Nicola & Samuel Hart
11.02.23
Matawhero Vineyard, Gisborne, New Zealand
Could you imagine a more serendipitous beginning than these two meeting while teaching in South Korea, only to find out they both grew up in small town Gisborne New Zealand…. Living life to its fullest, jumping in the ocean every month, kicking butts at board games and planning more travel together, Nicola & Sam were definitely meant to be. <3
After an 11 hour drive, 2 diversions, and a cyclone on the horizon Aaron and I made it from Whangarei to Gisborne the night before the wedding. After a stop the next morning at the must needed and highly recommended coffee shop we were on our way to Nicola’s beach front accommodation! And boy was it a stunner! The high ceilings, the floor to ceiling windows and the VIEW! My word. No view though, could ever compare to Nicola, her gorgeous bridesmaids, and mumma. <3 Nicola’s childhood hairdresser Pip even made the trip from Hamilton, not wanting to miss out on being part of this special day. After a beautiful soft hair up, and some soft glam makeup, Nicola was supported by her mum and bridesmaids into her wedding gown. She even had a small first look with her Dad, brother, and Costa Rican brother Jose! Jose was part of the Hart family for a whole year while on a school exchange and made the special trip back for the wedding! How cool is that?
Meanwhile Sam and his groomsmen were tucking into chicken rolls when we arrived to get some getting ready photos! We were also greeted by some rain showers! Nevertheless, with some trees for cover we managed to capture the boys putting the finishing touches to their suits before getting ready to head to the ceremony.
Nicola arrived to the ceremony in her Grandparents stunning blue, classic Ford car. Keeping bits of her beloved Grandparents with her throughout the entire wedding day. Even Nicola’s brother was wearing one of Grandad’s suit jackets that he had tailored to fit! It perfectly complemented the bum bag of rose petals that he and the other flower men threw as they walked down the aisle to start the ceremony. Nicola was walked down the aisle by both her Mum & Dad, to her teary eyed husband to be Sam. <3 After some heartfelt vows, a definite 3 mississippi second kiss, Nicola and Sam made it all official by signing their wedding papers with Grandma’s pen she had used during her time as a real estate agent. Would you believe that they chose their witnesses names out of a hat?!!! And not just any hat! Grandad’s hat! They then walked, more like partied back down the aisle and even graced us with a dip kiss showered in rose petals thrown from family and friends. <3
After many hugs and kisses, we had some beautiful family photos under the shade of the gorgeous tree. The kids (and some adults) played some lawn games, and we all snacked on some canapes/platters. Time cracked on and we took some time to get some photos of the full bridal party and then Nicola and Sam on their own. I remembered to add gentle this time to my tackle prompt for the boys and I am sure glad I did, otherwise Sam would have most definitely ended up on the ground! Nicola and Sam disappear into their own wee world, just like at their engagement session, and boy did it make for some stunning photos!
The reception was held at the Wainui Surf Lifesaving Club, tables dressed with home grown wild flowers, and of course Grandads favourite Tequila Sunrise roses! No detail was spared, and sentimentality was through every single part of this wedding day. During speeches there were tears, big belly laughs, and no one would leave those speeches thinking that Nicola and Sam were most definitely meant-to-be. After some delicious dinner Nicola & Sam showed off their dancing skills and Nicola’s beautiful dress with some 10/10 spins.
We even managed to sneak off at sunset for some gorgeous photos down at the beach - even if it had got a bit chilly. We departed at the end of the night while the team were most definitely enjoying the lights and DJ on the dance floor! What a day team! And just in time with the weather. <3 Our hearts go out to our knew Gisborne friends and hope you are safe and well!
