Hawke's Bay Garden Wedding - by Hawke's Bay photographer, Eva Bradley

‘My wedding day was the best day of my life, I got to marry my best friend. The anxious tummy drives you mad all day but the electric emotional reveal walking towards your soulmate makes it all worth it.’

When I asked Liv to put her Hawke’s Bay wedding day into words, she really captured in those two sentences what it means to get married, and why we put so much time, thought and money into what is sometimes described as ‘only one day’ but in reality is so much more. Liv and Andy have been friends for many years and a couple for about four years. Their wedding day was really cool to photograph because everything about it was tied to family, history and the land; the garden and home where Liv grew up, the school that Andy went to as a young lad, even the old homestead and rolling Hawke’s Bay hills where we took the photos were all part of the story past, present and future for the new Mr. & Mrs. Lee.

The upshot of a garden wedding at home is that the bride gets to spend the morning seeing all of her plans come together as the marquee is set up, flowers and caterers arrive and excitement levels increase in direct proportion to the hustle outside. Inside, things were fun but calm for Liv and friends, which included her hair and makeup stylists.

‘Having my bestest brides angels beside me was naturally emotional, but getting ready with them all made the day swing by with loads of laughter and too many bubbles,’ laughs Liv.

To add to the excitement and fun, I set up reveals for both the bridesmaids and Liv’s parents. It’s a hugely special moment to see your best friend or daughter in her wedding dress for the first time so whenever possible I try to create natural but well-thought-out moments for the bride to wow her tight little crowd of supporters.

So did you just see that FLOWER WALL? Quick, pin it to your Pinterest board RIGHT NOW! I am not sure I’ve seen anything quite so spectacular at a wedding and I was even more blown away when I learned this wasn’t a big-budget professional installation but a labour of love from all of Liv’s mother’s friends, who raided the gardens of Hawke’s Bay to show Liv just how special she was to each of them.

After a quick photo shoot in front of it with Liv, we left for Hereworth Chapel, a beautiful little church on a hill at the prep school Andy attended in Havelock North.

Says Liv of their choice of venue: ‘We wanted a traditional feel with the church and ceremony to add to the feel of the relaxed home reception.’

After the ceremony, we made our way to Arapata, a grand old Hawke’s Bay homestead that belonged to Andy’s grandfather and is still a family home for his Uncle. His granddad’s old Land Rover (restored by Andy and his dad when he was a boy) was waiting in the drive for Liv to see for the first time. After that we headed into the Havelock hills (also part of the family heritage) so we were really creating new history on top of old - one of my favourite things to do as a Hawke’s Bay wedding photographer. I know the memory of Liv’s veil (which belonged first to Andy’s great grandmother) almost vanishing over the Hawke’s Bay plains but for a crafty catch by a quick-moving bridesmaid will be one of their favourite memories of the day.

Ye ha and after all that loveliness it was back home to start the party. With 200 guests and no curfew, it was always going to go off, especially when you throw epic Wellington rocker, Shaun Preston, into the mix.

Reflecting on her wedding a few days after, Liv observed that nothing that much changes, ‘other than knowing Andy is my one and only, it adds another complexity to our relationship.’

It’s also added some absolutely unforgettable memories not just of their relationship but all the friends and family who have traveled with them on their journey in life so far. It was fantastic to be the one responsible for documenting those memories, and huge thanks to Andy and Liv for letting me share some highlights with you all.

THANKS ALSO TO THEIR DREAM TEAM OF HAWKE’S BAY WEDDING VENDORS:

Hair/Makeup: Zealous, Sophie Mills

Liv’s Dress: One Day Bridal, Melbourne

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Coop by Trelise Cooper

Flowers: Hawke’s Bay friends & bouquets by Susanna Todd Flowers

Ring: Jaime Lucinda Jewellery

Video: Anna Cudby Videography

Catering: Orton Tailored Cuisine

Wedding Jeeps: Wayne Kirk Motor Group

Marquee: Mardigras

Entertainment: Shaun Preston