Anna and Ben were married at Anna's parents family home in Gladstone. The flowers were stunning, the lawns freshly mowed and the place full of meaning. Anna's older sister was also married here. You could tell how much love her mum and dad dedicated to the garden in preparation for their daughter's big day.
I'm Sarah and I'm a documentary wedding photographer based in the Wairarapa region of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I absolutely loved documenting the details Anna and Ben had chosen so carefully, naturally throughout the day. Flowers as they were held, buttonholes turned to the sun and cigars on the head table.
How they met
Anna describes how they met: "We met at Anna's best friend Alice's 21st, Anna was visiting from the Gold Coast and caught Bens eye. We started talking over messenger and Anna moved back to NZ and they started a relationship, that was 10 years ago - now we have a daughter Skye and we are living in Auckland together.".
Getting ready
Ben and his crew got ready at a Masterton Air BnB. Anna and her besties prepared inside the historic cottage on site. It was so beautiful to be surrounded by family heirlooms and memories.
First look
Anna and Ben decided to do a "first look" and wedding party portraits before the ceremony for a couple of reasons. One: to have a private moment together before all their guests arrived (145 altogether). Two: by having wedding party portraits beforehand, they could then spend the most amount of time with their guests during their reception. As a wedding photographer I loved doing things this way round so there was more time to capture natural moments between the couple and their guests.
Wedding ceremony
Chairs were laid out on the lawn and guests gathered before Wairarapa celebrant Di Banks. Di crafted a beautiful ceremony, telling the story of the couple as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.
Reception
The wedding reception was held in a huuuuuge marquee on the lawn. It was simply decorated on the inside allowing the guests to enjoy the buffet dinner by Emma Dudley + Team and live band. Anna and Ben's wedding had been delayed a couple of years, during which they made a lot of lawn games and props themselves.
Massive thanks to Belinda Pratt for shooting the last two hours of this wedding, so I could go home to my 9 week old baby xx
Wairarapa wedding businesses
Wedding Photographer Lucalia Photography
Celebrant Di Banks
Wedding dress online
Suits Hallensteins
Bridesmaids' dresses Showpo
Shoes online
Catering Emma Dudley + Team
Rings Pascoes
Jewellery and Accessories Michael Hill
Flowers Fleur Sargent and Sarah McLachlan
Hairdresser Nicola Flanagan
Make Up Artist Abbie
If you're an outdoorsy couple who hate awkward poses getting married in the Wairarapa; feel free to check out more documentary wedding photography on my website.
Heartfelt series by Belinda Pratt Photography
If you're an outdoorsy couple who hate awkward poses getting married in the Wairarapa; feel free to check out more documentary wedding photography on my website.