Hannah & chris
20 MARCH, 2020
Hannah looked picture-perfect in her Jessica Bridal Couture dress and sophisticated locks by Tanglez Hair Studio as she walked up the aisle on her father’s arm with Samantha Rose Flowers in hand.
Groom Chris and bride Hannah knew of each other at high school as they both played regional basketball. They met properly when they were in the same Halls of Residence at the University of Canterbury, and ended up in the same friend group before eventually dating.
Chris surprised Hannah for her birthday with a weekend away glamping in Matapouri. They went out for dinner on Friday night and Hannah noticed Chris was really nervous that he’d left his truck unlocked. ‘I thought it was very odd, but on reflection, it turns out the engagement ring was in there.’
After going for a walk the following day, Chris asked Hannah to turn the outside bath on. ‘I went outside and when I turned back around Chris was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was so shocked, surprised and happy all in one moment. I think I even asked him whether he was being serious!
‘It was perfect being just us for the big moment and it meant we got to repeat the feeling with our friends and family the first time we saw them after that.’
Hannah had a very firm picture in her head of the wedding dress she thought she wanted. ‘I went shopping with my mum and after trying on a number of dresses she convinced me to try on something completely different. I reluctantly did so and ended up falling in love with the dress I ultimately purchased. I guess sometimes Mum does know best.’
The couple chose Stonebridge Wedding & Event Venue in Geraldine. ‘We decided we wanted a venue where our friends and family could come and relax and not have to worry about changing locations for the reception or travelling a long distance. Stonebridge was perfect! The venue was also special because it was the same venue my sister was married at a few years ago – no pressure on my younger sister!’
The moment Chris and Hannah had just walked back down the aisle as the new Mr and Mrs was a moment they’ll never forget. ‘We looked at each other, with people cheering all around us, and we were both so content and happy. I also loved our ceremony and our speeches – they were the right balance of love, seriousness and humour and created the best vibe for the whole day.’
They add that the photos during the reception bring back the best memories of their big day. ‘When we look back at the photos of people laughing and crying during our speeches we can still remember the exact moments in time or things that were said that triggered the emotions.’
‘I loved our ceremony and our speeches – they were the right balance of love, seriousness and humour and created the best vibe for the whole day.’
Hannah and Chris’s photos were taken on the grounds at Stonebridge Wedding & Event Venue, as well as a private property near Geraldine Downs.
The large bridal party enjoyed a fun after-ceremony picnic while their photos were being taken on a private Geraldine property.