Patina Photo + Video

There's always that one friend who starts happy crying and sets everyone else off.⠀Scroll to see this very emotional and cute first look with Madie and her bridesmaids ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tag a friend who would 100% be this person at your wedding.

Vendors
Couple: Madie + Nic
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We’ve got a whole new respect for couples planning their day and printing all that signage—hats off to you, it was a lot!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We've been following Wild Hearts' online publication and seeing their stylish wedding shows across the country for years, so being part of their first Wellington event at Whisky and Wood was really great!

Wedding shows are a bit new for us, but connecting with so many lovely couples and talented vendors made it all worthwhile. We got to see firsthand what’s trending, what couples are excited about, and we’re here to bring that energy to your big day. Hemi snapped some photos while I chatted with all the amazing people who stopped by our stall.

It’s been a busy few weeks, but we’re finally getting around to sharing some highlights.

If you’re planning your big day and couldn’t make it to the show, want to see what it was like?
Scroll through to see some snaps, and don’t miss the end for a peek at how we set up our booth.

📸:.spells of us by the talented Carrie, an upcoming bride and photographer herself.

Happy 2nd anniversary to these two today!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This glorious day still lives rent-free in our heads!
and , can we do it all again?

Time for another shoot, but seriously what a day! Congratulations on 2 years, and stay wonderful!

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makeup artist: .miri
cake maker:
indoor fireworks:
hire company:

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EEE! Stephanie + Tobias’ romantic-but-fun wedding is now featured on !🥂
We’re so excited (and grateful!) to be part of such a fun day and to see it featured on Wild Hearts.

These two met as kids, reconnected as teens, and finally said ‘I do’ under the lush trees and rolling hills of Sudbury. Yvette Edwards created a stunning floral setup, and their day was visually dreamy, but also filled with personal touches that made it really them, like—a custom gin bar, secret Pokémon ring engravings, and a surprise performance to end the night!

Go check out the feature to see of more + Stephanie and Tobias’ thoughts and planning advice.

Photographer:
Florals: .stylist
Venue: Sudbury
Celebrant: Andy Hickman
Rings:
Transport: Mana Coach
Catering:
Bridal gown:
Suit:
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Happy Father’s Day! 🎉 Whether it’s the proud smile of a groom turned dad, the joy of a father walking his daughter down the aisle, or the quiet strength of a stepdad—capturing these different versions of love never gets old.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What’s one trait (or quirk!) you inherited from your dad? We bet there are some good ones! 😂 Share your stories with us in the comments.



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Vendors, this one’s for you! If you’re in the Wellington wedding scene, there’s a party next week you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re new or a seasoned pro, come meet your next fave collaborator. Got your ticket yet? 🎟
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Check out for tickets.
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(P.S. Couples planning your weddings—when your vendors know each other, your big day gets even better! 😉)

Also cute graphics by .nz

I never get tired of capturing our beautiful brides! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​When time allows, I love taking a few frames of you looking and feeling absolutely amazing—just like Issey here 😍 Not only Isabel look stunning, but that veil she's wearing belonged to her mother, who wore it on her own wedding day. It adds layers of meaning to this sleek and modern look, making it even more special.

Dream team:
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Florist:

It’s International Dog Day today!! 🐕​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What better reason to flood your feed with the cutest, fluffiest, most lovable furry friends we've had the pleasure of photographing. 🐶

We’re often asked if we work with dogs at weddings/shoots, and our answer is always a resounding YES! 🎉 Your furry family are always welcome to join the party, and we love capturing those tail-wagging moments.

Swipe to see some of the best (seriously, narrowing it down to just 10 was 'ruff'). and try not to squeal too loudly. 😉 🥰


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Lawrence looking sharp as ever, leaning on the car he and his dad lovingly restored for months before the big day. With storm clouds gathering behind him, he’s unfazed, calmly playing with his new wedding ring—a moment that speaks to the care and confidence that got him here. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Every photo, if you look closely, tells you something unique about the person in it, and we love getting to tell these stories.

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We’re all about prioritizing people over things—your connections, your stories, your moments. But every now and then, our eye catches something special, like the way this beautiful winter light streamed across the table at for Chris and Lilli’s wedding. When we see a moment like this, we can’t resist snapping it.
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Lilli and Chris’ low-waste vision was just as inspiring as the light—Lilli spent months carefully drying flowers to create these stunning table decorations. Such a thoughtful idea for anyone looking to add a personal, eco-friendly touch to their day. Do you have any unique details planned for your wedding?🌸

The best memories are the best photos!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We’re big believers in quietly capturing the candid magic that happens when you're simply enjoying the day, Rather than dragging you away for a big long photoshoot.

Your wedding day should be about you, your partner, and the loved ones you've gathered to celebrate with, right? we’re all about helping you be at the part of the greatest party you've ever thrown. (You know, the ones that make you say, "Remember when...")

Like this moment when Mehul was lifted into the air by his groomsmen on the dancefloor— just pure joy.

Double tap if you agree and let us know in the comments 👇 What are your own favourite wedding memories or a wedding you’ve been to?

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Just married strolls around Wellington City with Louise and Colin ✨ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ⁠
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Hi👋🏻 we’re Michelle and Hemi—the faces behind Patina Photo.

We started this business soon after we got married, wanting to make capturing your memories fun and stress-free (+ aesthetically pleasing). Over the past 12 years, we’ve had the incredible privilege of being welcomed into countless homes, friend groups, love stories, and wedding days across New Zealand and beyond.

We do wedding photography, couple shoots, in-home family sessions, and create beautiful prints and fine-art albums. We’ve shot overseas and all over nz, but our favourite place will always be our hometown, Wellington.

But today, I want to share something a little more personal. This photo we’re posting—one that’s meant to introduce you to us—was taken on a day where we both stepped way out of our comfort zones. (It was taken late at night, at the end of an event Hemi and I hosted, with a talk and live shoot for monkey and , in the studio setup we’d been shooting in).
I’ll be honest, there are things about myself in this photo that I don’t love. It’s easy to focus on the flaws, especially in a world where we’re constantly pressured to appear perfect on social media.

But if I step back and look at this photo through a different lens, I see the tired, happy faces of two people who poured their hearts into their work, supported by an incredible community of creatives (and snapped by the wonderful Jessie from Fujifilm!). This image represents so much more than just a photo; it’s a photo of me with my teammate, partner, and husband, Hemi, and the crazy challenges we take on together.

We’re so grateful to do what we love, to work with such amazing couples and vendors, and to be part of a community that values creativity and connection over perfection.

Who knew a chance meeting over fish tacos could lead to this?

We met Dakota, over fish tacos in San Francisco years ago. Seated at the same table in a seafood restaurant, we chatted about New Zealand and photography. So, when she and her partner Micah moved to Wellington and reached out to say hi and asked us to capture their engagement, we couldn’t have been more excited! (And just look at how adorable they are!)

We’re so grateful for the amazing people we meet through this job, all around the world.

If you’ve just got engaged and want to explore Wellington with us—get in touch!
(Also, be sure to give Dakota a follow if you’re into great music!)

We just can’t get enough of these two!

Swipe to see Tanesha and Vinay looking stunning during their day-after session ✨

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Tanesha's outfit:

Last week was a whirlwind of creativity at our mini wedding workshop + live studio shoot with for ! 🎉

Hemi spoke on building a unique brand, while I got to do a live styled bridal shoot with the stunning – past bride, friend, and absolute goddess.

Thank you to everyone who attended! We had fun sharing our knowledge, meeting talented creatives, and seeing the incredible photos you all captured. 📸

Big shoutout to the dream team:

- .stace Modeling + her own hair and makeup
- .wellington: Dresses, earrings, pearl headband, viel
- for her incredible retro florals and plinths
- : Sophia’s Gorgeous crowns(that she wore for her own wedding)
- : For making this event happen and bringing the gear!
- : Hosting, studio lighting, backdrop + cute bts photos and videos of Hemi and I at work.

If you missed it, do you think we should do another one, what would you love to see at our next workshop? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy birthday to Hemi today!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We’ve often joked Hemi’s love language is cake, so here’s a round of some great cakes we’ve had the pleasure of photographing (and tasting 😉😝)

Cakes by:




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The best inspo for your wedding is you!

So, when Eryn and Simon (self-declared theatre nerds) told us they hit it off over Marvel midnight releases and Harry Potter quiz nights, so this would be the inspo for their wedding, we knew their wedding would be amazing! Their day was so them! So theatrical and fun with their personalities on show in the best way!

Just some of our faves were;

- Eryn in her crafty era: DIY’ing their signage, stationery, and the cutest dresses and flower crowns for the flower girls. 🌸 And hand writting letters to each guest as favours 🥺
- The sweetest ceremony in the rain - peep all the umbrellas.
- The most incredible first dance we've ever seen! 💃🕺
- A super fun quiz!!
- An exceptional set of vendors that brought everything together perfectly!

Swipe to see the highlights of this amazing day! 👉

Couple: Eryn + Simon
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Make Up Artist: .makeupartist
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Live Music:
MC:
Engagement Ring:
Wedding Rings:
Wedding Party Outfit:

🌈 All love stories deserve to be celebrated and remembered. 🌈​​​​​​​​​Today, on International Pride Day, we're excited to share a beautiful moment from Jess and Beth’s wedding.​​​​​​​​​
Capturing their joy and love was such a treat!

Big thanks to all our couples for letting us be part of your unique love stories.
We feel so lucky to celebrate love in all its wonderful forms. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

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How do you have a balanced life? 🌃✨ As Matariki rises, it's a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions.

Recently, I’ve been learning about Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori model of holistic health; physical, mental, spiritual and relationships. I wanted to share a little BTS look at how I’m planning to incorporate each dimension over the next few months:

🏃 Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing):
I plan to incorporate regular walks and gym sessions into my routine. I want to make a conscious effort to step away from the computer, check in with myself, and ensure I stay active and healthy. I’ve also found a stylish drink bottle is great reminder stay hydrated throughout the day!

❤️ Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and Mental Wellbeing):
Setting boundaries will be key. I’ll take breaks, indulge in quiet time, and recognize burnout early to maintain my mental health. Whether it's watching YouTube, reading, or simply relaxing on the couch, as an introvert I find these moments vital for recharging.

🏔️ Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing):
I’ve really found peace in connecting with nature during my daily commute along the waterfront. It helps to ground me and bring a sense of calm as I prepare for the days.

👫🌮 Taha Whānau (Family Wellbeing):
Family time needs to be a non-negotiable. Monthly date nights with Michelle, our walks to/from work, and lunchtime catch-ups will all be part of staying connected. Socializing with friends and neighbors through board games and hangouts will also strengthen our support network.

the idea is that each dimension of Te Whare Tapa Whā supports the others, creating a balanced and healthy life —I know it won’t be easy to do these things; but I know by setting a plan with some intention, I’m more likely do *something*.

This Matariki, I encourage you too to reflect on your own wellbeing and set your intentions for the year ahead —I know it won’t be easy to do these things; but I know by setting a plan with some intention, I’m more likely do *something*. Kia Kaha 🌌✨

x Hemi

We have theeeee best couples! 😍✨

I just absolutely love the way Tiana and Steve did their wedding.
Here are a few of my favorite things:

- They started the day together with a low-key first look/first drink and read the sweetest private vows at a very cute Airbnb. 🥂
- They chose an incredible team of vendors, including the stunning 3 little words. (Leigh and her team are simply amazing! 🍷)
- Late summer in Martinborough gave them golden grasses and rolling hills, with the girls looking gorgeous in autumnal colors
- 3 little words not only has good wine but also a stunning vineyard and vines wrapped around the dining hall, making everything feel magical? 🌿✨

Scroll to see what I mean!!!

Couple: Tiana + Steve
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Make-up Artist & Hair Stylist:
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Live Music:
Brides Wedding Ring:
Accessories:

Which one do you like more? Colour or black and white?

Tell us in the comments 👇

While we love weddings, we’re also here for all your family moments too!

Our in-home family photoshoots are relaxed and natural—whether at home, a nearby park, or the beach.

We’re absolutely fizzing about some upcoming family shoots and thought it was worth re-mentioning that we do these shoots.

Check the link in our profile for more info!

Tanesha and Vinay’s multi-day Indian wedding in windy Wellington was a whirlwind of style, culture, and connection. ✨

Swipe to see 👉

- Tanesha's chic Jimmy Choo's and multiple stunning outfits!
- A tight-knit community dancing from day to night!
- A colorful traditional Hindu ceremony + reception with delicious food cooked on-site in a traditional tandoori charcoal oven
- Live performance by Māori artist Rei.

Tanesha and Vinay blended chic elegance with rich cultural traditions in the best way!

Couple: Tanesha + Vinay
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Videographer:
Hair Stylist:
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Vinay's Reception Outfit:
Tanesha's Reception Dress:

Did you know we do engagement shoots —and want to know why winter is the ideal time for them? Well, grab a chair near the heat pump and read on!

Winter is ideaaaaal because:

❄️ The sun is at a lower angle, creating beautiful, long shadows all day. 👌
❄️ It's often more still, less windy, or moody in a good way.
❄️ There are fewer people around at the spots we’d want to shoot.
❄️ It's a great time to do a hair and makeup trial, then come looking cute to your shoot!
❄️ You can use these gorgeous photos for your upcoming wedding website and save-the-dates!

Check out this cute city engagement with Hilary and Tyler for inspo on how to be iconic.

(If you’ve read this far and thought, “Yes! Patina knows what’s what, I need an engagement shoot,” just get in touch!)

Hemi and I had a great chat on the Podcast! Tune in to hear us discuss our experiences as wedding photographers, Fujifilm ambassadors, and much more. Curious? Check the link in our bio to listen to the full episode! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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That's a wrap for this wedding season! 🎉 We just shot our last wedding, and wow, what a ride it's been.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We're deep into editing all the amazing weddings and can't wait to share them with you soon.

Huge thanks to all our awesome couples for letting us be part of your big day. We love what we do, and we're so grateful. 💕

Stay tuned for more stunning weddings!

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We’re putting a temporary pause on album orders while we switch to a new supplier. Our previous supplier went into liquidation, but don’t worry – we’re on it! We look forward to offering you great quality with exciting new options coming soon 🥳.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thanks so much for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or need help, please send us a message.