It's her ability to create timeless imagery while capturing genuine smiles and romantic connections that has taken Hawke's Bay wedding photographer JUDY NUNEZ to numerous locale's worldwide to work. Having started her photography career in Charleston, SC, Judy returned to her birth country of New Zealand where she is continually inspired by the majestic landscapes and raw beauty of New Zealand. Combined with her love for people and culture, she enjoys working closely with couples who value photography and have a keen sense of adventure.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? My dad had a lifetime subscription to National Geographic and as a young child (probably no more than 8), I would daydream of being a photographer on an expedition.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE. I received a DSLR as a gift and took a million or so photos of my kids (they will tell you it was more) & it slowly progressed from there. I tried all different forms of photography & as soon as I photographed my first engagement session, then a wedding, I was hooked with wedding photography.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? I like to think it is timeless, elegant and romantic.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? This is a tough one, as so many aspects appeal to me but I get really teary-eyed and emotional during the ceremony.

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? This is a tough question as so many moments stick out to me, but my favourite wedding experience was at my own wedding when my husband said his vows to me.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY. I love this image because the couple had a very emotional ceremony and there wasn’t a dry eye from the moment the bride walked down the aisle. It was a tiny church and to help create an artistic photo that encapsulated their nerves, tears, and excitement, I went outside and framed the couple with the doorway. It’s minimal, black and white & draws your eye to the couple which is the kind of image that I love to capture.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Chapstick, Taylor Swift & GPS (I’d be lost without it - excuse the pun!)

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING? Every Sunday I begin the day in the kitchen making a hot breakfast. I love how bonding this meal has become and quite often we will invite friends over to join us as well. Then, we always go to church.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? On a road trip with the family meandering our way down the coast & stopping at many of the beautiful beaches to explore the rock pools for wildlife. We would finish the day building a fire on the beach and casting a line, to see if we could catch some supper.

Hawke's Bay wedding photographer JUDY NUNEZ is a fine art Wedding and Portrait Photographer based in the North Island of New Zealand. Her ability to create timeless imagery while capturing genuine smiles and romantic connections have taken her work to numerous locale's worldwide. Having started her photography career in Charleston, South Carolina, she has returned to her birth country where she is continually inspired by the majestic landscapes and raw beauty of New Zealand. Combined with her love for people and culture, she enjoys working closely with couples who value photography and have a keen sense of adventure. Head over to her portfolio to see more of her work and be sure to check out this New Zealand winter bridal inspiration.