Jessie & Sean’s Home Town Wedding

Weddings are about families. Love. Connection and coming together. Weddings are about community, and none more so than Jessie and Sean’s home town wedding last Saturday.

Jessie and Sean met when they were at primary school in the small town of Waiau – Jessie says she can still remember Sean being introduced to the school at assembly when his family moved to the town – Jess was 7, Sean 11.

It would be a few years before romance bloomed, but at 15, Jessie was in love and that is how it has stayed. 10 years later and living in Australia, Jess and Sean have come home to get married in their town, with their families.

The girls  got ready at a beautiful little cottage just out of town. I was lucky enough to have a second shooter with me – Ayson Williams who’s different eye captured some awesome moments.

As I was shooting a portrait of Jess – Ayson got this lovely photo of Jess’s hands – beautiful.  As we were both shooting – Jessie was calm and happy and such a joy to photograph!

Here she is – Jessie you looked absolutely stunning! For someone who says she is shy in front of a camera you did exceptionally well at looking glam, poised, beautiful and always with a happy smile!

Yep – this is just one half of the bridal party!

Sean was also calm as he waited for his bride to arrive.

This amazing Koru was crafted by Sean’s great, great, great, great grandfather and means New Beginnings.  It was handed down to him today from his grandfather, and one day Sean will also pass it on.

They were married in the yard of Jessie’s family home where she grew up.

There are always so many moments in a wedding. Moments that take your breath away or wet the eyes or just show how beautiful weddings are.  Family congratulating each other is often full of these moments of love.

This moment was captured by Ayson. How beautiful to see such pride and love.

A quick photo in front of the family home before heading off for group photos.

Here are the girls……

And here are the boys…..

Each side was full of family as they have all grown up together – here is Sean’s family…..

And here is Jessie with her brothers.

There is a cob cottage in Waiau where Jessie’s parents had some of their wedding photos taken….

…so we revisited it for some photos to add to the history.

Ayson suggested we head to the school since this is where they first met .

And finally it was time for the reception  at the town’s hall.  Jessie and Sean, thank you so much for sharing your day with us, it was amazing to be a part of such a beautiful event and to be so welcomed on the day.  Enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand, have a fantastic Christmas and I will speak to you again soon.

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