You’ve spent months picking the perfect venue and the right colors, but there is one guest at every wedding that can either be your best friend or your toughest critic: the sun. As a photographer, I’m often asked how to capture those warm, honey-soaked 'Golden Hour' portraits without feeling like you’ve vanished from your own reception for two hours. The good news? You don’t have to choose between breathtaking art and being the life of the party. With a little bit of strategic timing, we can catch the magic and get you back to the dance floor before the first chorus ends.
Picture this: at 6:30 PM, you make your grand entrance and head straight into your first dance while the energy is high and that 'just married' glow is in full effect. By 7:00 PM, dinner is served—and here is my biggest pro tip: make sure you two eat first! While your guests are happily finishing their main course around 7:45 PM, we’ll slip away for a quiet, 20-minute 'Golden Hour' session in that perfect, buttery light. This is often the only true one-on-one time you’ll get all day, and the photos are always the ones that end up on the mantle. We’ll have you back at the reception by 8:10 PM, just in time for toasts or cake cutting, so that by the time the sun fully sets at 8:30 PM, you’re already on the dance floor ready to party the night away.
Note to Couples: If your wedding is in the Autumn or Winter, "Golden Hour" happens much earlier (often during Cocktail Hour). In that case, we plan for a 15-minute break between your ceremony and the party!
In this scenario, we aim for the "Golden Hour" session to happen right as guests are finishing their main course. This is the "sweet spot" where you won't be missed.
about the Photographer
Hi, I’m Martin
I’m a Christchurch-based wedding photographer dedicated to capturing the raw, unscripted moments of your big day. My goal? To give you editorial-quality portraits and a stress-free experience that lets you actually enjoy your champagne. When I’m not behind the lens chasing the sunset, you can find me in the New Forset or Purbecks scouting new coffee shops or planning my next road trip
Ready to capture your own golden hour magic?
"Planning your wedding timeline can feel like a giant puzzle, but you don't have to piece it together alone. I work closely with all my couples to ensure we find those perfect pockets of light without missing a single beat of the celebration. If you’re looking for a photographer who values your party just as much as your portraits, I’d love to chat!"
