Here is a wedding that is so full of thoughtful details that I could write screeds about the little things that Mel and Blair had thought of to include in their day! From watches of Grandparents, to tie pins of great-great-great grandparents (I think I got that right, there may be another great in there somewhere!), to the drivers and cars they used… so many things added to the depth of the day in such a beautiful way! This is a snapshot of the incredible day we shared with Mel and Blair on the 30th of November.
Starting off with the guys getting ready at their home, with Blair’s parents Bob and Denise hovering around helpfully and Groomsmen Tim and Scott making sure the atmosphere was very relaxed and fun!
Then on to the bridal prep where Mel and her sister Emma were getting ready at their parents house… This is where I saw where Mel’s creative-detail streak came from… the house was full with cool bits and pieces everywhere you looked which are so fun to photograph!
I saw a frame with three stones in it, and asked Mel about the meaning (thinking surely there has to be something behind it!) and sure enough it was the connection to the story of their proposal…. awesome! In short (and Blair I hope I tell this mostly correctly as you are seriously the man for how you did this) they were together and Blair handed Mel three river stones and asked her “if she’d like these stones”…. Mel of course was quite puzzled until Blair followed this up saying “How about these three” as he held out a beautiful engagement ring featuring three very sparkly ‘stones’! Very romantic, and made all the more romantic by the fact Blair kept the three original river stones and had them framed as a gift for Mel. What a beautiful addition to their home, Blair you are the man!I love this shot of Mel’s mum Sue reacting to Mel being in her dress, she is a rightfully proud mum!The ceremony and reception were held at Cossars Wineshed, which was the perfect backdrop for the day. I arrived to find Blair waiting eagerly for Mel’s arrival.Another beautiful detail Mel and Blair incorporated is they had their grandparents act as ‘ring-bearers’ for the wedding bands and engagement ring which was very beautiful. And this photo with the car is another amazing story that I’m sure will never happen again… the two cars and drivers that Mel and Blair had on the day are the same drivers and EXACT same cars that Blairs parents had at their wedding! His sister had the same combo and now Mel and Blair continue the legacy! How special and rare is that to happen!
The ceremony was on the front lawn of Cossars on such a beautiful sunny afternoon it was awesome.After the ceremony guests came through into the courtyard where games had been set up and canapes were served.We snuck off after a while and got some photos around Cossars as the light was so beautiful and the venue is overflowing with photo location ideas.Heading into the vines.And to the ‘Padlock Wall’ that Cossars has set up, which is a very cool legacy to start and an example of the life and vision that the new owners are injecting into the venue. I love things like this and love that I will get to see it fill up over the years.We had a bit of time before the lunch reception started so we headed a few minutes drive away to a bit of a glade I had found that had some more beautiful light to play with. What I hadn’t factored on was me kneeling on some form of prickle and having a very strange/strong tingling sensation in one knee for the next 24 hours. Crazy but I think you’ll agree it was worth it for these shots!And back to Cossars Wineshed for the reception.Some beautiful speeches…Some funny speeches…And some speeches that busted the Bride and Groom…Then after the speeches and amazing lunch, the party continued back into the courtyard with some great music (from a very talented teenager who also happens to be my neighbour of all things: Jacob from Jacob Morris and the Innovators) More games, more drinks and more fun into the evening.Before we headed away I had to get some shots of Mel and Blair tucked away in some more of the cool pieces of Cossars… these guys were such a dream to work with!
Mel and Blair, we loved being part of your day and are in awe of your thoughtfulness and attention to creative details. Your day was amazing because it was a reflection of who you are and the people you love and who love you! Thanks for having us there and I’m sure we will see more of you in the future!
Lovelight Photography Team: Photographer: Clinton Lloyd /// Second Shooter: Dion Manson
Venue: Cossars Wineshed, Taitapu… Special mention to the amazing Sophie who is the wedding coordinator there! It was so nice to meet you and work with you; we love what you and your family are dreaming up for Cossars!
Hair and Makeup: Selina Nunn Makeup Artists
Celebrant : Jane Godfrey
Cindy Perry - Beautiful photos hun, you must be very happy xxxx