Once Upon A Time: Vintage Elegance for the Modern Bride

Phoenix Weddings - Danni
Sep 8
2 min read

By: Auckland Wedding Photographer

Remember the first time you held a musical box and opened it, a ballerina began to dance and a delicate tune filled the air. Time seemed to stop and a magical feeling grew in your heart. This was the vision behind our Once Upon A Time wedding photoshoot, created to celebrate romance like a classic fairytale brought to life. Together with an incredible creative team, we wove beauty, style, and emotion into a poem of photographs across some of Auckland’s most treasured heritage venues.

The first chapter begins at Highwic – a unique Carpenter Gothic style mansion in Auckland, perfect for romantic Highwic wedding photos. When we arrived, talented makeup artist Chantelle Taylor was already bringing out our bride Natali’s natural glow. Soft and graceful, the look was effortless and timeless. The groom, Tomas, also had a quick makeover while waiting for the bride to change.

When Natali stepped out in her first John Zimmerman wedding gown, she was radiant. The fabric flowed with a soft shimmer and the bead embroidery reflected exquisite detail. Standing beside her, Tomas wore a navy tuxedo by T. Begg Tailoring. The timeless cut and perfect tailoring gave him a strong, classic presence that paired beautifully with Natali’s gown. Together, they looked as though they belonged to a fairytale unfolding inside the halls of Highwic.

The second chapter of the story took us to Alberton – an Anglo-Indian styled mansion that transports you to another time and place. Its ornate architraves and grand staircase created natural frames for elegant Alberton wedding photography. Natali wore her second Zimmerman gown, sculpted to her curves and adorned with intricate bead embroidery. The details resonated perfectly with the architecture. Tomas changed into a sharp black tux from T. Begg Tailoring, a timeless choice that matched Alberton’s grandeur and made the couple look like they had stepped straight from the pages of a romance novel.

The final chapter unfolded at Pah Homestead, home to The Art House Trust. Blending modern and classical elements, this manor is a dream location for couples wanting unique Pah Homestead wedding photos. Here, Natali wore her third gown – a sleek, modern silhouette with a graceful train. It worked seamlessly against the artistic interiors, carrying a whisper of classical elegance while embracing a contemporary edge. Tomas remained in his versatile tuxedo, perfectly suited to both the space and the moment. He even commented on the comfort of the adjustable waist, which meant no belt was needed.