Jane & Steve: A Special West Coast Wedding at Muriwai Golf Club
Yesterday, the rugged West Coast of New Zealand provided the ultimate backdrop for Jane and Steve's peaceful, family-oriented wedding at Muriwai Golf Club.
As an Auckland wedding videographer, there is something uniquely cinematic about the Muriwai coastline. Between the sweeping dunes and the roar of the Tasman Sea, Jane and Steve's day felt less like a standard ceremony and more like a tranquil coastal celebration of two people who truly get each other.
A Muriwai Golf Club Ceremony with Nate Dunn
Muriwai Golf Club offers one of the most expansive ceremony views in New Zealand. Jane and Steve stood between the greens and the cliffs, where Celebrant Nate Dunn set a tone that was equal parts hilarious and deeply moving. It's rare to find a ceremony that feels this grounded while overlooking a horizon that large.
- The Setting: White chairs laid out on a private lawn with a direct line of sight to the breaking waves.
- The Vibe: Authentic, laughter-filled, and immersed in the beautiful coastline.
Capturing the day with Rebecca Bradley Photography
Collaborating with Rebecca Bradley was a masterclass in efficiency and artistry. We spent the afternoon navigating the long grass and black sands, capturing Jane and Steve in their element. Rebecca's ability to capture the quiet, "unposed" moments makes for a gallery that feels lived-in and real. Can't wait to see some sneak peeks!
Behind the Lens: Filming the West Coast
Filming on the West Coast requires a flexible approach to both light and sound. At Muriwai Golf Club, the elevation provides a stunning perspective, but the wind coming off the Tasman Sea is a factor. We used the natural texture of the dunes to create depth in every frame, and lav microphones on the bride and the groom to capture clean audio despite the wind. Using a drone allowed us to capture the sheer scale of the ceremony, showing the private lawn nestled right against the rugged cliffs. For a wedding videographer in Auckland, these wide-angle environmental shots are essential to tell the full story of the day. We focused on long-lens captures during the portraits to keep the couple in their bubble, letting their natural chemistry lead the way while the black sands and crashing waves did the heavy lifting in the background.
Why Muriwai is a Dream for Wedding Films
For a filmmaker, the "Muriwai Look" is unbeatable. You have the dark, moody textures of the ironsand paired with the bright, airy coastal light. It provides a visual contrast that makes every frame of a wedding film pop. Whether it's a drone shot sweeping over the dunes or a tight close-up of a shared laugh, the West Coast never misses.
Planning your wedding? Let's capture your story.