David & Neels' Mt Cook Same Sex Wedding
- Hannah Lind
- Jun 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
In every single one of David and Neels’ wedding photos I look short (not least because I kind of am)… and I do not care.
Because in every single one of David & Neels photos (including the ones I’m not in), you can see the love that shines from them for each other. I swear it’s like a million watt lightbulb!
Like all of us, David and Neels met by chance. But for them, without Covid changing the world they probably would never have met.
David had made a life in Australia, it’s where he would have stayed if Covid hadn’t forced his hand to move home (for what he thought was going to be a short while)
But the universe had other plans.
Because there was Neels.
Fast forward to 2023 and it’s time to tie the knot.
Yes they chose a beautiful spot - Mt Cook Retreat is absolutely fabulous. The grounds, the view, the villas, the main lodge, the staff… but what I loved most about their day was the love they were surrounded by.
Their families who got behind everything they wanted to do - both of their stepdads were the first to walk down the aisle, arm in arm, followed by the grooms men and maids and finally each groom with his Mum.
Several of Neels’ family made the trip from South Africa to be part of the celebration (and there is no better word for what this was, we were all here to celebrate something wonderful).
And their friends and wider family who freely showed their love for Neels and David, and their joy at being part of this spectacular day.
Neels and David included some really cool elements in their ceremony - they acknowledged how important their community is to them - how important everyone there is to them, by asking them to commit to continuing to support them.
Their story to date, a reading by a good friend (look up ‘You Are The Bubbles’ by Rachel Bright, it’s gorgeous).
There was a game of rock paper scissors to decide who would say their vows first (and their vows, Oh. My. Gosh. there was not a dry eye there).
A wine box ceremony - yes I’m a fan of these.
It’s so easy to let life go on by and never take the time to sit down, and purposefully remember your wedding day.
All the better if it’s with a bottle of one of your favourite tipple. And they walked back down the aisle to the biggest cheers, showered in confetti.
They were very purposeful about choosing their vendors, and you could tell.
Not because they’d chosen what and who was most instagrammable (though it totally all is!) but they chose people who they gelled with, people who they knew were totally onboard with same sex wedding couples.
I cannot tell you enough how wonderful the staff at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat were, the cake was delicious, Chris their photographer is a delight, and look what he did with a moody foggy can-barely-even-see-the-lake day!!
Massive thank you for the amazing photos goes to Chris of Focus Photography
Whether like David & Neels you're keen to have me fit into your plans as celebrant only... or you like the sound of some planning support or a bespoke package I'd love to talk.
So please contact me, or read a bit more about who I am and how I work (maybe start with the links below)
Hannah x
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