Never work with children and animals? This Hawke's Bay wedding tests the theory!
I’m sure you’ve heard the advice never to work with children and animals, right?! But I love a challenge and I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered such a delightful one as Jordyn and Jason’s wedding in Hawke’s Bay, where I encountered a bride who definitely had NOT heard about the children and animals advice, instead surrounding herself with them. Somewhere in the mix was a new husband.
Despite what the often-hilarious images in this blog may suggest, the wedding day was all about the bride and groom. But because as a Hawke’s Bay wedding photographer my passion is for doco-style images and telling stories about the moments between the moments, I’ve skipped all the gorgeous couple images from this to instead share with you the very real moments that often become the most special memories as time passes. Enjoy!
Jordyn and Jason started planning their Hawke’s Bay wedding five (yes FIVE!) years ago when the big C’s (Covid and children) didn’t exist for them. Fast forward and the choice of date (the birthday of one of Jordyn’s much loved dogs) gives you some insight into what Jason was getting himself into. Jordyn is an internationally-acclaimed breeder from Chesterhope Pointers and dogs have been in her life longer than her fiancé.
If you’re a parent with young children (or fur babies), I thought it would be helpful to hear direct from the bride about the good, bad and mildly crazy moments of a wedding day with unpredictable, cute creatures at the heart of it.
JORDYN ON THE GOOD PARTS:
“Having the most special beings in my life present was a highlight. I’m so very pleased our children were actually born and there on the day. Initially I’d started planning our wedding before I was pregnant with Mila five years ago, but I’m pleased we waited. It was enriching having the wee ones present.
The two doggos I had at home are so special and I’d not have changed it one bit. I think back to that part of the day really fondly because of their presence. You could tell they were enjoying themselves, as they wandered around the room, repeatedly bumping into the poor make-up artist and pulling all the hairdresser’s power cords out along the way. They were happily scabbing food from everyone including the toddler. Sting thought the train of my wedding dress was the most snug place to have a lie down and we struggled to get him off it once I’d put the dress on.
There was carnage at the dog park, but that’s just who we are. It was really important to me that we could try and get some pictures with a hoard of the four-legged kids.”
JORDYN ON THE NOT-SO-GOOD:
“1,000% have a babysitter for the entire day- not just the evening! That would be my biggest regret. A non-family babysitter takes away any child-related stress and you can all chill out and enjoy getting ready. I depended on family to help me when I should have just paid someone to keep nap time on track. Those tiny tornados needed to sleep and absolutely lost their bundle by the ceremony. Thankfully Eva masterfully managed to capture some incredible shots regardless. And a small bonus… I was so sidetracked by the kids imploding that I had no nerves walking down the aisle!!”
JORDYN’S TIPS FOR WEDDINGS WITH CHILDREN & ANIMALS:
“Have everything prepped and people available to assist. Follow the routines of daily life as best you can on the wedding day itself. The dogs were pretty good because it was just a normal walk in the park, even if I did look a bit different to them!
I still have my muddy wedding dress covered in dog paw prints hanging up so I can see it everyday…I may get it dry cleaned one day, but it defines who I am though, and I love it.”
Over the course of 20 years shooting weddings in Hawke’s Bay, I have shot dozens of weddings where children and pets are a big part of the day. If you’d like to see more weddings featuring children and pets please GET IN TOUCH
Thanks to Jordyn and Jason and of course their little people and fur babies for allowing me to share these moments from their Hawke’s Bay wedding.
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