Roanne & Luke celebrated their Te Awa Winery wedding on April 8th, 2017 in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

When I first met Roanne to learn more about her Te Awa Winery wedding plans I realised pretty quickly she was one of those special people you come across every once in a while and feel like you’ve known them forever. Someone you could chat with for 2 hours yet feel like only a few minutes have gone by. Someone you could accidentally (and mortifyingly) friend on facebook and she’d accept without thinking twice. The most gorgeous girl, inside and out, with such a generous, fun and carefree nature it was no surprise that this day was one of our favourite weddings ever.

Being autumn, with the sun setting so much earlier, Roanne & Luke chose to see each other before the ceremony with a first look and photos at the family orchard. Roanne was simply beautiful in the breathtakingly stylish Sophia Gown from Rue de Seine matched with a cropped french lace blouse. Her gorgeous girls, with their sparkly dresses and sparkly personalities were the perfect bridesmaids making sure the build-up to this day was filled with fun and excitement and all the little details fell in to place.

Here’s where I’d normally say ‘the couple shared a romantic, intimate or playful first look’ but that’s just not Roanne & Luke. These two just wanted to keep things simple and get on with the celebrations, even ditching the traditional first dance and keeping the speeches short and sweet. While Luke’s eyes definitely lit up and he couldn’t hide his smile when he first saw his gorgeous bride, it was a simple embrace and a short moment before moving on to some photos in the orchard. These two were just so natural and comfortable together, and while I know Luke wasn’t overly excited to be in front of a camera – it was clear how much he adored Roanne and would do anything for her – even smile!

Like so many of my favourite wedding couples Roanne & Luke surrounded themselves with some of my favourite wedding vendors. Professionals they could trust to do what they do best and not have to sweat the small stuff on the day. Sarah Jones & Debbie Pearce did an amazing job with the girls hair and Candice Dear, as always, worked her special magic with their makeup.

Complete with personal touches, stylish details, and fun activities, Te Awa Winery was the perfect setting for Luke & Roanne’s wedding where Emma and her team made sure everything ran smoothly. Toni from Magdalen Hill did a wonderful job of turning Roanne’s vision into reality – the look, inspired by Luke’s love of hunting included antlers paired with gorgeous florals and wild foliage placed throughout the venue. Such a clever and lovely lady!

Another apparent thread in this wedding was Roanne & Luke’s love for their friends and family and I would be remiss if I did not mention Jim, Father of the Bride. Over the years I’ve met many Dad’s on the day their little girl is all grown up but Jim is one of a kind. A big smile, a bigger heart and a mischievous twinkle in his sparkling blue eyes his antics kept us entertained and smiling all day!

Roanne & Luke thank you so much for choosing me to capture this special time in your lives. It really was a pleasure to get to spend this day with you, your friends and your families. Ro – you are such a special girl and Luke is a sweetheart – I know there will be many adventures and celebrations ahead for the two of you.

Photographer: LINDA BAYLIS | Second Shooter/Assistant: FERN THOMPSON | Venue: TE AWA WINERY | Celebrant: NICOLA NICHOLSON| Hair: SARAH JONES & DEBBIE PEARCE | Makeup: CANDICE DEAR | Florals & Styling: MAGDALEN HILL | Wedding Gown: RUE DE SEIN | Cake: CINDY’S CAKES | Signs: LUCY CHASE PROJECT