space, and the views from its location right on the coastline show off Hawke’s Bay at its best.

While Kiwis might not go crazy for photo sessions spanning the whole day and night, Cambodians have no such concerns, so after some time with guests, Julynn and Bounhok enthusiastically joined me again as we went off in search of some after-dark drama on the streets of Napier. We sure did find it! I ADORE shooting after dark, especially in the historic Art Deco precinct of Napier, and the images outside Matisse Wine Bar came from an idea I’d been waiting yonks to capture. I never imagined a red wedding dress would take centre stage but wow, it worked!

I think between the pre-wedding shoot and the wedding day itself, I shot around 3,500 images. My body and brain ached by the time I got home, but the creative side of me that drives everything I do as a wedding photographer was still dancing for joy long after I’d put away my camera for the night.

The Dream Team

Locations:

Te Mata Peak // The War Memorial Conference Centre, Napier, Hawke’s Bay // Art Deco Precinct, Napier.

Bride’s wedding day dresses: Nearsa Fashion Design, Cambodia

Hair: Debbie Pearce Hair

Makeup:

Flowers: Bloom Boquets, Napier

Celebrant: Heather Fletcher