Real Weddings

Shannon and Johnny

Photography by Moving Films + Photography

"Johnny and I had known each other for a long time through a couple of different sports clubs. We had been on a team together, but it wasn't until we began coaching together and went on a club trip overseas that we really started talking. After messaging and chatting for a bit, we began spending more and more time with one another and always had so much fun whenever we were together. There was a connection we couldn't deny. After 6 years of wonderful ups, downs, adventures and laughs, we were on a week-long road trip around the picturesque South Island. I had a feeling that he might propose but had almost stopped thinking it would happen since we had reached the final location on our trip and I hadn't seen a ring. He even said he wasn't sure if he would do it on this trip, but, in typical Johnny fashion, everything lined up effortlessly, and the perfect moment presented itself. It was a perfect spring day on the top of Mount John, overlooking the stunning blue waters of Lake Tekapo. We were taking some photos down the side of the hill when he turned to me and got down on one knee with the ring box in his hands. My sister managed to get photos and videos of the whole thing. It couldn't have been better. As we planned our special day, we thought about what we wanted most. We pictured a relaxed and enjoyable day for everyone with good vibes and good food. We liked the idea of having a destination wedding feel so our guests could treat it like a holiday. I love the beach, so I knew I also wanted that to be included in some way. The most important thing for us was just being able to celebrate with our closest friends and family. Our first dance was a special moment for us because the song is particularly special to us. It has always been one of Johnny's favourites to play on the guitar and was the first song he ever played to me when we started dating. He has played it to me many times since, and we knew it would be our first dance song from the beginning. It was a fun part of wedding planning to spend time practising the dance together to make sure we didn't mess up. Thankfully, it all went smoothly."

Thanks to all the contributing vendors:

Photography: Moving Films + Photography
Venue: Old Forest School
Neon Signage: Neon Design
Makeup: Desiree Osteman
Celebrant: Married by Kelsey
Florals: Koyo Florals
Décor: Handpicked Flower Co.
Desserts: Mount Made Ice Cream
Bartending: Beacall Hospitality
Catering: Wild Wood Fire