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Shan and Aaron met at Waikato University, both International Students from China and both with the same last name. What are the chances? Thousands of miles away from home, meeting the man of your dreams from your very own country. It was meant to be!
Since graduating in 2010 they moved back to China and now live in Shanghai. They are getting married there at the end of the year, but not before a trip back here to New Zealand where their love began.
This brings us to an email I thought couldn't possibly be true. Shan found our little blog, all the way over there in China, and decided that she wanted US to photograph them for their pre wedding photos here in New Zealand. We read the email, answered it and then dismissed it as one of those emails, because A) I had never heard of the custom of having a pre wedding shoot and B) It seemed fanciful thinking that they would choose us! BUT wait! It was absolutely true!
Seems that this small town girl needed to learn a thing or two about Asian wedding traditions! So just in case anyone else is as naive as I, here's the lowdown:
Here in New Zealand it is customary to have our photos taken during the wedding day. However, in Asia it is quite normal to have a pre wedding shoot. The couple, and in this case much of their bridal party, get dressed into wedding clothes and create images that will be displayed at their wedding.
I was in heaven. We had time. Hours of time. We made the most of the fabulous Marlborough scenery and wandered from place to place following the light and getting to know each other as we went.
Once again Deirdre delivered the goods in both Shan's hair and makeup, as well as providing a beautiful starting point to our photographic adventures.
I loved showing off our amazingly beautiful province. I loved the fact that the rain that had been taunting us for days disappeared and left us with a crisp and beautiful freshness in the air. I loved how Shan and Aaron were fully into it. Like, really into it. I mean, coming ALL THE WAY FROM CHINA kind of into it. This was my happy place. I never wanted to leave.
Aaron is one seriously cool guy, and he's a lover of photography, which makes him even cooler.
Beautiful ladies!
After our play at Locks and Lashes we headed over to Old St Mary's Convent. I knew the trees would be all kinds of cool, and as the light softened up as sunset approached I knew things would only get better. And they did!
I called out for them to act like they'd just won the Lotto. I think they'd be happy...
I can't actually remember what it was that I said that got this reaction. Maybe it was just the fact that I was lying in the foetal position and they had no idea what this crazy photographer was going to do next!
And then back to the romantic stuff. Shan and Aaron have such a natural and happy way with each other. It's beautiful to watch.
Shan, your gorgeous smile was the first thing I noticed about you.
And then the race was on. The sun was setting and we had to get across town to THE TREE. It was worth the effort. The light was sublime!
Shan and Aaron are clearly beautiful on the outside, but they are also beautiful on the inside and that's what makes for lovely images!
Just like a fairy tale!
As we were walking along the track people passing would nod and say 'hello'. To me this is just normal. But Aaron commented on how friendly everyone is here. Thank you Blenheim folk!
Turns out Shanghai boasts 13 Million people. That's a lot of people. If you walk to the supermarket you're not likely to ever see anyone you know. That would weird me out.
And then, after the sun had set, we headed over to Wither Hills Winery where they were to have a celebration dinner. They had a room to themselves, all set up, beautifully warm and the fire was crackling. The ladies got dressed into something less formal and a lovely relaxed day slipped into a lovely and relaxed evening.
Before we said our goodbyes (rather reluctantly, might I add!) we wanted to do something just that little bit special for Aaron and Shan. In China it is rare to see the stars, yet in little 'ol Blenheim they are out for all to see. Paul was super keen to create this image which included the stars shining brightly. I think he's done an amazing job!
Shan and Aaron, it was an amazing experience to spend the afternoon with you and your friends. We feel super privileged to have been given the opportunity not only to photograph you, but also to get to know you. If ever we find ourselves in Shanghai we will be sure to look you up!
Vendor Shoutout:
Hair & Makeup and Photo location #1: Deirdre, Locks & Lashes
Photo location #2: Old St Mary's Convent
Photo location #3 : The Tree, Harling Park
Dinner and Photo location #4: Wither Hills Winery
"Near and far, near and far,
I am happy where you are;"
This gorgeous poem by Ogden Nash had me smiling wide as wide can be during Joanne and Ian's beautiful wedding ceremony. The day that Joanne and Ian promised to "have and to hold," was beautifully organised, down to the finest detail. It was a day filled with friends and family that came from as far away as Europe!
The day began for me at Chateau Marlborough where Joanne and her girls got dressed.
Gorgeous hair and makeup by Deirdre at Locks and Lashes. Joanne, you have the most beautiful porcelain skin!
Sipping water through a straw means you don't mess up your lipstick!
Beautiful beautifulness!
Flowers by Nina at Pink Poppie. I think these may be my favourites to date! The blue ring on the left belongs to Joanne's Grandmother and is her 'something blue'.
As Dad walks in to see his daughter as a bride, the smile is unmistakeable!
Meanwhile, Paul is with the boys. Mum helps with the finishing touches as Ian gets ready.
The boys had a surprise wedding car for Ian - the Defender Land Rover! Ian grew up with one just like it on the farm, and has happy memories surrounding it. Even if sometimes it struggled to get up the hill!
I suppose it would be much like a yellow combi van would be for me. We had one when I was a kid. My Dad was a spray painter and painted it canary yellow and I was painfully embarrassed by it, yet how cool would that be to have it now? Seriously cool!
Also seriously cool, Joanne's groom, Ian.
The wedding and reception were held at The Winery Riverlands (formally Montana) which was the perfect location as the weather was looking a little bit dodgy and having an indoor location so close at hand was just great. Thankfully the weather held up, and gave us some lovely soft light to work with.
And here comes the bride!
I love this little look that Joanne is giving Ian.
"Far and wide, far and wide,
I can walk with you beside;
Furthermore, I tell you what,
I sit and sulk where you are not.
Visitors remark my frown
Where you're upstairs and I am down,
Yes, and I'm afraid I pout
When I'm indoors and you are out;
But how contentedly I view
Any room containing you.
In fact I care not where you be,
Just as long as it's with me."
"In all your absences I glimpse
Fire and flood and trolls and imps.
Is your train a minute slothful?
I goad the stationmaster wrothful.
When with friends to bridge you drive
I never know if you're alive,
And when you linger late in shops
I long to telephone the cops.
Yet how worth the waiting for,
To see you coming through the door.
Somehow, I can be complacent
Never but with you adjacent."
"Near and far, near and far,
I am happy where you are;
Likewise I have never larnt
How to be it where you aren't.
Then grudge me not my fond endeavor,
To hold you in my sight forever;
Let none, not even you, disparage
Such a valid reason for a marriage."
Paul captured this wonderful image of four generations! That, right there, is a legacy image. I love it.
Then it was off to the Malthouse for some more photos.
Since Joanne and Ian met they have flown 58,000km over the last six years just to spend time together. That's the price you pay when you fall in love with someone in a different town! Thankfully they now both live in Wellington and trips away will now be leaving together, and coming home together! Their first trip as a married couple will be to Rarotonga!
There was no lack of smiles and laughter from this lot!
Then back to The Winery Riverlands where Joanne's meticulous planning pays off.
And so let the dancing begin!
Ian's ring was made from gold that his grandfather mined and put aside for all of his grandsons. How special to have such a beautiful piece of heritage on your finger!
But wait! There's MORE!
Unfortunately the light ran out on the wedding day, and the combination of no light and no time left us with no beautiful scenic shots of Marlborough. Not to worry though! The next day was completely gorgeous, and so Joanne and Ian got dressed up again and we went and did some more playing!
Deirdre was kind enough to let us come and use her amazing property to get the shots that finish the story. I was in my happy place!
How is this for an amazingly impressive dress?
I LOVE next day shoots! We got the best of both worlds, the soft light of an overcast day on their wedding, and a postcard beautiful Marlborough day the next day. It's win win!
Ian and Joanne, thank you so much for choosing us to capture your beautiful wedding. Have a fantastic (and warm!) time in Rarotonga!
Vendor Shoutout:
Venue/Catering: Justine and her amazing team at The Winery Riverlands
Hair & Makeup: Deirdre, Locks & Lashes
Flowers: Nina, Pink Poppie Designer Florist
Celebrant: Archdeacon Danny Te Hiko
Dress: Astra Bridal
Suits: Sergios, Merivale
Cake: Kiss and Bake Up
They met nine years ago at the Blues and Brews festival here in Blenheim. I don't know who liked who first, as from all of the reports I've heard it seemed pretty immediate for both Sarah and Darren. Clearly the first impressions did last, and on Saturday they were married at the beautiful Te Mahia Bay Resort.
This will be the second wedding we've been privileged enough to photograph in Sarah's family. Last year, almost exactly a year ago, we captured her brother's wedding (Jeff and Frith here!) It always warms our heart to be asked back, and we love catching up with familiar faces in the crowd! I'm sorry if that means you've now heard my jokes twice.
Sarah and her girls had to be the calmest, most organised I've ever seen on a wedding day! We had time to spare and because everything was onsite, there was no travelling. Perfect!
Beautiful tulips by Nina at Pink Poppie. We're not normally lucky enough to have tulips as wedding flowers. Need I say it again? YAY for Autumn weddings!
Sarah, you are beautiful! I heard comments all day about how drop dead gorgeous you were!
Over with the boys and Paul learns about some of Darren's loves. Obviously Sarah foremost, his helicopter and cider. I've heard a rumour that his iPhone is usually not too far away at any given time as well!
Darren gets ready to meet his bride.
The morning had threatened us with rain, but as seems to be the tradition this year at Te Mahia, the sun broke through just at the right moment!
I love how they're looking at each other. Completely happy.
Hello beautiful light, so nice of you to come!
It was the first of April when Darren asked Sarah to marry him. It was an immediate yes, although neither of them realised it was April fools day until they called the family to share the good news. When I asked if she had thought it might be a joke, she said "Well, if it was, it certainly wasn't by the end of the day!" Nope, it definitely was not a joke - it was the real deal!
Darren is a trained bee keeper, having done most of his apprenticeship in the Sounds he's really grown to love being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. Who can blame him? Since then he's created a successful honey company - sweeeeet!
This bridal party were a lot of fun, and always ready with a joke!
Beautiful beautifulness!
Darren rocking the 'come hither' look.
There is this fun chess board at Te Mahia, and although neither Sarah or Darren know how to play chess, they sure made it look good! That is some lovely bling!
The cake was a cheese cake. Like, literally, a cake made of cheese. That has to be one of the most seriously cool things!
Another seriously cool thing about this reception were the Teppanyaki Queens. Supremely yummy food brought out continuously through the evening. These ladies turn up with their own cooking facilities and cook and serve.
It was a major hit.
Darren and Sarah are a relaxed, friendly and welcoming couple and it was a real joy to get to know them a little bit!
Flip Side rocked the night away.
Sarah and Darren, thank you so very much for sharing your special day with us. We had such fun with you and your guests!
Vendor Shoutout:
Venue: Te Mahia Bay Resort
Flowers: Nina, Pink Poppie Designer Florist
Hair: Beth, Romeo & Juliet Hair Salon
Makeup: Brydie Morrison
Catering: Teppanyaki Queens, Christchurch
Cheese Cake: Whitestone Cheese, Oamaru
Music: Murray Logan, Flipside Live
Rings: Filigree Fine Jewels
Dress: Brides of Merivale
Suits: Thomas's
Hayley never did believe in love at first sight. That was, until she first spotted Fergus at a dinner function in London. "That's the man I'm going to marry!" she thought to herself. And she was right.
Hayley and Fergus had both moved to England from abroad, Fergus from South Africa, and Hayley from New Zealand. Originally worlds apart, yet within weeks they had fallen madly and deeply in love. They were married within a year in beautiful Mauritius, and then there was this, their second wedding, here in Blenheim. And we were lucky enough to be able to photograph it!
The weather could not have been better for a wedding. Sunny, fresh and the light was to die for. I love April.
Gorgeous, GORGEOUS bride!
More beautiful flowers by Nina at Pink Poppie!
Fergus, born and raised in South Africa, went to England to have a look around for a few months... ten years later he's still there. Good thing he hung around though, or he would never have met his gorgeous wife!
The ceremony was held at the ever beautiful Old St Mary's Convent.
It simply could not have been a more stunning day, beautiful happy people and lots of smiles. I think they may have been laughing at one of my jokes. That makes it an even better day!
If you were to ask me what is my favourite time of year for weddings... (go on, ask) I would most definitely say Autumn. Autumn has the most beautiful colours, it's cooler than the hot Summer months (ahem, in a good year!) and the sun sets early so the golden time of the day is usually when we're having our portraits. It also means the sun often sets before the reception, again, perfect for photos! As long as you have a solid wet/cold weather plan as back up, you simply can't find a more beautiful time of year.
Hayley has the most beautiful engagement ring, but that didn't come till a little bit after Fergus asked her to marry him. When he proposed, he did it with toast. Toast cut into a ring shape.
Hayley is a school teacher, and she tells me that she adores her students, and I can imagine they adore her right back! I think school teachers deserve a special medal or something. It really does take a special kind of person to do that job!
Fergus is sweet, quiet and hardworking. Apparently he hasn't had a sick day in 10 years! That's pretty impressive!
So I had this crazy idea to put them in the little boat. None of my brides have ever gone in the convent boat before in their wedding dress, so always on the lookout for something new and interesting, I suggested the boat. Hayley and Fergus were good to go! We were all aware of the clear and present danger of actually falling into the water, and still everyone was keen to give it a whirl. Even Paul, my voice of reason, seemed keen to get the shot. (Even though I knew he'd be quietly freaking out)
Not to worry! Boating is a breeze for these two lovebirds!
Check out the gorgeous light! Have I made my point about Autumn yet?
Although I could have shot at Old St Mary's Convent for hours more, we headed off to Wither Hills Winery for a few more shots before the reception began.
Autumn's beautiful light and colours continued into sunset. Paul spotted this fantastic location in the vineyard. I'd love to claim it as my own, but alas, I cannot.
Again, the benefits of being married to what used to be a property photographer. You rock babe!
Inside Wither Hills, and things are set up beautifully.
Fergus and Hayley, thank you for sharing your fantastically gorgeous day with us. And if you happen to feel the need to have a third wedding in some exotic amazing place, feel free to pack us into your suitcases and bring us along!
Vendor Shoutout:
Celebrant: Carol Taylor
Flowers: Nina, Pink Poppie Designer Florist
Hair/Makeup: Marlborough Day Spa
Wedding Dress: Satin Bow Bridal, UK
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bernadette Thomas
Suits: Sergios Merivale
Venue: Old St Mary's Convent
Catering at the Convent: The Quest Catering Co
Reception Venue: Wither Hills Winery
Cake: The Chocolate Shoppe
DJ: Glenn Kirby
Meet Michelle and Simon. Gorgeous, tall and stylish. On Saturday they vowed to be each other's best friend for the rest of their lives, and it was beautiful. But I've jumped in at the end of the story! Let me rewind some.
This has to be the most interesting wedding invitation I have ever seen! Although, I must say, they are hardly a giantess and a monster in real life!
The ladies got ready at the ever beautiful Locks and Lashes.
Once again Deirdre waved her magic wand (magic brush?) and produced something rather fairytale worthy!
I love the girls reaction to the flowers as they were brought in.
And you can see why! They were absolutely beautiful! A fantastic job done by Flowertime on Scott St.
*CUTE KID ALERT!*
This is Ava, Michelle's niece. She's 2. I like her.
So does Michelle!
This is Will, her big brother. He's 4. I like him too.
It's kids like Ava and Will that threaten my resolve not to go for babies number 7 and 8.... almost. At any rate, they are a real credit to you Louise and Clayton!
Something old, Grandma's hanky.
And the something blue is really quite awesome!
Michelle, the beautiful bride!
The ladies in their gorgeous dresses.
Meanwhile, Paul is with Simon and the boys as they get ready.
Loving the zippos with the family crest!
The wedding was held at what was quite possibly Marlborough's most interesting historical property, Riverbank Estate. During World War II this beautiful but unassuming wooden farmhouse was surrounded by 2 meter high barbed wire fences and protected by armed guards. Inside, locked away from the world, were 8 women intercepting enemy Morse code. (humming a spy tune as I write this...)
Spying on German and Japanese submarines, these 8 women were vowed to secrecy, even for years after the war had ended. It wasn't until the early 80s that they were allowed to tell their story. One of the women, Bunty Longuet, had been married for 40 years before she was able to tell her husband what she had been involved in during the war. Turns out he too had been a member of the Secret Intelligence Service and was also sworn to secrecy. Pretty amazing.
Time for the bride to arrive!
I love how they are looking at each other.
Married!
Clara Van Wel is an amazing local talent. Anybody that has already heard her knows exactly what I mean, she really is one in a million! Type her name into Youtube and see what I mean.
Riverbank Estate is not only interesting historically, but it is absolutely AMAZING for portraits! I can't believe we have been shooting in Blenheim for so long and have only just discovered it now!
Simon is both a builder and a successful rugby player. He even got a position over in Japan to play rugby for a few years. That's pretty cool, if you ask me!
Then it was off to the Malthouse before arriving at the reception at The Winery Riverlands.
Beautiful Michelle! So beautiful I want to say beautiful slowly to emphasise the fact.... but it always looks weird when it's in print like this; beauuuuutiful. Ah, what the heck. I'll say it anyway. Beauuuuutiful Michelle!
My tummy did a funny little flip when I saw this one in the viewfinder. Pretty sure it's a keeper!
Awesome fairytale seating chart!
These guys are so gorgeous, so modelesque (I invented a word right there).
The Winery Riverlands, which used to be known as Brancott Estate, is such a great place to have a reception.
Michelle and Simon, thanks so much for letting us photograph your gorgeous day! Wishing you guys all the very best for years and years and years to come!
Vendor Shoutout:
Ceremony Venue: Riverbank Estate
Reception Venue: The Winery Riverlands
Celebrant: Fr. Alan Roberts
Flowers: Flowertime on Scott
Hair & Makeup: Deirdre, Locks & Lashes
Dress: Brides of Merivale
Suits: Munns
Music: Clara van Wel, info@thelonghouse.co.nz Ph: 03 579 5163
DJ: Matt Flight, BPM Disco Ph: 03 577 8955
Cake: Debbie Giles, The Cake Company
Cars: Blenheim Corporate Cars
They went camping in Australia, just the two of them. It could have just been any old camping trip, but Peter had a plan. He told her to go sit up on that rock and be very quiet, she may just see a platypus. Libby loves platypuses (platypi?) and so she sat, and she waited. Peter snuck away and when he returned he was holding a small white box. Inside the box was the most perfect diamond ring which he had designed especially for Libby, and there and then he got down on one knee and asked Libby to be his wife. She said yes.
Peter and Libby's day was perfection. Brimming with gorgeous details and beautiful friends and family, but most of all it was about their love. It's the kind of love even a blind man could see. The kind of love that had me hiding behind my camera in tears. Several times.
Libby's Mum and Dad have spent countless hours preparing the gardens, the marquee, the signs and the details to have their daughter's wedding at their home. A labour of love I'm sure.
Meanwhile Paul is with the guys as they get ready for the big day.
Tie pins with everyone's initials, and the GPS co ordinates of the wedding ceremony. It would be hard to be cooler than that.
Tying a tie seems to be quite tricky. I must say, I'm glad I'm a girl because I think it would drive me crazy if I had to wear a tie! Here the groomsmen get a lesson from Peter on how to tie a tie.
Some were able to pull it off fairly well. Others clearly need more lessons.
Libby is beautiful. Insanely beautiful. Fairy tale beautiful. Part Snow White, part Anne of Green Gables.
Gorgeous hair and makeup by the ladies at Locks and Lashes.
The boys had arrived outside and so the ladies hid inside and waited for their turn to come out.
And then it was time.
Peter watches as his beautiful bride arrives, reminding me of the Anne of Green Gables reading which Libby had selected for the ceremony. Once again. So perfect.
"But it was a happy and beautiful bride who came down the old, homespun-carpeted stairs that September noon--the first bride of Green Gables, slender and shining-eyed, in the mist of her maiden veil, with her arms full of roses. Gilbert, waiting for her in the hall below, looked up at her with adoring eyes. She was his at last, this evasive, long-sought Anne, won after years of patient waiting. It was to him she was coming in the sweet surrender of the bride. Was he worthy of her? Could he make her as happy as he hoped? If he failed her--if he could not measure up to her standard of manhood--then, as she held out her hand, their eyes met and all doubt was swept away in a glad certainty. They belonged to each other; and, no matter what life might hold for them, it could never alter that. Their happiness was in each other's keeping and both were unafraid." Anne's House of Dreams.
And just like that, they're married.
You couldn't find a more respectable bunch of young people. Most of them were originally friends from University. Not being highly educated myself, I was a little bit worried about showing myself up in front of this group of seriously smart people. Thankfully nobody asked me about theories, atoms, parts of speech or times tables. Phew!
Then we took some time with just Libby and Peter. It's lovely when we can steal our couples away for a few minutes before the reception.
Over the little lake on her parents property. How gorgeous!
Check out Nina's amazing work! Thank you Pink Poppie!
Peter grew up in Papua New Guinea, although originally a Kiwi. He's gone on to be part of some pretty amazing things. For example, right now, he's part of a team working on a way to grow cartilage for knees. I know, right? Way awesome.
Libby clearly knows how wonderful he is, but says he still manages to surprise her with how fantastic he is on a pretty regular basis.
But don't be fooled into thinking that Libby is just a pretty face! She's a ballet and highland dancer, she's been into many sports, worked in a refugee centre, helped people overseas as well as having a colossal amount of academic achievements in law school and is working towards becoming a lawyer. As her Dad put it, this girl is the complete package.
Together, they make an incredible team.
Then it was time to go back to the party. The Waghorns know how to have a wedding, that's for sure!
The speeches were something else. It was clear that these two young people had the most loving parents, amazing role models and beautiful families. They're the kind of family that you want to go see at Christmas, and pretend that you're part of them too.
The rain was gently falling and it was dark outside. Not the kind of night you would generally think of ice cream. However, when Mr Whippy was mentioned there was almost a stampede. 150 people turned into 10 year old children, eyes aglow and smiles beaming. It was magic.
Like a perfect fairytale, there was a kiss and there was dancing. Beautiful dancing.
Libby and Peter, words aren't really adequate to say how grateful we are to have been chosen to capture your day. We wish you guys many many years of happiness. We're so thrilled to have been a little piece of your story.
Vendor Shoutout:
Flowers: Nina, Pink Poppie Designer Florist
Hair & Makeup: Deirdre & Mary Jane, Locks & Lashes
Celebrant: John Craighead
Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Alfred Sung
Catering: BV Gourmet
Dessert: Mr Whippy
Music: The Groove Collective, Nelson
We were still on a high from Sam and Jane's amazing wedding the day before and we had a couple of hours to kill before our plane left to take us back home. So what better way to pass the time than to go exploring in the big city with a bride and groom?
We're small town folk, as I mentioned before, so it was super interesting watching the city folk in action. In order to get in the zone, we practised our city faces in the mirror before we left. How's this for 'Don't mess with me?!'
The funniest thing about the whole experience is that although we must have passed hundreds of people, almost no one even acknowledged the fact that Jane was wearing a wedding dress! We even went shopping at Farmers and hardly got a second look. It makes me wonder what is NORMAL in the big city?
No one seemed to worry about the guy with a trolley and Tourette's syndrome, or the guy stealing ashtrays and foraging for a drink in the bin and then just pouring it all over the pavement, so a girl in a wedding dress buying pink fluffy jandles? Meh.
Before he met Jane, Sam didn't even drink coffee, but since she introduced him to it, he's become somewhat of a coffee connoisseur. And so, no stroll through town is complete without a stop at the Memphis Belle Coffee House. Arguably the best coffee in Wellington, so I'm told. It was extremely good coffee, just for the record!
Jane and awesome stuff seem to have a way of finding each other. Check out the groovy glasses!
And then it was off to the parking building. Turns out big city parking can look cool.
REALLY cool!
Sam and Jane, you guys are all that and more. We're so thrilled to call you our friends! Can't wait to show you all of the rest of the photos!
