A wedding photographer by trade, Hannah has been around her fair share of brides, but she’s learnt a little something… “Marrying your best friend isn’t about making it all about the wedding, but focusing on your love and the future you will make together. I had a surface understanding of this beforehand, but really understand now… it’s a big deal!” That it is! The couple have been together for 10 years, and DIY’d much of their gorgeous New Zealand wedding (including the flowers!) but “wouldn’t do it any other way.” And one of their good friends, Acorn Photography & Cinema, was their to catch it all on camera…
THE PROPOSAL Theo took me to the top of the Port Hills in Christchurch and little to my knowledge, had packed a picnic, and scouted the most secluded, beautiful spot with a view over the harbour. He had told me to bring my camera, and sneaked my tripod out of my car. I was enjoying the view for a minute before getting into the food and when I turned around, Theo was on one knee.
THE VENUE I have grown up holidaying in the Central Otago region and had so many memories of the golden, sun-drenched hills, acres of native Manuka… just the smell in the air was beautiful. We instantly fell in love with Criffel Station Woolshed and the incredible view.
FAVOURITE DETAILS How the flowers turned out. All of the florists that I loved were booked up, so I had ordered from a grower without seeing anything. It turned into a passion the day before the wedding and I transformed our garage into a floral studio, creating our bouquets and table decor with my mum’s help.
THE DRESS I got my Charlie Brear piece second-hand and added the lace feature to my dress so it represented my style. The sleeves created an extra dimension to my slip style gown.
A WORD OF ADVICE… From both my personal experience and experiences of my brides, get your big vendors organised early so you get the exact style you want. Photography is a big one (not bias, promise!). Narrow down a style and pick three- meet with them and choose the one you click with the best. And make sure you spend your money on the things that you value.
WE’RE GLAD WE… Did our creative bridal shoot the day after our wedding. It meant that on our day, we had plenty of time to catch up with our guests. It was very special to be able to spend the morning of the next day to just focus on our photos, going to a stunning location to capture something we will treasure for the rest of our lives. *Editors note: Scroll to the bottom to check out the pics!
STANDOUT VENDORS Erin from Acorn Photography & Cinema went above and beyond. Lucy from Christchurch Weddings also blew me away with her life-saving styling and co-ordination. We had a stylist pull out two weeks from our wedding and she stepped in and did everything, bringing my vision to life.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Acorn Photography & Cinema Event Planner Christchurch Weddings Printer CQ Print Ceremony & Reception Venue Criffel Station Woolshed Catering Flying Trestles Cake Cakes By Anna Hire Items So Sweet Hire THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Charlie Brear Top Pretty Things Veil BHLDN Robes H&M Shoes Wittner Wedding Band Walker and Hall Earrings By Boe Bracelets Pandora Hair Opulence Hair Makeup Kasia Stanicich Bridesmaid Dresses Asos THE GROOM Jacket Rodd and Gunn Shirt & Pants Barkers Suspenders H&M Shoes Andrea Biani Wedding Band Stewart Dawsons Watch TAG Heuer Groomsmen Suits Barkers