5 minutes with... Vermont Wedding photographer Christina Bernales

I hope you’ve all had a lovely weekend! We certainly have. It’s been a lovely weekend of winter weather here in Auckland. Beautiful clear blue skies, but cool enough to have the fire going which is my absolute favourite. When we first visited this house last September they had a fire going and it was the scent of it as I stepped through the door that sold me on the spot! And here we are living in it having our own fires. At that time I didn’t think it would happen but I’m SO glad it did!

Today we’re getting to know Vermont wedding photographer CHRISTINA BERNALES. Travelling all over the picturesque New England states to capture beautiful celebrations her style is soft, romantic and organic. She says, “When I’m not behind the camera you’ll find me snuggling my two cuddly cats; finishing one of many in-progress wood-working projects; caring for my many house plants; catching up with friends over a good cup of coffee or planning new and exciting travel photography adventures.“

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER? I fell in love with weddings after I second-shot my first one. There’s a really contagious joy and excitement at every wedding and I have always wanted to pursue a creative trade so I knew that photographing weddings would be a rewarding career for me.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE: I first stumbled into wedding photography as a college student majoring in Business and Graphic Design. During my first semester at school, I reached out to a local wedding photographer to offer my help and he had been looking to find a regular assistant at the time so my timing was perfect. After shooting just one wedding alongside him I knew that wedding photography was my calling. There’s something truly special about being able to document such a joyous day in the lives of couples and I feel very fortunate to do it as my job.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Organic, romantic and soft. My hope is that when couples look at their photographs, whether it’s the first time or on their 10 year anniversary, they’re able to remember their wedding day as closely as it felt and looked like in real life.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? It’s so heartwarming to witness the genuine gestures of love and support from guests towards couples. Getting married is a monumental decision in our lives and whether we plan a big wedding or an intimate one, it means so much to feel loved and encouraged, especially so on the day of.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY: I love this image below because it was one of my first times shooting film and it kickstarted my love affair with the medium. It’s also a photo of one my favourite places on earth, Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California.

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? A few years ago, during a wedding ceremony, the Groom’s father surprised the couple with an acoustic cover of “shower the people” by James Taylor. As he sang, more family members and friends stood up to join in. The bride and groom were very moved, as was I. It was a very touching moment and, to this day, I remember it with much joy.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My cats, my morning coffee and the ability to travel.

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? Snuggled in bed with my husband and our two cuddly cats.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? As of late I’ve been very interested in learning to identify plants and trees. There’s something so rewarding and spiritual about being aware of my surroundings. My ideal day off would be spent taking a nature walk or hike to a beautiful place.