When your family home is just like an actual wedding venue then it’s a great idea to have your wedding ceremony in the garden! Alex + Dan chose to get hitched at home in an idyllic setting surrounded by the beauty of autumn leaves, followed by a reception at Lacebark.

On the morning of their wedding day Alex wandered the grounds in her gumboots doing the final set up inspection, while Dan played golf with the boys. Andie spent time with Alex and her girls for bridal prep and Rob was on the golf course with the lads capturing all the sporting antics.

We were delighted to see that Alex had chosen Katrin Lilla-Nel to design her bouquets and buttonholes. The theme for her florals was ‘wildflowers’ and the cornflower blues matched so well with her bridesmaid dresses which were all different shades of blue. Katrin nailed the brief as usual! She is easily one of the best wedding florists in Canterbury / NZ and we LOVE her work.

Mimosas in the mornin’ is always a good idea ;)

We are always looking for personal ideas for ring shots. When the groomsmen were getting ready, Rob set up the couple’s wedding bands on Dan’s electric guitar for a super cool shot. Very rock n roll!

Al’s sisters and mother helped her get into her stunning wedding gown which was from Paperswan Bride. We loved the large bow on the back of this epic wedding dress!

Al had written a beautiful letter for her mum and presented it to her just before they walked down the aisle together. Andie loved being in the room for this moment and was able to capture all the tears (while quietly bawling it herself!) It was a privilege to capture this wonderful and wholesome moment.

While Dan rode into the wedding ceremony on the Norton motorbike he and his dad built together from scratch… Al the legend was having a wee shot of whiskey for the road.

In the garden there were handmade signs pointing the way to various magical locations like ‘The Land of Oz’, ‘The Faraway Tree’ and ‘Wonderland’. The couple have a deep love for books and words and had made the signage themselves.

As Alex walked down the aisle with her mum and doggie (who were proceeded by the gorgeous bridesmaids and cute little nieces) Dan was already in absolute tears… much to his best man’s delight!

Alex’s dress had pockets which were a fab place to keep her vows!

After exchanging well thought out and heartfelt personal vows, the happy couple signed their marriage certificate and had their first kiss. This was followed by a confetti exit from the ceremony, cutting of the ‘cheese’ cake and lots of celebratory drinks and hugs in the garden.

After the ceremony we did some family photos in the garden. A small Shetland pony was lead out to be included in the formal family photos which was a first!

A cheeky celebratory cigar moment for the groom and his groomsmen.

After frolicking around the family home doing a few wedding party photos, we headed down the road to Lacebark for the wedding reception.

When Al + Dan entered their wedding reception at Lacebark they went straight into their first dance routine, which was to a Taylor Swift song. We love Taylor and Alex is a total Swiftie!

After dinner and before the second round of speeches we were able to nip out for some wedding portraits around the grounds of Lacebark at dusk. There wasn’t a sunset, but the last of the autumn light was great.

The speeches were a bit of a hoot and we love capturing all the reactions!

We had such a fab time at Al + Dan’s wedding and it was so great to catch up with J+M some of our previous wedding clients (pictured below) who we obviously taught to pose for photographs so well!

It was the best day and an absolute blast was had by all!

Alex + Dan: “Passionate, artistic, professional and fun, Robin and Andie have made our whole experience from Fiancés, to Bride and Groom, to Husband and Wife, unforgettable.

We met Robin and Andie through my best friend at her wedding and instantly fell in love with their unique style. It’s as if Vintage class met Contemporary glam, they capture swoon worthy moments that get right to the essence of their clients relationships.

They say never work with children or animals, well we had both- and Robin + Andie embraced it! Our best photos include chaos, hooves, paws and absolute candid magic.

Robin and Andie, you are so unique in the way you can make two very self conscientious individuals, absolutely glow in the limelight. Thank you for everything 🩵🩵”

Canterbury NZ Wedding Photographers: Robin + Andie

Wedding Reception Venue: Lacebark Function Centre https://www.lacebark.net

Dress: Paperswan Bride https://paperswanbride.co.nz

Hair: Hannah Rose on Instagram @hannahrose_creativehairstyling

Makeup: https://www.styledbyhebe.com

Florals: Katrin Lilla-Nel https://www.facebook.com/KatrinLillaNel/