Auckland wedding - Mantells Mt Eden

Christine and Jonathan

As an Auckland wedding photographer, I had the joy of capturing Christine and Jono’s elegant celebration at Mantells Mount Eden. Their day was everything they had envisioned: classic, chic, and timeless — the perfect reflection of their love story.

Their journey together began in the most unexpected of places: the school where they both taught music. Christine was teaching flute and Jono was teaching trombone on different days, until a free Te Reo Māori course brought their schedules together. What started as casual conversations in the staffroom soon turned into shared dinners as fellow food lovers — and before long, into a lifelong partnership.

For Jono, what drew him in was Christine’s adventurous spirit — her love of travel, learning, and living life to the fullest. For Christine, it was Jono’s warmth and the ease of their conversations that made her feel instantly at home. Their relationship blossomed naturally, built on laughter, shared passions, and the simple joy of each other’s company.

On their wedding day, that same effortless connection shone through. They shared a beautiful first look at the Auckland High Court, a striking and timeless backdrop that perfectly matched the sophisticated style of the day. From there, the celebration unfolded at Mantells Mount Eden, one of Auckland’s most elegant wedding venues. With ivy-clad walls, hidden courtyards, and an intimate atmosphere, it was the ideal setting for a celebration filled with love and refinement.

Every detail reflected their vision of an elegant, timeless Auckland wedding — from the graceful ceremony to the heartfelt toasts and laughter shared over dinner. Surrounded by family and friends, Christine and Jono celebrated not just a wedding, but the start of a new chapter as lifelong companions and adventure partners.

For couples dreaming of a chic and timeless Auckland wedding at Mantells Mt Eden, Christine and Jono’s day is a beautiful reminder that sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected of places — and creates a story that feels both effortless and extraordinary.

The Amazing Team:

Venue: Mantells Mt Eden

First look location: Auckland high court

Celebrant:Mel Stuart

MC: Da-Hae

Hair stylist: Ashley Collett

Makeup artist: Ellie Choi

Florist: Blush Flowers

Cake maker: The Caker

Wedding dress: Judy Gao Bridal

DJ/Band:Yuli Lynch and Lewis McCallum

Videographer: Kelly Kim Videography