Andrew & Melissa - The Old Church, Hawkes Bay

When tiny blonde pocket rocket Melissa turned up at my studio with a grin and told me to think 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' when I imagined her dress, I had mixed feelings. Would she be lost amid a haze of tulle and tiaras? Would she even fit in the car? None of my fears came true, but a fairy tale did, starting with 'that' dress. It's what I like to call a 'real' wedding dress. No satin sheath here, people. This was a dress that screamed 'I'm getting married, I'm doing it once, and I'm doing it right!' And that's exactly what happened. The only thing that trumped the arrival of the bride at the top of the aisle of The Old Church in Meeanee was the reaction of the groom. Andrew's facial expressions said it all; this couple were in L.O.V.E. - note the capitals. I wish fur baby Jack could have been there to see his parents get hitched, but he proved just as photogenic as them during his brief pre-wedding cameo.

Photographer: Eva Bradley. Venue: The Old Church, Hawkes Bay. Dress: Brides on Thorndon. Flowers:Magdalen Hill. Hair: Abby Schofield. Makeup: Cushla Bower from Parlour. Cake: Cindy's Cakes. Celebrant: Paul O'Brien