“Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you”
When I first met Andréa and Anan, I immediately knew this was a couple- and wedding that was going to be filled with so much love and laughter- and I was so excited! Little did I know (at the time) it would be my last wedding for a while as I head into maternity leave as I write this.
So I am SOOO EXCITED to share Andréa & Anan’s wedding story with you all today! Even though I was 30 weeks pregnant at the time, I was so glad I got to be a part of their day and it was totally worth it!! It was wet, and rainy and a tad cold (lucky I had a baby bump to keep me warm!) but it was so much fun and a beautiful day!!
I had never photographed a wedding (or even heard of) Lakeside Soldiers Memorial Hall in Leeston when Andréa first mentioned it so I headed down to have a look before the wedding and I was pleasantly surprised. I believe it is a relatively new building but gosh it was so full of light!! (A photographers dream!We all LOVE LIGHT!!) and surrounded by country roads and greenery- I LOVED it!!! (I’ll let you in on a little secret to- Its run by council so the fees are super cheap- snap this venue up bride and grooms!!) Its got such a nice space to do anything you want with it! and equally beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces!
The ceremony was held outside (with guests sheltered by a marquee) while the bridal party, and celebrant, braved the rain. But it was beautiful! I love an outdoor wedding and with the misty air of rain it just gives it this romantic and magical look- and I am a fan! The Vows were beautiful and seeing Andréa & Anan so happy and in love was so beautiful to watch- and their guests were equally happy! I think one of everyones favourite parts of the ceremony was the confetti toss- and WOW this was the most confetti I have ever seen at a wedding (can you even see the bride and groom amongst it all? :) ) it was AWESOME! I am all for a confetti toss- every time!!!
After the ceremony we headed indoors to play the shoe game (love this one its super funny and gets all the guests laughing away) before heading out into the rain for bridal photos. We had originally planned to go off location for photos but due to the rain we made what we could of the surrounding areas- and we had plenty to choose from (even getting onto the country road for a few and thankfully- not getting hit by any cars :) I really love the photos we captured, I think we really managed to show how naturally fun and happy the bridal party was (such super stars for dealing with the rain! and no complaints either) as well as the love between Andréa & Anan. I think we were all excited to get into the nice warm hall (and stand by that cosy fire- luckily Andréa & Anan thought of everything and even had a hot chocolate bar! YUM!)
I Had my wonderful Associate Libby Elmers cover me for the remaining of the reception (to not wear myself out too much being pregnant) and she did a wonderful job capturing the surprise Mexican dancers, the first dance and all the guests having LOTS of fun!! Thank you Libby <3
Andréa & Anan- Thank you for choosing me as your photographer. You have both been the loveliest and friendliest people to be around and made everything so easy for me so thank you! I hope you love your photo’s and cherish this day for the rest of your life. Charmayne Xx
Vendors
Venue: Lakeside Soldiers Memorial Hall Catering: Country Feasts Cake: Divine Cakes Bouquet Flowers: Bourbon Rose (note: Bride did table pieces) Dress: Paperswan Bridal Suit: Tarocash Hair: Nicole Drummond Makeup: Jess (brides sister) Celebrant: Eleisha Foon (couples friend) Associate Photographer: Libby Elmers Photography
