Dwayne & Brittney's Criffel Station Wanaka Wedding

We literally couldn't have asked for a more FUN wedding to kick off a fresh wedding season!!! On Sunday Dwayne and Brittney married each other at Criffel Station in Wanaka, surrounded by their loved ones.

We've known these two gorgeous humans for a while now. They were in the bridal party of one of our previous wedding couples and then Brittney got in touch with me again earlier this year, emailing me with excitement to tell me that Dwayne had got his knee dirty and they were planning a winter wedding!

The styling of Brittney and Dwayne's big day was on point; from the wedding attire to the hues of the bouquets. Criffel Station was the perfect setting for a winter wedding with crackling braziers keeping guests warm. But I won't remember Dwayne and Brittney's wedding for how beautiful it was. I will remember the people; the laughter, the celebration, the love that filled the day. Brittney's proud Mum. Little Rylee in her cute navy dress and fur cape. The couples young and old who took to the dance floor to share Dwayne & Brittney's first dance. The bridal party who made me laugh so much during portrait time that I swear I had sore stomach muscles the next day! 

Brittney and Dwayne both got ready at the Oakridge Resort in Wanaka with their families. The morning was chilled out - as I knew it would be with these two. Brittney had organised the day wonderfully and thought of everything.

It had rained most of the morning but the weather gods played their part so Brittney & Dwayne could have the outdoor ceremony they dreamed of.

Brittney and her Mum, Shelley, made a spectacular entrance to the ceremony - arriving by helicopter!

It was lovely to work with Janine Byars again. She ensured Brittney & Dwayne's ceremony was short, sweet and had the perfect amount of laughs.

After spending some time celebrating with their guests Dwayne & Brittney along with their bridal party jumped into a van (with the heater blasting) and headed away for their very own 'portrait party'. We didn't have to go far to get some great locations at Criffel Station! And we were so lucky with the weather, while it was a cold wintery day there was no wind which made all the difference.

We had SO MUCH FUN with Dwayne & Brittney's awesome crew! The afternoon was filled with constant laughter.

You made a gorgeous bride my friend.

Winter weddings mean epic light during portrait time because sunset is earlier in the afternoon. You just can't beat that amazing glow!

Thank you so much for this shot Stacey! Haha man I felt even shorter than usual next to Dwayne & Brittney!

This was our first time shooting a wedding at Criffel Station in Wanaka and I think it's now one of my favourite venues! I'm a sucker for a woolshed setup and this one is done fabulously. Management were incredible and so friendly. Brittney and Dwayne put their personalised touches on the decorations to make it their own. It was a beautiful, warm space to party the night away. We can't wait to come back here again!

The speeches were great and the evening flowed like clockwork thanks to Brittney's good planning and Ewan's awesome MC'ing.

Congratulations Dwayne & Brittney! What a journey it has been! From the first time we met you at Cory & Ashleigh's wedding and you telling us then that one day we'd be your wedding photographers (when you weren't even engaged)! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you both and an honour to be a part of your incredible first day of marriage.

​I hope you love your highlights blog - there's so many more photos to come.xx

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DRESS: Brides by Donna Rae  |  MAKE-UP: Kendyl Tuilagi  |  HAIR: Rachelle (R&Co)  |  TANNING: Southern TAN |  FLOWERS: The Green Room Flower Co  |  CELEBRANT: Janine Byars  |  VENUE: Criffel Station  |  CATERING: In2Food Queenstown  |  HELI: Wanaka Helicopters  |  CAKE: White Rabbit Cakes  |  MUSIC: Old School Duo.