Meet My Mate - Andy Brown Wanaka Photographer

A photographer is definitely more than the photos they take. The person behind the camera is one of the people you’ll be spending the most time with on your wedding day.

Clement and I during our 20th anniversary vow renewal

So finding a photographer who you enjoy spending time with, who helps you feel relaxed (not stressed) AND has a photography style you like is one of my biggest wedding planning recommendations.

So I want you to meet my mate Andy Brown, a fabulous Wanaka Photographer.

The man behind the camera

We’ve worked together on big weddings, elopements and he was our photographer when we renewed our vows for our 20th anniversary.

At every one of them I’ve seen him (or experienced him) help every couple relax. I’ve seen him put aside his camera for 10 minutes and be there to just celebrate with them in the moment - the minutes after they’ve just said I do and got married!

I’ve seen him capture so many moments quietly, unobtrusively and as it always turns out - beautifully.

Also I just genuinely enjoy Andy’s company, and since I love surrounding myself with people’s whose company I enjoy, I figured you might too.

I got to be nosy and ask Andy a few questions (which as you might know is one of my favourite things)

Where are you based and where do you travel to?

We’re based in Wanaka, and travel anywhere really.

How did you get into photography?

I’ve always been interested in it as an artform, largely street and skateboarding photography.

I discovered my love for photography learning how to develop film while I was studying. Something about the process got me addicted.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I’ve been shooting weddings since 2008.

A behind the scenes shot

What are your favourite weddings to photograph (there’s no wrong answer here - big ones, small ones, back country ones, elopements, ones with green suits)? And why?

Any wedding where it’s truly about the couple, and not influenced by anyone else. Elopements have been and always will be a winner for me for this reason.

Based on being at heaps of weddings, what advice would you give someone getting married now?

Often overlooked, but when making your timeline, allow for blocks of time where you don’t need to do anything or be anywhere. This is the time where you get to just hang out with your family and friends (or each other if you’ve eloped) and enjoy being at your wedding. Probably the most important part!

Tell us a little bit about your wedding day. Where/

when/ to who?

Waitangi Day 2012 is when Lisa & I married. Means we get a public holiday every anniversary too!

We had a backyard wedding in a little country town called Culverden in North Canterbury where we both grew up.

Look at these two!!

What might you do differently based on what you

know now?

If I were to change anything about our wedding, it would be that I would have listened to my wife! Lisa suggested we elope, just the two of us and our kids. As much as I loved having my family and friends there, seeing now how simple low cost and stress free elopements are, we’d be doing just that!

Had to finish with a classic and brilliant sunset shot!

Of course there’s more to Andy’s story than this. Take a look at his website andybrown.co.nz

On Instagram

Or Facebook

If working with Andy and I to create your wedding your way is something you're interested in, get in touch with me here