wedding photographer, yvonne liew
Wedding photographer yvonne liew has photographed copious amounts of weddings at tarureka. So ahead of the open day, we asked her about the photographs that matter, what couples can stop worrying about, and the little corners of Tarureka she knows the most.
Tell us a little bit about you — how did you get into wedding photography?
I owe it to a friend who took a chance on me after seeing some of my travel photography back in 2011. She asked me to photograph their wedding and what started as an opportunity quickly became something I fell completely in love with.
How would you describe your photography style in three words?
Romantic, storytelling, timeless.
What do you love most about photographing weddings?
First and foremost, it's two people committing to one another in front of the people they love most. But I also love witnessing everyone come together to celebrate that relationship. There's something incredibly special about being able to preserve not just how a wedding looked, but how it felt to be there.
the moments that matter
What do you think makes a wedding photograph feel really special rather than just beautiful?
I think it's when there's genuine thought behind the day. Beautiful details are lovely, but there's something much more meaningful when a couple has considered how they want their guests to feel.
It might be a handwritten note at each place setting, taking the time to visit everyone during cocktail hour, or just creating a day that feels completely like them. Those are the details and moments that give a wedding its own story.
What's one thing couples can do that makes a huge difference to their wedding photos?
Let go on the day. Relax, be present and really lean into the experience.
You've spent so much time planning your wedding so when the day arrives, trust your vendors to take care of the details. The more present you are, the more naturally everything unfolds and that always translates into better photographs.
What would you say to couples who tell you, "We're really awkward in front of the camera"?
I don't think I've ever had a couple not tell me this!
Try not to think of it as a photoshoot. I'm not expecting you to be models and you certainly don't need to know what to do in front of a camera. I'll guide you when you need it but some of the best moments are the ones you don't realise I'm documenting.
The goal is for you to forget about the camera and simply be present.
YVONNE ON TARUREKA
You've photographed Tarureka heaps over the years — what do you love about shooting here?
Firstly, Beth and Reid make you feel like it's your second home. There's such a warmth to Tarureka and that immediately puts everyone at ease.
From a photography perspective, I love the variety the estate offers. From the homestead and barn to the gardens and paddocks, there are so many beautiful textures and backdrops to work with.
You've seen Tarureka in pretty much every kind of weather — does a rainy Tarureka wedding actually worry you as a photographer?
Not at all. Tarureka is incredibly well suited to all kinds of weather with beautiful indoor spaces and plenty of sheltered areas.
The homestead, barn and the canopy of trees all give us options when the weather turns.
After photographing so many weddings here, what's one piece of advice you'd give a couple getting married at Tarureka?
Trust the team.
Beth, Reid and the Tarureka team have years of experience and have seen just about every scenario a wedding day can throw at you. You've done the planning so once the day arrives, let your vendors do what they do best and allow yourself to be fully present.