I shouldn't have kept checking the weather forecast. I should have just left well enough alone. But I knew that Rochelle was desperately wanting beautiful weather, and so I was wanting that for her too. No matter how many times I hit the refresh key, Metservice just kept repeating the same story: "afternoon showers, chance thunder, southerlies".
Sigh. "It's all good," I thought, "rainy weddings are fun!"
There was no need to worry though. The sky stayed blue, the clouds stayed white and puffy and Rochelle had her garden wedding.
The final moments before she walks down the aisle to see her new husband, being strapped into the dress by the girls from HH Divine.
Necklace by Mum. Gorgeous!
This is Gregg. His Cravat matched the marquee. I doubt that was intentional, but I thought it was pretty cool!
Someone dropped all these rose petals.....
This is Haley. Last time I photographed her was at Liz and Rhys's wedding, although she was still inside Mum's tummy!
When I asked Rochelle what shots she particularly wanted me to get, this was at the top of her list. The nervous wait. Priceless.
Beautiful!
At the back of Rochelle's parents house is a vineyard and the perfect place for a wedding. I love how they look at each other.
Gregg is from the UK, and Rochelle is a Kiwi girl, and these flags are just perfect.
Gorgeous flowers by Jane at Flowertime. That brooch was Rochelle's Grandmother's, and the dress was designed around that. Another fantastic job by Bernadette Thomas.
It was a lovely intimate wedding with only a couple of dozen guests, set in beautiful vineyard country. Gregg and Rochelle live over in the UK, I've had a run of UK couples this year it seems! I think they like our weather!
And the weather was just PERFECT!
I love this one too!
Rochelle's parents had the garden looking spectacular!
This is Rochelle's Grandparents. They were also celebrating their wedding anniversary, 61 years! I think that is such a fantastic part of the day. I'm looking forward to growing old with my honey too and going to many many grandchildren's weddings!
Gregg and Rochelle are real sweeties. They bought gifts for both sets of parents, some friends and flowers for the 61st anniversary. I thought that was so thoughtful! Isn't it usually the other way around?
Minis on the cake. I love it.
Rochelle has the most tiny and dainty fingers, her rings were tiny compared to Greggs.
You can see in this shot that the weather is starting to turn, just hinting slightly. Well on my way home from the wedding we got a lashing! Rain, thunder and hail! I had to take my Georgia to saxophone lessons, and I got pretty well soaked. Thankfully this was after everyone at the wedding had already sat down to eat and was safely inside the marquee!
Thanks so much for including us into your day Gregg and Rochelle. Have a fantastic honeymoon and a beautiful life together!
Vendor Shoutout:
Wedding Planners: HH Divine
Hair: Arthur Devine
Makeup: Exfoliate
Gown: Bernadette Thomas
Flowers: Flowertime
Food/Catering: Posh Nosh
In 2008 we photographed Anna and Tim's wedding. This week I got to photograph their brand new baby Brea. Only four days old! I can't even begin to tell you how little, and squishy and perfect she is. So I'll just show you!
The good thing about newborns is that you really can put them just about anywhere. They soon grow out of this though, which is a bit of a shame.
I gave Paul's Aunty Marion the job of creating some newborn props for me. And boy, did she ever! This lady can sure knit!
This is Brea's big brother Seth. Still as gorgeous as ever, and proud as punch of his gorgeous new sister.
How big are you Seth? "This big!" he says.
Isn't she just something else? Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks so much Anna and Tim for letting me photograph your precious bundle so soon after she was born. It made all the difference doing it in those first few days! She's just perfect. Congratulations!
It was a good thing that I had my Weet-bix for breakfast yesterday, and that I took a healthy dose of spirulina for energy - because I was sure going to need it! The moment that Kaiser bounded out of the car and onto the beach we were all GO!
So full of energy and fun, Kaiser is sure fun to be around. There was a shark or a bear around every corner and he kept his newly adopted 'eagle' with him at all times (aka a stick).
His Mum Melissa absolutely adores him and as you can see, he's quite fond of her as well.
Spunky little man that he is!
We spent pretty much the whole time just playing. Running around the beach, climbing rocks and several rounds of hide and seek.
This was just after Melissa landed after jumping 'like a kangaroo', as requested.
Melissa and Kaiser, it was an absolute joy to spend a couple of hours playing with you! Can't wait to show you the rest of the photos!
Here we go - another Vendor interview! Old St Mary's Convent is at the top of my list of favourite places to get married! Set amongst beautiful vineyards and amazing gardens, this beautiful old building is sooo photogenic. You can either have a garden wedding, or there's a cute little chapel too.
Layonie was kind enough to do this interview for us, to give you a bit of a glimpse of what's gone into making this place as spectacular as it is.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was born in Dunedin and trained and worked as a nurse and a midwife.
I spent 10 years travelling and working overseas before settling in Marlborough in 2001.
My partner Denham and myself fell in love with Old St Mary's Convent and purchased the property in 2006. The convent building had been moved here in 1994 from Maxwell Road in Blenheim, St Michael's Church followed in 2000. The original owners - the Holtrop's had an amazing vision and transformed an empty paddock and nearly derelict building into a beautiful oasis and stunning B&B and Wedding venue.
Since taking over the property we have completely refurbished the building inside and out, including a new sitting room and have worked extensively on the grounds adding a large car park, outdoor swimming pool and major replanting. Always looking for ways to improve we are currently installing a rose arbour and gazebo with a knot garden - should be good for wedding photos!!
How long have you been doing weddings?
4 years
What made you get into them?
Old St Mary's Convent is the ideal location for a small church or garden wedding.
Is there something you do really well - something that separates you from the others?
Being able to offer a reception venue (in marquees) as well makes it a little different. We have amassed a huge list of contacts offering quality services and are able to assist in putting together a stress free event.
Have you got any interesting wedding stories to share?
One of our most romantic weddings was a couple just by themselves who wandered around the garden with the celebrant saying their vows. We acted as witnesses.
Another young couple got engaged here and came back a year later for the wedding.
We have also had a christening in the church - the product of one of our first weddings!
Brides arriving by helicopter is always exciting.
How many weddings do you usually do?
We usually do about 12 weddings a year half of which would hold the reception here as well.
How quickly do you get booked up?
There are always gaps in the calendar but people do start booking about 18 months out.
Do you have any special advice for those planning their big day?
Relax and enjoy the process, never be afraid to ask questions, trust the experts, and book your photographer fast!!!
If you could spend a weekend anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Florence, Italy
If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?
Limitless energy
Sport or books?
Books
Contact Details:
web: www.convent.co.nz
email: retreat@convent.co.nz
phone: +64 3 570 5700
Man, I have a cool job. Like, a reeeeally cool job. I get to hang out with beautiful people, on one of the happiest days of their life. I get to stay with them, about five paces away, and just capture their day unfolding in front of them. Amazing. Don't get me wrong, there is some work going on too, as only about 15-20% of my job is actually holding the camera. But weddings like yesterday make all the background work worthwhile.
Vaughan and Nicola... what a perfect day! Not only did they totally adore each other, which makes taking photos so easy, but they picked the most FUN bridal party I have ever been with. At the end of the day I asked Vaughan and Nicola if they would consider hiring them out to other couples.
Nicola was gorgeous before she even got into her wedding dress.
Ok, so someone slap me. I have totally forgotten this little girl's name. But with or without a name, this photo of her and her Granddad is just gorgeous.
This must be every little girl's dream.
Meanwhile, Paul was at Spy Valley Wines with the guys....
While they waited for everyone to arrive....
Ah, yes. Here they are!
This is just as Nicola is about to walk down to see her groom for the first time.
Dad gives her away, while Vaughan watches. Don't just quickly skip past this one! Really look at it. Maybe it's just the memories of when my Dad gave me away, but this right here is one of those moments. You know. THOSE moments.
Mum and Dad. Sigh. See? I told you this day was perfect!
This is Daisy, one of the bridesmaids. Fantastic violinist, and a lovely friend to Nicola.
This is Fran (remember, Scarlett's Dad?) He made the formal family photos so much fun! Someone had given him the mic, and before we knew it, it was (in his best airline announcing voice) "Bing Bong, would all the Hoopers come to the photo taking area please? All the Hoopers...."
Then off to a wee lake. This is where the day gets really fun.
The under the veil shot?
The bridal party had seen it all before....
Paul on the left there is a brand new Dad. His wife had a baby only two days ago. No wonder he's smiling so big!
Fran and Liz, you look great!
*Oh my gosh* these two are just so cute together!
You only have a veil like this for one day of your life. Are you just going to drag it around, or are you going to have some FUN with it? Limbo, anyone?
Awesomeness.
Vaughan and Nicola, thank you both so very much for including us in your day. It was our absolute pleasure to share it with you.
Vendor Shoutout:
Hair and makeup: Arthur Devine
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Spy Valley Wines
Fowers: Flowertime
Food/Catering: Posh Nosh
Scarlett is ten months old and the yummiest thing you ever did see. She's short, a teeny bit squishy and full of toddlerisms. I doubt that toddlerism is actually a word (I'm fairly sure it's not, as my blog spellchecker is screaming at me right now!) but I think it should be, so I'm just going to go ahead and add it to my dictionary. There, now it's official.
Toddlerism: when a small squishy person does very immature things, like eat leaves or dribbles.
Liz and Fran are going to be in this Saturday's bridal party for Nicola and Vaughan. So it was awesome to get to know them a bit better, as well as making friends with Scarlett.
Could they be any cuter? I don't think so.
Scarlett is Nicola and Vaughan's goddaughter, as well as being the first grandchild on both sides of the family. So yes, she's number 1!
She seems to be developing a love for golf, just like her Dad and Granddad. Maybe next time we'll include the club and ball.
Ooooo baby fingers! Love them.
Although I am somewhat disgusted in how summer was this year, especially now that it's over, I am secretly pleased that Autumn is upon us. Prepare yourself for lots of autumn colours in the next couple of months.
I'm looking forward to shooting Fran and Liz again on Saturday.
And you can see why!
But today really belonged to this gorgeous little thing!
Thanks for coming out this morning guys! I can't wait to show you all the rest, see you at the wedding!!
I've never been one of the cool kids. Like, not even a little bit cool. I'm not even nerdy enough to be nerdy-cool. Nope. Somehow I've grown to be ok with that though. I married my honey 15 years ago and he's equally as uncool as me (although bordering on nerdy-cool, perhaps).
However, donned with our cool-as-heck cameras, we get let into people's ultra awesome weddings! Stephen and Carissa's wedding was one of those.
Another stunning Marlborough day, the wedding once again held at Old St Marys Convent, and beautiful and fun people. It's a win/win.
This is the invitation for Carissa's grandmother, who passed away a couple of months ago. Weddings are such a special time, it's always nice to remember family and friends who weren't able to be part of the day.
Stephen had a gift for Carissa, and by the look on her face, I think he did good!
And this is it, a bracelet that perfectly matched her dress. Good job Stephen!
Father Paul O'Conner came all the way from Wellington to celebrate the marriage. He taught Stephen as a teenager, so it was lovely to have someone special to him to take the service.
Meanwhile, Stephen waits for his bride.
During the message, everyone sat in the pews. I love this shot. This is why you have bridesmaids. Priceless.
Gorgeous!
This was just as they were about to exit the church as man and wife.
Inside the car, and yes, happy!
The flowers were absolutely beautiful! Done by Jane Fowler at Fleurs. Gorgeousness.
Then off for a quick walk down the grapevines before the reception at MVH.
The room was beautifully decorated, and the flowers...stunning!
We were so grateful to be part of your day Stephen and Carissa. Enjoy married life together, and make the most of the summer here in NZ and on your honeymoon before you head back over to the UK!
Vendor Shoutout:
Ceremony Venue: Old St Marys Convent
Reception Venue: Marlborough Vintners Hotel
Cars: Marlborough Limousines
Hair: Vanessa from Vogue
Flowers: Jane Fowler, Fleurs
