Nelson wedding photographer: Lucalia Photography 2026 awards!

It's always nerve-wracking having your work judged by professionals you look up to. This year I was incredibly grateful to receive two Silver and three Bronze awards, at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) Iris Awards.

Massive thanks to the NZIPP and all the hard working volunteers who provide this amazing opportunity for growth and recognition.

Three awards were for my wedding work; and two for my family work (as Real Family Photography).

I've love to thank my amazing couples as always. Your adventurous spirits and love of nature inspire me every wedding! We always have such great banter and I find myself staying well after my 'finish time'.

Here is a little behind-the-scenes about each of my winning couples.

Amy lost her dad too soon, whose absence was keenly felt during her wedding to Aaron. The judges debated and ultimately rewarded, my choice to use a shorter depth of field and focus on Dad. Their story resonated with me, with my dad passing away when I was eight. He is the reason I photograph like I do, with honesty and empathy. It was hard for me to choose just one image from Amy and Aaron's wedding as there were so many poignant ones. When I told her about the Silver award, Amy said "Dad would be thrilled xx". Can't ask for more praise than that.

Anna and Ben's wedding was held at St Arnaud, their happy place. This adventure-loving couple was getting married outdoors or bust. There were storms and torrential rain in the days leading up to their special day. Then the rain miraculously stopped (potentially thanks to Ben's meterologist sister!?) and the cloud cover was a photographer's delight. Amongst the candid documentary captures, it would have been rude not to visit Lake Rotoiti for some photos. This was my favourite of our time at the lake. I loved how the locals are always keen for a chat whilst going about their daily businesses. In this case feeding the tuna (eels).

The judges enjoyed the humour in a much-photographed wedding location.

Anna said "Feeling so incredibly lucky to have had Sarah alongside us on our big day, it truly felt like another having a long time friend at our wedding. Sarah’s documentary style meant that we could relax fully and just be ourselves, whilst still getting all the shots."

This is a story about Erin and Matthew's Dad's. From New Zealand and Ireland respectively, they get on like a house on fire. Their bond developed over the years through visits back and forth between hemispheres; and a shared love of fine alcoholic beverages. I wanted to share their unique relationship to each other and the important roles they played at the wedding.

I had so many amazing shots of these two again I found it really hard to choose some to enter. Linked to Amy and Aaron and my Dad, I'm drawn to father's of the bride and groom.

This tryptic illustrates the documentary photography principles of moment, light and composition (there is always debate as to which is most important!). I love the light coming through the window illuminating the reception guests. The moment in the middle isn't technically perfectly and that's OK. It preserves the emotion of the moment through the movement and composition. I was right THERE with chairs close behind me. The third photo is composed with the wedding arch/circle made by the bride Erin, centred with her dad leaning towards her.

Again the judges enjoyed the storytelling this series provided.

Sara is a lovely, softly spoken seven year old who leads a wonderfully adventurous life. Along with her mum and dad, Sara lives on a yacht in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. She is full time homeschooled by mum, and dad works during the summer months as a sought-after shearer.

The judges enjoyed the storytelling aspect of this series as well as Sara's pure joy.

This was taken backstage at Stars in Your Eyes Blenheim. The gala event raises funds for different local charities. Everyday people are transformed into their favourite musical star for the night!

This photo created lots of debate amongst the five panel judges. Different interpretations of the content was fascinating to hear, including nude performances of Hair the musical! They all appreciated the humour, which is what I was aiming for. The photo was taken after all the ABBA wigs had been applied and the performers were about to take to the stage.

I'm Sarah, a Nelson wedding photographer who provides outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses with documentary photos.

Please feel free to check out more of my Lucalia Photography wedding work; and  Real Family Photography day-in-the-life work.

Many thanks,

Sarah xx