Taela + Blair
Private Property, Hunter Valley
January 2021
My first wedding…that’s right my first wedding ever!
Needless to say, I had the best couple to pop my ceremony cherry.
THE COUPLE | Taela and Blair the ultimate relaxed couple. They were easy going and totally laid back about their nuptials. Taela, a receptionist and Blair her Kiwi plumber pulled together an intimate and beautiful ceremony on a private property in the Hunter Valley. Taela pulled it all together in a matter of weeks, and the results were amazing.
THE VIBE | Both avid lovers of the outdoors, it was obvious that an outdoor ceremony was key to their day. We were in the midst of an international Pandemic, with the majority of Blair’s family from New Zealand not being able attend so they chose to have an immediate family only ceremony. The vibe for their wedding can be described as relaxed, simple, elegant and earthy.
The CEREMONY | Picture this…a clear January afternoon, rustic farm house and rolling green fields at the foot of the Valley with cows and horses roaming. A hand-built arbour adorned with crisp white florals created by Floralsbyanna and Blair and his twin brother cutting fine figures in their SK Menswear Suits awaiting the bride.
Taela’s sister wore a sage coloured Sheike dress and was blooming at almost 8 months pregnant. Once we were all in place, it was Taela who walked the aisle in her MaggieSotterodesigns gown and looked stunning with thanks to Makeupbystevi and Hairbyaloraa. Their ceremony went for approx. 15 minutes as they chose a simple retelling of their love story, heartfelt contemporary vows and a little bit of lovey dovey stuff I threw in. Once the legal I do’s were over, it was time for Blair to plant kisses on his missus and they were pronounced Mr and Mrs Rush!
Then the most epic moment…Blair’s twin brother performed a traditional Maori Haka that gave everyone goosebumps, it was such a moving moment and I am so lucky to have witnessed it. All of the elements were expertly captured by Matt Ashton Photography, who made the couple (and one very nervous first-time celebrant) feel very comfortable in front of the camera. The results speak for themselves.
THE RECEPTION | As the sun set, the group moved to the intimate outdoor long table for dinner and dancing. Laced with festoon lighting and covered with a feast of tasty food curtesy of fullthrottlebbq.
Honestly I could not have asked for a better first, cheers to Mr & Mrs Rush!
THE VENDORS |
Photography | https://www.instagram.com/mattashton_photo/
Florals | https://www.instagram.com/floralsbyanna/
Wedding Gown | https://www.instagram.com/maggiesotterodesigns/
Bridesmaid Dress | https://www.instagram.com/sheikeandco/
Suits | https://www.instagram.com/skmenswear/
Hair | https://www.instagram.com/hairbyaloraa/
Makeup | https://www.instagram.com/makeupbystevi/
Celebrant | https://www.instagram.com/insignia_ceremonies/
Featured in Together Journal: https://togetherjournal.com/taela-blair-by-matt-ashton-photography/
