Nicky and Daniel: a fun garden wedding in Manawatu

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Weddings are supposed to be fun, and Nicky and Daniel took the fun up a level. Their day was in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, in a garden estate with a lake and then a nearby park.

I had photographed this family before, during a black and white portrait call I ran for models. We made some special memories that day, and it meant we were on very friendly terms by the wedding. That showed in the jokes we traded all day long.

A groom's watch, rings and socks laid out on a deck
Rings, watch and a pair of bright socks, laid out on the deck.
A bride playing on a bed with her baby, in black and white
The bride and her daughter on the bed, in black and white.
Women in robes laughing and dancing along a paved path
Robes, a paved path and a lot of laughing.
A bride smiling while putting in an earring, in black and white
Putting in an earring.
A bride's dress and train on a staircase in black and white
The dress on the stairs.

Seeing each other

A groom and bride in a garden first look, her hand on his shoulder
The first look in the garden, her hand on his shoulder.
Bridesmaids in orange dresses with the bride in a leafy garden
Burnt-orange bridesmaids with the bride.
A bride and groom exchanging rings with a celebrant
The ring exchange.
A bride hugging a guest in black and white
A long hug with a guest, in black and white.
Groomsmen and bridesmaids playing together on the lawn
The bridal party let loose on the lawn.

A gin punch, and the guests’ revenge

After the ceremony I drank a gin punch in the garden, and it went to my head. For the rest of the evening Nicky and the guests had a great time poking fun at me. I deserved it.

A reception marquee reflected in a pond
The marquee reflected in the pond.
A bride and groom laughing at the head table with their baby
Nicky and Daniel at the head table, with their baby.

Sunset

During the evening we slipped away for a few minutes of golden hour. It is always a pleasure to work with clients who want to have fun, collaborate and work hard for their wedding photographs. It also gave these two some time to themselves before they went back to the reception.

A bride in golden low light with a bouquet
Nicky in low gold light.
A couple in warm golden light under trees, her bouquet in hand
Together under the trees as the light dropped.
A couple in a warm embrace at golden hour
One last embrace before heading back to the party.

More from this wedding

This is one of four whole weddings on the site. See more on the weddings page. If you want to plan your own golden-hour break, read how golden hour changes through the year in Sydney.

If you have a date in mind, check it with us.

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