Josh & Lydia’s Wedding - Ahu Ahu Villas

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13 Mar

Wedding couple with sunset at the beach at Ahu Ahu Villas in Taranaki celebrating after getting married

Josh & Lydia’s Wedding at Ahu Ahu Villas, Taranaki

There are some weddings you walk into already knowing they’re going to be magic. And Josh and Lydia’s day at the beautiful Ahu Ahu Villas was exactly that.

We first did a styled shoot with Josh and Lydia a while back, and it was one of those days where everything just clicked: the vibe, the creativity, the laughter. When I realised they’d booked almost every vendor from that shoot for their real wedding day, I knew we were in for a repeat of that same energy — effortless, joyful, the best kind of wedding day.

And it truly was.

A Warm December Day That Started Overcast… and Ended Glowing

December can be unpredictable, but Taranaki showed off. What began as a soft, overcast morning unfolded into the warmest, sunniest day — the kind of golden light every photographer dreams of.

Josh and Lydia chose my full-day package, so I was able to document everything from slow, quiet morning moments to the wild dance floor at the end of the night. Nothing rushed, nothing missed — just the full, honest story of their day.

Twin Girls at the Heart of Every Detail

One of the most meaningful parts of this wedding was how beautifully Josh and Lydia included their twin girls in their celebration. Their birthstones were set into the wedding rings, a detail that made everyone emotional.

Josh’s boutonniere was the sweetest tribute: pastel florals created by the talented team at The Flower Cart Taranaki, with the twins - Olive and Willow - represented right over his heart. And in the centre sat a ‘Lydia’ rose, a perfect nod to his bride. It was thoughtful, symbolic, and so them. Well done Flower Cart for that epic little detail!

Bright Meets Pastel — A Perfect Floral Compromise

Lydia envisioned bright, vibrant florals while Josh loved the softness of pastels. The Flower Cart yet again brought those ideas together perfectly: bold bouquets for the girls and gentle pastel tones for the ceremony space.

The result? A cohesive palette that felt joyful, warm, and uniquely theirs.

And yes — I had to laugh when I saw how perfectly my dress matched Lydia’s bouquet. I never wear black to weddings because I want to blend in with the guests, and on this day the colour palette and my outfit couldn’t have been a better match if I tried!

A Ceremony Full of Emotion

Their ceremony, beautifully led by Thais Farrant, was heartfelt and intimate, with plenty of teary eyes all around. Standing on the coastal lawn with the ocean behind them felt like the perfect place for these two to say their vows.

Sunset That Set the Sky on Fire

As if the day hadn’t already been beautiful enough, the sunset arrived in full dramatic colour — fire-orange skies that wrapped the couple in the warmest glow. We slipped away for their portraits, and those images are some of my favourites of the entire season.

The Dance Floor That Never Quit

Once the sun dipped, the party truly began. Between the beats from Elite DJs Taranaki, the roaming cocktails served from the iconic Hello Audrey Caravan Bar, and the energy of their guests, the night turned into one big celebration — loud, joyful, and unforgettable.

This is one wedding I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.