Hannah and Alex were married at the simply stunning Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau, in Featherson, Wairarapa.
Like most of the month, their wedding day was wet. Very wet.
Getting ready
Alex got ready at home with family. This was the first of many weddings of the season that seemed to feature chickens. The whole flock decided to shelter from the rain on the doorstep. They were so cute and keen on being part of the wedding day action, I couldn't ignore them!
Hannah prepared at the Copthorne hotel at Solway before making the easy 30 minute drive to the venue.
Wairarapa wedding venue
Luckily Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau has a very lovely wet weather indoor ceremony venue in the round.
Rose & Smith is my favourite wedding venue in the Wairarapa for so many reasons: the lush and varied outdoor spots, rustic buildings, oodles of festoon lights and amazing wood-fired food. The wedding venue is a purpose converted historic cluster of buildings as part of a historic racecourse.
But the best thing is owner, experienced event planner and on-the-day goddess Paula Bevege.
Paula greeted the bride's car holding an umbrella; she chased around after vendors (me haaa!); made sure the food was served on time; she even escorted the bride to the toilet in her dress! She really looks after everything to ensure the couple's special day runs smoothly. It's a second to none experience.
Wedding ceremony
The beautiful ceremony by Wendy Morrison Celebrant was so special. Alex was grateful to stand with Wendy as he nervously waited for his bride to arrive. Calm and upbeat words of wisdom kept him focused and positive.
They opted not to have a bridal party. Both sets of parents played important roles in their bespoke, brightly coloured sand ceremony.
Wedding photos
We completed a group photos and short list of family formal photos in record time (nice work team!). The rain stopped in time to have a stroll around the grounds with my cameras. They were treated to the nicest light! The gardens are really pretty with stretches of lawn and native bush. The sweeping driveway makes for some epic shots. The highlight for most is the historic racing grandstand next to the track, which is still in use today! Hannah and Alex enjoyed a glass of wine together, taking a moment to enjoy being newly married before joining their friends and family at the reception.
Eat, drink and be merry
The barn style reception venue at Rose & Smith is just delightful. Big windows let in loads of natural light, illuminating the long tables, dancefloor and bar area. Dale's food is nothing short of incredible. Top tip for wedding couples: make sure you eat too!! Hannah and Alex actually met in primary school, before becoming friends again later in life. A highlight for me was a slideshow during the reception starting with a class photo of them both! So sweet.
Many guests enjoyed the photo booth which provided some interesting and creative photo opportunities for me! Ready made perfect light!
Later, Jesse from Dj4You got the dancefloor pumping. Even grandma was on her feet.
Thanks so much for inviting me to capture your beautiful wedding day.
I'm Sarah and I provide outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses with documentary wedding photography in the Wairarapa.
If you like what you see here, please feel free to check out more of my document wedding photography on my website.
Big thanks to these amazing businesses:
Venue Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau Photographer Lucalia Photography Dress Paperswan Bride Celebrant Wendy Morrison Celebrant DJ Jessie Servos, Wellington Dj4You Flowers Le Fleur Hair Philly Anderton Make up Emily Bertram and Kelsey Wilson
If you like what you see here, please feel free to check out more of my document wedding photography on my website.