Savannah & Phillip's Auckland engagement shoot at Karekare

Auckland pre-wedding photo shoot at Karekare beach

Auckland engagement photographer

I was slightly blown away by how gorgeous an engagement session I had with these two back in February this year. I had just arrived in Auckland the day before after a long flight from the UK, and there is no other way of putting it - I was very jet lagged! I know that once I start working I always get into my zone and don’t notice tiredness, pain or whatever might be bothering me. But I have to admit I was a tad worried when I arrived at Karekare.

Nothing to worry about it turned out. It was one of those perfect balmy summer evenings with the light starting to soften, and Savannah and Phillip were just so lovely and easy going to hang out with for an hour and a bit. We went for a long walk through the trees, dunes and along the beach, and the evening was pure magic. It was one of those sessions where every shot just turns out right, which doesn’t always happen.

I loved Savannah’s burnt orange dress, such a perfect colour against the muted greens of the Pohutukawa leaves, pale dune grass and dark sand. Karekare is one of my favourite beaches to shoot at, because it has so much variety - the beautiful old trees along the path down to the beach, vast dunes with fluffy grass and then of course the never ending beach. It’s also always super quiet down there, so perfect for that real wild deserted beach vibe.

Hair and makeup by the lovely Gina Petri.