Handmade New Zealand Wedding: Sophie + Si

New Zealand wedding

Say hello to Sophie + Simon, a talented husband + wife photography team from New Zealand who recently tied the knot themselves! Their beautiful, laid back wedding celebration took place at a private Auckland residence with views of the sea, forest, and expansive fields. Every detail was pulled together by these two + their friends, and tradition was practically non-existent as the ceremony was the last event of the day! They had a homemade slingshot station, the cake cutting was done with an axe, and guests enjoyed their fave made-to-order coffee drinks from the on-site espresso bar. Want to hear even more about how they made their day their own? Sophie shares additional details + their inspiration with us below:

We knew we wanted bonfires, tacos, good music, good coffee and for it to be enjoyable for our guests – basically an extension of the regular crazy communal dinners we have with friends in our backyard – except we’d get married at the end of it and we could invite everyone we know and love. Best Made Co. & Kinfolk were our two main inspirations for the look and feel of the day. Getting ready together at a little Auckland bach (holiday house) in the middle of nowhere helped get rid of any nerves as it felt like the day was about us from the get go. 

Thanks so much to Forged in the North for the beautiful images and big congrats to Si + Sophie!

pocket handerchief

imprint ring

New Zealand first look

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

Loving Sophie’s Belle & Bunty dress and Si was lookin’ dapper in a suit by Crane Brothers.

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

That shot above brings the wow-factor, right?

New Zealand wedding

bearded groom

New Zealand wedding

New Zealand wedding

Sophie says, Walking up the aisle together for the ceremony made sense for us since we spend all our time together running a photography business and traveling around the world shooting, so we’ve done everything 100% together since we met ­and walking up the aisle together surrounded by our friends just made sense.

everything is wonderful sign

everything is wonderful sign

exchanging rings

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Having the ceremony towards the end of the wedding day (right on sunset around a huge bonfire) was the most memorable moment. Since we'd already welcomed and talked to all of our guests earlier in the day, eaten a long lunch and listened to our friends’ bands play around the bonfire it felt as if everyone was really ‘present’ (including us) so we could really soak up every bit of it. We got married in May, which is the middle of the Southern Hemisphere autumn, so the day flowed with the light and as the evening cooled off we lit the bonfires and just relaxed into the presence of our friends and said ‘I Do’. It felt ridiculously natural.

new zealand cermeony

new zealand cermeony

Mt. Vesuvius by­ Grand Rapids played as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle.

new zealand wedding

new zealand wedding

antlers

coffee bar

We love their branded coffee cups + the “Everything Here is Wonderful” sign. Such good details!

everything is wonderful sign

slingshot game

slingshot game

long table reception

pattern napkin silverware holders

jam favors

family style eating

cake with antlers

axe cake cutting

Such a funny shot of S + S at cake cutting time – and so telling of their playful personalities!

axe cake cutting

blanket favors

New Zealand wedding

long exposure shot

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Incorporate things into your day that make sense for you rather than just replicating the last wedding you attended. The 'getting married' bit only takes about 10 minutes so everything else surrounding your day is up for grabs. Find ways to stay present throughout the day as it flies by SO fast, take moments away from every little part of the day that you can cherish

photography: Forged in the North // venue name: Private residence in Auckland, New Zealand // event design: Sophia & Simon // planning: Sophia & Simon // wedding dress: Belle & Bunty // hairpiece: Mignonne Handmade // hair stylist: Abby Jayne Black // makeup artist: Abby Jayne Black // groom attire: Crane Brothers // catering: Meola Kitchen // cake: Meola Kitchen // event stylist: Bonnie Machell // fur stole: On My Hand // groom's shoes: Joseph Cheaney ­// bride's shoes: Hunter // paper goods: HMNI, printed by Magpie Press // live music: New Zealand bands & artists who were friends of the couple -- Ben King, Jaime McDell, Brian Platt, Nathan King, Tom Healy, Scotty Pearson

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