Nicole & Aaron {Eloped & Married]

Australian born Nicole went travelling with her friends to Europe one year. She expected to visit a few countries, have a fair few wines, a trolly full of laughs and to just generally enjoy her time travelling.
She certainly didn’t expect to bag a sweet Irishman while she was there! … But that she indeed did, and after 8 years together and many trips back to Ireland while now living in Australia. They have come quietly to New Zealand to tie the knot amongst the rich autumn colours  of Arrowtown.

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
And by ‘quietly’, I simply mean it was just Nicole and Aaron, the wonderful Celebrant Phillipa Cook. And Doug and I as their witness’. Yes indeed, these two eloped.
This was a specially planned elopement they had told their family about before they came. So Nicole and Aaron still got a handful of traditional pre wedding treatment! But I’m guessing some people… are still to find out… so to those people… SURPRISE!!!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Nicole and Aaron have holidayed in New Zealand just the one time. This time last year. It didn’t take long to A. Fall in love with the Arrowtown. And B. Fall in love with Arrowtown in the Autumn time. So all they knew when they booked their tickets was ‘We just want to get married in Arrowtown! The rest can more or less be planned when we get there!’.

They found Arrowtown House as their accomodation, and this is where they got ready. I loved Aaron’s shoes the moment I saw them… He did get a few compliments with anyone who did see them!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
And don’t get me started on how much I love Nicole’s shoes.

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Kirsty Lohmann, Make up Artist was there to help Nicole along the way to becoming a gorgeous bride!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
And here is our groom Aaron. Looking ever so dashing in his velvet collar suit with matching velvet tie. They almost struggled to find a velvet tie. Stoked they did in the end!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Next door, the sun gently shows it’s face, the energy is a mixture of light, fluffy and excited.

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
And before we know it, it’s dress time!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
While her groom chills out in the sunshine.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
And then Aaron wait by the Stop sign, waiting for that tap on the shoulder…

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Those smiles says a thousand words!

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
They chose a wee spot in a park. The warm yellow leaves that encompass them, act as their guests.

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot

Queenstown Arrowtown Elopement Photoshoot
Phillipa Cook gave a beautiful ceremony.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
And just like that, they’re husband and wife!

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
The day before we scouted some beautiful locations, so the next 3 or so hours were spent on a photographic tour around Arrowtown and Queenstown.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
Arrowtown was on FIRE!!!!

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
Blue was Nicole’s colour. So a visit to the little blue door was in order!

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
And back to the spot they had their first look.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
Oh Arrowtown and your quaintness! I love you!

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
It was a beautiful Autumns day. Our next stop was Thurlby Domain to use this amazing property and have a picnic.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
We got to Bob’s Cove just on the cusp of dark. It was calm, serene and totally magical.

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
The night did indeed end with magic!

Arrowtown Autumn Elopement Wedding
Nicole and Aaron. It was an absolute privilege to be your witness’ and capture your very special day. Thank you so much for choosing us and we wish you all the very best for married life and the road ahead!

Love Heather and Doug xox

Sarah & Johnny {Married} Part 1

Autumn. It’s my favourite time of year. It may be a little nippier… there may be a chance of rain… but … what if it doesn’t rain? … The chance to frolick in the masses amount of pretty leaves, and dance your way into the early golden light of the approaching winter. It could quite simply make for a more beautiful and magical wedding day than you could ever imagine.

While Sarah has been planning their amazing Christchurch wedding from Auckland… Johnny has been giving a lot of the ‘Yes, No, Maybe’s’ over Skype from Myanmar where he Pilots. The only pre wedding day stress that really showed it’s face… was ‘Will Johnny get home in time?!!’. Which clearly he did! :)

Autumn Wedding, Halswell Quarry Christchurch
The Elm Tree Boutique Bed and Breakfast… I’ve driven past this place literally a gazillion times. And I never knew the warm beauty that lay inside. But it wasn’t just the place… I walked into a calm, collected and happy environment with a bride who couldn’t have a bigger smile on her face! … Sarah… IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY!!!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
I always get so curious as to what a bride will choose for her dress. I really can’t tell sometimes… so as soon as I saw Sarah’s lacey, elegant dress … I thought to myself  – ‘of courseeeeee’. It’s the beginning of a beautifully elegant day indeed!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Things were switched up a little this time. Just the one bouquet as the bridesmaids had parasols instead.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Mum and Dad could not be prouder if they tried.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Almost ready to take Johnny’s breath away!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
While Sarah is becoming more and more stunning by the moment… her handsome groom is over at Air Force World with Doug and the lads.
This was a wee surprise for Johnny that Sarah put together for him. When Johnny isn’t dressed to the nines in tails and looking mighty smart I might add… he is a pilot flying twin otter planes transporting cargo and people in Myanmar.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Over at the beautiful Cossars Wineshed. There is no time like the present for a Siesta!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Johnny waits patiently for his bride while their 60 guests mingle.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Here she comessss… looking smitten as all hell.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
I loooove the little look on the right. it just says to me “Thanks for getting me here smiling girls!”

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Celebrant, Kaye Hawkes gave a gorgeous ceremony that reflected them so beautifully.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
The second set of proud parents. How was your Siesta Paul?

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Now that’s what I call a first kiss!!! :)

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
The siblings have a yarn during the signing of the register. SEE… look at that light!!! … You’d never have that during a 3pm ceremony in Summer!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Grandad is very dear to Sarah. Sarah was just so happy that he could even make the wedding. So he beared witness and signed the register.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
Signed, sealed and delivered… these two crazy love birds are officially Mr and Mrs Ayres.  but it doesn’t end here… there is so much more beauty to come… Follow the smiles through to PART 2 of this blog by clicking the photo below.

Cossars Wineshed

 

 

Sarah & Johnny {Married} Part 2

If you’ve stumbled across the hugs.. but haven’t seen anything else yet… that means you’ve missed the nuptials. Follow me back to PART 1 of this blog.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
It’s so nice sometimes having a ceremony and reception at the same venue. Sarah and Johnny’s 60 guests mingled in the late afternoon sunlight. The spirits were high, there was laughter and chit chatting everywhere. It was such a happy and positive vibe to be encompassed in.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
There are many things I love about my job… many many many many things. But I think one of the things that sits at the top of the list is ‘people and relationships’.
Just watching these two girls who are the BEST of best friends… it just made me smile so much. Kat was there for Sarah in every respect. She was kind, caring, doting, excited and held Sarah’s hand through the best day of her life. … It just makes my heart swell so much! Having good friends like this… is the thick, sweet, gateau icing to your cake! ♥

And the best part is… we’ve just shot Sarah’s amazing wedding… and next April we get to capture the beautiful Kat as well!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
M.a.g.i.c.a.l.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed
The awesome support team. You guys are fantastic!

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
We then swapped Cossars for Halswell Quarry for a few shots.

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch

Autumn Wedding, Cossars Wineshed Christchurch
So beautifully elegant. That’s you Sarah!

Halswell Quarry Christchurch, Weddings

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch
We left the nippy outdoor air as the sun escaped and swapped it for a warm, hearty reception!

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed
Who doesn’t love a good boogie!! Everyone ripped into the dancing!

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch
Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch
Sarah and Johnny. What a day! … All those months of planning came together more magically than you could ever dream for. Thank you for choosing us to share in your day! We loved every second of it and actually… really didn’t want to leave at all! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Ayres. Hope you are enjoying your wee Mini Moon… and I so can’t wait to show you more! Until then…

Cossars Wineshed Weddings Christchurch

Heather & Doug xoxo