 James and Katie's wedding day was filled with love, laughter and a few goosebumps (mainly from the chill of the wind, but some very sweet, emotional moments too!). Every time I turned around I saw James staring in awe at his beautiful wife, his hand on the small of her back as they chatted to friends or his arms wrapping Katie in efforts to keep her warm from the spring wind. This man adores this girl. I loved the way James and Katie did things their way on their special day. I reckon that's the way it should be on your first day of happily forever after. There were no ties in sight, Katie had toasty warm feet in her favourite pair of cowboy boots and during portraits (at their home) Kip the dog followed us around, featuring in the photos. Everything was meaningful and everyone was an important part of the celebration. Groomsman Josh prepared a great picnic lunch for the bridal party during portraits, Katie's parents had their gardens looking lovely for the ceremony and the Lochiel Hall (where Katie's parents also had their wedding reception!) was decorated beautifully with simple toi toi, hessian and mini wool bales stamped with Forest Hill Station - James & Katie's tongue-in-cheek name for their new lifestyle block. I'm excited to share this blog with you. I have so many favourites from this incredible day. Starting with Katie's GORGEOUS wedding gown!!!      Flower girl Lexie was my little shadow much of the morning, watching what I was photographing & taking dozens of photos on her mum's phone of all the fun happening around her. I wouldn't be at all surprised if one day I hear this sweet girl has taken up the career of photography!     Katie you made the most beautiful bride. Woolly socks and all!     While Katie got ready at her parents, James, Josh and Michael got ready up at their home - where we would also be doing their first look and portraits. The guys kept it simple with shirts, pants and boots - but I notice James snuck some flamingo socks in. And thank goodness for Cam from We The Collective who stepped in and ironed James' pants because no one else knew how haha! I might have to teach Matt how to operate an iron so he can add that to his wedding day skills list!       Katie had James teary eyed before she'd even seen him, with her handwritten letter for him to read.  Their first look on their own front lawn had it all - charged with emotion, moody skies, an epic backdrop and Katie's veil blowing in the wind.        I just think how special it is that the memories these two now have from the moment they saw each other on their wedding day are something they'll be reminded of every day when they look out their window at home.   How good does this bridal party look!              This crew were troopers in the wind, it was cold! But they were all smiles - even Kip enjoyed the walk down the driveway, popping herself on the end of the line as an honorary bridal party member!     Time to say I do! Katie's parents garden was transformed into a wedding venue complete with shepherds crooks & horseshoes down the aisle, hay bales for seating and Amanda's cute wee One for the Road caravan bar.            Guests didn't have far to go from the garden to the cozy reception at the Lochiel Hall. And because James and Katie's day had run ahead of schedule, plus they'd opted for a first look, they got to spend so much time celebrating with their guests.         It's a good thing James and Katie had plenty of room for their dance floor because Dene Allen had it packed as soon as he started playing. I might have had a wee boogie myself as I roamed about taking photos!      Lastly, what a cracker shot of the A Team! PS: Thanks for taking this shot for us Erica. Your in-focus rate has improved ten fold since Brad & Gin's wedding! 👍😂  James and Katie - a huge congratulations on getting hitched friends! We had a superb day celebrating with you, your bridal party, family and friends. Thank you again for having us there! Matt and I wish you a lifetime of fun, adventure and happiness together. I can't wait to share more photos with you! In the meantime, enjoy your honeymoon. x DRESS: Bride & Winter Dunedin | SUITS: Swandri | MAKE-UP: Danika Keast | HAIR: Sarah Johnson | FLOWERS: Debie Dickie-Lee | CELEBRANT: Megan McKenzie | CARAVAN BAR: One for the Road | CATERING: Country Manor Catering | RECEPTION VENUE: Lochiel Community Hall | CAKE: Heather Decadent Produce | VIDEO: Cam, We the Collective | MUSIC: Dene Allen.
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