m actually so extraordinarily lucky to do what I do. I love my job. I’ve gotta pinch myself every day to make sure this life is real. I never underestimate the trust my couples give me - it’s a true privilege and an honour.
And what an even greater honour it was to document the first service in St Oswald’s Church since it was damaged by the Kaikōura earthquake. Wow.
Katie + Callum, your wedding day was an absolute joy from start to finish. Thank you, thank you so much for having me. I love you guys.
And over to the vendors (that I remember):
Celebrant: @annamartin_celebrant
Hair: @maneandmu
Makeup: @annahsophia
Flora: @blooms_in_ward
Event Hire: @gotitcoverednz
Video: @be_joined_films
Venue: St Oswald’s Church
I’ll probably forget someone, so just holler if I have.
Woah! What the helly?! It’s time to celebrate another year of love and big feelings.
My books are officially open for 2026 and 2027.
Hi my name is David James, and I am your offical emotional support human with a camera - director of accidental magic, glorified paparazzi, and all round chaos wrangler.
WE GOT THIS. WE DO! Holla at me if....
🜂 So, you’re feeling a bit nervous (or basically terrified) about being in front of a camera, and you think you're going to be all awkward and weird.
🜂 All you really want is an album full of fun, totally kickass photos that are real — not icky, posey photos that make you cringe.
🜂 Your goal is to marry your bestest friend and party all night with your whānau and friends.
🜂 You welcome a little help with planning your day - including vendor suggestions, timelines, and how to really make the most out of your day.
If that sounds like you - then I’m probably your guy.
Bookings for 2026 + 2027 are now open.
BOOK NOW AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 2024-2025 RATES. YUS!
Let’s talk.
Your wedding can be anything you want it to be. Just let it be you.
I’m so glad you are here. We got this:
🜂 So, you’re feeling a bit nervous (or basically terrified) about being in front of a camera, and you think you’re going to be all awkward and weird.
🜂 All you really want is an album full of fun, totally kickass photos that are real – and not some icky, posey photos that make you cringe.
🜂 Your goal is to marry your bestest friend and party all night with your whānau and friends.
🜂 You welcome a little help with planning your day – including vendor suggestions, timelines, and how to really make the most of your day.
Keep it real Capture the good stuff. Make sure your photos feel like you.
For earthlings in love - David James
#nzphotographer #nzwedding #nzweddingphotographer #marlboroughweddings #marlboroughsounds #newzealandwedding #destinationwedding #weddinginspo #weddingplanning #weddingphotography #realweddings #authenticwedding #weddingdayvibes #loveauthentic #weddingphotosnz #marlboroughphotographer #marlboroughlove #weddingideasnz #nzweddingideas
There’s just something divine about this entrance. The right light! The best vibe.
Janelle and James arrive back for reception at the stunning Nelson venue : @the_summer_house_nelson
Adore!
It was simply an absolute pleasure and honour to be asked by Bradley and Michelle to record their beautiful wedding day last weekend at @dogpointvineyard Bell Tower.
For those who don’t know, Bradley is actually a bit of a big deal (in my eyes anyway). Chef and co-owner at @arbourdining - he is in part responsible for putting Marlborough on the map as an internationally renowned culinary destination. I am always in awe of these quiet heroes in our community - people who back themselves and make things happen. Such an inspiration.
So yeah - I was bloody stoked and kinda blown away when he put his trust in me to photograph their special day. Both he and Michelle are truly beautiful humans. And I love their energy together.
Big massive thanks to celebrant Fiona Fenwick @nzgoodlife for being so awesome.
And @feastmerchants for brining the phenomenal grub. You guys rock!
Loved seeing @ljcfrontofhouse work her magic as front of house ninja.
It felt like I was hanging out with family!
Fliers by @mayflower_studio_floristnz
Colour lovers, this one is for you 🌸
Victoria and Edward’s day at @aveburyhouse was pure joy from start to finish playful, vibrant and unapologetically fun. From the groom’s iconic pink trousers to the dreamy florals, heartfelt vows, and yes… a bouncy castle. Every detail felt like a celebration of personality.
Some weddings don’t just inspire, they spark something. This was one of them. ✨
Photographer: @davidjames.studio
Celebrant: @celebratewithsophie
Flowers: @petal.power.flowers
Venue: @aveburyhouse
#SlayMyDayNZ #RealWeddingInspo #ColourfulWedding #NZWeddingInspo #WeddingTrends
Two beautiful humans - one absolutely magical day spent with Georgie and Jack out on the epic Glover vineyard in Marlborough.
If you’re in the wine world around here, chances are you already know these two legends. If not, trust me… they’re seriously special humans. I’ve got a major fan boy crush.
Then vendors really made this…. Thank you to these lenders also!
Florals: Dirt Florals @dirtstudio__
Cake: the auntie (icon behaviour)
Catering: @kaiakacatering
Hair + Makeup: @ardourhair (Elle)
Celebrant: Cameron (@hoorayhenry79 ) – Anglican priest and Jack’s best mate
Entertainment: Sweet Mix Kids @sweetmixkids
Rentals, Furniture and Design: Got It Covered, @gotitcoverednz / Roam Events @roameventsnz
Marquee and Hire: Hirepool and Event Rent
—
It was an absolute privilege to capture you both and your beautiful family.
#weddingphotography #marlboroughweddings #newzealandwedding #wairauvalley #realmoments
A big congratulations to my friend Hannah and her awesome fiancée Andy (team Handy - lol) on their recent engagement.
It’s engagement shoots like these - fun, irreverent, the total opposite of yawn - that I really love the most. Shot 3 weeks ago in Marlborough.
It’s been so so so so long since I posted anything at all. It’s just been so busy. I have about 7-8 weddings I’d love to post…. As soon as my decks are a little clearer. I’m happy to show off all the goodness!
In the meantime, enjoy these gorgeous photos of two gorgeous happy humans in love.
Sometimes all you need is a giant mirror lying on the grass and a bright blue Kaikōura sky to make some photo magic.
Thank you Kelly and Abba for making me feel so welcome and loved on your wedding day.
PS I need Richard (the Sausage Dog) in my life.
EPIC. PHENOMENAL. SUBLIME.
I was genuinely overwhelmed choosing images for this post - not because there weren’t enough great moments, but because everything was a bloody moment.
If you want to know what a wedding looks like when the energy never drops, from morning to sundown, this was it. Fahren and Paul’s wedding day at Wither Hills was non-stop celebration - totally effortless, electric, and full-bodied in the very bestest way.
Big love to the dream team:
Venue: Wither Hills Winery @witherhills
Celebrant: Rachel Taualupe @celebrant_rach.taualupe
Florist: Mayflower @mayflower_studio_floristnz
Music:
Violin – Juliet Ayre
Band – @castaway_music
Hair: @glossyforever_
Makeup: @stephaniebelt_makeup
Tanning: @g.and.co_hairbeautytanning
Wedding dress: Alex by @misschloebridalofficial from @bridal_studio
Bridesmaids dresses: Infinity Dresses
Bride jewellery: @swarovski
Suits: @rembrandt1946
Groom’s shoes: @rmwilliams
Rings: @zoeporterjewellery
Cannot wait to show off this party monster of a wedding at Wither Hills winery a couple of weekends ago between Fahren and Paul.
I’m a bit behind on this one! But it’s worth it!
Coming soon.
