Raiven & Jaedn Creid
03.02.23
Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Dunedin, New Zealand
Well… where to begin… maybe at the start shall we? The story of Jaidn & Raiven started with a swipe right… the story of me becoming their photographer started with an advertisement asking for a “queer friendly” photographer… my response to that was “I would absolutely LOVE to be a part of your day! Can’t believe we are still in the days of having to ask for queer friendly… 💕 I do understand though, you gotta feel the vibe. 💗 Love is love is love. “
And this, they told me, is the reason they chose me. <3
Back to them though… No one… no one at all that knows these two would EVER dare question the absolute besotted LOVE they have for each other. It is evident in every. Single. Moment. They treasure the small things, they laugh at everything, and it truly is them against the world. <3
It was my absolute honour and pleasure to catch up with these two prior to their wedding for an engagement photoshoot… after some good chats deciding on outfits, they made their way down to good ol’ Milton to my parents place where I was staying… Now those of you who know my mumma know that she likes to be involved… she loves talking to people (Dad would say “who did you find to talk today, every day she comes in the door after her walk, or going down to the shop), and she absolutely ADORES coming on photoshoots with me. So in true Heather style she volunteers as our chauffeur to the beach! So wine in hand, and the banter super strong we laugh our heads off the whole drive over! We were super lucky in getting the most beautiful sunset, and Jae & Raivn laughed and cuddled the entire way through their photoshoot. By the end, we had definitely decided this was no photographer client relationship and that we were now most surely friends!
In the lead up to the wedding I felt like a little kid getting to go to a wedding! I was super excited to see the girls again, meet their friends and family, and see them formally commit to each other! Eeeek. We caught up on video chat prior to check on the ceremony location after some landscaping had been done, and in absolute perfect form, I caught Jae & Raiven doing testing out the lawn with roly polys! <3
Now, after a cancelled flight, a million back up plans made, and some quick thinking, I made it from the not-so-winterless north down to Dunedin for their wedding last Friday! The day started in Outram with Jae getting ready with her besties! One must also certainly mention the Crocs. Yes. You heard me right. White, platform crocs… Not one for the ol’ heels Jae opted in definite style to go for wedding crocs, and I have to say - they were FABULOUS. <3 Jae an absolute picture in beautiful forest green with sparkles of course, we got some 10/10 photos in the tree-lined driveway. (Raiven had said to Jae I would love it and want to take photos there and she was most definitely right!).
Meanwhile at almost the exact time, Raiven was getting ready with her gals in Dunedin Central, I arrived in time to capture some beautiful shots in the backyard of her white wedding gown, and green shoes… sensing the pattern here? <3 Love the way these two coordinated their gowns and their accessories for the day. X After some game chat, crackers and hummus, and some retying of the snapped wedding belt we all made our way down the hill half a block to take some photos at the park. Raiven’s Dad may not be the man who loves a photo, but he sure loves his daughter enough to help do up the back of her dress. Super cute!
Raiven & Jae were married in front of teary-eyed, family, friends, and me (sobs), on the Native Lawn at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens. Arm in arm with their fathers they met half way down the aisle, and walked the rest of the way together. <3 Don’t even get me started on their vows, as they were definitely some of the most personal, heart wrenching, tear jerking, heartfelt vows I have ever heard. It felt like listening to someone's innermost self, and it was a true honour to witness this outpouring of love.
After some group photos, the bridal gang cruised off around the Dunedin Botanic Gardens to a) find some nice shade, and b) take some wicked cool shots! Note to self, when asking the bridal party to rugby tackle the couple, make sure you preface this with “but more like a cuddle tackle” otherwise, they will in fact, tackle them… hahaha. We finished off the hour with some couples portraits down in the rose gardens, full bloom, in rainbow colours it was the perfect spot for this light in their eyes, love in their hearts couple.
The reception was held at the Dunedin Golf Club, and after dinner we had speeches, and of course polaroid photo taking! I think I had more photos taken of myself than any other wedding ever - looking at you Tui! Haha. We shared in tequila shots, moon watching and plenty of banter! Although I did miss out on my dance, so watch out, cause I will be back for that one guys! <3
Thank you so much for having me part of your family for the day. <3 I feel like my life is a whole lot richer, and a whole lot more colourful having been part of this day, and making such incredible friends. Till we arrange dinner my friends! <3