Some love stories don’t need a crowd to be powerful. Tagan and Bayley’s journey led them to one of the most beautiful, windswept corners of Christchurch — the eastern side of Summit Road — where they stood together, surrounded by golden grass, sheep in the distance, and the sparkling waters of a still, quiet lake. This was the spot they chose for their private vow exchange, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Although the couple had legally tied the knot a few weeks earlier, this moment was their own — deeply personal, intentional, and brimming with love. It was everything a wedding should be: meaningful, unique, and entirely them.

B wanting on T for first look on the hills

T walking up to B

Hugging after seeing each-other

A Modern Way to Marry in New Zealand

Tagan and Bayley had opted for a registry-style ceremony before this day, a route many couples take when they want the legal part out of the way before their own, more intimate celebration. It’s worth noting, though, that the days of walking into the courthouse and being married on the spot are now part of New Zealand’s history.

If you're planning to get legally married in Aotearoa without a full-scale elopement or wedding, here’s what the process looks like now:

• Choose a celebrant: Even for the simplest legal ceremony, you’ll need an approved celebrant (you can find a full list on the DIA website).

• Apply for a marriage licence: This is done online, and takes at least 3 working days to process.

• Pick your location: You don’t need to book a grand venue — even your backyard or a public space can become your wedding setting.

• Bring two witnesses: Legally, you just need your celebrant, each other, and two witnesses to make it official.

Tagan and Bayley went through these steps and chose to celebrate their commitment later, in a way that reflected their personalities and the private meaning behind their promises.

Midday Sun Photoshoot and their Private Spot

A Love That Started with a Spark

Their love story began at a party, where something just clicked. The kind of connection that feels both electric and familiar. It didn’t take long before these two became inseparable — and when they spoke their vows to one another on that quiet hilltop, it was clear just how deep that bond had grown.

There were no chairs, no aisle, no crowd — just two people, completely present with each other. The wind played with Tagan’s veil. Bayley looked at her like there was no one else in the world. And the sheep? Well, they were unbothered but made for charming background company.

“First” kiss interrupted by loud sheep

A Place That Means Something

The Port Hills hold a special place in many hearts, but for me as a photographer, this particular location is one of my absolute favourites. There’s something magical about the light there — the way it bounces off the rocks, dances across the water, and filters through the long summer grasses. When you pair that with a couple like Tagan and Bayley, the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Whether they were standing hand-in-hand beside the lake, laughing as a mountain biker photobombed their moment, or leaning into each other next to their green truck, every image from the day tells its own piece of their story.

Why Private Vows Matter

There’s something incredibly moving about private vows. Without the pressure of an audience or a tight timeline, couples can be fully in the moment. There’s space for happy tears, inside jokes, long pauses, and laughter. For some, it’s the truest expression of love — raw, unscripted, and wildly romantic.

Tagan and Bayley’s private vow exchange felt exactly like that. Not a performance, but a promise.

Thinking of Doing It Your Way?

If you’re dreaming of a small, simple, and deeply personal way to say "I do" — you’re not alone. Registry-style weddings followed by private vow readings or mini celebrations are becoming more popular, and I absolutely love photographing them. You get the best of both worlds: legal ease and emotional meaning.

And if you’re unsure where to begin? I’m always happy to talk through location ideas, timing, or how to create something special with just the two of you (and maybe some sheep).

Rapaki Rock photos for wedding