Ethan & Josie's River Ridge Retreat Wedding

During speeches it was mentioned that Josie & Ethan's love makes time feel like it is standing still. I thought that was such a fantastic way to describe the special love these two share! Ethan & Josie are just the cutest couple. Their Catlins wedding was like something out of a fairytale, with Josie's boutique lace gown, paired with her mother's veil and Ethan looking like a Scottish prince with his kilt ensemble.

Aside from Ethan and Josie having immaculate taste in wedding styling, we were also spoilt with the best day ever weather-wise for photos - warm, calm and such soft light! A photographer's dream in one of the most gorgeous settings in New Zealand. But most importantly this day was an epic celebration for Ethan and Josie. Surrounded by their loved ones; the day was filled with joy, laughter and tales of their relationship and adventures so far.

Ethan is a chef over in the UK, for Tommy Banks in Yorkshire - in fact Josie works there too! So naturally Ethan's love for food featured in the wedding day. Just wait until you see the delicious wedding reception menu that Ethan had a large hand in creating! Matt and I are definitely thinking we need to book more chefs as wedding couples haha!

Josie and Ethan put so many meaningful unique touches to their wedding details, from the engraving in their wedding bands, to an orange rose tucked into Josie's bouquet (orange is Ethan's favourite colour & it was artfully included throughout the day!). Josie's love for rose gold also shined through!

While Josie got ready in Pounawea, Ethan and his crew had a blast shooting clays at River Ridge before heading up the road to Mohua Park to get ready for the day.

Josie and Ethan chose to get married down by the stream at River Ridge Retreat. How special is that remembrance shelf of loved ones?! Such a beautiful way to have their loved ones who couldn't be there in their thoughts. 

Josie arrived in style, with her dad and her brother's cars (both rose gold!) as wedding transport! The little humans made the cutest entrance showering the pathway for Josie in rose petals. And Ethan's eyes leaked when he saw his beautiful soon-to-be wife!

While guests were treated to a relaxed afternoon at River Ridge we headed away with the bridal party to have a little portrait party of our own!

This photo on the beach at Purakanui Bay with the cliffs in the background and the incoming tide may just be my favourite portrait from the day! It's epic and filled with love!

For those who may wonder why we always get a photo with our wedding couples - we have a big wall in our studio that is filled with these prints and it warms my heart every time I step into my office and see that wall of love! The couples we've met and had the honour of photographing, the connections & memories we've made. That wall of friends represents the reason we love being wedding photographers!

Back at River Ridge Retreat the reception was a gorgeous wedding wonderland with fairy lights and florals filling the space.

How cool is Ethan and Josie's creative table seating plan?!

Now, sorry not sorry, but this blog is about to make you very hungry! Ethan and Josie's wedding reception was a food lover's dream and a total team effort! Ethan, with many helpers, created the starters and desserts while River Ridge Retreat did the main course. And when I say that Ethan created the starters I mean everything - he made the ricotta with milk from a local dairy farm, the seed crackers, even the nasturtium vinegar!

Wedding guests (including us!!!) were also treated to a special gingerbread man made by Ethan's mum. Ethan told me his mum makes the best gingerbread men and I have to say it was delicious!

The wedding cake (which ended up getting a bit of a lean on after the heat of the day!) was also a family affair with loved ones each contributing a layer of the cake in varying flavours. What a neat idea!

After a hilarious round of the shoe game it was time for Ethan's masterpiece - the dessert. I can personally attest that this is hands down the best wedding dessert I have ever seen or tasted! An AMAZING finale to an evening of culinary delight.

And Josie what a way to start married life, with an incredible meal made by your husband! They say to start as you mean to go on - clever, very clever! ​😉

Ethan and Josie shared their first dance with their nephew and nieces!

We finished the night with some fun sparkler shots, which was essential considering Josie's dad had purchased HUNDREDS of them for the occasion! 

The warmest congratulations Ethan and Josie! Thank you for asking us to be your photographers. It has been an honour getting to know you both and to be trusted to document your special day. We loved celebrating your marriage alongside your family and friends from near and far.

Now I know you're jumping on a plane today so I hope you can enjoy this blog together before your flight - re-living the incredible day you both said I do. Safe travels friends! We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you. xx

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DRESS: Bridal Factory Outlet, Once Upon A Dress   |  SUITS:  River Island  |  MAKE-UP & HAIR: Face Body & Beauty  |  FLOWERS: Ambrosia Floral Design  |  CELEBRANT: Robyn McGill-Brown  |  VENUE: River Ridge Retreat  |  CATERING: River Ridge Retreat plus Ethan & friends  |  CAKE: Family & Ethan  |  MUSIC: Dene Allen  | ​ STATIONERY: Mikaela Brookland.