Jess and Chris – Married!

Chris first saw Jess at a soccer prizegiving.  They both played for the same club and it was the first time he had spotted this pretty redhead.  Chris was a little on the shy side on this occasion, so it seemed he went entirely unnoticed.  Fast forward one year and once again they are both at the same event.  This time when Chris spotted Jess again, he knew it was now or never and went up to speak to her.  That did the trick.  The moment she heard his super cool Scottish accent she was interested.

On Saturday Jess and Chris were married, and proved that sometimes it’s well worthwhile taking the plunge and striking up a conversation with a girl with a pretty smile.  Sometimes it’s your key to happily ever after.

Jess and her lovely bridesmaids got ready at her parent’s house.  There’s always something so nice about getting ready at home.

Super cute shoes.

When we last photographed Jess and Chris, this little lady was still busy baking.  Now Charlotte has been born and boy is she a show stopper!  Just look at that gorgeous little face!

Jess looks absolutely amazing, and even more so when you realise she had a baby just six weeks ago!

Chris’ brilliant Scottish accent also comes with a long line of Scottish heritage, tartan kilts, and cufflinks in a language I can’t quite understand.

And a rather neat knife like thing.  I’m sure it has a proper name, and I’m going to make it my job this week to find out what that is!

I’m loving the card his Bride sent him.  ‘Keep Calm and say I Do’.  Turns out they were both beautifully calm and relaxed, it was the perfect day and getting uptight was not on anyone’s agenda.

Chris and Jess opted to have a ‘first look’.  This is where the Bride and Groom see each other before the ceremony.  It can be a really nice time to spend a few quiet moments together before all eyes are on them at the church.  It’s also a great way to grab some of the photos so they can spend more time with their guests later on.

Chris keeps his back turned while Jess walks towards him.

There’s absolutely no mistaking how radiant and happy Jess is.

Jess’ Dad made the comment in his Father-of-the-bride speech about her amazing smile.  You only need to spend a couple of minutes in her company to see that she doesn’t just smile with her face, it comes from inside somehow.  A beautiful warmth that makes everyone around her smile.

And they do.  After all, it is a really REALLY happy day!

And pregnant bellies get special attention.  Pip had her own reason to smile, and absolutely glowed.  (NOTE: this photo only works when the belly actually is pregnant!  Otherwise it takes on a whooooole new meaning!)

They found each other through their shared love of soccer, so it seemed only fitting that it have a special place in their day.

A little friendly rivalry.

I love it when a church has an upper level that gives us a view like this.

This is one of those magical moments at a wedding.  So lovely.

And then they are married and the joyous hugs begin!

Jess, you do make the most gorgeous bride!  No wonder Chris couldn’t keep his eyes off you!

Jess and Chris have a real natural and lovely connection together, it makes photographing them a real joy!

Then onto Vintners Retreat where the reception was about to begin, but not before a few quick shots in the vineyard!

Inside the barrel room Vintners is beautiful and moody, both challenging and delightful to photograph in!

It was the first time Chris’ parents had been to beautiful New Zealand and so it was even more special that we put on spectacular Summer weather for the wedding day.

There were some pretty funny and cute birthday cards that Chris’ parents had kept from when he was a kid.  You know when you get those great notes from your kids and you’re sure they’ll come in handy one day?  Well keep them till their wedding day!  Priceless material for speeches!

Jess and Chris, what a magnificent day it was.  We’re so thrilled to have been able to spend it with you.  Wishing you guys all the very best and looking forward to showing you the rest of the images!