Ella & Ben Handisides
21.01.23
Chrystalls Beach, Milton, New Zealand
Ella & Ben might come from 2 seperate sides of life… but they fit into one another’s life like they were made for each other (and for MacKenzie of course!). :) Without wanting to create too much of a fuss Ella & Ben planned one of the worst kept secrets in their small town (also where I am from!)… a wedding reception disguised as an engagement party! And I got a special secret invite! Woohoo!
The day started at Ella’s childhood home in Milton with the girls and guys getting ready alongside their friends and family. <3 Once the dress was to be put on though it was no peeking allowed and the guys were off to the beach to greet the family arriving for the intimate ceremony.
Ella planned ahead her something old, borrowed and blue, all of which were included in her beautiful bridal details. Then with the help of her mum Jennifer, best friends and sisters, Ella was dressed in her beautiful wedding gown and ready to join her Dad Ross in the bright yellow Range Rover to brave the gravel roads to head to the family crib over at the beach!
Ella & Ben were married in front of their closets friends and family in Chrystalls Beach. <3 They expressed their love for each other and wee Mackenzie! They even performed a Celtic handfasting ceremony symbolising the binding together of two people in love
After some coaxing the family into some group photos we headed on down to the beach with the bridal party to take some fun photos together! Starting off in the grasses and then heading over to the rocks! We had to be careful not to get too close to the massive family of sea lions though!
Heading back to the family home for dinner, cake, speeches and a party! Woohoo! Engagement party guests started to arrive with surprise on their faces to see Ella wearing a wedding dress, and it was hugs all round!
Thank you so much for having me join you both and your families for these very special wedding! You may not have known each other for years and years, but if I can quote my own mum, you guys are definitely “peas in a pod”. <3