Take a look at NZ's wedding photo of the year

James Phillips of Patina Photography won the highest scoring entry in the National Epson/NZIPP Iris Awards, for a print made up of two images of couple Sun and Tae Hyun Kim. Photo / James Phillips

This is New Zealand's wedding photo of the year - but is it romantic or a little bit unusual?

James Phillips has won the Iris Awards for the striking composite print, made up of two images of Auckland couple Sun and Tae Hyun Kim tying the knot.

Phillips, of Patina Photography in Wellington, came top from more than 1100 entries in the national competition in Queenstown organised by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP).

Phillips - who works alongside his award-winning photographer wife Michelle - said there was a magic in capturing his images, which celebrate "authentic couples and the little moments that are often overlooked".

"It is our hope we get to capture more real people and genuine love, caught in a creative and thoughtful way so that couples will have these incredible memories that they are proud to hang on their wall," he added.

NZIPP president Russell Hamlet said the Iris Awards give photographers an opportunity to push the boundaries.

"As a result the bar keeps being raised higher and this year was no exception," he said.

But is the unorthodox image an arty and memorable way of capturing a couple's big day - or a step too far removed from traditional wedding snaps?