Driving over the hills into Akaroa back in early August felt like driving into a painting. A chill had enveloped Canterbury, and the lightest dusting of snow had covered the roads around the quiet township.
It was also the setting for the beautiful winter wedding of Sarah and Tim.
I know they heard this again and again from their guests, but it was hard to imagine a more perfect setting for a wedding. The romance of lit fires, dim light, a cosy church, fine food and finer company… it all created something utterly special.
I was last at Mt Vernon Lodge for another wintery wedding, and have been in love with its secluded charm ever since. x
Beautiful Sarah…
The choice of yellow flowers was a really important one for Sarah and Tim. A very special member of Tim’s family was missing from their day, and these were a way of keeping her close. x
Tim. xx
Up the road, the tiny St Patrick’s church began to fill with friends and family from around the globe…
A beautifully thoughtful ceremony by Father John Adams.
A chill was in the air, so after a quick couple of family photos everyone headed up to Mt Vernon Lodge to enjoy the fire pit and delicious food and drink. It was really special how Sarah and Tim stood in the cold taking the time to greet every one of their guests… it’s so easy on your wedding day to realise you haven’t spoken with anyone!
A couple who chooses to have a winter wedding are usually a couple who’re a little bit different… in a wonderful way. Back when they were first planning their wedding, Sarah and Tim had even considered just eloping to some wintery mountaintop. In the end, the joy of bringing their friends and family together was much more important to them… but we still managed to find that wintery mountaintop just ten minutes up the road. 🙂
The rest of the evening unfolded in a blur of laughter, reunions and carefully-vetted speeches. 😉
… and soon, it was time for a photographer to take the snowy roads back to Christchurch, reflecting upon an utterly romantic, joyful day with these two. xx
