Love, Laughs, and a bit of a Twist at The Old Mill
If you’re planning a wedding in Hawke’s Bay and want something a little different—relaxed, fun, and with just the right amount of chaos—this blogs for you. This winter wedding at The Old Mill in Napier had all the feels, plus a surprise twist, which caused a few *gasps* during the ceremony. My kind of wedding!!
The Pre-Wedding: Plenty of Emotion, Along with Plenty of Eye Dabs
You couldn't ask for a better day for Kath and Eamon's wedding. Would you believe me if I said this was a WINTER'S day?! A Hawkes Bay winters day though, so I guess it's not that much of a reach...
Our day started off at the Botanical Gardens. I must admit, I was worried about the green grass (lime green = a photographers worst nightmare), but I take my hat off to you, Botanical Gardens. You came through for us. A++
Before the formalities kicked off, Kath and Eamon, along with their immediate families, decided to do a first look. Let’s just say, these two saw each other and that was it....the waterworks started (happy tears, of course!)
We then made sure to capture the majority of the family group photos, to save time after the ceremony - a more and more common occurrence.
Pro tip: doing this before the ceremony means less chaos later when half the guests disappear for a drinks and are never to be seen again.....
A Moment for Two
While the sun was still shining we went off for a bride and groom photo session around the gardens. The middle of the day sun was perfectly broken up by the trees in the Botanical Gardens and made for some beautiful light. Lots of laughter, silly moments and dancing...the way all good bridal photo sessions should be!!
The Ceremony
We then heading to The Old Mill for the ceremony. Let me set the scene....the cutest venue, tucked into the side of the hill, fire drums keeping the guests warm and a live trumpet player welcoming the bride. Add to that a suprise announcement that Kath and Eamon were actually already married (queue the *gasps*) - this was just the big celebration - and we have the making of a wedding 'for the books'!
A Golden Evening
And here we arrive at the part I've been waiting for! Golden hour at the top of Napier Hill, only one minute drive from The Old Mill.
From a distance this spot just looks like an abounded old hospital site (which technically is exactly what it is), but a quick scout before the wedding and I knew this would be the perfect spot for evening photos (and boy did it did not disappoint!)
Kath and Eamon were the sweetest couple and will now have beautiful photos to look back on to remember one of the best days of their lives.
