Paul & Kirsten's Wedding at Parley Manor, Christchurch

Paul & Kirsten got married at Parley Manor, Christchurch during April 2012. I have the pleasure of being a Parley Manor Partner, and it is such a great wedding venue from a photographer’s perspective.

The weather was typical of spring 2012; a few spots of rain welcomed the first guests but then as the skies cleared everyone got out their cars and headed off to greet Paul – it was as if a couple of buses had dropped people off all at once!

Paul’s Best Man wore a stunning dress … a bit different but more than acceptable as it was his daughter!



Kirsten then appeared – some 35 minutes early! I photographed her and her eldest son Monty whilst they waited on the private drive. Once everyone had gotten past the bride’s lady doormen (!) and were comfortable inside the ceremony marquee, Kirsten ‘formally’ arrived for a few photos with her three boys.

The youngest boys were the ring-bearers for the ceremony and when the registrars had finished talking with Kirsten, off we went.  Gwen lent a bridal brolly just in case but the weather held nicely.

Once inside, the ceremony went really well, although I think Paul was a little nervous (and just well-chuffed!) as he muddled a few of his vows up.  I loved his line of “Sorry Miss, I should have listened more at school” – very funny!

Once the Wedding Ceremony had finished, the heavens opened so Parley Manor & Merlins Catering kept everyone inside for ‘Pimms o’clock’.

I was unsure when the weather would turn, so I took some of the requested photographs in the marquee. Paul & Kirsten’s guests were primed that as soon as it stopped raining we were all to head outside for the group shot.  Thanks to all of you, because when it stopped (after 20 minutes) everyone flew out of the marquee at full speed!  Now to make things nice and tricky, Kirsten wanted the group shot in the shape of a heart!  I worked as quickly as possible, and once I had captured that, I could relax a little as the remaining group shots were so much smaller.

It did rain again for 10 minutes, and I spotted a rainbow over Parley Manor itself.

We then headed off to the Wedding Breakfast Marquee and again I saw something up above us – yes Blue Sky – yeah!

Now as the guests were greeted, the darkening clouds loomed again – but I think this makes for a lovely moody photograph.

The finale of the meal was the speeches – don’t you just love kids!

Afterwards there was a spare hour before the evening reception started, so we ventured out into a perfect spring evening; such a contrast to a few hours earlier.  As a photographer it’s great to have a relaxed couple like Paul & Kirsten as the day flowed really nicely and Kirsten was completely happy to wander around Parley Manor grounds in her dress.

The first dance was interesting … a few romantic moves with the occasional burst from Paul!

The guests then partied hard to the next few songs, which made for some interesting shots!

In summary, a mixed weather day with a couple and their guests who were so very relaxed; a photographer's formula for a great day! Congratulations Paul & Kirsten!