Mandy Caldwell Photography

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

11/06/2024

“A happy family is but an earlier heaven”.

I had an absolute blast with Katie, Tim and their gorgeous kids James and Jemimah! We visited the beach on sunset and let the kids run wild 😝 The sun disappeared and dusk had well and truly settled in before we were ready to call it a day. The kids really brought their A-game, so many hilarious moments. Highlights included a stick throwing contest, wave jumping, splash competition, building a stick house and playing chicken with the waves 🌊 All in all a great evening capturing memories with this special family 😍

Quote by George Bernard Shaw

04/06/2024

"Any day spent with you is my favourite day. So, today is my new favourite day.”

New profile photo time! Thanks to Jamie for helping make this such a fun time! He was watching me get the light set up and couldn't wait to get in front of the camera - “I have a photo?” He'll have a camera in hand in no time!

Quote by A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh.
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20/05/2024

"The mountains are calling, and I must go." – John Muir

Our beautiful little Bella is officially on the move! She’s just starting to take her first steps and she’s pretty chuffed 😁

With our crew at home a little bit older I am excited to officially open my wedding bookings for the upcoming 2024 / 2025 season. If you are keen for a bit of fun capturing some beautiful scenic photos as part of your day, I would love to hear from you! I am passionate about New Zealand’s stunning scenery and creating natural, authentic images that my couples will love 🌿

29/02/2024

"The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see."
Feeling so grateful for these hills, the light and this sweet couple today. Kira and Sam are looking forward to meeting their sweet little boy in just a few weeks. Each time I capture this fleeting phase I feel so amazed at what our bodies can do. Kira you are a vision, it was an honour to capture this special chapter for you all!

Quote by Mary Davis ❤