The Wedding of Emma and Keith at Pah Homestead

Love stories are timeless, each one unique and beautiful in its own right. Today, I'm thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Emma and Keith, a young Kiwi couple whose love knows no bounds. Their journey culminated in a breathtaking wedding at Pah Homestead in Auckland, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

From the moment I met Emma and Keith, I knew theirs was a love story worth capturing. Their infectious laughter and unwavering affection for each other set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

The anticipation was palpable on their wedding day. As Emma prepared to walk down the aisle, a momentary hiccup arose when her veil went missing. However, thanks to her quick-thinking brother, the crisis was averted, and he emerged as the hero of the day, ensuring that Emma looked every bit the radiant bride she was meant to be.

The ceremony itself was a testament to their love, witnessed by family and friends who had eagerly awaited this joyous occasion. Against the backdrop of Pat Homestead, Emma and Keith exchanged vows, with the lovely Elain Spearman as their celebrant.

Following the ceremony, we embarked on a magical portrait session during the golden hour, capturing the essence of their love against the picturesque backdrop of Pah Homestead. The venue was nothing short of perfection, providing the ideal setting for their special day. From the stunning décor to the impeccable service, every detail was carefully curated to reflect Emma and Keith's unique style and personality.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible vendors who worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, and family members who also helped set up and put in those finishing touches.

Reflecting on our journey together, from our initial Zoom conversation to their engagement session at Muriwai Beach and finally, their wedding day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to capture their love story. Emma's kind words are a testament to the joy I find in my work, and I am humbled to have played a part in documenting their special day.

In Emma's own words, "Sarah did a wonderful job capturing me and my hubby's special day. She is an excellent photographer who is clearly very skilled and talented, and our photos turned out AMAZING. Sarah is also kind, patient, and funny – if you are looking for someone to make you feel comfortable and at ease behind a camera, Sarah is your girl!! Couldn't recommend her higher, would give 100 stars if I could!!”

To Emma and Keith, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your love story. May your journey together be filled with countless moments of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers to a lifetime of cherished memories and adventures yet to come.

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.