Central Otago. It is one of those places that is breath-takingly stunning in any season. At the moment, I think autumn takes the cake... although I will probably say the same about winter, spring, and summer soon! Beauty is rampant, and even at the very end of autumn, the sun still shows its face! And that is an understatement of what it did for Annie-Kate and Cecil's beautiful day on April 30th! This was my last wedding for the 'summer' season, and it was simply stunning.
Liam and I drove to Wanaka from Dunedin on the morning of the wedding, and as we drove through the golden leaves, huge mountains, rocks and lakes, we were listening to Coldplay's "we live in a beautiful world..." song. Very appropriate. As we drove, it got hotter and hotter...and brighter and brighter.
We met Annie-Kate, her family, and her three beautiful bridesmaids at Mountain Range lodge, just out of Wanaka. Everyone was calm, well-fed (by the looks of the left-overs on the table!), and ready for a wonderful day.
Liam and I drove to Wanaka from Dunedin on the morning of the wedding, and as we drove through the golden leaves, huge mountains, rocks and lakes, we were listening to Coldplay's "we live in a beautiful world..." song. Very appropriate. As we drove, it got hotter and hotter...and brighter and brighter.
We met Annie-Kate, her family, and her three beautiful bridesmaids at Mountain Range lodge, just out of Wanaka. Everyone was calm, well-fed (by the looks of the left-overs on the table!), and ready for a wonderful day.
Annie-Kate looked incredible before she had even touched her wedding dress. She said to me "When I bought this old shirt, I had no idea itt was going to be photographed so much on my wedding day!"... something to think about girls! I had no problems with that though... she looked amazing as soon as I stepped in the door! Definitely a natural beauty.
This image made us all laugh as soon as it had been taken! This is the kind of torture we put ourselves through to make sure we look pretty...
The father-of-the-bride gets himself ready for a very special day ahead...
I looove these two close-ups Liam took of Annie-Kate's grandparents and parents putting on corsages.
Gorgeous Annie-Kate!
After everyone was ready and cars were sorted, we were on our way to the ceremony... only a few minutes late!
The ceremony took place in the most magnificent scenery you could imagine. We looked out to nearly 360 degrees of mountains, the golden leaves splashed colour all around, and the sun was bearing down on us. I have to admit, this lighting was probably the most difficult I have ever encounted - it was increeedibly bright, we were photographing right into the sun, and there was not a spot of open-shade to be seen. So it was challenging, but truly amazing, and totally worth it! What a spectacular aisle...
Cecil and Annie-Kate are a perfect match. Watching his reaction to her walking down the aisle sent wee shivers down my spine.
See, I told you it was bright! In fact, it was so hot that one of the bridesmaids fainted during the ceremony. Yikes Wanaka, it's nearly winter. I think you got stuck back in summer...
The ceremony was beautiful, heartfelt and had great music! Loved that Annie-Kate's stylish little brother even had drums to play out there!
Husband and wife!! And stoked about it!
Beautiful times with her Mum and Dad...
As the sun was just dipping, and getting lovely, we snuck to a wee vineyard beside the ceremony area. Love the colours in these.
Cecil and Annie-Kate both nailed it in front of the camera. They knew just the right things to do, but it was all so natural. They are also completely besotted by each other which helped!
Annie-Kate had spotted this driveway of trees and told me it was 'her thing'. And it suited them perfectly.
You guys are too cute together!
And then just like that, the sun disappeared behind the mountains and was gone for the rest of the afternoon. We made the best of the light we had, before heading to the lakefront for a nice wee sunset.
The girls wanted to do some jumping when they were finally able to take their shoes off. Unfortunately though, that just ended up with too many knicker-shots, so they settled for this...
We were treated to some lovely colours as the sun said it's final goodbyes for the evening.
Annie-Kate, you are absolutely beautiful! What a stunning bride you made!!! I loved photographing you.
Annie-Kate and Cecil, it was an absolutely gorgeous wedding!! Thank you for choosing us as your photographers, we had such a great time with you and your bridal party! It was awesome seeing how proud both of your families are of you, and how much they support your marriage. You will do great things together! I hope your honeymoon has been magical and relaxing! xoxox
