I remember how I asked perhaps a hundred and one questions about their wedding the first time we met hoping to have a picture of how it would be. The details she shared excited me then already. That was four months before their wedding. Five days before their big day, we met again, this time in the venue. Then, I had a clearer picture which of course, excited me even more.

But nothing could have prepared me with what I saw when the day finally arrived.

Everything. Was. Way. Beyond. Beautiful.

Here they are, finally, frames from the homemade and heartcrafted wedding of Jared and Verity.

It happened on the first day of March in the wonderful gardens of Awanui Cottage in Kapiti Coast. It had been raining for days leading to the wedding so it was such a great surprise to see the sun out that day. We had an early start of 9am which was a first. We planned to have coffee along the way but we had to go through the motorway so there was nowhere to stop. When we arrived at the bride’s parents’ house, we were warmly welcomed by the bride, her Mum, her six bridesmaids and flowers all over. All, beautiful. We forgot about the coffee. We had our dose of double-shot with the beauty we were surrounded and we felt so alive.

I read somewhere how DIY can elevate an event, especially a wedding. I guess it is the same as how people are drawn into things that are homemade and handcrafted. They tend to appreciate them more knowing the amount of time spent and, the thought and hard work put into making them. The couple aimed to make their day extra special by adding personal touches that they DIYed almost every detail. What they aimed for, they definitely achieved and it truly is amazing how they were able to put everything together beautifully and elegantly with the help of families and close friends. It was a dream wedding. It really was, and it was in every inch, perfect.

Jared and Verity met in a picnic and most points of their relationship had been defined by a picnic of some kind so they thought another picnic would be just the best way to celebrate their most special day. They wanted to remember it through laughters and smiles of their guests and with the setting they provided, they got lots and lots and lots of that.

Mr and Mrs Crouch, your wedding was all sorts wonderful (and I can say that over and over again) and it truly was an honour to have been part of it, even in the smallest way. Thank you for finding us and choosing us. We hope you will like these photos as much as we do. We really think they are beautiful and credits really go out to you and all the wonderful people in your life.

Blessings. Redge (and Meeko who is now fast asleep in the lazyboy)

P.S  – Danielle, for reading our minds, for being there at the right moment and for being so warm and friendly the entire time, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

(Please take time to read until the end and be surprised who were behind this beautiful.)

 

Credits to the following amazing people:

Bride’s Gown: Shona Rubery Designs

Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suits: Hallensteins

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jeanswest

Florist: bride’s friend, Chloe (she really should be doing this full-time and should start thinking of a business name)

Invitations: designed and made by the bride herself

Hair: Tabitha of Sweet Hair

Makeup: bride’s close friends, Bec and Hannah

Cake: by the oh so talented sister of the bride, Alyssah

Wooden Crates: purchased online, monogram printed on both sides by the groom himself

Wooden Table Numbers: cut and engraved by the groom (again)

Catering: Baxters Catering

Bridal Cars: Aristocrat Auto Hire

Venue: Awanui Cottage