 On Saturday Damien & Tegan promised to be each other's favourite person for the rest of their lives together, in the sunshine of Hawthorne Gardens in Invercargill. I loved how these two did away with many wedding traditions instead choosing to stay true to the big picture important stuff and the things that really mattered to them when it came to their wedding day - they wrote their own beautiful vows, we did all their portraits at Hawthorne Gardens (which was picture perfect as usual!) giving them more time to hang out with guests in the afternoon, and in the evening formalities were minimal which added even more to the relaxed feeling of their first day of marriage. I spent a very laidback morning at Ascot Park Hotel where Tegan got ready with her bridesmaids, the cutest flower girls and her mum. While Matt went around to Damien where he was getting ready at home. Tegan was the most stress-free, no-fuss bride... in fact I think her bridesmaids might have been more nervous than her!     Not your average pair of wedding shoes...more to be explained in a bit.   Tegan had organised fabulous gift boxes for her flower girls filled with activity books and toys, plus the most gorgeous personalised fluffy rabbits which even made it to the reception!    You made a beautiful bride Tegan!    Meanwhile over at the guy's Matt was in his element photographing Damien's details and morning preparations. Damien was all set with his own gift box from Tegan which included some awesome cufflinks and all the general necessities like dress socks and hip flasks. The colour scheme the guys had going on with tailored shirts, tan suit pants and grey suede shoes was simple but so effective!       The flower girls, Maddy and Sophia, stole the show as they walked giggling down the aisle at Hawthorne Gardens.   It was lovely to work alongside celebrant Megan McKenzie again.      Congratulations Damien & Tegan!!!    Just look at how gorgeous the weather was for these two! After family photos we sent Damien and Tegan off to relax with their guests at the bar for a while. The beauty of doing all their portraits in the gardens meant we didn't need any travel time to another location for portraits so it gave them heaps of time to kick back and celebrate with their guests!      There's so many spots for photos in the expansive gardens at Hawthorne. Every time we shoot there I seem to find new spots that work for the lighting conditions on the given day. I'd hardly used this wee area of the garden before but on Saturday the way the sunshine was coming through the trees was so eye-catching.         Tegan had photo charms of her grandparents on her wedding bouquet, to have them with her on her special day.            Thanks Brooke for taking our photo with the newlyweds!  With portrait time over it was on to the evening celebrations. Ascot Park is looking very different to last time we were there - with a beautiful re-decoration just in time for Damien and Tegan's wedding reception! And Damien and Tegan also did a slight wardrobe change before entering the party... into brand new DC shoes (a mutual love they share!) getting ready to dance the night away in comfort! You might just spy Tegan's white DC's under her dress...    How cool is that wedding cake?! Complete with Damien's much loved Subaru featuring!    The theme of having their wedding day as unique and individualised as they wanted continued as Tegan shared her first dance with her dad. A very special moment.  But of course Damien did cut in (or perhaps get pushed) to share a dance with his wife!    Congratulations on a fabulous first day of marriage you two! And thank you for having us there as your photographers. It was such a pleasure getting to hang out with you both, your families and friends. Matt and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. I hope you enjoy your highlights blog - so much more wedding photo goodness coming your way soon! xx DRESS: Brides by Donna Rae | MAKE-UP: Ashlee Whipps | HAIR: Brooke & Melissa | FLOWERS: Ambrosia Floral Design | CELEBRANT: Megan McKenzie | CEREMONY VENUE: Hawthorne Gardens | RECEPTION VENUE: Ascot Park Hotel | CAKE: Miss Muffet Cakes | MUSIC: All Night Long.
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