Justin & Ane’s Engagement Shoot - New Plymouth, Taranaki
A Disney-worthy love story in the heart of Taranaki
The night I met Justin and Ané at a social event I told them I really want to take photos of them. There are some couples you photograph and instantly think: these two were made for a fairytale. And I knew that before even taking their photos. Let me introduce, Justin and Ané — my very own Aladdin and Jasmine. Their engagement session just outside of New Plymouth, framed by the raw coastal beauty and gorgeous light Taranaki is famous for, felt like stepping into a real-life Disney movie.
With their wedding coming up this Saturday, I cannot contain my excitement to witness this fairytale love story evolving and taking the next step in front of my eyes.
New Plymouth’s beaches are some of my favourite spots to shoot as a NZ wedding photographer. Its mix of black-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, soft rolling light, and that iconic moody coastline creates endless possibilities for storytelling.
For Justin & Ané, we chose two locations that matched their energy: playful, romantic, elegant, and importantly highlights their love for each other. Think forest and windswept beach, warm tones, and that signature Ilumography golden glow. Perfect for this fairytale.
From the second Justin flip his hair and Ané twirled around, I couldn’t unsee it — his Aladdin charm and her Jasmine beauty. But beyond the fun resemblance, they share something deeper:
A lightness
A kindness
A sense of adventure
A shared love for Jesus
And the kind of connection that just makes you smile
Every frame felt effortless. The way he looks at her, the way she softens when he pulls her close — it’s honest and so beautifully real.
If you're planning your own engagement session in Taranaki or anywhere across New Zealand, let this be your sign: Choose a location that feels meaningful, trust the process, and let yourselves have fun.
Justin and Ané enjoy the buildup to your big day, the precious time with your loved ones, especially those that came all this way from South Africa and I’ll see you all Saturday!
