Dolamore Park Gore Wedding | Regan & Amy

I couldn't think of two people more perfectly suited than Regan & Amy and I know they've found their soulmate in each other. Their love started across a distance, it saw Amy - a Christchurch girl, move down here to be with Regan and they've had some awesome adventures together including a romantic proposal on the beach in Rarotonga and two months tripping around Europe just last year. I can't wait to see what adventures marriage will bring for these two.

Matt & I are lucky enough to call them friends and Amy put her trust in me very early on booking us as her wedding photographer. At the time Amy started talking to me about her wedding, I hadn't actually shot any weddings! And Matt hadn't even picked up a camera!

Regan & Amy married on 21st of February 2015 at Dolamore Park, just five minutes from Gore. The day was a mild Southland day, but scattered with showers. Regardless of the rain, the ceremony was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I've witnessed. Everyone got out the umbrellas and embraced it in true Southland style. And later the clouds parted, we all dried out and we continued on with the perfect day.

When it rained on my wedding day I was told it means good luck - I think that's just what people say to make you feel better, but someone recently told me a saying that I like a lot better: a wet knot is a tight knot. 

I truly believe that the finer details complete the story of every wedding. Each and every couple has their own unique story & I love capturing this. The details of this wedding were AMAZING!
Amy had a handkerchief especially made for her father which brought me to tears as I photographed it. Regan's best man & brother, Cory, had a custom-made ring box made with an inscription of their names & wedding date. Regan and Amy both had messages engraved on one another's rings as a surprise and Amy also had a tie pin engraved with A 4 R...sigh. So cute.

I spent a very laid back morning with the girls. Amy had everything organised and it ensured the day flowed smoothly & everyone enjoyed themselves.

Father-daughter moments like these tug on my heart strings. Do you know how hard it is to take photos when your eyes are tearing up?!

While I relaxed with the girls, Matt hung out with the boys. One of the qualities I love about my husband is his ability to get along with everyone & put people at ease. This was Matt's first time where I sent him away on his own to photograph the guys and although he was incredibly nervous, I had complete and utter faith in him. If nothing else I knew he would make sure the guys weren't stressed and help them with their ties.

This is about when the heaviest rain shower of the day set in, right before the ceremony. But this bridal party absolutely rocked the rain & turned those umbrellas into fashion accessories!

Shortly after the ceremony the guests headed back into town & we took off for photos at the other end of the park. While Matt hung out with the good-looking bridal party, I snuck the bride and groom away into the stunning native bush for a few cute photos before we took to the playground. Yes the playground! And if it hadn't been soaking wet, Amy would have been going down the flying fox. (Not my idea, I promise!) I probably need to disclaimer, that I also did not encourage the boys to hang Regan upside down from the ropes either! 

On our way back to the party, we stopped in at Amy's Dad's property to enjoy the views - well that's a lie, the views are nice but the bride and groom only had eyes for each other! And we just spent the whole time admired how cute they were together! And taking photos of course.

Regan & Amy held their reception at the beautiful Croydon Lodge on the edge of Gore. This venue has become very popular for weddings with it's lovely gardens and great function rooms. I've shot a few weddings here now and feel like I just about know all the staff. 

We did family formals out in the front garden area before sitting down to the reception. Again, Amy's attention to detail was showcased in the gorgeous table centrepieces, the favours and guest book signing table. Everything was just beautiful, as we sat down for speeches and a ridiculously delicious three course meal.

Amy's sister and maid of honour, Emily, made the awesome wedding cake. Emily lives in Auckland & actually flew the fruit cake layer down with her the week of the wedding. How many people can say they've taken a wedding cake as carry on luggage?! 

Emily also delivered a fantastic speech. Matt always tells me one of his favourite parts of a wedding day is the speeches. And I would have to agree. I love the tales that are told, the laughs, the tears and the love that can be felt in the room.

Just before we packed away our cameras we snuck the bridal party out into the cold, dark evening for some sparkler shots. Amy had mentioned that she liked the idea of writing Thank You for her guests in sparklers, so before the wedding day arrived I had Matt outside late one night practicing my exposures and what sparklers worked best. These are actually a lot of fun, I could have stayed out for hours trying different things, except for the fact it was freezing!

Regan & Amy, we are so grateful you chose us to be your photographers. We absolutely loved being a part of your day and it was lovely to be there as friends and photographers. I cannot wait for you to see the rest of your images. May you have a marriage full of happiness and joy.xxx

Hair: Scape Hair & Day Spa
Makeup: Sarah Hoffman & Bridget Mawhinney
Flowers: Lily Jackson's
Jeweller: Van De Waters, Gore
Paper Stationery: Freedom Wedding Stationery
Ceremony: Dolamore Park, Gore
Celebrant: Janine Byars
Reception Venue: Croydon Lodge, Gore
Band: LA Social Club, Queenstown