Wow what an amazing day! This was my first time taking photographs out at the wedding venue Lacewood, which is located on the way out to Lake Ferry in the Wairarapa.
As I left home in Upper Hutt to venture over the Rimutaka Hills, it was pretty awful and wet, but I know that, quite often, on the other side of the hill, it can be a different story. And it was. I had perfect overcast light, every photographer's dream on a wedding day.
I arrived at Lacewood and found the girls getting ready at the homestead. The atmosphere was relaxed and excited for the day ahead. Makeup was being applied by freelance makeup artist Kerry Taylor and hair was being put up by Daniel Cooke (of Willis York) & his partner Mel. The girls all looked gorgeous as you will see in the photos.
The boys were pretty chilled & relaxed getting ready at the honeymoon suite. Having a few beers and struggling to get their bow ties on- it was pretty entertaining. Luckily, they all scrubbed up well. Archie the dog floated between the guys and the girls and always seemed to know where all the action was. Archie was quite the poser too which was lucky for me!
Hannah & Jonny had the great idea to have all the guests picked up by "The English Rose" (Red double decker bus) to transport them and bridal party to and from Lacewood over to Burnside Church. It was a pretty amazing sight as it made its grand entrance.
The ceremony was at Burnside Church, a 5 minute drive down the road. It’s a gorgeous wee church set amongst the landscape. It was a lovely intimate ceremony for Jonathan & Hannah in front of loved ones from all over the world. Archie the dog even celebrated and joined in at the back of the church.
We had a few family shots in front of the church and then headed back to Lacewood for some nibbles and drinks, plus lots more photographs!
What a variety of different backgrounds: Lacewood truly has an endless supply of gorgeous scenery and open spaces for photography. It is a stunning venue, I'm sure I will be back. We ventured into the wild flower garden and also into the lavender fields which complimented the shade of the bridesmaids’ dresses perfectly.
After all the mingling, drinks, nibbles and photographs, we all headed over to the barn for the “bouquet toss” which Hannah threw from the balcony of the barn. The bouquets, wreath and buttonholes were by Pick-a-Lilly Florist in Carterton. What a great throw, right into the arms of one of the groomsmen's partner!
A few speeches from the Dads and then I left them eating and celebrating into the evening with catering from Blue Carrot. The barn looked amazing decorated in flowers organised by Jonny's Dad, Steve, and some of his friends. What an incredible day!
Looking forward to sharing the rest of the photos with Jonny & Hannah in the near future.
All the best to you both,
Jess Dewsnap and the Team at Woolf Photography x