Grand Mecure Nelson Monaco Resort wedding
Today is the 8th March 2014 and we’re very excited to be photographing the wedding of Brad and Jenna. They’re the sweetest young couple, so much in love and the way they looked so adoringly at each other just made my heart melt. If I could, I would have bottled up their cuteness and stored it away in a safe place.
Brad & Jenna met for the first time in 2007 during their first year at Architecture & Design School at Victoria University in Wellington. Jenna was having trouble with a computer project and Brad (the class computer whiz), offered her a helping hand. Sparks began to fly (not from the computer) and it wasn’t long before they became the new team on campus.
Jenna grew up in Nelson and Brad spent most of his early days north of Auckland in Whangaparoao. It must have been fate that they found each other in the middle of it all, in Wellington.
As they settled into Uni life they saw some of each others most ungraceful moments during the pressures of intense study. Knowing that they were meant to be together they stuck around for the wonderful moments as well.
Brad asked Janna’s dad Graeme for permission to marry his daughter right after the final year project hand in, talk about timing. While they were enjoying a wonderful meal at their favourite Italian Restaurant (Nicolini’s) Jenna’s parents were patiently waiting by the phone for the big announcement. Jenna couldn’t believe it when Brad pulled out a little white ring box and told her a beautiful story about how the ring inside was given to his mother by his father when he was born. Down on one knee he went and offering Jenna the ring, asked her to be his wife (that makes me feel all goose bumpy).
Brad and Jenna moved back to Nelson two years ago where Brad got a job at Redbox Architects while Jenna followed a different path working in the radiology department at the Nelson Hospital.
Brad and Jenna chose the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco for their wedding venue. The Monaco was the perfect place for them to hold their ceremony and reception. This is where our morning started with photographing the guys getting ready.
One very proud dad.
For groomsmen, Brad chose his brother Kane and cousin Hayden (pictured left). Hayden traveled all the way from Australia with his wife and newborn baby. I’m not quite sure what was said here, but whatever it was it must have been a goodie.
Jenna got ready in the comfort of her family home which was full of memories from her childhood.
Jenna’s sister Lisa was there to help with the finer details.
I’m right in my element photographing all the pretty wedding detail. It makes me laugh every time we start to edit a new wedding, especially when Daron gives me that look and asks, “how many detail shots did you take and how many different ways can you possibly photograph the bouquets?” Hehe, trust me there’s always a tonne more detail shots than what we choose for Storybook.
Jenna’s parents, Diane and Graeme were having a sneaky wee cuddle in the background – love it!
Pretty as a picture Jenna.
Oops, there’s those gorgeous flowers again!
Three blue eyed beauties – Jenna’s sister Lisa (left) and her best friend Kim.
Dad had a grin from ear to ear when he saw his gorgeous daughter looking so beautiful on her wedding day.
The Village Green at the Monaco Resort was beautifully set up for the ceremony, it was an absolute stunning sunny Nelson day for an outdoor wedding.
Daron ran out to the road and photographed the girls arriving in these very cool old vintage wedding cars, a 1937 Jaguar and a 1934 Dodge.
Jenna walked up the isle to one of my favorite songs titled ‘A Thousand Years’. Like me, Jenna fell in love with this song the minute that she heard it.
Brad couldn’t take his eyes off Jenna, seeing her for the first time was one of the highlights of his day.
The bride was rather excited as well.
This lovely ceremony was officiated by Nelson marriage celebrant Rachael Schepers.
“Well hello Mrs Beazley”.
Sealed with a kiss.
Congratulations guys!
We were driving past Atawhai the day before the wedding when we spotted this location, we particularly liked the tall grasses and the Toi Toi’s.
Now, I have to tell you about these two, they just couldn’t stop giggling all day, it became quite infectious. First I thought it may have been nerves, but as time went on I’m pretty sure it’s just the way they are – a cute little pair of giggling gerties.
Not far in the distance we spotted this boat so we went for a wander.
Location number two – The Queens Gardens in Nelson City.
This time of the year being early March, the Chinese Gardens is a really good option for lovely wedding photos, the colours are vibrant and the light is really nice to work with.
The window of love.
The purple bridesmaids dresses looked really lovely against the green foliage.
Good times….
Hmmm, I hope that this wasn’t your idea Daron?
The official name here is Huangshi Chinese Garden at Queens Gardens (thanks Google).
What did I tell you, giggling gerties…
Two hearts and two souls entwined forever, these two bring out the best in each other and that’s how marriage should be.
The Nelson Cathedral has got to be one on Nelson’s most majestic Churches. Recently while sitting in the waiting room at the dentist’s, I saw a very old black and white print showing the back of the Cathedral from Trafalgar Street. There were no steps back then and horse and carts could actually drive right up to the church, I found that very interesting.
Loving these cars.
One very old tree, two very much in love.
Work it boys!
This is actually one of my favorite shots of the day, I love the old tree and the afternoon light giving a soft mystical look.
It’s a great atmosphere when the bride and groom get greeted into the reception, love fills the air, people grin from ear to ear and the hooting and cheering is just like being at a rugby game.
From the beginning to the end of the speeches there was a whole lot of awesomeness.
“That’s a great laugh Kain, I think that Brad got you one there”.
Wedding cakes date back all the way to the Roman Empire. The custom was for the groom to break the cake over the bride’s head to symbolize the end of the bride’s virginal state, ensure fertility and the beginning of her husband’s power over her. It’s no wonder that the Romans got wiped out with an attitude like that, Boy things have changed (thankfully).
The first dance…
During the reception we headed to the front of the Monaco for some potential sunset shots. It’s probably worth mentioning here that sunset shots are planned into the reception itinerary.
The sun goes down on a beautiful day, but the evening’s festivities have just began.
Brad and Jenna you are the cutest couple ever, it was lovely to spend this wonderful day with you. We wish you the very best with your future together.
Chrissy and Daron X
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