Nick + Courtney @ The River House, Hawke's Bay

Nick and Courtney got married on a hot summer’s day at The River House, a jaw-droppingly beautiful Hawke’s Bay wedding venue that sits among established trees and vineyards on the edge of the Tukituki river, looking across to the iconic Te Mata Peak. Having already shot an engagement shoot with them, I felt like we were well on our way to being mates so I was massively excited to be shooting the big day with them at a venue that was new and fresh for me.

After meeting in 2016 on a night out and moving in together that same year, Nick proposed to Courtney on a romantic weekend away together and busted out some good old-fashioned traditions, asking Courtney’s dad for permission first and getting down on one knee (in wet grass, even!).

When they began looking at Hawke’s Bay wedding venues, a private space where they could host their own event and really capture the summery, relaxed lifestyle of the region were top priorities. The River House sits on a terrace overlooking vines that sweep down to the water’s edge with views across to the monolithic Te Mata Peak. With the ceremony set in the wedding avenue in the heart of this view I really felt like I was in one of the most beautiful spaces on earth.

One big advantage of The River House is that owner, James Lamb, also owns hire company Marquees Over Hawke’s Bay, so took care of setting up the space, which was beautifully styled with simple but elegant hues of soft greens, blues and white.

Courtney and Nick wanted a wedding that had a relaxed feeling but still had some sophistication to it. I carried this into their creative photography session by shooting a mix of candid moments while we wandered around the beautiful grounds of The River House with their bridal party and also by using slightly more structured setups to give their photos a timeless, classic feeling. I love the relaxed, doco style of modern wedding photography, but I think beautiful portraiture is still a must-have.

Courtney and Nick came across me via social media and told me that feeling comfortable with their photographer and being able to trust them to do an incredible job was key for them.

“Eva was the first vendor we booked for our wedding and we also had engagement photos with her, which was such an incredible experience,” explained Courtney.

“She did an amazing job and we felt so calm and relaxed around her. We both don’t really enjoy being in front of the camera but we can honestly say that our wedding day was so much fun working with both Linda and Eva.”

Linda Baylis is another fab Hawke’s Bay wedding photographer and fortunately for me, is also my good friend, so she joined me as second shooter. Being creative alongside her is heaps of fun.

On our return to The River House, we reconnected with the bridal party for a few frames in the early evening shade before an AWESOME reception, where we got to watch as the golden sun bled the last light of the day down the cliffs of the Peak and into the river below. At that moment in time, I really can’t imagine any job more epic than being a Hawke’s Bay Photographer. After 17 years shooting weddings, days like this still blow my mind and make me feel like I’ve won lotto.

Courtney’s advice to other couples planning a wedding is not to sweat the small stuff and to just enjoy the process.

“They day will come and go before you know it and planning a wedding together is so special. Make sure you’re doing exactly what you want instead of trying to please everyone.”

My personal tip learned from this wedding was to DEFINITELY make time for Espresso Martinis…this favourite last shot of mine was actually the suggestion of cocktail afficianodo, Zara, who owns Mister Murdoch, the caravan bar. There’s no better place I know for awesome wedding collab than Hawke’s Bay!

A big thanks to Nick and Courtney for having us along on such a brilliant ride and for letting me share their inspiring day with you.

Great Hawke’s Bay wedding photography is always a team effort so thanks to the following awesome vendors for their help in making this wedding look beautiful:

PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Eva Bradley, with Linda Baylis.

VENUE: The River House, Tukituki Valley, Hawke’s Bay

DRESS: Lover’s Society, from Paperswan Bride, Wellington / MARQUEE: Marquees Over Hawke’s Bay

FLORALS: I Do Glamour / FURNITURE HIRE: LL Hire DJ: Eager Entertainment CATERING: Mitzy & Twin and Mister Murdoch the Caravan Bar. RINGS: The Village Goldsmith.

HAIR: Michelle at Mphosis / MAKEUP: Lululottie, Napier. / CELEBRANT: Amanda Zaloum.