Real Wedding Inspiration: Kat and Gareth
Images by Photography by Andie
You know it’s a beautiful wedding when even the photographer’s getting teary behind the camera!
Today, we’re dishing up some real wedding inspiration courtesy of wonderful Kapiti-based wedding photographer Andie Noon, of Photography by Andie. We reckon it’s time to grab a cuppa, settle in, and hear all about the gorgeous Kat and Gareth and their fairytale wedding from Andie - followed, of course, by a tonne of jaw-droppingly beautiful images!
Tell us a bit about the couple - what's their story? How did they meet?
Kat and Gareth met in South Africa on an overland trip between Cape Town and Livingstone in Zambia in 2016. They bonded over a mutual love of music (Foo Fighters in particular) and spent long dusty days in the truck getting to know each other as they travelled north through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana towards Zambia.
They dared each other to sign up to do a skydive and then counselled each other through that terrifying and exhilarating experience. After 19 days on the road they parted ways, and three months later Gareth arrived in the UK... and the rest is history!
They got engaged on holiday in New Zealand on the Tongariro Crossing, and this was their second wedding celebration - the first was in the Lake District in the UK - to make sure their friends and family both sides of the world could come.
What was a stand-out moment from the day?
There were so many special moments during the day but one that stuck in my mind was when Kat’s Mum and Dad walked her down the aisle. Kat and Gareth had previously been married in the UK and during their wedding ceremony, there it was - torrential rain. As such they were a little rushed and a little stressed, and their photographer missed taking a photo of Kat being escorted down the aisle. Kat mentioned this to me a couple of times so I knew it was very important to her and her parents that I capture this (no pressure Andie!).
When Kat came down the aisle towards Gareth, on the arms of her Mum and Dad, the sun was shining bright and there was not a breath of wind. Kat’s Mum and Dad were beaming with pride and happiness, and Kat was absolutely glowing. As I clicked away on my camera capturing the moment for Kat and her family to look back on, I had a little tear in my eye. Having the honour of witnessing such a special and poignant moment, and being able to photograph it for them to treasure and show future generations, is a beautiful thing.
What's the best thing about the venue?
The Gardens at Anam Cara are truly spectacular. There are so many beautiful aspects and lots of beautiful little nooks and crannies, with sunlight peeking between the foliage….perfect for sneaking away for bridal portraits. You really are spoiled for choice. Between the laneway, the secret garden, the rimu grove with chamomile lawn, nikau palms and great lawn with the most gorgeous pepper tree there really is something for everyone! There is no need to leave the property to take photographs - but if you do decide to sneak away to take advantage of the glorious Kapiti sunset, the beach is only a 2 minute drive down the road!
Teresa and Tim are the fabulous owners at Anam Cara, and are a big part of this venue being so special. They are so easy to work with and have poured their heart and soul into the property - and it really shows.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
The couples I meet and the friends I make!
I have made some wonderful friends over the last few years and have had the privilege of playing a small part in the beginning of their happily ever after. It really is a tremendous honour to be trusted to capture the love and connection between a couple and their closest friends and family. The magic that happens when they look at each other, the little details painstakingly planned and executed, the emotion, the important moments… each one tells a story that lasts long after the day is over and can be remembered with future generations. Every couple and their love story is unique and every day is incredibly special and I never, ever take that for granted. I really do have the best job!
If you could describe the day in three words - what would they be?
It’s very difficult to choose just 3 words to sum up the day, but after some thought I would have to choose emotion, connection and love.
The depth of emotion was evident in every part of the day, from the couple themselves through to their closest family and friends that travelled from all over the world to be with them on such an important day. Everyone was jubilant and smiling, and it was very easy to see how much Kat and Gareth are loved and how happy they all were to be there to share their day with them.
The connection and love between Kat and Gareth and their family and friends was obvious. From the little glances, proud faces and beaming smiles to the joyful tears. This is a family built of love - they are incredibly close and have such a wonderful bond.
Favourite photo of the day?
This spot was one that the groom was most excited about taking pictures, and I could totally understand why… it was so perfect in every way. When we got there, I had them sit down on the log and then asked them to scoot in nice and close together. As they did they looked at each other and both just beamed. They radiated pure happiness and the love between them, visible in that moment was pure magic.
Why would you recommend the Kapiti Coast for a wedding?
The Kapiti Coast is so easily accessible (and will become even more so once Transmission Gully is complete at the end of 2020). You really are spoilt for choice here. We have the most amazing landscapes – from beautiful beaches and vibrant sunsets to rolling hills and lush green valleys, the Kapiti Coast has it all. And of course to top it all off we have a great network of fabulous vendors and venues …what else could you need?
Dive into the rest of the dreamy images from their day - you’re sure to walk away smiling! A massive thank you to Andie from Photography by Andie, and to Kat and Gareth, for letting us share a little bit of their magical day!
