New Zealand Pre-Wedding Photoshoot



Overseas Pre-Wedding Photography in New Zealand: Cass and Ben’s Winter Adventure

Cass and Ben’s love story began when Cass stumbled upon our overseas pre-wedding photography post on Instagram and reached out to us. Soon after, we jumped on a call to discuss their dream of an overseas pre-wedding shoot. They had no specific destination in mind, but they knew they wanted a unique experience. During our hour-long chat, they asked about our favorite photography destinations and where we’d love to explore next.


It’s not every day we get couples eager to embark on a new destination pre-wedding photoshoot, so we were excited! While many couples prefer a photographer familiar with the location for peace of mind, we assured them that shooting somewhere new would bring a fresh and exciting perspective. When we travel to a country we haven’t shot in before, everything is new and inspiring, and that means more spontaneous and captivating photos for our couples.


Despite Ben occasionally drifting off during our conversation—turns out he has narcolepsy!—we hit it off and soon found ourselves planning their winter pre-wedding photoshoot in New Zealand.


Cass and Ben decided on New Zealand for their pre-wedding photoshoot because it was a place they had yet to explore. What better way to experience the stunning landscapes than with a photographer who knows the country inside out, acting as a local guide? It was the perfect opportunity for them to combine their first visit with a memorable photoshoot adventure.


Destination Photoshoot in New Zealand’s South Island

This winter adventure in New Zealand was unforgettable. Cass, with her infectious energy and love for new experiences, made it all the more special. It was the couple’s first time in New Zealand, and we were thrilled to show them around the South Island’s stunning landscapes while sharing fun facts about each location.


Having visited New Zealand 14 times and even lived on the South Island for a year, Marklin’s knowledge and love for the country are unmatched. He’s captured destination pre-wedding photography and family portraits across New Zealand and is well-acquainted with the best spots for breathtaking photos. For this trip, we made do with one spacious car, even though two would have been more comfortable for the long drives and our gear.


Capturing Moments Despite Challenges

We were blessed with great weather almost throughout the trip, though Cass, who feared the cold, had some concerns. Her texts before the trip, joking about enduring a 16˚C air-conditioned room, hinted at what was to come. Despite the cold, she embraced the experience fully, and we made sure to keep the atmosphere warm and light-hearted. Unexpectedly, Ben came down with a cold, but he powered through, and we managed to capture beautiful, natural shots of them. It’s all in the interaction; our approach ensures couples feel at ease and enjoy the moment, resulting in genuine smiles and playful moments.


More Than Just a Photoshoot – Building Lifelong Friendships 

We don’t see the couples we work with as “clients.” To us, they are friends. We often find that couples who embark on overseas pre-wedding shoots with us end up becoming close friends. The bonding we experience during the journey, sharing laughs and memorable experiences, forges strong connections. Cass, Ben, and we clicked effortlessly, and our friendship extended beyond the photoshoot. We went on to document their wedding day, and now, Cass is even joining Marklin’s entourage for his own wedding!

Cass and Ben are just one of the many pre-wedding friendship stories we’ve crowned. For us, photography is about more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about building relationships that last long after the photos are taken.


Why New Zealand is Almost The Perfect Destination for a Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

  1. Breathtaking Landscapes: The South Island of New Zealand offers stunning natural backdrops, from the majestic Southern Alps to serene lakes like Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, making it perfect for romantic pre-wedding photoshoots.
  2. Night Skies: Rated as one of the best places in the world for stargazing, New Zealand is also home to the Southern Lights, also widely known as the aurora. The milky way and starry skies are no stranger to this part of the world.
  3. Diverse Scenery: Couples can capture their love story amidst snow-capped mountains, golden beaches, lush vineyards, and ancient forests – all in one place. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mount Cook National Park are iconic spots that provide endless possibilities.
  4. Romantic Vibe: South Island's picturesque locations, such as Fiordland's dramatic fjords and charming towns like Arrowtown, exude a romantic and timeless atmosphere, ideal for pre-wedding photography.
  5. Golden Hour Magic: The soft light during sunrise and sunset over South Island's scenic landscapes creates a magical ambiance, enhancing the beauty of your pre-wedding photos. Photographers love capturing couples during these golden hours.
  6. Unique Locations: Iconic places like the lupin fields of Lake Tekapo and the reflective waters of Milford Sound are globally recognized for their beauty, offering couples something unique and memorable for their pre-wedding shoot.
  7. Adventure & Elegance: South Island combines adventure with elegance – whether you want a relaxed vineyard backdrop in Marlborough or a thrilling mountain-top photo session via helicopter in Queenstown. Horse riding and snow-capped mountain heli landings are part of it too.
  8. Perfect for All Seasons: Whether you’re after a winter wonderland or a summer outdoor vibe, the South Island offers gorgeous landscapes all year round. Each season brings its own charm to pre-wedding photoshoots.
  9. Privacy & Exclusivity: With many remote and less-crowded locations, South Island offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity, ensuring that your pre-wedding photoshoot remains intimate and special.
  10. Escape the Ordinary: For Singaporean couples seeking a unique pre-wedding photoshoot, New Zealand's South Island offers a refreshing escape from the city life, with pristine landscapes and diverse scenery that simply can’t be found in Singapore.
  11. Direct Flights & Easy Travel: With direct flights from Singapore to Christchurch and Queenstown, getting to New Zealand’s South Island is convenient for couples. It's the perfect destination to combine a pre-wedding photoshoot with a romantic getaway.
  12. Seamless Experience with Singapore-Based Wedding Photographer: As a Singapore wedding photographer familiar with the South Island's iconic spots, we can guide couples through a smooth and stress-free pre-wedding photoshoot experience, tailored to Singaporeans' preferences.
  13. All-in-One Experience: Make the most of your pre-wedding photoshoot by turning it into a memorable holiday. The South Island's scenic beauty allows couples to enjoy both stunning photoshoots and romantic exploration of picturesque locations like Queenstown and Fiordland.
  14. Customized Packages: Whether you're looking for a one-day shoot or a multi-location adventure, we tailor our packages to suit your preferences and budget. We’ve partnered with renowned gown makers such as Silhouette The Atelier and The Gown Warehouse to ensure you have access to a stunning selection of gowns. Additionally, we offer professional makeup services with Autelier Makeup and Ling's Palette to perfect your look for every shot.
  15. Seasonal Diversity Unlike Singapore: From snowy peaks in winter to golden fields in summer, New Zealand's South Island offers breathtaking seasonal changes that you can’t experience in Singapore, providing distinctive settings for every couple's dream shoot.
  16. Singaporean-Friendly Itineraries: Customized itineraries cater to Singaporean couples, ensuring ample time for sightseeing and capturing iconic spots like Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Arrowtown, making every moment of your trip worthwhile.
  17. Value for Money Destination: Despite being a premium destination, New Zealand’s South Island offers affordable luxury compared to typical European or Japanese pre-wedding destinations, providing great value for Singaporean couples seeking a grand photoshoot.
  18. Singapore Photographers with Local Expertise: As a Singapore-based wedding photographer with a wealth of experience in New Zealand, I understand what Singaporean couples are looking for, ensuring a photoshoot that reflects your love story while capturing the magic of South Island.


And this is why we always look forward to returning to New Zealand. Tons of love to Cass and Ben for coming on board! Enjoy the gallery!