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Dave & Georgia
Dave and Georgia’s intimate ceremony was held in one of the conservatories at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with their closest family and friends.
INTIMATE CEREMONY
1ST AUGUST 2020 - TOWNEND HOUSE, BOTANICAL GARDENS
David + Georgia Murray - Sarah Clements Photography
Dave and Georgia’s intimate ceremony was held in one of the conservatories at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with their closest family and friends. We entered through Cuningham House, originally called the Winter Gardens. The ceremony itself was held in Townend House, a beautiful flowering conservatory. From the second the music began to play for Georgia’s entrance, the tears began to flow. She looked absolutely stunning and I loved watching Dave’s face as she walked towards him.
Every ceremony celebrates the joining of two families, but this wedding was particularly special. Georgia’s son, Cooper, stood beside Dave as his ‘Best Little Man,’ and their wee baby Arlo sat with his grandparents in the front row. Cooper had a number of special roles in the ceremony - bravely sharing an emotional reading and being responsible for the rings. I nearly lost it when he sidled up to Dave and whispered ‘I love you.’ Such a precious family!
Dave and Georgia’s vows were so heartfelt and thoughtful. Again, tissues please!!
‘Cooper, the part I love best about your mum is that she had you. I didn’t just get a beautiful wife, I got a wonderful, kind and caring son as well. I promise you that I will always be there to look after you both. I will come to every sporting game you play, love you unconditionally and be proud to call you my son.’
‘Today seems like it’s the start of a new journey, but I already belong to you. Falling for you wasn’t falling at all - it was walking into a house and knowing you’re home. I love you not only today but for the rest of my life, David.’
After lockdown and a slow winter, I was so grateful to share Dave and Georgia’s special day with their beautiful family. It was simply magical.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xx
“You were so professional and easy to talk to. Everything felt genuine and nothing seemed like an issue to you - You made everything feel like a breeze which made us feel so happy we chose you. Thank you so much for making our day and being a part of it. You were the best! All the best for the future and your little babe! The journey is just starting. ”
Photographer - Sarah Clements
Josh & Shelly
CANTERBURY ELOPEMENT
MARCH 24 - CHRISTCHURCH
I woke in the early morning to a message from Shelly, one of our long-term family friends…
“Hey Vic, as you know Josh and I were meant to get married in two weeks but with yesterday’s news, we have decided to get married today. We would love to have someone there for an hour or two to take photos.”
…and I was instantly wide awake! A different role than usual but a wedding!? A spontaneous elopement?! YES!!!
A little background… Shelly’s parents, Dave and Cindy, and her four siblings, played a significant part in my upbringing - attending netball and swimming tournaments, school events, shared holidays at the beach, and numerous special family occasions. I still remember Dave’s kindness and patience when he taught me to sail at Kawau Island on school camp. As a young child, he helped me to feel brave and capable of anything. My husband, Dan, and I were honoured to have Dave as the MC at our own wedding in February last year and we are exceptionally grateful for the support that Shelly’s family gave us on our special day.
Despite planning a large wedding to be held in April, Josh and Shelly knew that all they wanted going into lock down was to be husband and wife. Thus, a new dream was born - a whirlwind elopement in the Christchurch hills with only their very closest ‘home team’.
Josh and Shelly were married in the shelter of the trees at the Sign of the Takahe. My heart was racing a million miles an hour as Shelly walked down the track on Dave’s arm - I can only imagine how Josh must have been feeling! There is something so precious about the bond between father and daughter, and it was difficult to stop the tears from flowing.
As a celebrant, I love the part of the ceremony when it is time to ask for consent and exchange vows. There was a huge amount of laughter when Josh replied “I do” to Michelle and Shelly said “You’re supposed to look at me when you say that!”.
Josh and Shelly share strong family values, and are blessed that both of their parents have had long, healthy marriages. One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was when the two families joined together in prayer. This was a ceremony full of joy - it was natural, intentional and best of all… it was about two people who just wanted to be themselves with each other.
After the ceremony, we braved the wild winds and rain in the Port Hills. I was hoping we could capture a few moments before Shelly froze in her dress but there was nothing to worry about as this she-warrior didn’t even feel the cold! Talk about a bubble of love… she was on Cloud 9!
Thank you so much for letting me be part of your special day xx it was an absolute privilege.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
New Zealand is now at Alert Level 4 which means anyone who is not involved in essential work needs to stay home in order to prevent the spread of Covid19. Though there may be restrictions in place, CANZ has advised that marriages can take place when we are back to Alert Level 1 or 2. This information is subject to change.
Celebrant - Michelle Diprose
Photographer - Victoria Thomas (woohoo!)