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Sam Van Der Klei

How I Captured the Magic of My Uncle's Wedding: A Photographer's Personal Perspective


photo by vk creative design


As a wedding photographer, I have been privileged to witness and capture countless moments of love and joy. However, there was one particular wedding that held a special place in my heart - my uncle's wedding. Being both a photographer and a family member at such a significant event was a unique experience in my books, and it was most definitely an unforgettable day!


A Family Affair


From the moment I was asked to photograph my uncle's wedding, I knew it was going to be a family affair like no other. I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions - the anticipation of capturing every moment, the joy of seeing my uncle so happy, and the pride of being a part of this special occasion.


I arrived with two of my cousins (daughters to the groom) a couple hours earlier to capture everyone getting ready, and I was greeted by the warmth of familiar faces and some new faces. This definitely calmed the nerves and set the perfect backdrop for what was to come.


photos by vk creative design


Getting Ready With The Bride


As the makeup artist and hair stylist arrived to work their magic, we shared stories, laughter, and plenty of nerves. In a fun twist, my two cousins were actually the groomsmen! Yes! You heard that right. It was a hilarious and heartwarming moment, watching them switch from their laid-back family roles to suit up for the ceremony. The room was buzzing with excitement, and you could feel the love. Here are some photos from this moment:


photos by vk creative design



Capturing Love in Every Frame


As everyone started arriving, the rush of nerves began again! However, as soon as I saw my Dad that all disappeared! I'm so glad he made it alongside my Oma and Opa (my grandparents). My Uncle was walking around, greeting all the guests, withn a glove on... which we were all a bit confused about! Turns out, he surprised everyone alongside his soon-to-be wife with the most amazing Ta Moko tattoo wedding band he got recently to signify his marriage to Nicky, something a bit different from your traditional wedding ring!! From behind the lens of my camera, I had the privilege of documenting all the love that radiated between my uncle and his soon-to-be wife.


photos by vk creative design


The day unfolded like a fairy tale, with every detail planned and executed just how they imagined. Mother Nature was on form, and the location was absolutely beautiful! The community living in this area have preserved and kept this garden which they name the "Japanese Garden", which from these photos you can tell is amazing! They built everything from scratch including the bridge, the waterfall, and all the plants and stones were handpicked.


photos by vk creative design


As a photographer, I was 100% in my element, moving through all the guests to capture candid moments and genuine emotions that I know my family will cherish for a lifetime.

photo by vk creative design

photos by vk creative design


Emotional Highlights


One of the most memorable moments was after the ceremony, when Uncle Shayne and Nicky asked if I would accompany them to their cottage to get some photos in their garden along with their animals, which was definitely a surprise! Their pet kunekune pig! Who by the way was massive! But of course harmless. They couldn't miss her from the photos, and their pet cat also decided to join in on the fun


photos by vk creative design


As the day turned into night, I found myself chatting with new family, new faces, and laughing alongside my relatives. It was a rare opportunity to be both an active participant and an observer, capturing these intimate moments.


Forever Memories


As the night came to a close, I reflected on the day's events with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Being able to document my uncle's wedding was a privilege I would always treasure, a reminder of the power of love and the importance of family.

photo by vk creative design


In the end, my uncle's wedding was more than just a job; it was a personal journey. As a wedding photographer, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such special moments, to witness the magic of weddings, and to capture memories that will be cherished for generations to come.


If you would like to see more photos from this magical day and more, please follow my Facebook page and my Instagram page . Also check out the related article section below for more articles on the weddings I have been apart of.



By: Sam Van Der Klei / Vk Creative Design.

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