Backyard Wedding Rotorua | Jared & Alex
Jared and Alex's Wedding: A Rainy, Yet Magical Celebration
They say love knows no bounds, not even the pouring rain. This was proven true at Jared and Alex’s gorgeous backyard wedding in Rotorua, held at Alex's aunt and uncle's place. Despite the weather's best efforts to dampen spirits, the day was absolutely amazing!
The day began with Jared and his groomsmen preparing for the big day at a massive Airbnb, surrounded by friends. They had two houses! Meanwhile, Alex got ready at her childhood home in Holdens Bay, a place that held deep sentimental value for her and her family. Alex’s grandmother was a Holden and the bay and road were named after her great-grandparents. The rain poured down relentlessly as the ceremony time approached.
Alex's aunt, uncle and other family members had poured their hearts into creating a wonderful setting for the wedding, complete with a marquee and a unique bar. Despite their plans for an outdoor wedding bathed in sunshine, the weather had different ideas. With rain pouring down, umbrellas were held over Alex and her mother by her caring uncles as they made their way to the marquee. Guests were strategically positioned along the marquee's edges, creating an aisle for Alex and her mother to walk down. The guests were then guided back to their seats. The joy on Jared's face upon seeing Alex was so cute.
As the ceremony concluded, the sun made a grand appearance, and boy was it bright! Seizing the opportunity, we raced through the family and group photos before the rain returned. Thankfully we even managed to capture the bridal party photos up the road, and then some absolutely gorgeous ones of Jared and Alex in a gentle, ethereal light that I absolutely loved! Nature seemed to cooperate with perfect timing, as the rain resumed just as they rejoined the guests.
Alex's family played a significant role in making the day unforgettable. They took charge of catering, with her uncles carving the meat and her aunties laying out the delicious side dishes. If I remember correctly the main chef was Alex's talented cousin, while another cousin crafted the stunning wedding cake.
The significance of Holden's Bay meant we headed there for sunset photos however the rain decided it was sticking around this time and it was heavy! But I absolutely love the photos from there, especially in black and white as you can see the ethereal beauty of the raindrops and misty skies, as Jared and Alex huddled under an umbrella. Returning to the wedding venue, the rain had stopped for a moment, creating a serene ambiance for a few quick photos against the backdrop of soft purple skies.
Despite the challenging weather, Jared and Alex’s day was filled with love, laughter, heartfelt connections, and the unwavering support of family and friends. It was such an honour to be able to capture their wedding day for them xx
VENDOR LOVE
Venue: Family Backyard // Catering: Family (Main Meal) & Genuine Catering (Canapés) // Celebrant: Jill Wilkinson // Dress: The Bridal House by Corina Snow // Makeup Artist: Shine by Jade // Suits: Barkers // Florist: Kānuka Boutique Florist