Perfection is not found in any extravagance, expense, or pretty little details of a wedding. Perfection is found in the two stories that bring two people together... forever. It is seen in the eyes of the two who stand and declare that from that day forward, they will love and cherish their partner with everything they have. Perfection is created when two imperfect lives are bound together to make an imperfect couple, who strive for the best. And, it is found when you look beyond the bride and the groom - to the parents, the siblings, the grandparents, and the countless friends that have shaped these two lives and have supported the growth of that love.
Matt and Ellie's big day was a reminder to me, 7 weeks out from my own wedding, that weddings go well beyond the countless to-do lists, the stress, the excitement, the white dress, the flavour of the cake, and the colour of the tablecloths. Marriage is a hugely sacred and awesome unity of two beautiful people. And this day was no exception.
Ellie and Matt had been waiting eagerly for December 4th to arrive. They are wonderfully in love, and could not wait to be together. The day was perfect in every way. Allow me to allow you a peek into their gorgeous wedding...
Matt and Ellie's big day was a reminder to me, 7 weeks out from my own wedding, that weddings go well beyond the countless to-do lists, the stress, the excitement, the white dress, the flavour of the cake, and the colour of the tablecloths. Marriage is a hugely sacred and awesome unity of two beautiful people. And this day was no exception.
Ellie and Matt had been waiting eagerly for December 4th to arrive. They are wonderfully in love, and could not wait to be together. The day was perfect in every way. Allow me to allow you a peek into their gorgeous wedding...
I met a nervous, but beautifully prepared and ready bride in the morning. Ellie and her bridesmaids looked incredible - their dresses were gorgeous and very summery, and the flowers were soft and feminine.
Ellie gives a corsage to her lovely mother.
The ceremony took place at the amazing East Taieri Church - a perfectly white and beautiful church for a wedding. I love this moment of a father seeing his precious daughter for the first time on her wedding day.
Coming up the aisle, Ellie and her Dad were full of smiles and laughs - there was no doubt this was an extremely happy occasion!
Matt didn't take his eyes of his stunning bride as she came down the aisle. Matt and Ellie met at their church, and had known each other for about a year before they started going out. Five weeks after beginning their relationship, Matt ventured to Aussie to start a summer job. However after only one week of being over there, Matt flew straight back, unbeknown to Ellie, with an ingenious plan for a surprise proposal! I cannot even begin to explain the amazingness of the proposal story - but you should know, Matt is the ultimate romantic.
And finally, Matt and Ellie are pronouced as husband and wife - and they begin the wonderful journey that is marriage.
Matt and Ellie had thoughtfully picked out some awesome locations for the shoot and I was sooooo excited about it! We decided Ellie prayed a little too hard for a nice day, because Dunedin's bright sun came out in force! First stop was a deserted section - overgrown, thistles everywhere, dumped cars, and... an amazing bus! Ah! I was in photographic heaven right here.
We wrestled our way through cobwebs, junk, broken panels and vines to the inside of this lost little treasure.
These guys were hilarious - the amount of stuff they found in this bus was crazy!
The whole bridal party was awesome - they were up for anything, and what's more - they laughed at my jokes.
Next stop was this awesome graffiti wall! Thanks to the car drivers who scouted out oncoming vehicles while I stood in the middle of the road, so I didn't get ploughed down by cars coming round the corner!
The girls sure knew how to work it for the camera...!
And finally to Chingford Park, to frollick in the beautiful evening light, before they all went off the reception.
What you can't see, is just how high these guys actually are off the ground - they were extreme!
Oh Ellie, breathtakingly beautiful.
Ellie and Matt - thank you, thank you, thank you for an incredible day. I had so much fun with you and was so impressed with your awesome location choices! I could hardly narrow this blog down - there are so many photos I wanted to share. I hope your honeymoon has been magical. Bless you both as you enter this awesome new stage of life together. You are both amazing xoxoxoxo
