Chontelle & Steven {Married}

The new girl at work became the affection of Steven’s eye pretty quickly. He knew that he had to have her in his life… and he had to have her in his life as his wife.
Well 2 years down the track… that day has come. I absolutely looove walking away from a wedding with so much love in my heart, after witnessing true genuine hand to heart love and appreciation for one another. And knowing they have everything they need in the world from each other alone. That’s a goooood feeling!!
They just have that *spark*. A true connection. They are… the real deal.

We’ve been busy bee’s travelling up and down the country and across the ditch this last couple of months, so it was soooo divine to not have to leave our own neighbourhood come December 6th. The date of Chontelle and Steven’s wedding became quite a chuckle in the end… Trying to get everything to lined up – venue, photographer etc etc can be a real challenge. They were trying alll sorts of dates, even confirming delaying their wedding by a whole year. But then ‘life’ happened and they are expecting a bundle of joy in the next few months. So ripping all their plans down, they brought things back to basics and I was so stoked that we were available for a time in this year that suited their next phase in their lives. And they ended up having their ceremony and reception in Chontelle’s Dad’s home.
Every detail was so perfect, so thought out, so geniune… down to the most divine evening light that came through for their outdoor reception. After much deliberaton…  It was in fact, the peeeerfect day!

Welcome to my hood.. Saint Albans, Christchurch. It’s a good hood to be a part of! :)

The beautiful bride being tended to!

This is little Steven, also known as Max. Spitting image of his Dad and such a bright young spark and so full of life at the age of 3.

All bridal party members were apart of the family. Brother’s, sisters and a fiancee! :) Made for a loving day! :)

Checking for the guys coming. Chontelle and her girls got ready at the ceremony site, so very important to stay hidden.

And there they are!! Exciting!!

Steven’s Mum had come over from The States. It was a pretty special day in more than one way!

Beautiful, beautiful lady!

The bliss of a two story house… you can spy on the hubby to be. And there he is, helping Chontelle’s grandmother up the aisle. So wonderful!

The time has come… Let’s get these two married.

*Heart.skipping.beats*

Handsome wee fella!

The husband and wife jig… ‘Yessssssss’!

We skipped not more than 3 minutes away from the ceremony site and from our own house. A park I drive past all the time, but have never really been into… there are some real gems in your backyard that’s for sure!!! We loved shooting at Abberley Park for their creative portraits!

Gorgeous fun loving ladies!

I do love a big group hug!

I just love how genuine, down to earth (I say that about a lot of our clients – but it seems we attract them! Yay!) … and completely into each other they are. They have such a wonderful connection that is so visible to all others too! Such a blessing!

Pure beauty!

A little rest, and we were back for the outdoor reception. The night was honestly perfect. Not a breath of wind, the air was warm and the light so delicate. Couldn’t have asked for better!

They had a board of antique keys, a special gift to take home after signing their book and jumping in the photobooth.

See – like this!! MERRY CHRISTMAAAAS!!!!! (Thanks for sending us this photo guys)

A very talented friend made this gorgeous cake!! Bet it tasted gorgeous too!

How cool would it be to have a book of messages to open up on some significant anniversaries to come! Such a great idea!

Just as speeches were wrapping up… this beautiful natural wonder graced us with it’s presence!

So we quickly nipped to the park for the rainbow… and then the sky is what impressed us next….

Ohhhhhhh delicious!!!

We said Good Night to these beautiful souls right after their first dance… And we couldn’t thank them enough for choosing us (and making sure they HAD us) for this truly incredible day!

Chontelle and Steven, we are so so happy for you both. You’ve embarked on the journey of marriage and it won’t be long before you add to that journey as parents. It’s all so exciting and Doug and I wish you nothing but the best for your lives together.
For now, a Merry Christmas to you and we look forward to showing you more of your beautiful day in the New Year! :)

Lots of Love,
Heather & Doug xoxo