Mandy Caldwell Photography

21/01/2025

How amazing does Casey look in her off-the-shoulder gown from Wilkins Bridal?! This dress was absolutely made for her—so elegant, yet so effortlessly beautiful.

If you’re on the hunt for your perfect wedding dress, here are five tips from a photographer’s perspective:

1️⃣ Think About Movement – Dresses with flowing fabrics or long trains look stunning in photos, especially when captured in motion or against scenic backdrops.

2️⃣ Consider Details for Close-Ups – Intricate lace, beadwork, or unique necklines add beautiful texture and dimension to your portraits.

3️⃣ Match the Dress to the Setting – A lightweight dress works beautifully in outdoor locations, while structured gowns shine in formal venues.

4️⃣ Choose a Comfortable Fit – When you feel comfortable in your dress, it shows in every photo—relaxed smiles and effortless poses come naturally.

5️⃣ Prioritize Timelessness – Opt for a gown that reflects your style, not just trends, so you’ll still love the way it looks years from now.

A wedding dress isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it makes you feel. And when you feel incredible, the photos will follow! 💕

Vendor Team:
Celebrant:
Wedding content creation: ._w.kat
Venue:
Makeup:
Florist:
Dress:
Bridesmaids Dresses:
Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / .menswear
Rings:
Catering:
Hair: Denise from

20/01/2025

Happy anniversary, Laura and Aidan! Your wedding was absolutely beautiful, and it’s been such a joy to see your lovely girls grow over the years!

15/01/2025

More magic from Casey and Eric’s stunning wedding! ❤️ We had the absolute pleasure of capturing wedding portraits against this breathtaking backdrop - truly offers it all.

After their first dance, Casey swapped into a chic, relaxed dress, perfect for dancing the night away 💃

13/01/2025

Heading back to this breathtaking spot tomorrow—Tekapo will always have a special place in my heart. So excited to return!

Here’s a little throwback to Ginny and Zach’s wedding. We had the best time wandering by the lake and soaking in the beauty of the lupins 🌸✨

13/01/2025

Covid took a lot from us all, but there’s at least one love story that was made during lockdown. Casey and Eric met on Hinge just before the world was turned upside down 🌍As countries were being put into lockdown Eric was meant to be boarding a flight home to the UK. It was still early in their relationship but he realised he couldn’t leave Casey behind. Eric made the bold move to stay in NZ and weather the storm beside Casey — and the rest is written in the stars ✨

Casey and Eric’s wedding day was set in the tiny settlement of Little Akaloa, where rolling hills meet the sea. Casey got ready at Big Hill and Eric joined her for a first look and vow exchange, a private moment for the two of them. Later, their guests gathered at the Accrington Farmhouse for an intimate ceremony on the lawn. Once the formalities were complete we visited the beach, just a few minutes down the road. After photos we headed back to party the night away 🍾🥳

Thanks so much to the amazing vendors who come together to make this day so special. It was such a pleasure getting to work with you. I can’t wait to share more of Casey and Eric’s day, please follow along to see more 📸

Vendor Team:
Celebrant:
Wedding content creation: ._w.kat
Venue:
Makeup:
Florist:
Dress:
Bridesmaids Dresses:
Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / .menswear
Rings:
Catering:
Hair: Denise from

09/01/2025

Rain on your wedding day? Don’t stress — it can be a blessing in disguise! 💧✨

🌧️ Rain can add a dreamy, romantic vibe to your wedding photos—think reflections, umbrellas, and moody skies.

💡 Here’s how we turn rainy days into magic:
1️⃣ Elegant clear umbrellas for chic, cozy shots.
2️⃣ Covered outdoor spaces for soft, even light (big trees offer great protection)!
3️⃣ Dance in the rain for fun, candid moments!

Rain also gives us the chance to explore indoor gems—like rustic barns, glasshouses, or cozy venues with big windows.

Rainy weddings are proof that beauty can be found in the unexpected. Let’s embrace the weather and create unforgettable memories. 🌿💍

03/01/2025

Some of my favorite moments on a wedding day are the unscripted ones—those genuine, unique interactions that reflect the heart of your family. Watching Tom’s grandparents welcome Mariana with so much warmth and heartfelt stories was special. It was also wonderful to capture their love for each other through a few candid shots. Moments like these are just 👌

02/01/2025

Tom and Mariana on the hills above Taylor’s Mistake 💙 I came across these in my archives while searching for location examples for another bride-to-be, and I couldn’t resist sharing. The hills around Taylor’s Mistake are stunning for photos—especially if your reception is nearby.

Tom and Mariana tied the knot in the U.S. but came to New Zealand 🇳🇿 to celebrate with family and friends. Their reception was held at the Summer Surf Life Saving Club 🌊—a beautiful, relaxed spot down the hill.



’sMistake

01/01/2025

Happy new year!! A few highlights from 2024 😍 Thank you so much to my incredible clients, supportive friends and family for believing in me and fueling my passion this past year. I'm truly blessed to share this journey with you ❤️

22/11/2024

I am so excited to share a preview of Kate & Shane’s gorgeous wedding! Kate and Shane met at an Irish pub - not surprising given Shane’s roots 🇮🇪 With Kate’s love of travel they are a perfect match 🍀

It was important to Kate and Shane that their day was centered on their love for each other and their family and friends. Kate’s parent’s home in Lincoln made for an intimate setting to exchange vows with their nearest and dearest. From quiet moments in the morning to soaking up some stunning views in the afternoon, their day was low key, relaxed and fun 👌 It was such an honour to be part of this special day 💍 Congratulations Kate and Shane, I hope you are having an amazing time on honeymoon!

15/11/2024

Emma & Will on Sunday night ✨ Sometimes the weather can be a bit of a surprise! Emma & Will’s Port Hills session started with calm skies, but then the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up! Just when we thought we’d need to call it a night we found a sheltered spot and the sun lit up the clouds and made everything dreamy. Emma and Will it was a pleasure working with you - your laughs, love, and connection made the session unforgettable. Counting down to the big day! 💍☀️

08/11/2024

From a cozy morning at the Commodore Hotel to a sun-filled celebration at Omarino Estate, Jessica and David’s day was beyond beautiful! The bride wowed us all with not one but two gorgeous outfits, each showing a different side of her style. Their day was full of smiles, sunshine, and love as friends and family gathered under a perfect blue sky. Swipe through to see some of the magic from their day 💍✨

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04/11/2024

Having the toughest time choosing the perfect image to print large for this amazing couple’s home! 📸 We have three options: a full-length by the stream, a romantic shot under the veil, or a close-up with Ilam Stream as a backdrop. Which one would you pick? 👇 Let me know your thoughts!

📍All photographed on the grounds of the gorgeous

27/09/2024

How beautiful is the South Island of New Zealand?! I am so thankful we live in such a stunning scenic country.

Day two of my road trip with Matt and Imo did not go as planned. We convinced Imo to get up early for a sunrise that never came, lucky she has the patience of a saint and promised not to hold it against us. The upside was that the Marlborough Sounds has a quiet beauty on a misty morning and Toasty Lords really delivered the goods for breakfast👌

After taking in the views we headed past the Te Hoiere / Pelorus River to a spot where they had their first tramp as a couple. After a cool dip in the Tinline River we headed to Nelson for the night. We developed a flat tyre on the way which bought a premature end to our trip. Swipe right to see my little camera assistant who enjoyed every minute of our adventure 😍

26/09/2024

Did you know you can take me for a road trip photoshoot? My dear friend Imogen and my brother Matt took the idea for a test drive to some of their favourite places to celebrate their engagement. Enjoy day 1, where we travelled up to White’s Bay, just North of Blenheim. I’m making a list of my favourite must-visit South Island locations, do you have any favourites?

26/06/2024

Almost one year since we welcomed our little Isabella into our family! How is it that these moments feel like yesterday and yet it seems like she's been a part of our family forever? Bella is such a sweet, cheeky, fun little person. I am so grateful for The Records with Heather & Doug for capturing this extraordinarily special moment in our lives! I am so glad we have these to share with her as she grows

25/06/2024

Missing these warm summer days! But so good to have a bit of time to share this gorgeous wedding from last season! Sarah and John tied the knot in style at Waipuna Estate and it was 👌 Their wedding is now on the blog: https://mandycaldwell.co.nz/waipuna-estate-wedding/

Shout out to all the amazing vendors who made this wedding so good 🔥

Bride - Leah Reuben on instagram
Groom - Sergios
Florals - Katrin Lilla-Nel Florist
Catering - The social platter co.
Music - Naomi Brooke Music Music and Mike Tait of Pulse Entertainment NZ

Sarah and John tied the knot at Waipuna Estate in classic kiwi style. The guests were relaxed, the view was expansive and the food was delicious! I loved how Sarah and John kept the focus of their wedding on the most important things - their love and commitment to one another and their love for