Wedding on a Hilltop
We’re getting married on a hill, they said.
And they did so, in gorgeous style at McGrath Estate out near Waitakere in Auckland.
A lone tree, some beautifully placed flowers … a wine barrel and an antique carpet complimented the simple hillside setting beautifully.
Photography: Lucinda Morris
Venue: McGrath Estate
It was a hot day, which as an Auckland Celebrant, I’m used to! Usually four seasons in one day … but this day was hot … however this couple had thought of everything … down to bottles of water nestled in the long grass for the guests while they were up on the hill for the ceremony (but cleverly would be unseen in photos!)
It was rustic and gorgeously informal.
It was the day after the March 15 events in Christchurch.
Kirsty & Ben asked if I could acknowledge what had happened… in such a way that would enable people to allow themselves to relax into celebrating their wedding with them.
So at the beginning of the ceremony, I said …
‘Welcome to this celebration of Kirsty & Ben’s love today. A day where more than ever, we are reminded that love is the most important thing. May today’s celebration unite and inspire us with hope, fill us with light and remind us to believe in the strength of love.’
I think it helped everyone let go of what was going on outside and allowed them to enjoy what was an absolutely gorgeous wedding.
The acoustic tunes for the ceremony were stunning in that setting thanks to The Velvet Tones and their music continued into the evening … a great team to have on board from the beginning of the ceremony to the end! The great thing about live music is that the musician reads the cues so beautifully and transitions into music are always seamless and these guys were just fantastic.
McGrath Estate hosted this wedding and they left no stone unturned. Shuttle rides for guests, awesome staff with loads of personality and a purpose built event venue that suits weddings perfectly. Retro Events had the cutest little gold caravan bar set up complete with immaculately dressed bar staff and Envy Events did an absolutely superb job of managing all the little details inside the venue and in the words of Kirsty … ‘I just told them what I wanted, sent them photographs and they brought it all to life’ … what more could you want? Love that!
Ben & Kirsty chose a beautiful reading by Bob Marley to finish the ceremony with … it’s one of my favourites… especially this part …
‘You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.
You open your heart and experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.
You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you.
You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and soul mate, who will remain loyal to the end.’
All the gorgeous little moments were stunningly captured by Lucinda Morris.
Such a lovely presence to have at the ceremony and so easy to work with.
She captured one of my favourite ever candid wedding photos … little Isla running after her Mummy and Daddy and their wedding party as they walked into married life after the ceremony. Too adorable!
Highly recommend every single vendor involved. Kirsty and Ben chose a fantastic group of people to make their wedding day dreams come true!
Such a gorgeous day to be a part of. I wish you bliss, Kirsty & Ben!
Love & light
Jaq x
