Dean & Jane's Wedding

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The weekend before Christmas my brother Dean got married to the lovely Jane and it was a beautiful fairy tale of a day full of laughter and love.

I was asked to be a bridesmaid (stoked) and so the day went like this...

Dean got ready at their new place with his mates and my family while us girls had had a sleepover at Jane's folk's house to all get ready at the crack of dawn. Jane's mum put on this amazing spread, including french toast, pastries, fresh fruit and coffee and we munched away while we all got pampered by the make up artist and hairdresser. It was a very relaxed easy morning and Jane was calm, collected and having fun. It was emotional for me as we all got to witness her Dad's first view of Jane in her dress. She'd kept it secret from all of us besides her Mum so it was a lovely moment and the tears did flow!

Our silk gowns were made by an amazing woman who didn't use a pattern and hand sewed the zips in! gah! Amazing, and Jane looked absolutely stunning.

We all bundled into the wedding cars and drove from Morrinsville to the Hamilton Diocesan Chapel, it was about 20 minutes but felt like forever. Jane being Jane meant we were a little early so we stopped for a touch up 2 seconds down the road before making our entrance. The church was beautiful and Jane's blue theme was carried through with the flowers wonderfully.

The march down the isle was scary but we all survived it (including Jane and her Dad) and it was emotional for me yet again, watching her walk down and take Dean's hand. The ceremony was traditional, hymns, prayers, readings and communion. Perfect. The boys looked great and Dean and Jane were confident, easy to hear and made us laugh at times too. They walked out to Barry White, with Dean busting a few moves... very funny!

After the ceremony, Dean and Jane had organised a delicious afternoon tea under some huge trees outside the church and everyone enjoyed some nibbles and catch-ups while we all had a ridiculous amount of family photos. I totally recommend this because it made for very happy guests and more obliging photo subjects! My family hadn't been all together in the same spot for 4 years so it was great to get loads of photos, especially of just my siblings... You can see us being silly below..

We then ran off for the main photography and a little picnic, the scenery was gorgeous and made for beautiful photos, the bridal party were loads of fun and although my feet ached from the high heels, I had fun, it wasn't boring and I actually enjoyed it. (See I know the photos suck sometimes for the bridal party!!).

We then headed off for the reception at the Atrium at WINTEC (Waikato Polytech - where Dean and I both studied yonks ago!), guests had already been treated to MORE food, having drinks and nibbles in another room (which I heard was awesome too). The Atrium was so breath-taking, the high transparent walls and ceiling, the hanging lanterns, table settings and decor were absolutely amazing. Jane had done a wonderful job and Rachel her Maid of Honour had pretty much pulled the entire thing together (seriously I wanted to give her a trophy on the night!).

We were instructed by the groomsmen that we were to dance in on our entrance. I was not prepared, nor skilled but had a laugh. My sister made the scrummy cake, there were ginger kisses in the favour boxes (wink wink) and of course the food was spectacular. It was the best wedding food we'd ever had, Salmon, Eye Fillet, Pork, Beetroot Tart etc. AMAZING. We all felt so spoilt!

It was quickly time for speeches, which is my favourite part. They didn't let me down, the best man's speech was one of the funniest speeches I have heard in my entire life. We were all in fits of laughter it was so funny. I spoke too and I'd say it went well. I kept the tears in so I was proud of myself. Dad got the crowd going and Jane's parents had some very heart felt and hilarious moments too. But the winner on the night was Dean. He is such a good speaker, and so funny... but his emotions got the better of him and his speech turned into this beautiful heart felt BUT absolutely hilarious, declaration of his love for Mum, Dad and Jane. I gave up and let the tears (and sobs) flow and I've never laughed and cried so hard and so much in my entire life. It was fantastic!

After we recovered from the speeches we were treated to a yum dessert and some dancing. I got up and shook my ass and had loads of fun dancing with Mum, Gina and Sam (lol it was hilarious). The whole day and night was a blast and it couldn't have been more perfect. I hope the bride and groom feel that way too. Congratulations you two!

Photography by Ruth Gilmour