Johannah & Ben ~ St Barnabas Church & Cardboard Cathedral
Doug and I have a word, that we use when we see two people that have a connection so deep, so full of joy and togetherness… that when you look at them, their infectious nature takes your heart by storm. This statement is full of all sorts of corn… … haha but give us all the corn you can muster, because it’s in the corn as to where the sweetness really lay. That word is CONNECTITUDE. And Johannah and Ben have mad crazy amounts of it!!!
A couple of years ago, Johannah and a group of people from her church were praying for a husband. 3 of them were praying for a husband in fact. In the right time, friends played cupid and mentioned that there was this lovely, handsome Vicar on the market…. who would like to go on a date with him? (We sat there intensley listening to Johannah tell us the story and she gets to the part where the first two ladies pass up on the offer of the nice Vicar *what happens next?* of course we kinda already know but our anticipation is burning) She mentions, ‘sure why not I’ll go on the date if nobody else will’ , but before the story continues, a wee smirk of humour on his face, Ben sits there and chimes in with “You know how to make a man feel good” lol. But guys, there is a reason the first two ladies passed up on the offer of the date with this nice handsome Vicar. Because they weren’t the right women for Ben. Because God knew, that Ben and Johannah were perfect for each other and why waste another moment of time. They met on their blind date… and within months they were engaged.
The 22nd of July 2017 rolls around. Normally there’s the odd panic over weather in the air, and what if things don’t go to plan, ya da ya da. NOPE. Not here… with buckets of water falling from the sky all day long, we walk into two of the happiest faces on the planet. “How are you feeling about today?” I ask Johannah. “I just can’t believe I get to marry Ben today”. And with that, this day is beyond perfection with every little detail, flooding roads included. For today started the first day of the rest of their lives together, and that was the most sincere matter at heart. For a wedding is not just about having the perfect day, but the vows and promises to always work together in creating a happy life and happy marriage together. Through all highs and lows.
Their peaceful, content, happy spirits, boosted ours and we saw clearly through this beautiful couple on their wedding day… how perfect life really is… just the way it is.
Safe to say, theirs hearts… captured ours!! <3
The countdown was nearly over, excitement bubbled in her chest. She will soon be a Truman.
Any day with a cup of tea in hand, is a great day! I like this girl!! And that smile!!
A slight alternation to her Mum’s wedding dress, to fit perfectly for her wedding day too!
Ben is just as excited as his wife to be, pop those fancy suits on, there be a church to get to! With loads of wonderful people to greet!
Long lacey sleeves for the win. She looks so beautiful already!
St Barnabas Church has been Ben’s home for a good few years, and their ceremony is the first to be conducted after all Earthquake repairs. Now he is making home in St Martin’s as their Vicar. Exciting new journeys all round.
Love for Grandma.
And the bride is looking more sensational that ever before…
Mum’s orginal veil takes pride on her head as well! long and glorious!
Back at the church, everyone settles in, humour is light, hearts are excited and the room is warm with joy…
They both have the biggest most infectious smiles… Ben can’t stop staring as his almost wife walks towards him.
Is this a good time to mention their matching dimples?? … One is natural and one is inflicted by playful brotherly love growing. I wonder if you can decipher the difference throughout the blog!! ;-) haha
How wonderful that this church is back up and running, how absolutely stunning is it!!
Ben’s nephew, Matthew had the important job of rings. And he delivered above and beyond…
If you want a job done, Matthew’s your guy! hehe
That look of happiness and content.. *heart explosions*
It’s offical ladies and gents. They’re husband and wife! Wohoooo!
C.O.N.N.E.C.T.I.T.U.D.E
This was by far my favourite part of the ceremony (a part from Reverend Spanky’s epic humour) … Group Prayer for this newly married couple. This is so beautiful, so powerful and so connected. So much love and support is circulating them.
Peek-a-boo cutie! <3
After hugging all 200 people that came, the warmth of the hall invited everyone to enjoy lots of tea, yummy treats and conversation.
We have a cute little photo bomber in toe… hehe
These guys were all sooooo awesome, full of beans.
Show us your bling!
All location plans went out the window… even my brilliant plan to stay warm and dry in the botanical gardne green house. It closed at 4pm. We arrived at 4.10. NOOOO. hahaha. But not to fear, with these two easy going people and quick lightening fast thoughts of our own… You can never have enough rain shots on your rainy day and we made it work! And long after the soggy feet have dried up and the rain has gone… magical pictures of a perfect day will hold steadfast in memory!
Such a beautiful team!
From the wet rainy Botanics to a warm dry Cardboard Cathedral!
What a place for a reception!
The bridal party were waiting for us here, so we cracked on with a few more fun shots! I loved that I barely had to say boo to a goose (I think I had brain freeze lol) and they just delivered the goods!! Good value people all round!
The night set in, great food filled empty bellies and great speeches brought on so much love and laughter!
One last rain shot for the road…
Thank you for having us along Johannah and Ben. We enjoyed every single part of your sensational wedding day and we are so excited for you both has you journey together side by side in this glorious life as man and wife. We know you’ll have many happy years under your belt and may God bless you every step of the way.
All our love and prayers,
Heather & Doug xx
