Bridget & Nathan | Invercargill Garden Wedding

Nathan was fifteen when he first laid eyes on Bridget at Southland Athletics during their high school years. He says Bridget's speed on the track was very impressive. But once Nathan got to know Bridget, he realised her kind, caring heart left even more of an impression! Their friendship blossomed into something more after Nathan asked Bridget to the school ball and their love has continued to grow ever since.

On Saturday Nathan and Bridget said 'I Do' in front of their loved ones and celebrated the first day of their 'happily ever after' together. It was such a privilege and joy to be there to capture all the love, happiness and celebration. 

Matt and I have both known Nathan for years and from Bridget's very first bubbly email to me about wedding photography, I knew instantly that her and I would be fast friends. Nathan is from Riversdale and comes from a large extended family so we felt like we knew just about all their wedding guests too which was fun!

My morning began photographing Bridget's beautiful details while the girl's chatty laughter filled the house.

Bridget is pretty much the sweetest person ever - we'd barely made it through the door in the morning before she was asking if she could get us anything AND she had made Matt a packed lunch for his drive out to Riverton where the boys were getting ready!!! 

Bridget and Nathan's ceremony was held in their friend's garden which was absolutely picture perfect.

Nathan was trying to hold back tears when he saw his beautiful bride!

Family is so important to these two and their ceremony was filled with tributes to that; from a remembrance candle to a tree-planting where Bridget and Nathan potted a plant using soil from both of their family's. Nathan's dad told memories of how Bridget and Nathan's love story began. And when the blessing from Bridget’s late nana was read out I found myself a little teary - what special words to treasure!

Jane and Julia serenaded the marriage licence signing.

And then it was all sealed with a kiss!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Napier!

Our first stop for portraits was the steps of the Invercargill Masonic Lodge - the venue for Nathan and Bridget's reception. Being a country kid architecture doesn't often feature in the background of my photos, but I have to say I loved the lines and structure of this beautiful building.

So often during portrait time while I am giving our couples direction Matt is quietly standing to the side getting those candid, 'looking in on a moment' type shots. This is one of those moments and I love it!

Bridget and Nathan's wedding colours, right down to the soft hues in the bouquets, were a match made in heaven for the beach!

Bridget & Nathan - you two are just adorable!

The Masonic Lodge looked amazing inside. How cute is this seating plan?! A playful recognition of where their love story first began.

The speeches were equal amounts hilarious and heart-warming.

Our last shot of the evening (taken by the beautiful bridesmaid Emma). Kicking off my 2018 new year's resolution to get a photo with each of our awesome couples!

Nathan and Bridget, thank you SO much for choosing us as your photographers! We have loved being a part of this journey with you and we want to congratulation you both again on such an epic first day of marriage! We loved sharing in your day, celebrating alongside you both, your awesome bridal party and your families & friends.

We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you! xo

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DRESS: House of Kavina | HAIR: Stephanie Forde | MAKE-UP: Alice Egerton | FLOWERS: Windsor Florist | CELEBRANT: Jo Williamson | CATERING: Food Affair | CAKE: Jacque Russell | CEREMONY VENUE: Private gardens | RECEPTION VENUE: Invercargill Masonic Lodge.