The wedding industry has been lucky to have gained Nicole into our world of lust, love and adventure. With a background in media photography Nicole has avidly captured by the devotion of love, and raw intimacy of wedding photography.
Nicole Gourley Photography has grown from a seedling of inspiration for wedding photography into a desire to capture the fleeting raw moments of connection between lovers. She has found her heart is drawn to the untamed adoration of the moments that are shared between not only beautiful partnerships, but their connection and love with their wider family. Pursuing wedding photography was the natural step for Nicole and she is now working full time in this magical industry.
The southern soul now living big-city dreams in Christchurch city will keep you at ease on your dream day with her down-to-earth nature, good laughs and special candid moments. We sat down to get to know this dreamer behind the lens…
What got you into the industry? Tell us about how your business was born?
I started photographing weddings as a side hustle when I was working as a photographer in the media. After a few seasons of keeping it casual, I decided weddings were my happy place and made the plunge to be a full-time wedding photographer. Best decision ever!
Describe your wedding photography style in three words?
Elegant, emotive, enduring.
What are a few pieces of advice you like to offer couples to get the most from the photography on their wedding day?
Do a pre-wedding shoot! You’ll be so comfortable and relaxed with your photographer when the wedding day comes, and it always reflects in the photos. Work with your photographer on your timetable to make sure it’s not too tight. If anything doesn’t go to plan, you’ll have plenty of buffer time built in so there’s no rush or stress. Let go of any preconceived ideas, relax and have a laugh, and trust your photographer to do an amazing job for you.
What is your absolute favourite part of a wedding day?
The aisle! Even if we’ve done the first look, even if I don’t know the couple well, I tear up every time. And since we’ve had a daughter of our own, you’ll see me crying with pride during the father-daughter dance.
What are some things you have had to overcome during your time in business?
In 2020 we moved to Christchurch, and it’s been a lot of hard work to get my name known in a new city. Coming from home soil where I had incredible word of mouth to a city where no one’s heard of me has been a challenge, to say the least. Ōtautahi is a wonderful piece of the country, and I’m really excited to be working here more and more.
Best advice you’ve ever received about being a happy human?
Be grateful for all the good in your life, and take a moment to look around and appreciate it every day.
Nicole’s passion is capturing that feeling, that joy of your wedding day, and saving it for you to look back on in years to come… Her photos are candid and filled with love and laughter. A photograph should transport you back to the moment – the sunshine, the tears, the happiness, the glass of bubbles, and being surrounded by your most treasured people.
Check more dreamy captures from Nicole here in our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection and follow over on Instagram at @nicolegourleyphotography.
