This was an extravaganza of a wedding- with a focus on community, love of the earth, love of people and a sense that this day was a significant marker in their journey together- Monica and Dave became husband and wife surrounded by friends and family.
In all honesty it was rather overwhelming- these two are very dear friends of mine and it was very special to capture their day for them. There was just so much to capture!!!
From pot luck teas, to details of extraordinary proportions, to ceremonies within ceremonies, to the lush grounds of the ceremony location ( the beautiful home of their Aunty and Uncle in the country outside of Christchurch), to music, rustic charm and at all times the focus on bringing everyone together. Some people traveled very far indeed to be there and it was lovely to feel at the end of it all, that you had connected with some very cool people- not only connected with them, but folk danced and woven a flax plat with them!
Monica is helped by lovely friend and bridesmaid Sophie- and kissed by her beautiful Mum
The boys are feeling pretty relaxed
Love the sun flare and smoke
the first peek
beautiful quiet moments
Gorgeous morning light on a stunning couple
these boys are rather exceptional- up for anything , lots of fun, movement and being a bit silly
suited me just fine
but they look pretty hot when they are serious too!
the bridal tribe before the ceremony! ( girls not in their wedding dresses- this was the attire for the lawn game and welcoming part of the day!)
good times
The Boys- I loved photographing you
The AMAZING marquee- a lot of people mentioned that this marquee was like walking in to Monica’s bedroom- so much colour, lots of special and significant wee things everywhere, quite incredible
Before the ceremony, guests were invited to weave flax plats together as a symbol of unity and community- there was a lot of love at this wedidng
Dave walks down the aisle with his very proud and loving parents- I love this moment so much- their faces! so beautiful
Dave watches as his beautiful bonita, walks towards him, to become not only his best friend and companion- she is walking towards him to become his wife
Monica is supported by 2 of the most awesome brothers you could ever imagine
and a kiss on the way for gorgeous Mum Nat
there was a lot of music!
Mon’s brother Ollie, sends good vibes, prayers and love into the rings during a ring warming ceremony- each guest holds the rings and prays for the couple, so that when it is time to put the rings in, they contain so much love for the couple to wear always.
very special friends all the way from Canada sing a lovely song about life and love and getting old together- it was pure lovely
the parents weave two strands of flax plat together to symbolise the joining of the two families
love this-
the vows!!
I loved Dave’s wee book-
Amy gets a bit teary eyed- so pretty!
Nephew Fynn, brings the rings after they have been well and truly love infused
the symbolic flax has been wrapped around the couple- like a blessing, the families are joined
Beautiful!
it got a little chilly under the trees- I love the bridesmaids colours!!
beautiful hugs and kisses
and sneaky moments
The TEAM!!!
I LOVE this photo- edited a wee bit old school like and different as to me it is a stand alone image- So much fun
the gorgeous girls!!!!
xox
and another one as I couldn’t help it! So much colour and sparkle
these guys love running around!
in the evening light, a bit of folk dancing before dinner, some fun on the stunning vintage car owned by another one of Monicas’ uncles
and then I got to sneak the Bride and Groom away for 5 minutes alone-
Monica and Dave- what a wedding!!!!!
It was so incredible to be part of it. May you always remember the love you have around you, wherever you are in the world.
With much Amore
xoxoxox Rachel
Great photos, Rachel! Awesome day!
WOW! What an awesome wedding and couple, I feel like I know them now, your photos are beautiful as always!
That is actually the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever seen! Loved the photography
Aghhhhh!! sooo happy, so creative, so colourful, such love! Beautiful to all! x
Loving these photos Rach and loving this wedding! So many special touches!
Love the photos Rach, you have so many different ideas! xx
These photos are just fabulous. Rachel, you capture moments beautifully. Thank you for sharing these.
These are beautiful photos! Wonderful job of capturing the moment. Congratulations Monica and Dave!
Sending you a giant HuG from Canada.
I just saw all these beautiful and A M A Z I N G pictures – even though I haven t been there to join the wedding ceremony – just by watching the pictures I could feel the most amazing vibes and the love and fun and colours spreading around…YOu are such a beautiful girl Mon both together an inspiring couple- and I wish you both an incredible and amazing life together going through thick and thin together…I wish so badly I could have been there with you and hug and dance and cry and smile with you together….LOTS and LOTS of LOVE and KISSES
Julia xoxo
Absolutely sennnnnnnsaaaational Rach! Fab photos, love the captions, brings back so many awesome memories!!!!!!!
Amazing photos from an amazing day! Good job Rach, you really captured the day – so much fun. There is one shot in particular that is missing though… you know the one
The colours at this wedding — wow! And as always, your photos are top knotch, Mrs Talent.
Thank you Rachel for fabulously capturing the joy,colour,warmth, fun and love of the day ! It was an amazing day….. so many things going on and we were so busy keeping up!! So it’s great to get all these glimpses of things we missed, or didn’t notice….. and to have memories rekindled. We loved it all. You do it so well. Thank you heaps, you are very special. love Nat and Sel.
Dave + Mon – that seems like it was such an amazing day. I am really happy to see these photos, seeing you guys so happy.
Hugs from France
Rach those are spectacular! You are an inspiration to us all, thanks for sharing.
Dave and Mon, what a lovely celebration– I wish we could have been there—,my fave photo? the b&w closeup taken in the garden with Mon snuggling into your back– magic
Much love
Barry, Caroline and Olivia