Dolce Wedding Photography

28/12/2024

The End of Wedding Season: A Photographer's Survival Story

And... breathe. Another wedding season is officially in the books, folks! After months of dodging cake splatters, awkward family photos, and my own desperate attempts at looking graceful while lugging 30 pounds of camera gear, I've somehow survived to tell the tale.

Let’s recap:

I’ve mastered the art of pretending I don’t hear the DJ’s “oops” moment when they play the wrong song during the first dance.
I’ve perfected my ninja-like ability to squeeze into tight corners for the perfect shot without tripping over bridesmaids’ heels.
And I’ve learned that when someone says, “We only need one quick group shot,” they mean one hour of arranging, re-arranging, and re-re-arranging aunties who think they belong in every single photo.
But the real victory? I made it to the end without losing any major pieces of equipment, despite the fact that I swear my lens cap has been playing hide-and-seek with me at every venue. Seriously, where do they go? Is there a secret underground world of rogue lens caps?

As the season wraps up, I've treated myself to taco's and gin. The cameras get a well-deserved rest, and I get to bask in the glow of a job well done… until I realize I still have three thousand photos to edit. But hey, no biggie, right?

Here’s to surviving another wedding season and gearing up for next year’s chaos. But first let's be grateful... extremely grateful to be where I am.... immersed in Love.. because let's be honest when love is love its as plain as Black and White.....

11/12/2024

If you’ve never seen a Chevy Impala in real life, let me paint you a picture: it’s a land yacht. Long, low, and dripping with 1960s swagger. Think James Dean meets a country lane—and then picture that on gravel roads flanked by sheep paddocks. Pair that with Cust’s tiny, winding roads. You know the kind—the kind that feel like they were designed for bicycles, not a chrome beast spanning half a rugby field.....

On this particular album delivery it was a questioned that had me miffed...

“Why are Wedding Cars Becoming an Endangered Species?”

25/11/2024

“The Family Photo Session: A Comedy of Tears, Bribes, and Forced Smiles”

Ah, the family photo session — that magical time when you capture a family’s love and joy in a single frame, only to end up with a collection of outtakes that scream chaotic survival.

It all starts with optimism. I schedule these sessions weeks in advance, imagining you all looking flawless, relaxed, and photogenic, like one of those Pinterest families. I pick a dreamy outdoor location, where the golden hour lighting will kiss your faces just right. Spoiler: the only thing kissing me the photographer… is a rogue mosquito.

Coordinating outfits for a family photo is like defusing a bomb while blindfolded. I suggest “neutral tones,” and my family shows up in a shirt that could blind passing aircraft. The kids, meanwhile, decided this is the perfect moment to embrace their love of neon and glitter. By the time everyone’s dressed, this shoot may look like an amateur circus act that moonlights as a Gap ad.

Okay, everyone, just stand naturally,” I say….
Naturally you ask… What even is that?
My beautiful family stiffen up like modeling for a passport photo, while mum panic-smiles so hard it looks like shes holding in a sneeze. The kids, meanwhile, are taking turns either photobombing each other or testing the limits of gravity by flopping dramatically on the grass.

By now, the toddler has launched into a full-on tantrum, the teenager is rolling their eyes so hard they might pull a muscle, and the dog (because of course, they brought the dog) is chasing a rabbit into the distance. This is when my bribery begins. “If you smile for ONE photo, you’ll get ice cream! Or cake! Or a pony! Just… SMILE.”

Weeks later, the photos arrive. And you know what?
They’re actually… perfect. Sure, the toddler is mid-sob in one shot, the husbands hair is doing something weird, but there’s a kind of messy charm to it all. Because these aren’t just photos — they’re evidence of real life, of a family that’s loud, silly, and completely imperfect in the best way.

So, if you’re planning a family photo session, just remember: you’re not aiming for perfection — you’re aiming for survival. And someday, when you’re flipping through those photos, you’ll laugh, cry, and think, Wow, we really do love each other. Even if it takes a lot of bribes and awkward smiles to get there.

If you’re looking for that perfect gift for Christmas grab yourself a portrait voucher with yours truly for the special price of $300.00

21/11/2024

16/11/2024

Whitney and Pats.. Fifty Shades of Grey Soiree....

As a Christchurch local, I know a thing or two about unpredictable weather. So when I showed up to work another gorgeous wedding with the sun peeking out over the vineyard I thought we were in for a beautiful day, yet truth be told Mother Nature had other plans. This wedding would go down in history as not just beautiful , but also soaked.

If anything, a little rain is meant to be good luck. But as Pat and Whitneys big moment drew closer, the "light drizzle" turned into a downpour worthy of its own disaster movie.

When Whitney arrived, she was a vision of bridal beauty—and also determination. Not even a monsoon could stop her from walking down that aisle. Pat’s face when he saw her was priceless. It wasn’t just love in his eyes—it was also mild panic as he realized his vows were about to be delivered in a scene resembling The Notebook.

The ceremony itself was a testament to the couple’s sense of humor. The celebrant bravely powered through, though their notes were more waterlogged than readable. When a gust of wind turned Whitney’s veil into a flag, it was time to relocate to higher ground.

But the moment they said, “I do,” the rain didn’t matter. Pat and Whitney kissed, and the crowd erupted into cheers—some for love, some for surviving the great flood of 2024.

As the night carried on , guests wrapped themselves in soggy tablecloths, toasting to a day no one would ever forget. Pat and Whitney’s wet wedding wasn’t just about surviving the rain—it was about thriving in it. It was proof that love isn’t about perfect weather or dry shoes; it’s about rolling with whatever life throws at you, rain and all.

So here’s to Pat and Whitney, the rain-soaked heroes of the day, and their unforgettable wedding. May their love always be as unstoppable as that downpour. And may they never forget to pack an umbrella—just in case.

Dress Brides of Merivale
Make up Melanie Anderson Makeup and Hair
Venue @ Cossars Wineshed
Celebrant Anna Flanagan - Celebrant & MC
Videography Weka Films Ltd

13/11/2024

No ordinary love, no ordinary venue.
Intimate, elegant with a sprinkle of grandeur we loved capturing the elements that make.. Weddings at the Tannery. Looking for a wedding venue? Look no further.

10/11/2024

Let me tell you: antique shopping for wedding decor is not for the faint of heart. First of all, there’s the smell, a heady mixture of mothballs and old wood that clings to you like a vintage perfume (eau de attic, anyone?). Then there’s the sheer hunt—you think you’re going to find a beautiful vase, but somehow, you walk out with three random birdcages and a porcelain clown figurine that gives off serial-killer vibes.

Not our beautiful Hannah... With besties in town scouring the country she certainly got the memo and created something that belongs on Pinterest's top 10!

Im just sitting over here swooning

09/11/2024

I love shooting people in love. 😍 .

08/11/2024

Dolce Wedding Photography - 18 years in the making and nearly 300 weddings deep. Picking your wedding photographer may be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make so we’ve put together some back ground info to help you make that choice !

Dolce ? Dolce?? Who the hell is DOLCE??

If you were to ask google the meaning of the word you’d be presented with a few variations of Soft, Gentle and Sweet…..
although these qualities are nice to have, these will not aid you whatsoever in posing a 16 strong bridal party with too many fantas under their belt. Born at a very young age, with eyes wide open this kid was off like a prom dress to find her calling in life….
Ironically photography was not one of them, through several failed career ideas It was more the case of photography finding her.

After a short courtship a full blown love affair had developed,
She had gained the ability to hit pause on reality, to freeze a moment and create a memory, she saw things in a way that others didn’t, and week after week was immersed into the most picture perfect day imaginable, she had become that someone that made everybody feel like somebody.

Sophie’s personality is the most powerful tool she owns, creating friendships with her clients that is undeniably the reason for her success in capturing the most important day of your life. Believing that a candid, unobtrusive style is the way to create the “Picture Perfect Wedding Story”
A piece of advice straight from the horses mouth
“Be yourself and Back yourself,

Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life”….
Sophie McMillan….The WHO behind the Dolce xo

06/11/2024

As photographer and creatives alike we take pride in our work, and also go above and beyond for our clients to make sure they receive a unique gallery that reflects them as a couple on their special day.

As a general rule, photographers must constantly work to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by developing their own style, using high-quality equipment, and investing in their skills and techniques. Networking with other professionals, staying up to date with industry trends, and continually pushing themselves to improve that helps us as photographers stand out and maintain a competitive edge. Within the industry it is critical that we can showcase our work and market ourselves to potential future clients. One effective way of doing this is by using images from previous weddings in our promotional materials as this can be a powerful marketing tool to help us keep doing what we love so much.

On that note I would like to thank all my incredible couples that understand that being creative can be tiring AF as we try and keep up with the latest and changing trends within the industry.

Your captured memories and treasured images live on as we endeavour to promote what we do season after season. Thank you xoxo

Much love
Soph xx

04/11/2024

Darlin, I could love you well.....

Celebrating the Love of Hannah and Trent

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s countryside, the charming town of Cust served as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful wedding of Hannah and Trent. From the breathtaking scenery to the intimate personal touches, every moment of their big day was as timeless as their love story.

The ceremony took place outdoors with the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the leaves to create a warm, golden glow. The surrounding landscape provided an almost storybook-like scenery, blending rustic charm with elegance.

The reception venue was at Hannahs parents house . Inside a grand marquee adorned with fairy lights, cascading greenery, and soft, neutral-toned florals, it was the perfect setting to celebrate with family and friends. Each detail of the decor seemed carefully chosen to reflect the couple’s style: effortless, down-to-earth, and beautiful.

As the music began, Hannah walked down the aisle, looking radiant in a lace gown with veil to match. Trent’s smile said it all as he watched her approach. Their vows were filled with laughter, a few tears, and the kind of love that only deepens with time. Each word was a testament to the journey they had shared and the future they looked forward to building together. The crowd, captivated by the sincerity of their promises, held onto each moment.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to a beautifully set-up cocktail hour on the lawn, where they enjoyed a plethora of beverages. Hannah and Trent took a moment alone to capture their first photos as husband and wife, with the vast countryside providing a perfect canvas for the us to work our magic. These photographs captured not only the stunning scenery but also the pure joy and love shared between the newlyweds.

The evening unfolded in the reception with heartfelt speeches, delicious food, and a whole lot of laughter.

And when it came time for the first dance, Hannah and Trent took to the floor with effortless grace. Their dance was both elegant and fun, showcasing their playful side and their joy in being together. By the end of the evening, the dance floor was alive with friends and family, celebrating with boundless energy under the starlit sky.

Every detail, from the carefully chosen table arrangements reflected the couple’s taste and love for one another. As the night drew to a close, guests took home memories of a truly unforgettable day filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of two people beginning their life together.

Hannah and Trent’s wedding was not only a celebration of their love but also a tribute to the people who have supported them along the way. In their thank-you speech, they expressed their gratitude to family and friends who traveled near and far to share in their joy.

Thank you to Hannah and Trent for letting me capture your special day...

Robbie from Films for being such a ninja and my sounding board for the day.

Mac and Mates for the awesome tunes.

14/10/2024

Wanting a sparkler exit on your Wedding Day? No problem as we take the hassle out of scrambling for sparklers!

Every year we order enough for the entire wedding season so all our couples can go out in style! Now that’s service!!!

07/10/2024

Steve and Andrea… so many memories and moments captured. What a day! ❤️

06/10/2024

Sun flares and romantic glares are go… it’s a jam packed wedding season…. Engagement shoots are booking up if you haven’t scheduled yours please get in touch xx Whitney and Pat got a romantic warm sun session last week…with their two wee fur babies in tow. Melanie Anderson Makeup and Hair

02/10/2024

Kicking off wedding season with a pop ! Kat and Rhodesia had an intimate ceremony at on Friday last week. With in tow.

01/10/2024

And just like that we are back into wedding season! With an early September start we kicked off another full season with Kat and Rhodesia at the beautiful Melton Estate. Formalities completed by the lovely Tania Johnson-Scott Marriage & Funeral Celebrant.

This week are off to Queenstown for another beautiful couple getting married and we just can't wait to capture some incredible moments from now until April next year!

Is burnt orange going to be a major player this year ?? I guess we will have to wait and see!

12/09/2024

The rise of the “Engagement Shoot”

Sooo you just got engaged. Maybe still dropping hints. Or maybe you’re single as a Pringle. Regardless here you are reading my blog so maybe I just had you at hello who knows but what ever the reason your here thats good enough for me to be delighted in enlightening you about what many ask…What the hell is an engagement shoot.
You wouldn’t invite a stranger to your wedding and as your wedding photographer we don’t ever like “going in blind” as we call it. We like to get to know each couple before the big “I Do” and this is the perfect way to create a relationship with our clients all while capturing moments to announce your happy news, show off your ring and get some gorgeous snaps of you and your partner pre marriage. Traditional engagement pictures never go out of style, but if you’re really looking to showcase your personality as a couple, this is the time to go for it. No matter the location we are happy to wander into a waterfall, climb a mountain or simply come to your home to capture this time as a newly engaged couple.
Best thing of all is we offer a complimentary engagement shoot with all of our wedding packages! Thats a value of $400 dollars just so we can work with all our clients before their big day!
If you would like to arrange a time to meet with us and secure your free engagement shoot today get in touch
[email protected]

04/09/2024

The daily hustle to keep up with the ever changing trends within the industry....Trying to reinvent your creativity to bring new ideas and imagery is tiring AF and we all know the best place to hide a dead body is on page 2 of google. With 2025/2026 is looking to be a super busy season and all that "New year, New me" stuff we thought we'd bring you a new viewing experience....

Check out our website
www.dolceweddingphotography.co.nz where the choice in choosing your Wedding Photographer is clearly Black and White.

Www.dolceweddingphotography.co.nz