GRAEME + LASI - NAPIER

Graeme and Lasi's Hawke's Bay wedding really did prove that distance is no barrier to true love. After meeting five years ago at a Church conference, the couple lived in different countries for two years until their very-long-distance relationship continued between Auckland and Napier. Finally, he proposed in the New Year of 2016 and honoured Lasi's strong commitment to her family by bringing her whole family up from Hawke's Bay to be there when it happened. Way to get in with the future mother-in-law, Graeme!

Bigger was definitely better for Graeme and Lasi. With 400 guests, it was by far the largest wedding we've ever shot, and one of the most fun because the bridal party of 42 were all up for a good laugh with us (not to mention a bit of singing, dancing and dabbing, too!). While Eva and Liz spent the morning with the girls, Andrew got amongst it with the boys, so we had heaps of candid, doco-style prep shots to remind them of how the day felt leading up the to their mid-afternoon ceremony.

In front of 400 guests at the bride's family church, Kings House in Napier, Lasi and Graeme made their vows in a very emotional ceremony before an awesome creative session in and around rural Napier and Ahuriri.

Catering to 400 guests is no easy feat, so hats off to East Pier in Ahuriri, who erected a massive marquee which was filled with laughter, traditional Samoan dancing, emotional speeches and about a billion beautiful cakes.

THE DREAM TEAM:

Photographers: Eva Bradley, Andrew Caldwell, Liz Caldwell

Venue: Kings House Church & East Pier, Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Dress: Martina Liana @ RSVP Bridal Couture, Hastings.

Hair:  William @ RM (bride) and Rachel Sulusi and Janey Sene (bridesmaids)

Makeup: The Makeup Shop, Napier

Florals: Belinda Currie

Cakes: Cindy's Cakes