Elope to the Country: wedding in New Zealand

bride dancing in a circle of friends at night with festoon lights, Wairarapa

You enter competitions, thinking you'll never win. Well Fran and Aydan did win!

Elope to the County: win a Marton wedding was the brainchild of Cath Ash from Project Marton, to showcase the stunning rural region as a wedding destination in New Zealand. Numerous local wedding vendors combined to put on a complete wedding and week-long honeymoon for the couple during the Marton Harvest Festival.

Fran and Aydan have been together for 10 years, raising son Cooper six and Mila three, living on a property near Palmerston North. They were originally planning to elope and marry overseas and entered the competition so they could share their ceremony with family and friends.

The feeling I got from Fran, Aydan and their wedding party is that they are a team. They've gone through thick and thin together; the good and the bad times and know they can rely on each other 100%. Deep relationships that have been strengthened by time since school, a decade of being colleagues as well as taking maternity leave together. Aydan has similar stories with his friends and relationships formed through a shared love of motorcross. Family is equally important with sister, brother and the gorgeous children completing the wedding party.

First thing, they had their hair styled at a salon in the main street. Fran and one of her bridesmaids did all their own make up. This DIY element really added a personal touch to the wedding. The classic bridal ballgown was designed from Fran's design in record time, by Gina of Two Doves Bridal. She also provided the navy bridesmaids dresses.

Aydan and his gents relaxed and prepared at a stylish Air bnb in town. There was plenty of space for gumboots, three piece suits and drinks (what more does a groom need on his wedding day?).

Marriage celebrant Chris Hinch created a short and very sweet ceremony just for Fran and Aydan. It was warm and friendly, under the unusually hot Autumn sun. The couple chose to commemorate friends who were no longer with them, with two framed photos observing the ceremony propped on a hay bale. I just love these incredible meaningful and personal touches. They were married in front of the cutest little church on wheels!

Rural fields, a wool shed and horses combined with a sweeping driveway and impeccable Japanese garden at the wedding party photo location "Mungoven" in Marton. Aydan had some fun with his beloved new motorcross bike and we captured some candid moments in between portraits.

Their marquee reception was styled by the amazing Jen from Wild Rose NZ. Jen has an incredible passion for weddings and a flair for creativity. The vision was clear in her mind from the start which resulted in a unique and cohesive wedding from start to finish.

The wedding party and guests enjoyed a fresh and rustic home style buffet, craft beer and local wine.

The reception continued into the dark night with wild folky vibes curtousy of the band Winsome Lost. Everyone (including Grandma!) enjoyed the photo booth by Wild Mint.

Wonderful Wedding Vendors:

Ladies getting ready: Oak Tree Cottage

Hairdresser: Go Ahead Hair

Bride dress: Two Doves Bridal

Bridesmaids supplier: Two Doves Bridal

Florist: Jillybud Florist

Rings: Michael Hill

Gents getting ready: Tailors' On Broadway

Suits: Van Meer Suits

Marriage celebrant: Chris Hinch

Wedding Chapel: Vegas Wedding Chapel

MC and entertainment: Vinyl Burns