I couldn't think of a first day of marriage to suit this loved up pair better. A small intimate wedding, with a first look and all the relaxed vibes of a beachfront wedding (just without the summery weather). Surrounded by their nearest and dearest they said I do looking out over the water at a gorgeous beach house in Riverton, with some of the sweetest vows I've had the privilege of hearing in the last 9 years as a wedding photographer.

Southland produced a truly stormy day but there was no compromise to be made by having to stay indoors because Andrew and Mellisa had arranged an epic beachfront house where the girls got ready in the morning and also became the setting for their gorgeous ceremony & celebration with guests later in the day.

Andrew and Mel, I hope you enjoy reliving last Friday through these images - just some of my favourites from your stunning day! It was a joy to document this very special day for you and your families. Congratulations Mr & Mrs McMeeken!

While the ladies enjoyed a relaxed morning at the house, Andrew and his groomsmen were away on their bikes for a ride before getting ready in Wallacetown.

Andrew and Mel's first look was filled with anticipation, a few nerves and pure excitement to see each other.

We really had almost four seasons in the 15 minutes we spent down on the beach for portraits; stormy clouds & rainbows, sunshine, biting wind and then as we were leaving rain with the threat of hail! Nothing like a good ol' Southland day to keep us photographers on our toes haha!

We headed up to Mores Reserve to shelter amongst the native trees for more portraits. We had a fair amount of laughs with Andrew & Mel's crew which is what we love! Photographs filled with laughter and emotion are my favourite.

As the next rain cloud rolled in we headed back to the beach house where guests were gathering for the ceremony, including Andrew and Mel's handsome three sons who were excited to see mum and dad say I do & share the same last name.

Sharyn, as always, ensured there was equal amounts of joy and emotion in Andrew and Mellisa's ceremony - helping them through their nerves and sharing snippets of their love story with their guests.

The boys had personalised ceramic 'horseshoe' hearts to present to Mel after the ceremony which was the sweetest moment.

The paperwork was signed, sealed & delivered and then it was on to kicking back & relaxing, celebrating into the evening!

Congratulations again Andrew and Mellisa! I couldn't imagine a more perfect day for you both and I think you absolutely nailed it. What an awesome first day of marriage! It was a pleasure to be a part of and I cannot wait to show you many more photos soon. x

DRESS: Love Me Do Bridal  |  SUITS: Hallensteins & Just Jeans   | BRIDESMAIDS: City Chic  |   MAKE-UP: Ashlee Whipps Makeup Artist  |  HAIR: Kim Thompson  |  FLOWERS: Flora + Forage  |  CELEBRANT: Sharyn Payne  |  CATERING: Jenny Pulley  |   CAKE: Mellisa's mum, Sue.

What a day! Jono and Terri celebrated the start of their marriage on Friday surrounded by their loved ones in Wanaka. A first look allowed them both to calm their nerves and meant they had all afternoon to celebrate with their guests! The weather couldn't have treated them better either - it was a perfect sunny Autumn afternoon to enjoy lawn games, canapés and great company on the terrace at the Lookout Lodge.

Terri's excellent planning ensured the day ran like clockwork. The details were perfection - I was a little obsessed with the florals! Terri your dress was just next level, you looked so gorgeous complete with that veil handmade by your mum. Jono and the guys looked smart in linen shirts completing the look with navy to match the bridesmaids.

I can't actually remember the last wedding we photographed where we didn't know someone (other than the couple!). This wedding was no exception! I went to high school with Terri and have known her maid of honour Hannah since I was just 5 years old! And we photographed Jono's brother's wedding last year so we spent this day surrounded by many familiar faces which was very cool. Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Cochrane! Here's some of my favourites from your stunning day...

Terri and the girls spent a very relaxed morning having hair and make up done. While I'm sure Terri had a few nerves about the big day ahead, the smile on her face told me she was mainly just excited for this day to have arrived after all the careful planning.

Terri you looked so elegant in that dress!

Matt spent the morning a few doors down from us, hanging out with the guys, and Murphy dog (who you might remember from Jono and Terri's engagement session - he wasn't invited to the ceremony as he might have stolen the limelight! 😜).

Jono and Terri's first look was pretty cute!!!

We took a stroll around Wanaka Station Park with the bridal party, finding some autumn colours and pretty laneways for photos. 

And then we headed down to the lake, looking back towards Mt Gold. The lake is so low at the moment, which meant this cool rock was sticking out of the water - the bridal party took that as a challenge to climb it of course!

After a picnic break it was time to start thinking about heading to the Lookout Lodge to make things official and get these two married. From moody skies perfect for portraits, to the sun coming out just before the ceremony warming the air as guests arrived to the venue.

Jono and Terri built two hours of chill out time with their guests into their timeline! It was lovely to see them get to enjoy spending time with their loved ones and soak up all the good vibes of their day.

As the day turned to evening guests headed inside to find their seat.

The beautiful cake was cut and speeches commenced...There were a few tears and plenty of tales told by proud parents.

As the sun set we snuck Jono and Terri outside for a few quiet moments together.

After dinner there were more speeches, followed by cake and the opening of the dance floor!

Congratulations Jono and Terri on a beautiful first day as husband and wife!

​Thank you for choosing us as your photographers - we had a marvellous day with you both, and your families & friends. Matt and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together and look forward to seeing where life's adventures take you both in the future! Let me know if you ever need your highland cattle stud photographed won't you?! 😉 

Can't wait to chat wedding albums with you both soon! x

DRESS: Jessica Bridal  |  SUITS: Rodd & Gunn  |  MAKE-UP: Gemma Kaler  |  HAIR: Sally Sharp  |  FLOWERS: The Green Room Flower Co  |  CELEBRANT: Janine Byars  |  VENUE: Lookout Lodge  |  CATERING: Moreish Kitchen  |  STATIONERY: Remotelea Creative  |  CAKE: Taylor Made Cakes  |  MUSIC: Calico Entertainment.

On Friday Matty and Fleur tied the knot in the Egerton backyard before heading with their family & friends to Borland Lodge for an epic celebration under the moody night sky and twinkling fairy lights. And let me tell you, these two know how to throw a party!

The first thing you'll see in this blog is Fleur's gorgeous styling! From carefully thought out details to that epic reception marquee setup. The florals, her gorgeous bridal gown and the colour palette - oh my that green of the bridesmaid dresses! Everything had been thought of. The next thing you'll see is Fleur and Matt's smiles! I don't think you'll find a more fun pair on my blog, these two just laughed and celebrated with their loved ones all day long! 
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Congratulations Mr & Mrs McKenzie on a stunning first day of marriage! Filled with SO much laughter, quite a few tears of happiness and all the good vibes. It was a pleasure to capture your day and I am thrilled to share this blog with you, I have so many favourite moments from your day...

While the girls got ready out at Wairaki, the guys spent the morning on the golf course before setting up at the Egerton's.

It was soon time to make it all official!

These two photos as Fleur walked up the aisle are some of my absolute favourites from the whole day! They just give you all the feels...

While guests enjoyed the shade in the Egerton backyard then started heading out to Borland Lodge we stole the bridal party away for photos. Our first stop was the barn, which had been spruced up as the wet weather option for the day and ended up being a great source of shade for the hot windy afternoon. 

There's a couple of well known bridges on the way from the Egerton's to Borland so we had a couple of pit stops along the way!

I love a good venue where guests can stay the weekend and continue the celebrations, and Borland Lodge definitely delivers! How epic does this set up look?!

The gorgeous marquee setup. The greenery, the wood, the cake!

With the bridal party's awesome entrance the real party was started. The speeches were hilarious, heart centered and one of them even rhyming! There was a boat race, plenty of toasting and a top effort in cutting the cake too.

While Country Manor served up dinner, guests enjoyed the day turning to evening with the beauty of the clear roofed marquee coming to life.

Could you get a more romantic setting for your first dance as husband and wife?!

A massive congratulations to you Matty and Fleur! What a day! I bet you're still buzzing. Thank you so much for choosing us as your photographers, we have loved being a part of this journey with you and we look forward to seeing what the future brings for you both.

I can't wait to show you all the photos and get designing your wedding album - it's going to be epic! x

BRIDAL DRESS: Brides by Donna Rae  |  BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Leave Her Wilder  |  SUITS: McKnight & Brown Menswear   |  MAKE-UP: Ashlee Whipps |  HAIR: Tara Lowe  |  FLOWERS: Bella & Ruby Bespoke Floristry  |  CELEBRANT: Anna Case  |  STATIONERY: Jolly Elephant Design  |  CATERING: Country Manor  |  RECEPTION VENUE: Borland Lodge  |  MARQUEE: Prestige Marquee   |  CAKE: Dale Egerton  |  MUSIC: D&M Duo.