DARWIN & ABIGAIL | AN IGLESIA NI CRISTO WEDDING
When No One Saw It Coming: Darwin & Abigail’s Iglesia Ni Cristo Wedding in Auckland
As a wedding videographer, I’ve seen many love stories unfold—but every now and then, one surprises even the closest circle around the couple.
Abigail and Darwin’s wedding at Iglesia Ni Cristo Auckland was exactly that.
It was quiet. Unexpected. Deeply sincere.
And hands down, one of the most touching celebrations I’ve had the honour to capture.
Abigail: The Church Organist Everyone Loves
If you’ve ever been part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) community in Auckland, chances are—you know Abigail.
She’s the talented organist, always present at worship services, always graceful, always composed. And she’s not just admired for her music, but for her character.
As she got older, people started to notice something: no boyfriend, no male friends, no clues.
No one at church ever heard her talk about a crush or show any interest in anyone. In fact, she kept her personal life so private that when the announcement came—“Abigail is engaged!”—it was like a plot twist no one saw coming.
Enter Darwin: The Man Who Won Her Heart
Naturally, the big question on everyone’s mind was, who is Darwin?
When I finally met him, it all made sense.
Darwin’s the kind of guy who doesn’t need attention or applause. He’s straight-up, grounded, hardworking, and most of all—genuinely serious about building a life with Abigail.
No drama. No flash. Just the real deal.
During the wedding day, you could feel it in how he looked at her, how he carried himself, and how earnestly he stepped into this new chapter with her. It was never about impressing people—it was about honouring commitment.
The Ceremony at Iglesia Ni Cristo Auckland
The ceremony took place at Iglesia Ni Cristo in Auckland, a church filled with reverence, light, and the support of a close-knit congregation.
I’ve filmed in many places of worship, but there’s a stillness and dignity in an INC wedding that’s truly unique. Every movement, every word, every prayer holds meaning.
Seeing Abigail walk down the aisle—poised, radiant, and finally revealing this part of her life—was powerful. The congregation watched with pride and joy, and the room felt like it was overflowing with quiet celebration.
A Celebration of Two Lives Joining as One
After the ceremony, it was all smiles.
Everyone who had been quietly curious for years now had their answer—and they were thrilled.
The love and support for Darwin and Abigail was genuine and overwhelming.
From heartfelt wishes to shared laughs, from family photos to quiet hugs—it was a day of unity, joy, and fresh beginnings.
As I filmed their wedding story, I couldn’t help but admire how Abigail and Darwin kept their relationship sacred, away from the noise, and brought it to light when they were ready to commit—fully, faithfully, and forever.
Planning an Iglesia Ni Cristo Wedding in Auckland?
Whether you're planning a simple ceremony or something more elaborate, an Iglesia Ni Cristo wedding is a celebration of faith, family, and intentional love.
If you're looking for a videographer and photographer who understands how to respectfully capture spiritual moments and community celebration—I’d be honoured to be part of your day.
Every love story deserves to be told well.
Just like Darwin and Abigail’s.
Looking for an Iglesia Ni Cristo wedding photographer or videographer in Auckland?
Let’s talk. I’ll help you capture your special day with honesty, beauty, and care.
Iglesia Ni Cristo Wedding Videographer Auckland – By Mata Films
Filipino Wedding Photography & Film in New Zealand
Auckland Faith-Based Wedding Video & Photo Team
PRETESH & BHAVISHA | A TRADITIONAL GUJARATI WEDDING
A Gujarati Wedding to Remember: Pretesh & Bhavisha’s 4-Day Celebration at Shri Swaminarayan Temple Auckland
There are weddings—and then there are weddings that feel like a festival of love, culture, colour, and devotion.
Pretesh and Bhavisha’s wedding was exactly that.
A 4-day traditional Gujarati wedding, filled with beautiful rituals, dancing, emotion, and a deep sense of family. As a wedding videographer, this wasn’t just one of our most detailed wedding shoots—it became one of the best wedding films we’ve ever produced.
Honouring Tradition, Family, and Heritage
From the beginning, Pretesh and Bhavisha made it clear—they wanted a wedding that honoured their parents and celebrated their Gujarati heritage.
Every ceremony, every ritual, every detail was chosen with meaning. This was a wedding not only for them—but for their families, for their ancestors, and for the generations to come.
And we were lucky enough to be invited into that story—to document it, celebrate it, and preserve it with both video and photography.
Day 1: Haldi and Satak Ceremony
The wedding week began with two deeply spiritual ceremonies—Haldi and Satak.
We arrived to the home filled with turmeric, laughter, and the buzz of family everywhere. The Haldi ceremony was filled with colour, blessings, and warmth.
Later, the Satak grounded the celebration in tradition—prayers, rituals, and the formal beginning of a sacred union.
Both families were so welcoming to us as photographers and videographers. It made a huge difference in how comfortable everyone felt with our team present. And that connection is what allows us to capture truly candid, emotional moments.
Day 2: Sangeet Night – Music, Dance, and Energy
If Day 1 was about tradition, Day 2 was all about celebration.
The Sangeet brought the house down. Dancing, choreographed performances, and family members taking over the stage—there wasn’t a dull moment.
As filmmakers, it’s always a joy to capture movement, music, and joy—and the energy on this night made our job easy.
Day 3: Mosaru Ceremony in Christchurch
Yes, you read that right. We flew down to Christchurch for the Mosaru—a lesser-known but vibrant Gujarati ritual filled with fun and spiritual significance.
It added a unique dimension to the wedding. For our team, it was a privilege to follow the family across cities—capturing continuity, emotion, and depth from place to place.
This is what sets apart multi-day Indian weddings: each day brings a new mood, a new story, and new layers to the relationship being celebrated.
Day 4: The Hindu Wedding Ceremony at Shri Swaminarayan Temple Papatoetoe
The final day was the heart of it all.
The wedding ceremony took place at the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Papatoetoe, Auckland—a spiritual and architectural gem that we’ve been privileged to film in many times.
Dressed in traditional wedding attire, surrounded by family, guided by sacred mantras—Pretesh and Bhavisha tied the knot in a ceremony that was both emotional and majestic.
The Temple’s intricate details, golden light, and peaceful energy added a timeless quality to every shot. For Indian couples in Auckland, it’s one of the most revered and beautiful places to hold a Hindu wedding.
A Family That Welcomed Us as Their Own
What made this wedding truly unforgettable wasn’t just the rituals or the decor—it was the people.
Both families welcomed us with open arms. From day one, they treated our photo and video crew like family. That warmth translated into the footage—because when people feel safe and seen, you capture them at their most authentic.
Pretesh and Bhavisha, thank you for trusting us with your story. Your wedding will always hold a special place in our hearts—and in our portfolio.
Planning a Traditional Indian Wedding in Auckland?
If you're planning a Gujarati wedding or a Hindu ceremony at Shri Swaminarayan Temple Papatoetoe, we’d love to help tell your story.
At Mata Films, we’ve had the honour of filming many Indian weddings in Auckland, but this one—rich in love, tradition, and community—will stay with us forever.
Whether your celebration is one day or four, in one city or across two—we’ll be there to capture it all.
Looking for Indian wedding photography and videography in Auckland?
Let’s talk. We specialise in multi-day weddings, Hindu ceremonies, and capturing cultural traditions with authenticity and cinematic beauty.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple Papatoetoe Wedding Videographer
Gujarati Wedding Photographer Auckland – By Mata Films
Auckland Indian Wedding Video & Photography
A Love Rekindled: Sandeep & Jaishri’s Elegant Wedding at The Glasshouse Morningside
From the Hockey Field to the Aisle
Their story began on a hockey field.
Sandeep was coaching a women’s team, and Jaishri—always showing up polished and graceful—stood out. Over the course of games and training sessions, they became friends. And after the season ended, that friendship turned into something magical.
Although their first go at love lasted only a few weeks, the impression Sandeep left never really faded for Jaishri.
Years later, they reconnected. Sparks flew again. And this time, they didn’t let go.
The Wedding Day: Modern, Intimate and Full of Heart
The moment I stepped into The Glasshouse Morningside, I knew this wedding would be special. The venue has this clean, modern vibe with just the right balance of natural light, greenery, and contemporary design. It's one of the most photogenic spaces I've worked in—and a dream for filming.
Sandeep and Jaishri wanted something intimate and elegant, with just the right mix of culture and style. They nailed it.
From the moment Jaishri walked down the aisle, looking stunning in a white sari with gold accents, to Sandeep’s emotional vows—every part of the ceremony felt deeply personal. You could feel the history between them. The kind of love that had waited, grown, and come full circle.
The Glasshouse gave us so much to work with—floor-to-ceiling windows, hanging plants, and that soft urban ambience that makes every frame glow. We leaned into those aesthetics to create a film and photo gallery that reflects not only their style but their connection.
A Wedding That Felt Like Them
What I appreciated most about Sandeep and Jaishri’s wedding was how unapologetically them it was. It wasn’t overly traditional, but their Indian heritage was honoured with grace—through the garments, the family blessings, the music, and the joyful energy in the room.
As a wedding videographer in Auckland who works with a lot of Indian couples, I’ve seen many big, bold weddings. But there’s something incredibly powerful about intimate, intentional days like this one—where every guest matters, and every moment has weight.
Planning an Indian Wedding at The Glasshouse Morningside?
If you’re an Indian couple in Auckland dreaming of a wedding that feels both modern and meaningful, The Glasshouse Morningside might be the perfect canvas.
It’s versatile enough to host a traditional ceremony or a fusion celebration—and it photographs beautifully in every light.
I’ve filmed weddings across Auckland, but this one will stick with me. The story. The space. The people. Everything aligned.
Let’s tell your story next.
Looking for a wedding videographer or photographer in Auckland?
Whether it’s at The Glasshouse Morningside or another venue, I’d love to help you capture every meaningful moment.
The Glasshouse Morningside Wedding Videographer
Auckland Indian Wedding Photography & Film – By Mata Films
MIKE & KELLY | A WEDDING AT ST MATTHEWS IN THE CITY
A Promise Across Cultures: Mike & Kelly’s Auckland Wedding at St Matthew-in-the-City & The Glasshouse Morningside
Some weddings are beautiful. Others are heartfelt.
And then there are weddings like Mike and Kelly’s—where love speaks louder than words, and every glance between the couple tells its own story.
As a wedding videographer, I’ve been lucky to capture hundreds of weddings across Auckland, but this one stayed with me. A perfect blend of faith, family, and joyful celebration—set in two of Auckland’s most iconic venues: St Matthew-in-the-City for the ceremony, and The Glasshouse Morningside for the reception.
A Story That Began in Faith
At the time, Mike was working at PBTech and Kelly was still a university student. But despite their busy lives, they built a quiet and steady connection grounded in faith and friendship.
When I met them, I noticed something instantly: they didn’t need to say much to communicate. The way they looked at each other—softly, knowingly—spoke volumes.
It’s the kind of unspoken bond that makes you believe in soulmates.
A Timeless Ceremony at St Matthew-in-the-City
Their ceremony took place at St Matthew-in-the-City, one of Auckland’s most stunning and historic churches.
Filming in that space felt sacred. The soaring architecture, the stained glass windows, and the reverence of the moment created a setting that was both grand and intimate.
And then Mike did something that took everyone by surprise—he delivered his entire vow from memory. No cue cards. No notes. Just heart.
It was such a powerful moment. Every word felt intentional, and the way he looked at Kelly—so present, so steady—you could feel how much this commitment meant to him.
Kelly’s parents had flown in from China, and Mike’s father had also come to witness his son marry the love of his life.
The vows were heartfelt. The setting was timeless. And as I filmed the ceremony from the shadows of that beautiful church, I knew we were capturing something truly meaningful.
A Joyful Reception at The Glasshouse Morningside
After the ceremony, everyone gathered at The Glasshouse Morningside for the reception—a stunning urban venue with modern greenery, soft lighting, and plenty of space to celebrate.
This was where Mike really surprised everyone. During his speech, he stood up and delivered his words in Chinese—promising Kelly’s parents that he would love and care for their daughter for the rest of his life.
Then he turned to his own father and thanked him for everything—for the sacrifices that allowed him to study, live, and build a future here in New Zealand.
Even before the words were translated, the emotion in the room was unmistakable. It was one of the most touching speeches I’ve ever filmed.
A Reception Full of Energy and Love
And when the dancing started—it didn’t stop.
The reception was full of joy, laughter, and the kind of energy you can’t fake. Friends and family danced late into the night. The room was bursting with love—not just for Mike and Kelly, but between everyone who came to support them.
As a videographer, my job is to capture what a day feels like—not just what it looks like. And this one? It felt like home, like family, and like a new beginning all at once.
Planning a Chinese Wedding in Auckland?
If you’re planning a Chinese or multicultural wedding in Auckland, combining venues like St Matthew-in-the-City and The Glasshouse Morningside offers a beautiful contrast: tradition and heritage for the ceremony, and modern elegance for the celebration.
Mike and Kelly’s day was a true reflection of what happens when love crosses cultures, languages, and generations.
And I’m grateful to have captured it all—frame by frame, moment by moment.
Looking for a Chinese wedding videographer or photographer in Auckland?
Whether your day is rooted in tradition or full of modern flair, I’d love to help you tell your story—honestly, beautifully, and with heart.
St Matthew-in-the-City Wedding Videographer
The Glasshouse Morningside Wedding Photographer
Auckland Chinese Wedding Video & Photography – By Mata Films
EDDY & JESS | A WEDDING AT ALEXANDRA PARK
They say no one is perfect, we beg to differ because these two are! Eddy and Jess are simply perfect for each other, they compliment each other in such a way that whenever we look at them together we just can’t help but smile and be happy for them. Being able to witness and document their wedding day is an absolutely amazing experience! Their first dance was an experience to remember on its own. Jess pulled off a Siva Samoa with such grace that everyone was left in awe. We can’t wait what else these two will accomplish in the future. Congratulations Eddy and Jess we love you both!
They say no one is perfect, we beg to differ because these two are! Eddy and Jess are simply perfect for each other, they compliment each other in such a way that whenever we look at them together we just can’t help but smile and be happy for them. Being able to witness and document their wedding day is an absolutely amasing experience! Their first dance was an experience to remember on its own. Jess pulled off a Siva Samoa with such grace that everyone was left in awe. We can’t wait what else these two will accomplish in the future. Congratulations Eddy and Jess we love you both!
HANLIN & TIAN | A WEDDING AT BRIDGEWATER COUNTRY ESTATE
Organising a wedding from overseas is not an easy task especially if the person you are marrying is on the other side of the world. Canada and China are separated by continents yet this did not hinder Hanlin to fulfil Tian’s wish of a New Zealand wedding. This is a wedding story about New Zealand, love and sacrifices.
Organising a wedding from overseas is not an easy task especially if the person you are marrying is on the other side of the world. Canada and China are separated by continents yet this did not hinder Hanlin to fulfil Tian’s wish of a New Zealand wedding. This is a wedding story about New Zealand, love and sacrifices.