On January 6th the forecast in Queenstown was for an overcast, cold day, max 13 degrees… that’s not what Josh and Rhyanon got for their wedding day!
It was beautiful, and for these two I would have hoped for nothing less. They describe themselves as both ‘old souls’ and ‘slightly polished bogans’…
And they remind me so much of my husband and I when we got married 12 years ago. Young, in love, having fun and so sure of their relationship and their commitment to each other.
Rhyanon arrived at Gantley’s in a vintage purple Valiant. I always wanted a Valiant as a teenager… and if I’m honest I still want one, it was beautiful!
And walked down the aisle to Elton John’s ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’. And she really did look like an old soul, evoking a bride of the 60’s in a beautiful short dress and flowers in her gorgeous hair.
There was so much love and laughter in the garden behind Gantley’s that day (Gantley’s is an historic restaurant in Arthur’s Point, on the back road between Arrowtown and Queenstown town centre, totally gorgeous!). Every one of their guests was there to really celebrate their day with Josh and Rhyanon… from their ceremony to dinner, to the hardcore who I hear partied till the wee small hours with the bride and groom in their honeymoon suite down the road.
Josh and Rhyanon made it so easy for me to write a ceremony that really was all about them. They shared so many stories with me, told me about the symbolism behind each of their choices – the Arrowtown area meant a lot to them as both of their families had at different times lived and worked in the area. Their rings were made from gold mined by their grandparents (and a little bit they panned for too), and so much more.
Not everything is going to be about ‘meaning’ when you plan your wedding… some things will be chosen because you like them, others because they fit your budget. But right from early planning some things will leap out at you as the things you should include because for you they have meaning. For Josh and Rhyanon, that was their rings (among other things!) For husband and I it was the yellow flowers I carried for my Grandad – they were his favourite colour. Image courtesy of Hype Design
Not only did I have a blast on their wedding day, it was an honour to be a part of their wedding day, a day among many in what I think might just be a love story for the ages. Congratulations Josh and Rhyanon!
If you want to know a bit more about their suppliers, take a look at their websites here.
Celebrant: Me!
Dress: JJs House
Suit: Hallensteins
Venue: Gantley’s
Flowers: Bloom Flowers Queenstown
Photogaphy: Hype Design
Jeweller: Goldfield’s Jewellers
Girls hair: Tu Meke Alexandra
Boys Hair: Red’s Barber Cromwell
Make up: Harmony skin and beauty Alexandra
If you’re after a fun young celebrant anywhere in Central Otago or beyond and you want to have a chat (over coffee… or a cheeky wine!) get in touch, we’ll make a date, whether in person or via Skype. I’m up for a challenge, so hit me with your ideas and we’ll go from there.
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