Capturing Love: A Lockdown Story IN Auckland
I’m excited to share the beautiful story of Nikita and Hugh. As an Auckland wedding photographer, capturing love stories like theirs, especially during unique circumstances such as a lockdown, is what truly drives my passion for wedding photography.
Nikita & Hugh: A Romantic Auckland Love Story from Lockdown to Forever
Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it. For Nikita and Hugh, it happened right after New Zealand’s first lockdown was lifted — a time when the world was slowly opening up again, and life felt both uncertain and full of possibility.
As their chosen Auckland wedding photographer, I had the privilege of documenting the moments that defined their love story. Nikita was living in Auckland, sharing a flat with a group of friends. One weekend, a friend invited Hugh, someone she had never met, to join them. There was nothing particularly extraordinary about that weekend, except that it changed everything.
From the moment Nikita and Hugh met, there was an undeniable connection. They talked, laughed, and discovered a shared love for simple joys and spontaneous adventures. “We got on straight away,” Nikita recalls with a smile. As an Auckland wedding photographer, I see these small, intimate moments as the heart of a relationship, and it’s a privilege to capture them on camera.
After that weekend, Hugh found himself making the trip from out of town to Auckland every single weekend for nearly a year and a half, just to be with her. For both of them, those weekends became the best part of their lives — a chance to build something real, even in a world that still felt uncertain. This story exemplifies why being an Auckland wedding photographer is so rewarding; it’s about capturing the love that grows even during the most challenging times.
A Love Built on Kindness and Laughter.
Over time, they fell deeply in love. Nikita adored Hugh’s kindness, his innate goodness, and his unwavering desire to help others. “He would do anything to make someone’s day a little brighter or help lessen their load,” she shares. “He brings so much love, joy, and laughter into my life, and makes every moment feel special.”
For Hugh, it was Nikita’s warmth and ability to light up a room that captured his heart. “Her humor and smile turn every ordinary moment into something extraordinary,” he says. “Her genuine care for me and everyone around her never ceases to amaze me.”
Their relationship was a blend of joy, kindness, and a love that grew stronger with each passing day.
A Proposal in Their Favorite Place
When Hugh decided to propose, he knew he wanted it to be somewhere that felt as special as their love story. Wanaka, one of their favorite places in New Zealand, was the perfect choice. They had already created so many happy memories there, and it seemed fitting to make one of the most important moments of their lives happen in a place they both loved.
The day began with a sunrise walk from Hugh’s mum’s house to the lake, a peaceful start that set the tone for what was to come. After sharing a coffee with his dad, they prepared for an adventure at Rippon Vineyard, a place known for its breathtaking views and world-class wine. After a wine tasting, they strolled around the vineyard, taking in the stunning scenery. Hugh led Nikita to a secluded lookout point, where the lake sparkled below and the mountains rose majestically in the distance.
There, with the beauty of Wanaka surrounding them, Hugh got down on one knee and asked Nikita to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, Nikita said yes. They celebrated with champagne and lunch, their hearts full, before returning to Hugh’s family home where his sisters had planned a surprise engagement party. “We drank lots more champagne and celebrated into the evening,” Nikita laughs. It was a day they would never forget — a day that marked the beginning of their forever.
