David Le

1 February 2023

A cancelled flight and a flood couldn't stop me get to Kauri Bay Boomrock

David Le

1 February 2023

“A cancelled flight, flooding and a state of emergency, just another better work story”

— Courtney & Caleb's wedding day

Kauribay Boomrock, Auckland

We can’t seem to shake this extended bad run of wet weather in Aotearoa, I’m not a fan. So when my flight for Courtney & Caleb’s wedding at Kauribay Boomrock was cancelled a hour before boarding on Friday evening I had to decide risk rebooking my flight for the next morning the day of or hitting the road and making the drive up (little did I know the flooding carnage that would be happening and the closure of the airport).

I decided to hit the road and made it in Friday night at 10.30pm - driving through flood waters and past a few hectic car crashes and once I checked in I realised how bad the extent of flooding was in Auckland. The next morning wasn’t any easier trying to get into Clevedon village, taking 3 different detours to find a semi open road that wasn’t to deep to drive through, but we made it.

Courtney & Caleb, true legends of the game dealing with plenty in the lead up to the big day. Boomrock turned it on from the afternoon and we had a stunner of an evening to dance the night away. Thanks for having me, and even the 5am Sunday morning drive back home was all worth it to capture your day.

David Le

19 January 2021

Kauribay Boomrock Auckland Wedding of Chelsea and Brad featured in NZ Weddings Magazine

David Le

19 January 2021

Brad and Chelsea’s wedding at Kauribay Boomrock featured in the latest issue of NZ Weddings Magazine

It wasn’t until some years later that we met again through our love for fitness and the gym. I am a fulltime hairstylist and Brad is an officer in the New Zealand Police. Brad works long hours and does shift work so when we have time off together we really value it. I think what makes us special is that we really are each other’s best friend and couldn’t imagine life without one another.

Featured in the latest issue of New Zealand Weddings Magazine

New Zealand Wedding Photographer David Le | www.davidle.co.nz

David Le

3 January 2021

2020 Year in Review by David Le Photography

David Le

3 January 2021

WHAT A YEAR BABY YEAR

Another year another banger! Thank you to everyone that has helped me, hired me and trusted me through 2020. You guys are the real MVPs!

It took me up north for a triple wedding weekend at Kauri Bay Boomrock, captured some Natives Sparkling in the back yard with Flock Events in Mangaweka to burgers and doughs with Flagship Events. Covid struck but not before we smashed a couple bangers before lock down. A dozen postponements, nearly as many cancellations, but we went hard and we went early and we kicked straight back into it in June. Ending the year with some stellar weddings in the wops of Waituna West and little old Otaki.

This job takes me all over in different venues and places around New Zealand but it wouldn’t be as fun or easy if it wasn’t for all the amazingly talented vendors, the venues and shout out to the catering staff who always feed me up good, with you guys being awesome it makes my job that much more fun and easier!

And finally to all the loved up couples, the people who hire me and the people who like me haha you guys help me do the things I love and also help me get the opportunity to spend time with my kids, high five you bloody legends!

Here’s a random look back to my weddings from 2020, shout out to my 2021 and 2022 weddings, if we stay clean and stay sanitised, it looks like we’re in for another ripper!

Thank you!

www.davidle.co.nz

David Le

30 December 2020

Send Off This Year With #Bye2020 featured on Photobug

David Le

30 December 2020

Featured on Photobug Community

This year has been nothing short of long and unpredictable. Stay home orders, wearing face masks, and changing plans right and left—we are ready for it to be over. To give a proper goodbye to this year, we asked our Photobug Community to show off their images that sum up 2020. The submissions had us laughing and crying, which totally describes what it’s been like to survive this year.

If you are ready to say “goodbye 2020” with some dumpster fires and runny mascara, then check out this month’s photo challenge favourites and get ready to kiss this year goodbye!

See Chelsea and Brad featured in the best 2020 sends off here

David Le

21 September 2020

The top 15 best wedding venues in New Zealand

David Le

21 September 2020

Here’s my unofficial list of the best Wedding Venues in little old New Zealand

The Best Wedding Venues in New Zealand

Having shot over 200 weddings, I’ve been to my fair share of locations and venues throughout New Zealand. Here’s my unofficial list of the best wedding venues for your wedding day.

Whether you’re looking for a some minimalistic, italian inspired architecture, a beautiful winery or a place with a bit of soul and rustic charm. Check out the list below.

Feel free to get in touch if you’re after more info and drop me a line at hello@davidle.co.nz

Kauri Bay Boomrock | Auckland

Set on a stunning private 500 acre Clevedon property with expansive coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf. Each venue has been specifically designed to suit unique requirements. It is one of Aucklands premiere wedding venues, with stunning views and a top class team who help run your day.

Featured wedding Chelsea + Brad featured on Together Journal | Website Kauri Bay Boomrock

Old Forest School | Tauranga

The name of the venue says it all. It’s the Old forest School. A school that has been converted into a little hipster boho wedding venue settled in the forests of the Bay of Plenty.

A school hall, a tennis court and a few wooden sheds - it’s a hipsters paradise.

Featured wedding Ash + Darcy featured on Wild Hearts | Website Old Forest School

New Zealand Wedding Photographer David Le Design & Photography

David Le Photography featured on Hello May

Black Barn Vineyards | Hawke’s Bay

Set just around the corner from the spectacular Te Mata Peak. Black Barn is a multi function venue which can hold multiple weddings on the same day. With a number of different ceremony spots available and the plus side of the sunny Hawke’s Bay weather, its a great place to get hitched.

Featured wedding Rebecca + Callum featured on NZ Weddings | Website Black Barn

New Zealand Wedding Photographer David Le | www.davidle.co.nz (Copy)

The Milk Station | Otaki

The Milk Station is one of my favourite venues not only in Wellington but in New Zealand. Situated a hour between Wellington and Palmerston North in the small beach town of Otaki. Italian inspired architecture, beautiful gardens and plenty of onsite accommodation and parking - it’s the total package.

Featured wedding Polly + Rhys on Together Journal | Website The Milk Station

Nicole + James | Tarureka Estate (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

New Zealand Wedding Photographer David Le | www.davidle.co.nz (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

Amanda + Ryan Wedding (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

Tarureka Estate | Featherston

After a venue with a bit more soul and that rustic charm. Tarureka Estate location in Featherston in the Wairarapa is the perfect venue. With onsite homestead and cottage for you and the family to get ready and a handful of options to hold your ceremony from out on the tennis court law or upstairs in the loft, this place is truly special.

Featured wedding Amanda + Ryan on Together Journal | Website Tarureka Estate

Poppies | Martinborough

A classy, modern and minimalistic winery found in the heart of Martinborough. The crew here run a tight ship and if you’re after a team to provide you with a structured day, the team at Poppies deliver. Concrete walls and floors and plenty of sweeping winery views are close by in the Wairarapa.

Featured wedding Ryan + Charlotte featured at Sink or Surface | Website Poppies

David Le 2018 // www.davidle.co.nz (Copy)

Orlando Country | Palmerston North

Orlando Country is one of the premiere wedding venues in the Manawatu. Situated just over hour and a half from Wellington and a couple minutes from Palmerston North city. If you’re after a venue with a great team, good food and a driving range, look no further than this gem in Palmerston North.

Featured wedding Alana + Rob featured at NZ Weddings Mag | Website Orlando Country

Cossars Wineshed | Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed has a nice relaxed feel about it. A bit of romantic French Provincial style thrown together with some Kiwi country flavour. It’s not fussy but it’s not too rustic either. A casual sophistication is what we’re going for.

Family-owned business with a professional team who are dedicated to creating wonderful experiences for you from beginning to end. We make sure that our newlyweds are wanting for nothing, that guests feel pampered and every celebration flows beautifully.

Featured wedding Amy + Joel featured on Christchurch Weddings | Website Cossars Wineshed

Sudbury | Te Horo

Sudbury is a 40 min drive up from Wellington City and around a hour from Palmerston North. A old horse stable turned into an all in one wedding venue with a ceremony area overlooking farmland of Kapiti and a beautiful rustic clean space with concrete floors give a rustic feel with a modern and minimalistic twist. The option to BYO alcohol without any corkage charge is also a big drawcard. Shoutout for the designated photographer car park too, brownie points.

Featured wedding Ben + Jessica at Sudbury | Website Sudbury NZ

Dekens Barn | Taranaki

Dekens Barn is a rustic farm located in the Oakura township, with views of the Taranaki coastline and the Timaru Stream. If you’re after a rustic feel to your wedding day and a beautiful blank canvas to work from, Dekens Barn is the perfect venue.

Featured wedding Mark + Ellen at Dekens Barn

St George’s Restaurant | Hawke’s Bay

Catering from 30 guests up to 300, With its multipurpose, beautiful spaces exchange your vows in their secluded grape vine patio, mingle around the outdoor bar, utilise natural foliage and settings for keepsake photographs of those special to you.

Seat your guests for a formal meal, walk and fork, or graze and sip before the arrival of your wedding band.

Featured wedding St George's Restaurant featured on Wild Hearts | Website St George's Restaurant

Nocton Woolshed | Clevedon

This rustic event venue - it is a converted sheep shearing shed (woolshed), with an amazing view and beautiful bush surrounds. Nocton Woolshed is designed for events up to 120 people and provides a great space for special occasions - in particular weddings.

Featured wedding Lisa + John at Nocton Woolshed | Website Nocton Woolshed

The Red Barn | Waikato

The Red Barn was originally built in the 1860’s as a livery stable. stagecoaches & traders would exchange their horses for the long journeys across the Waikato that today we take for granted.

Now converted into a modern rustic wedding venue in the heart of the Waikato.

Featured wedding Emily + Rhys featured on Paper & Lace | Website The Red Barn

Meadowood House | Hawke’s Bay

Meadowood is ideally situated off State Highway 50, between Napier and Hastings, and only 15 minutes from Hawke’s Bay airport. The wonderful wineries of Hawke’s Bay are on our doorstep, as are cycle trails, golf courses, markets, galleries, and so many more recreational options. Or simply stay on site and ramble across to Zeffer Cidery and sample some of their award-winning ciders on a typical hot Hawke’s Bay day.

Featured Wedding Sarah + Kieran at Meadowood House | Website Meadowood House

David Le

28 August 2020

Kauribay Boomrock Auckland Wedding of Chelsea and Brad featured on Together Journal

David Le

28 August 2020

Having adventures and making new memories is our favourite, whether it be a glamping getaway, a hike somewhere in the outdoors or trying a new café. Our adventures are even better when its somewhere that our two dogs Jake and Ella can also come with us.

Read the full feature over at Together Journal here.