Brooke Baker | Documentary Wedding Photographer

Steph & Kyle | Warm winter promises, partying & people at The Boatshed, Karapiro

Guest User — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 00:47:00 +0000

Steph & Kyle are two bright humans; eyes sparkly & quick to smile, with laughter never far away. Seeing them together it’s plain to see each is the other’s biggest cheerleader, their greatest fan. The warmth fostered between these two makes being around them such a lovely place to be.

“Hē aha te mea nui o te ao?
Hē tangata! Hē tangata! Hē tangata!”

Of course, here in Aotearoa, the reality of a winter wedding holds a likelihood of inclement weather but it offered Steph & Kyle the promise of celebrating with all their most favourite people.

“What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people!”

— Maori proverb

When the day arrived, Steph & Kyle celebrated surrounded by their most dear humans. The morning fog lifted to gift them a beautiful blue sky & that warmth & love I saw in Steph & Kyle was mirrored & echoed through their supporters, family & friends; present in the moment & brimming with gratitude, smiles & affection... What a way to celebrate promises & welcome a new marriage!

Please do leave a note below.
Whether you were a guest on the day, a family member or part of the bridal party... or you're a stranger who’s gained some inspiration or just really enjoyed sharing a glimpse of this wonderful real wedding... I'd love to hear from you!

Karen & Rich | Woven together with love at St Peter's Cathedral & Vilagrad Winery

Guest User — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 02:00:00 +0000

As a wedding photographer, I meet so many good people & hear many wonderful stories. Perhaps it's one of the perks of the job, maybe I'm just a sucker for a love story... but Karen & Rich's wedding held a deep backstory which really struck me.

This is a couple woven with love. From the UK where they were born, their teenage friendship developed. When one relocated across the world to Aotearoa, the other followed. Whole families relocated. They've grown into adults together, supporting one another & encouraging the other on through study & into careers. Throughout their journey, their biggest fans; their families & friends, have been surrounding them with love & support.

And that openness, generosity & kindness I first witnessed in Karen & Rich was stitched through each human celebrating alongside them around them on their wedding day.

These lovely humans are both long-time Scouts & so there were plenty of references to tying knots & even reading from the Bible about how a cord of three strands isn't easily broken.Getting to know them, hearing their story & witnessing the overwhelming love of all those celebrating alongside with them, I thought these are two worlds woven together.

Karen & Rich, thank you so much for sharing part of your story & having me join you to capture your wedding day.

Karen & her crew got ready at Vilagrad Accommodation | Rich & his crew got ready at this AirBnB house | Transport: First Dance Bridal & VW Kombi by James Krippner with Bus Hire for guests Gobus | Florals were all DIY, flowers from Hamilton Flower Market | Cake: Jayne Brown (family friend from UK) | Ceremony: St Peter's Cathedral, Hamilton | Celebrant: The Rev'd Peter Rickman | Dress: Bridal gallery Hamilton | Makeup: Thalia Boutique & Amy-Jane Makeup (friend) | Suits: Dorest Suit Hire | Music: Mike Murray (friend) | Reception Venue & Caterers: Vilagrad Winery

Photographed with love by Brooke & Emma

Chamanthie & Dileepa | Kiwi Sri Lankan fusion #LoveInCeylon wedding

Guest User — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 02:30:00 +0000

When Chamanthie & Dileepa decided to get married in Sri Lanka, they made sure to throw one fabulous engagement party in New Zealand. As the opening scenes of their story were set in Hamilton & both hold that a good cup of tea can make your whole day, Zealong Tea Estate served as the perfect location for their engagement party. Like so many kiwi couples planning their wedding, Pinterest was working from day one. In contrast, though, this wedding was to be a culturally blended affair held 11,000km from home (follow the journey to the wedding in Chamanthie's articles on NZ Weddings) The wedding day events were held at the Mountbatten Bungalow on the hills behind the city of Kandy (they did a terrific job hosting their very first wedding!) During the day the tropical park-like grounds were bursting with arches & colourful flowers, personalised signage & creative touches which all transitioned perfectly into the evening as candles & lanterns, fairylights & festoons came alive, sparkling from the trees & canopy.

There was a real warmth to the day, beyond temperatures in the mid-thirties! As well as the physical presence of friends & family who had journeyed from across the globe, there was love & wishes pouring in from many other connecting via Social Media... so much support that they tickled the top of the NZ Twittersphere with the official the official wedding hashtag #LoveInCeylon trended at #2 on the wedding day!

It's been said, but I'm happy to reiterate, Chamanthie & Dileepa are two stellar humans. Their friendship adds to many lives, mine included & I'm so glad for it. It was an honour to witness their vows, join the celebrations & be part of this very special day in the life they share.

May the images below serve as a portal, transporting you to that very special day in April 2018 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

With much love, xBB

Photographed with love by Brooke & Jay

Danielle & Robert | Rural Garden Wedding

Guest User — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 02:00:00 +0000

Danielle & Robert got married on the lawn at Rosenvale, a beautiful rural venue between Te Awamutu & Cambridge. The day brought idyllic weather; blue-skies warm & sunny, without the heat of full summer. Vows were made in a simple ceremony lead with love by ever-cheerful & welcoming local Celebrant, K M Adams. One special element Danielle & Robert wove into their ceremony was invited their Mothers to act as witnesses, signing the register with them.

While we slipped out for photos, the guests were treated to music sung live (by talented up-&-coming Hamilton performer Christa Pearson) as they relaxed in the garden setting.

Danielle created & curated a very tempting Candy Bar which, along with the Photo Booth & tasty cake (whipped up by Dani's talented sister-in-law) seemed to be a highlight of the reception for many of guests.

Photographed with love by Brooke & Daniel

Surrey & Darryl | Authentic rustic wedding at Te Miro Woolshed

Guest User — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 02:18:00 +0000

When you love each other no amount of drizzle can dampen your excitement, and that's how it was for Surrey & Darryl. Surrey's team started their day preparing at Belle's & Brides Hamilton Salon before heading out to meet Team Darryl at the Te Miro Woolshed for their photo session ahead fo the ceremony. The light rain passed in time for the ceremony & everyone strolled from the stables up to the Woolshed for a tasty & informal canape reception from the out-catering chefs from The Verandah & Gracie the Vintage Drinks Caravan.

Photographed with love by Brooke & Daniel

Emma & Geoff | Non-traditional stable wedding

Guest User — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 21:30:00 +0000

When Emma & Geoff decided to get married they were keen to keep things real & relaxed, & side-step the tradition & formality people generally think of when they hear the word "wedding". With two young kids (& another on the way) their simple mid-morning wedding on the lawn was practical & perfect, with plenty of chance to be themselves, celebrate & connect! Hosted by long-time family friends at Lexington Park Cottage, just outside of Cambridge, the lunch-time reception flowed naturally from the lawn into converted stables / art gallery nestled beside.

After speeches, lunch & cake it was time to get the kids home to bed, slip into something more casual & move the celebrating to the backyard. What a great way to craft a non-traditional wedding celebration, brimming with uniqueness & love!

Photographed with love by Brooke

Marie & Aaron | Joy-filled forest wedding

Guest User — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 05:50:00 +0000

There's that dreamy, relaxed & wonderful period between Boxing Day & New Years, when it's easy to forget the day of the week & hang out with your favorite people. It was during this period when Marie & Aaron planned their forest wedding. Their darling baby daughter led the procession up the aisle, momentarily stealing the show in the sweetest cart, lovingly hand-made especially for her.

Marie & Aaron met for their photo session prior to their wedding ceremony allowing them to spend the afternoon enjoying the great company, fabulous live music & lawn games... Then on to the reception; speeches, cake & more celebrating!

Photographed with love by Brooke with Daniel Brunskill

Kerryn & Kevin | Rural Tree Church Elopement

Guest User — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 06:39:00 +0000

When Kerryn & Kevin booked a long weekend in Waikato it wasn't just a weekend away, but a quiet elopement at a special spot; the Ohaupo Tree Church. With only a handful of guests in on their secret, Kerryn & Kevin met & make vows. After celebrating with cake & bubbles, it was time for a relaxed stroll through the gardens to enjoy the stunning blooms & lingering snuggles in the shade.

Photographed with love by Brooke

Lucy & Travis | Relaxed Tree Chapel Wedding

Guest User — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 23:12:00 +0000

Lucy & Travis had a stunner of a day for their relaxed & wonderfulwedding day. They met up ahead of the ceremony in the tranquil Tree Chapel where they would later make vows in front of friends & family. Woodside Estate created a stunning backdrop for their wedding day full of all the best stuff; love & laughter, favorite folks & fab food.

Photographed with love by Brooke with Emma Keirle

Lisa & Todd | Spring morning backyard Wedding in Pokeno

Guest User — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 22:00:00 +0000

In a beautiful backyard in Pokeno, surrounded by beaming friends & family, Lisa & Todd made vows with toes wet with morning dew. Under the the fresh, September sun the crowd enjoyed their morning coffee & sat down to brunch together to celebrate their marriage.

Photographed with love by Brooke

Niketa & Glenn | Woodside Estate Wedding bursting with family love

Guest User — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 03:00:00 +0000

Bursting with spring blossoms & family love, Niketa & Glenn made their vows & celebrated with a relaxed wedding at Woodside Estate in Matangi, just outside Hamilton.

Photographed with love by Brooke with Nita Meyer

Melissa & Nathan | Central City Wedding, Auckland

Guest User — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 02:51:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke

Please do leave a note below.
Whether you were a guest on the day, a family member or part of the bridal party... or you're a stranger who's gained some inspiration or just really enjoyed sharing a glimpse of this wonderful real wedding... I'd love to hear from you!

Becs & Alex | Cable Bay, Waiheke Island

Guest User — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 01:32:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker with Emma Keirle

Please do leave a note below.
Whether you were a guest on the day, a family member or part of the bridal party... or you're a stranger whose gained some inspiration or just really enjoyed sharing a glimpse of this wonderful real wedding... I'd love to hear from you!

PJ & Richard | Farm Wedding, Whakatane

Guest User — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 02:02:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker with Melody Adams

Angela & Hugh | Relaxed Morning Wedding at The Boatshed, Karapiro

Guest User — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 02:53:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker

Priyanka & Matt | The Narrows Landing, Tamahere

Guest User — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 02:12:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker

Alison & Ethan | DIY Wedding in Karapiro

Guest User — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 02:34:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker

Casey & Troy | Quirky Backyard Wedding with a Theatre reception

Guest User — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 03:00:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker with Ruth Gilmour

Tracy & Cam | Beautiful Backyard Wedding Event in Tamahere

Guest User — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 02:05:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker

Jo & Murray | Bella Vista Wedding brimming with joy

Guest User — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 02:20:00 +0000

Photographed with love by Brooke Baker with Ruth Gilmour