They met each other when she was fifteen. She has had a crush on him since then. He didn’t know. For him, she was just one of his friends who he gets to catch up with, by chance most of the time. For her, he was her dream.

It remained that way until the beginning of last year. They caught up, watched movies and had dinner. After that, they found themselves spending more time together. Not long after, what was bound to happen, happened. He fell in love and asked her out. She couldn’t believe it at first. It still felt like a dream for her until one day, she realised that no, it was no longer just that. It was when he took her Dad hunting and asked his permission to marry her. Of course, her Dad made him sweat for a wee bit first before he gave his blessing and right the next day, he took her out horse riding in the South of Wairarapa. There, he asked her to be his wife.

In eight days, David and Astrid will be marrying each other amongst their family and friends. It’s a day that promises to celebrate their friendship and their love.

David and Astrid, thank you for choosing us to document the day you have been waiting for. Thank you too for letting us into your home and for taking us to your grandparents’ place in Eketahuna — a place we know is very special, especially for you, Astrid. Thank you for letting us make you some brand new memories there. We can tell your heart was singing with so much joy then. You felt very home. David, thank you for taking the time to stop by that deserted house that made such a beautiful backdrop. For us, that simple gesture, tells so much about how you always want to make your girl happy. We will always remember you as “the soldier who does not smile on command” but who’s in love and smiles from the heart.

We will see you again, very soon now. — Meeko & Redge