Ten years ago, young Jennifer and Blair met at a joint school social, and they danced together for a few songs. Blair asked Jen if she wanted to go out, but Jen politely declined, telling Blair she wasn't allowed a boyfriend yet.... and that was the end of that.
Five years later, in 2006, Jen and Blair's paths crossed once again... this time both as part of an operatic show in the Regent Theatre. Jen again caught Blair's eye, being one of the hottest and most talented girls he had ever met. It wasn't long before he was driving an extra 32km for every practice... just to pick up and drop off Jen, despite only living 2km from the venue himself. It is amazing how love makes people do crazy things.
They fell in love in the theatre... sharing a passion for music, dance and drama. They have continued to perform in a huge number of shows, and their love has continued to grow. They are the most gorgeous couple - utterly smitten, affectionate, and totally obsessed with each other.
On October 8th, Jen and Blair declared that love in the most magical, amazing marriage ceremony, on the stage of Dunedin's beautiful Regent Theatre. While they wanted a huge emphasis on the theatre itself, and the meaning and memories that it holds for both of them, the day was not showy or staged. It was deep, true, emotional and completely beautiful.
Five years later, in 2006, Jen and Blair's paths crossed once again... this time both as part of an operatic show in the Regent Theatre. Jen again caught Blair's eye, being one of the hottest and most talented girls he had ever met. It wasn't long before he was driving an extra 32km for every practice... just to pick up and drop off Jen, despite only living 2km from the venue himself. It is amazing how love makes people do crazy things.
They fell in love in the theatre... sharing a passion for music, dance and drama. They have continued to perform in a huge number of shows, and their love has continued to grow. They are the most gorgeous couple - utterly smitten, affectionate, and totally obsessed with each other.
On October 8th, Jen and Blair declared that love in the most magical, amazing marriage ceremony, on the stage of Dunedin's beautiful Regent Theatre. While they wanted a huge emphasis on the theatre itself, and the meaning and memories that it holds for both of them, the day was not showy or staged. It was deep, true, emotional and completely beautiful.
Jen looked absolutely gorgeous... even in her dressing gown!!
Jen and her bridesmaids, Catherine and Maria, got ready downstairs in the house Jen grew up in... in their dance studio. Ahem, I repeat... in their DANCE STUDIO!! Woooo... must be nearly every girls dream. Well, I was pretty amazed anyway. There are mirrors, dance shoes, dance ribbons, framed photos, posters, props, and trophies galoooore! Jen and her sister Catherine have danced all their lives - ballet, jazz, tap... the list goes on and on. Jen has even danced with the Royal New Zealand Ballet! It was a room filled with memories of things that have shaped Jen's life...and a room that she spent hours in growing up. I thought it was awesome that this dance studio was part of her wedding day too.
And what's a dance studio without a bit of dancing?! Especially when 'Moves Like Jagger' comes on the radio...
Love the details for the bridesmaids, and the flowers from Jolene at Estelle Flowers... woooow oh wow!! Amazingly different and beautiful...
Jen is a ballerina through and through, she just danced herself through the day, even when she thought no one was watching. She is petite, graceful and poised.
And if that isn't enough talent for one girl, she is also a fashion designer, and sews a lot of wedding dresses. She and her mother, Beverley, designed and made Jen's dress and the bridesmaids dresses and details! Sooo clever!!
This is Beverley's favourite photo of very young Jennifer - a pretty wee dancer dressed in a white dance costume... and now a beautiful young woman marrying the man of her dreams, in the most amazing white dress...
Arriving at the Regent Theatre in the Octagon!
Blair and Jen were determined to get married in the very place they fell in love - but they were also adamant that their family and friends would be just as much a part of the occasion as they were. For this reason, everyone sat on the stage with them, looking out towards the amazing architecture of the theatre. It was intimate and magical.
Too amazing for words.
After the ceremony and the essential mingling with their guests, the bridal party were left alone in the huge theatre! Jen and Blair wanted all of their photos inside this amazing location. This has probably given me the biggest challenge I have ever had at a wedding - Liam and I shot 95% of the day without a single hint of natural light. And I confess that I was very nervous about this - the light was magical, but very dim, and I really wanted to do justice to such an incredible location and an adorable couple.
Perfection in one couple!
They wanted to capture their love for each other in both the actual theatre, and in the raw, grungy, behind the scenes backstage areas. I felt like I was intruding on a secretive romance blossoming behind the curtains... but they tried to assure me this sneaky backstage kissing never happened previously. Uh-ha... suuuuure.
The bridal party were amazing! Paul, Owen, Catherine and Maria all supported Jen and Blair amazingly during the day and have obviously supported them for many years. Paul is Blair's brother, and he is also a wedding photographer. Eek, talk about pressure!
The girls were too cute! This darn lift door kept randomly opening and closing...
Snuggles and smooches in the newly refurbished changing rooms...
Mrs. J. Hughson!!!
I love the spotlighty, romantic feel of this image.
8. 10. 11 - a veeeery special day! And some lovely reception details
And a couple more portraits from the reception, just because I couldn't stop!
Jen and Blair... I just don't even know the right words to express how deeply amazing your wedding day was!! It was so unique, so completely you, and soooo beautifully meaningful. THANK YOU for letting Liam and I be part of it!!! It was an honour to be asked to be your photographers, and we had such an amazing day. I hope we have been able to produce images that you adore, and that do justice to the time and effort you put into every details of your big day.
I hope you have the most amazing time honeymooning in Aussie!! You totally deserve a break!! And we look forward to seeing you both on stage again in the future! You are made for each other, and that was completely obvious. You love is deep and heartfelt, and you have the strength of two wonderful families around you. All the best for your whole lives together!! We are so excited for you!! xoxoxo
I hope you have the most amazing time honeymooning in Aussie!! You totally deserve a break!! And we look forward to seeing you both on stage again in the future! You are made for each other, and that was completely obvious. You love is deep and heartfelt, and you have the strength of two wonderful families around you. All the best for your whole lives together!! We are so excited for you!! xoxoxo
