Jess and Mike’s wedding album is one gorgeous photo after another. The photographers captured the love and happiness felt by this bride and groom beautifully. Here is their story:
"Mike and I met while I was studying abroad in America in 2008. The proposal took place in Queenstown, New Zealand, where we were moved to for a year in 2011 post Christchurch earthquake. Mike created an elaborate story about 'winning' a helicopter ride which I bought hook line and sinker. Once we landed a top of Cecil peak, overlooking the snow-capped 'Remarkables' and Lake Wakatipu, I was busy taking photos of the scenery when Mike got down on one knee, The rest as they say is history. We clinked our champagne glasses together feeling literally on top of the world.
I love to scrap book stuff, so my mum bought me a Kiki K 'Wedding folder' and 'Organiser book'. Not only were they really handy for keeping all my important documentation, ideas, dates, prices etc but they are now special 'keepsakes' that I love to look through. My favourite sites for inspiration were The Knot, Pinterest and Bespoke Brides.
I loved getting married outside in the garden and was thankful for a beautiful summers day. We exchanged our vows under a sprawling oak tree, with this line being one of my favourite" I promise to create a faithful and fantastic marriage with you where laughter is an integral part of our family.
I was lucky enough to be gifted Mike's great grandmothers engagement and wedding ring which was very special for us. Our wedding was a sort of vintage shabby chic theme, with hessian table runners, wooden crates and mason jars as vases wrapped with twine and lace. The colours used were pretty classic mostly whites, earthy hessian and a touch of light pink.
We wanted something quite modern but traditional in a suit so mike wore a grey pinstripe suite with a waist coat and skinny black tie. As soon as I tried my gown on I instantly fell in love. It was more than I wanted to spend but my nana, mum and 2 good friends agreed it was the perfect mixture of vintage and classic beauty that would suit the garden wedding.
The reception was all about great food, great friends and family and creating lasting memories with many captured through a photo booth which we hired and was a crowd favourite. I made most of the decorations myself but got my table numbers printed at the drawing room. My nana Kate put together all the beautiful bouquets. Our rings were tied to a book with twine that read 'love is one big adventure' that my brother presented during the ceremony.
My advice - decide what are the most important things you want in your wedding. I found it is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning and blow out your budget in all the 'extra little things'. There are so many sites where you can get free printables for all sorts of decorations and invitations. I also think it's important not to skimp on photography (if you like photos). They are the one thing you have to keep after the whirlwind of the day. I would also suggest having a videographer who can create a short summary of your day that you can share with people who couldn't be there and to enjoy in the years to come."
We really enjoyed the peak inside Jess and Mike’s wedding album. So much love and laughter! Thank you for sharing with us Jess.
Venue: Trents Vineyard Christchurch, Photographer: Heather Ellis, Videographer: Christchurch Videography - see our video on YouTube
By Ingrid Szajer
Lindsey