When I first started photographing weddings back in 2007, every wedding felt like a sprint.

As I photographed more and more Christchurch weddings, I came to realise there is a distinct rhythm to each wedding day. In turn, I realised I needed to match my photo taking pace to the rhythms of the day if I was to be photographing weddings for years to come. The alternative was burning out taking wedding photos for people.

Take this photo, which I created while the bride and her bridesmaid’s where getting ready. I turned up with 60 to 90-minutes to photograph everyone getting ready. That time is plenty for me to capture what I need. After introducing myself to everyone, I blend into the background of what is happening. People aren’t really interested in me - I’m just the photographer after all.

Photos like these aren’t scripted or created. I simply wait, looking for the quiet, interesting moments to appear and then I make sure I am in the right position to capture the photo.

Along the way I capture the smaller details around the wedding. Things like the wedding flowers, cards and notes from friends and loved one’s and of course the wedding dress and shoes.