Central Otago has to be one of the greatest, most beautiful places on earth! And Michelle and Jason's Lauderdale wedding was up there with the most perfectly planned weddings on earth! It was filled to the brim with gorgeous rustic flair - the details, the venue, the landscapes - it was perfection. We had it all with the weather - from thick fog, to burning hot sun, to moody clouds, to very light spots of rain, to a still & mild evening... it all just added to the Central Otago flavour!
Michelle and Jason's wedding was one I was looking forward to hugely from the minute I met them at their hilarious, muddy engagement shoot. I knew their wedding was going to be fun and relaxed, but also immaculately thought out and beautifully classy. They are an awesome pair, whose deep love and commitment made this a very special day.
Everything took place within minutes of each other between the two tiny historic towns of Lauder and Becks. I love this rugged slice of NZ... you just seem to walk back in time, into an open-countryside full of history and unbelievable landscapes.
Michelle and Jason's wedding was one I was looking forward to hugely from the minute I met them at their hilarious, muddy engagement shoot. I knew their wedding was going to be fun and relaxed, but also immaculately thought out and beautifully classy. They are an awesome pair, whose deep love and commitment made this a very special day.
Everything took place within minutes of each other between the two tiny historic towns of Lauder and Becks. I love this rugged slice of NZ... you just seem to walk back in time, into an open-countryside full of history and unbelievable landscapes.
And there we met some very awesome people!
After the boys got that out of their system, it was time to head back and get ready.
Ahhhh, the smell of brand new leather shoes...
Ahhhh, the smell of brand new leather shoes...
Michelle's wedding day gift to Jason was an engraved Leatherman - 1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us".
Male models.
Lauder isn't a very big place, so right next door, behind a big fence, Michelle was getting all made up beautifully by the lovely Lynda...
...Leesa was going for the comfy casual look in the polarfleece onesie... and some people were sneaking oysters they weren't meant to be eating yet...
Michelle, you are beautiful. Those eyes... amazing!
Measured to perfection...
Reeeeow!
Tucked amongst the barren mountains and dusty roads lies an exquisite and private wedding venue in the heart of Central. We were blown away by how amazing Lauderdale is... a raw, rustic and different venue for guests to experience, possibilities for photographs everywhere you looked, and gorgeous stone ruins as the back drop to the ceremony.
Last minute touch ups for the groomsmen!
Show time!
They look at each with so much pride, so much love, so much happiness.
Big ups to this band who did an incredible job of the music... spine tingling goodness...
I'm always jealous of the gorgeous dresses that girls get to wear to weddings! I have to wear reasonably practical dresses given the running around I do... but I doooo love checking them all out! The dresses that is, not the girls...
'Uncle Bob' is a term thrown around jokingly amongst professional photographers to describe particular guests who are keen-bean photographers and go to any lengths to try to get the best shot. Michelle's Uncle Bob (literally!) became the butt of the jokes during the family photographs... he was very elusive and kept missing the photos he was meant to be in... then what do you know, I turn around and there is he is taking my spot on the ladder!! :P
Meanwhile, the new Mr and Mrs Gorton kept having these gorgeous little moments that they thought no one was watching...
Oh boys. Love it.
The guests played lawn games and strolled around the gorgeous Lauderdale property while we were away doing photos with the bridal party!
Rocking it.
Liam is my ring shot man. He does them at every wedding. Never before has he been nick-named 'Frodo' from the whole bridal party and the drivers before though! I guess carrying the gold rings up and into the rocks kinda gave him that vibe tho... :)
Elegance.
Back to Lauderdale, where the guests had found their tables, and were admiring all the incredible handmade decorations that Michelle had poured her heart and soul into!
Taking a bow... and rightly so! The reception venue looked sooooo amazing!
Wow... Jason and Michelle... THANK YOU! It was truly a privilege to be part of your day! You were both just so relaxed and fun... and your love for each other is so obvious and awesome. We wish you all the very best for your life together... I have no doubt it will be full of fun and laughter! xoxox
PS. If anyone else thinks Lauderdale looks like a perfect place to get married... get in touch with us too! We want to go back! xx
PS. If anyone else thinks Lauderdale looks like a perfect place to get married... get in touch with us too! We want to go back! xx
