Mr and Mrs Wilson

Lisa and I met through a group set up for Mums in Auckland from the UK. We instantly clicked and when she asked if I would be interested in photographing her wedding I of course said YES! Initially Lisa and Lee, her fiancé planned to say their vows at an Air BnB however, three weeks before the wedding their plans changed and they settled on a new venue - Flaxmere House near Bethells Beach.

In the lead up to the wedding

I have lost count of the amount of voice notes and emails we exchanged before the big day! It was SO much fun helping Lisa with tips and tricks and recommending other vendors that might be helpful for her vision. Lee of course was involved in some of the planning but he knew Lisa was a woman on a mission to make their day just perfect! The fact Lisa was planning everything so well, while also being Mum to their twin daughters was something I really admired!

Everything from the colour scheme, to the smaller details was meticulously planned by Lisa, and it paid off!

Lisa and Lee’s families travelled from Manchester and Scotland to be at the wedding, with a few very close friends here in New Zealand joining in the celebrations. It was such a beautiful ceremony, with lots of heartfelt and humorous speeches at the reception. Congratulations again Mr & Mrs Wilson - thanks for having me along to capture the start of your future together!

Cost saving ideas to help the budget conscious couples

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but expensive endeavor. There’s a lot of pressure to do things how everyone else does, or to follow traditions of yesteryear. So here are some tips for cost-saving when planning your special day:

1. Set a budget: Before you start planning, determine a realistic budget for your wedding. This will help you make informed decisions and prioritise your spending.

2. Write down your must-haves: Make a list of the most important elements of your wedding and allocate your budget accordingly. Focus on the aspects that matter most to you, such as the venue, food, or photography, and consider cutting back on less essential elements like wedding favours.

3. Choose an off-peak season or day: Wedding venues and some vendors often have higher rates during peak seasons and weekends. Opting for an off-peak season or having your wedding on a weekday can significantly reduce costs.

4. Trim the guest list: Consider having a more intimate wedding by inviting close family and friends. Cutting down the guest list can help reduce expenses on catering, venue size, and even invitations.

5. DIY or enlist help: Explore do-it-yourself options for wedding decorations or invitations. You can also ask talented friends and family members to contribute their skills, such as baking the wedding cake or providing musical entertainment.

6. Consider alternative venues: Traditional wedding venues can be costly. Look for alternative locations such as parks, gardens, or even private homes that can be transformed into charming wedding venues at a lower cost.

7. Simplify the menu: Opt for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner. It can be more cost-effective and still offer a delightful dining experience for your guests. A grazing table is also a fantastic option for smaller weddings with a less formal reception.

8. Borrow or rent decor: Rather than buying new decor items, consider borrowing or renting items from friends, family, or local rental companies. This can save you money and reduce waste.

9. Skip the extras: Evaluate extras like elaborate centerpieces, or wedding programs. Focus on the essential elements that will make your day memorable, and skip the unnecessary expenses.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is celebrating your love and commitment. By prioritizing your budget and making thoughtful choices, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.

Where to Begin with Styling your Wedding

When it comes to styling your wedding, there are SO many options it can feel quite overwhelming. From your arch, to your flowers, to your colour scheme, and wedding theme where do you begin?

Here’s a few ideas to help you get started …

1. Define your wedding theme: Choose a theme or overall style that reflects your personality and preferences. It could be rustic, vintage, modern, bohemian, beachy, or glamorous. This theme will guide your choices for decor, color scheme, and attire.

1. Create a cohesive colour palette: Select a color scheme that complements your theme and venue. Consider the season, and your personal preferences. Use these colors consistently throughout your invitations, flowers, table settings, and other decor elements. Make sure you both feel included in this decision, even if you just ask for a “yes” from the other … it’s always nice to feel like you’ve made decisions together.

2. Pay attention to lighting: Lighting can transform the ambiance of your wedding. Consider using different types of lighting, such as string lights, candles, chandeliers, or uplighting, to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. If you’re getting married at a venue, ask them what’s available for you to use and make a note, (better yet, take some photos), so you have something you have a starting point you can build on. If you’re getting married at home, or you have a DIY venue, ask friends and family members what they have that you might be able to use, or if you’re wanting to outsource check out companies such as La Lumier.

3. Choose appropriate decor elements: Select decor elements that enhance your chosen theme and venue. This could include flowers, centerpieces, table linens, backdrops, signage, and more. Keep in mind the size and layout of your venue to ensure your decor choices are proportionate and don't overwhelm the space. In a lot of cases, less is more! Some things to consider - backgrounds for things like signing the register at your ceremony (often an afterthought), and where you’re going to cut your cake (if you’re having one!)

4. Personalise your wedding: Incorporate personal touches to make your wedding unique and memorable. Display photos, create a photo booth area, use customised signage, and consider DIY projects that you can do together to lighten the load.

5. Consider the season and location: Let the season and location guide your styling choices. If you're having a summer outdoor wedding, opt for lightweight fabrics, neural or bright tones. For a winter wedding, choose cozy textures and warm hues.

6. Coordinate attire and accessories: If you have a bridal party, consider the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, and groomsmen suits. Coordinating accessories, such as jewellery, shoes, and boutonnieres, can tie everything together.

7. Take care of the small details: Sometimes it's the little things that make a big impact. Pay attention to details like place cards, napkins, menus, and favours. Consistency in these small details can elevate the overall aesthetic of your wedding. This could be both a DIY project or something you outsource depending on your budget. Also bare in mind with favours, unless they’re edible, they’re quite often left behind. Consider if wedding favours are really necessary, or think outside the box. Donate money to your favourite charity in the name of your guest, have a lolly station for guests to raid after a few drinks; or put the money you save towards a nicer wine for the table. Remember you’re not forced to do things how everyone else thinks you should.

8. Don't forget about your backdrop: Whether it's an outdoor landscape, a beach, a vineyard, or an indoor venue, consider the backdrop for your ceremony and utilise it for your reception too.

9. Trust professionals and seek inspiration: Work with experienced wedding planners, stylists, florists, and other vendors who can bring your vision to life. Additionally, seek inspiration from wedding magazines, websites, social media platforms, and real weddings to gather ideas and refine your own style.

Remember, your wedding styling should reflect your unique taste and preferences as a couple. Have fun with the process and create a day that is both beautiful and meaningful to you.

Need more help? Get in touch for my vendor recommendations specific to your needs.