 It was so good to be back in the Catlins last weekend - I love this place! Michael and Casey's beautiful wedding at River Ridge Retreat was a day filled with laughter, great company and so much celebration. Congratulations friends on an epic first day of marriage! It was a joy to be a part of it all. While Michael and his crew got ready out at River Ridge Retreat, the ladies were in Pounawea. I have literally never seen a bride so chilled & excited on the morning of a wedding - Casey was actually pacing in the kitchen as hair & makeup was being done - she just wanted to get in her dress! I think her bridesmaid Jess was the only nervous one in the house! Casey certainly wasn't. It was a calm and hot muggy day, the lighting was perfect for photography and a trip to the Purakaunui Falls helped cool us down a bit. Matt and I felt like we knew everyone at Michael and Casey's wedding which made it even more fun for us as photographers, and by the end of portrait time we felt like we were part of the bridal party crew we were having such a great time hanging out and celebrating Mr & Mrs Black!  Isn't Casey's dress just perfection?!     Casey had thought of everything including personalised slippers and robes.        In case Casey's dress wasn't gorgeous enough it had this beautiful waist attached veil that made it next level!   Janine and Errol - very proud parents!   The guy's morning at River Ridge looked pretty chilled too out but I know Michael would have been nervous for the day ahead.      Months before the wedding I talked to Maree, Michael's mum, and I remember her saying 'good luck getting photos of Michael! He hates photos'. Well I think Matt did an awesome job of capturing the morning with Michael and there's some lovely shots. Michael you can be quite photogenic when you want to be/forced to be haha and I know your mum will treasure these photos.    The lads were looking dapper and everyone was ready to watch Casey walk down the aisle!           It was lovely to work alongside Janine Byars again. Janine's ceremonies are always the perfect balance of intentional, love-filled and funny. Introducing the new Mr & Mrs Black!!!      While guests headed to the caravan bar on the venue, we took off up the road with the bridal party to the native trees for portrait time.                   A big shout out to the drivers Ryan and Burg who provided not only their driving skills but plenty of entertainment too! Ryan you're quite the poser mate.   While the bridal party found the camp chairs in the back of our truck and cracked out the picnic in the carpark, we took Michael and Casey into the Purakaunui Falls for some waterfall magic. It's an easy walk in, but there's some adventure involved with getting out on to the waterfall - often resulting in wet feet.    I love the slow shutter speed shots where the water is moving and smooth! I had to lug a tripod in from the carpark along with all my other camera gear but it was SO worth it. The slow shutter speed just makes that water so dreamy & pretty!      I reckon the bridal party could have quite happily spent the evening sitting back and relaxing with their beers and picnic in the carpark by the falls, but they had a celebration to get back to at River Ridge.   Johnny the MC kicked off the evening with speeches before dinner and there were plenty of funny stories told along with toasts to the newlyweds.      Cheers to Ryan for driving my camera for this shot!  Congratulations again Michael and Casey. What a perfect day - you must both be just so pleased with how it all came together. Casey you looked amazing in that dress! And Michael I swear you were actually having fun getting photos taken. Thank you also to your lovely families and friends for making us feel so welcome and being great fun to spend the day with! Matt and I wish you a lifetime of happiness in your marriage and we look forward to seeing where the road takes you on your lives together. Thank you for choosing us as your wedding photographers. I hope you enjoy your blog. I can't wait to show you more & start on your wedding album! x DRESS: Bride & Winter | MAKE-UP: Danika Keast | HAIR: Sarah Ridley (Chapter 2 Hair) | FLOWERS: Flowers for You | CELEBRANT: Janine Byars | VENUE: River Ridge Retreat | CATERING: Kerri Clarke Professional Catering | CAKE: Joanne Evans.
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