Tauranga Backyard Wedding
Sophie and Ben chose to have their wedding in the ‘back yard’ at Mum and Dad’s up Pyes Pa Road here in Tauranga New Zealand. When Sophie showed me around the property it was easy to see why they’d chosen to have their wedding here. Beautiful homestead with lawns galore for marquee (twelvetables) and lawn games and space for guests to mingle.
Sophie and Ben chose simple pre-wedding coverage so when I arrived the boys were setting up and the lawn games were getting tested. I loved how relaxed everyone was and everyone casually got ready – no stress, no fuss. They did a quick fun first look (which is always fun) before we wandered around the property to get some photos which would allow more time with their guests following their wedding ceremony. Check out Sophie’s absolutely beautiful wedding dress (ahem) skirt and top by gownandalter Adore!
If your putting on your own wedding you really need some awesome and experienced wedding vendors on board and Sophie and Ben I feel really hit the nail on the head with some of the best, here are a few of them ….
Wedding Vendors:
Sophie’s Dress: www.gownandaltar.com
Girls bridesmaids dresses were: www.kiltonline.co.nz
Furniture hire: //llhire.com
Boys suits: www.barkersonline.co.nz
Wedding marquee: www.twelvetables.co.nz
Caterers: (and I mean it when I say a massive WOW) nobiggiefood.com
Their marriage celebrant was a very good friend: Bec’s.
Flowers were done by Sue Spears
Hair and makeup: www.estellesmakeup.com and Lesley Elliott
It was a casual stroll around the lawns taking a few photos before wedding guests arrived. It was nice and relaxed, no stress. Guests rolled up, Sophie and her girls retreated to the house for some bubbles. Guests took their seats and they had a lovely relaxed ceremony performed by Bec’s, Sophies cousin. After the ceremony was ample time for catch up time with lots of happy guests chilling on the lawn, playing lawn games. While guest made their way to the marquee for the wedding reception the bridal party and I popped down the bottom of the hill where there just happens to be the most fabulous disused glass house! Photographers dream! Soph was quite keen at this stage to get back up the hill (and I think she knew the feast that was in store … with nobiggiefood. Lots of fun speeches where I think Sophie might have just gotten her own back on Sue (I’m sure she’ll get you back one of these days Soph 😉
Such a happy happy day with the most relaxed fun bridal party and guests. Back yard weddings can be just so relaxed (on the day at least) but fully worth it (and I hear the party lasted all weekend). Thanks guys for the most amazing and happy day! – Rochelle
