Amanda & Aiden | Hobbiton Tour | Hobbiton Wedding | Auckland Wedding Photographer
A Journey with an Unexpected Shower
The Awesome Wedding Vendors that made it happen!
Wedding Venue: Hobbiton | The Shire | The Green Dragon Inn
Photo & Video: Dear White Productions
Wedding Band: Sam & James
Make-up & Hair: Cherie Bullock
When Amanda & Aidan first reached out, they mentioned two things straight away: their love for anime and their dream of getting married in Hobbiton. As an Auckland wedding photographer, I knew this was going to be something unforgettable. What I didn’t expect, though, was just how magical it would feel—even with the skies pouring down on us all day long.
The couple, along with their closest family and friends, flew in all the way from the United States to celebrate their love in the heart of New Zealand. It was a true destination wedding in every sense. The joy and excitement they brought with them were infectious, and despite the unpredictable weather, not a single smile was washed away by the rain.
Amanda made her way down the aisle to Bluebird from Naruto—a fitting, emotional nod to the anime that’s meant so much to both of them. It was one of those moments where time felt like it paused. The music, the mist, and the soft hush of guests watching—pure magic.
The ceremony itself had the sweetest twist: Amanda and Aidan rolled a 20-sided dice (yes, a D20!) to decide who would read their vows first. Aidan rolled high and led the way, and their vows were as heartfelt and fun as you’d expect from two people who clearly adore each other and don’t take life too seriously.
Now let’s talk about the weather. It rained. And rained. And rained. The only true break in the clouds came during the ceremony—almost like the universe knew it needed to hold off, just for a moment. But after that, it was back to full-blown showers. You might think that would put a damper on the day, but not for Amanda and Aidan.
They danced through the rain. They skipped, jumped, sang, and laughed their way through Hobbiton, totally unbothered by the weather. If there’s ever been a couple who embodied the quote, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain,” it’s them. It honestly felt like we were filming a scene straight out of The Notebook—epic, romantic, soaked-through, and completely alive.
The celebration continued at the Green Dragon, where Amanda and Aidan made their entrance in the coolest way: both wearing anime sukajan jackets. Aidan rocked a Dragon Ball Z design, and Amanda wore One Piece. It was fun, unexpected, and totally “them.” The room lit up with cheers, and the cozy Hobbiton tavern vibe made it all feel like a storybook ending.
Even as the rain kept pouring into the night, they were still down for more photos—some of the most powerful shots we captured came from those late-night moments, soaked through but smiling wide, wrapped in each other’s arms. There’s something raw and real about photos in the rain, especially when the couple embraces it fully.
Amanda and Aidan’s day was proof that love, laughter, and a bit of anime can make any wedding unforgettable—rain or shine. As an Auckland wedding photographer, days like these remind me why I love what I do. It’s not about perfect weather or spotless dresses. It’s about capturing people who are fully present, fully themselves, and wildly in love.
Amanda & Aidan, thank you for trusting me to tell your story. You two are pure sunshine—yes, even on the stormiest day.
