Dan + Helena

Helena and Dan brought the most joyful seventies-inspired energy to their Christchurch wedding – disco balls, sequins, “Flower Grannies”, Aperol spritz, a whisky lounge, and a dance floor that was always destined to go off.

They chose two beautiful Canterbury venues for the day, beginning with their ceremony at Ōhinetahi Gardens. The ceremony itself was full of emotion. Dan’s favourite moment was sharing their vows and making lifelong promises to each other, while Helena remembers standing opposite him and looking out at all their friends and family – seeing the day they had imagined come together so beautifully.

Photography was really important to them both, so I was incredibly honoured to be chosen. They were big fans of my work and film photography, so plenty of film rolls were used. But time with their guests, and time to fully soak up the day, was even more important, so I made sure to only whisk them away for photo opportunities during the natural downtime.

Afterwards, guests made their way to Cossars Wineshed, where the party mood kicked in immediately. Cocktail hour included Dan’s whisky collection set up in a lounge-style bar, alongside an Aperol spritz station in the courtyard. It was relaxed, warm, and full of that pre-dinner buzz – everyone catching up, drinks in hand, soaking in the afternoon.

Inside, the reception had all the seventies party details: disco balls, sparkle, candlelight, and a room ready for a proper celebration. Dinner was followed by genuine, heartfelt speeches, cake, and then Helena changed into a sequinned jumpsuit for their perfect first dance. From there, the dance floor needed very little encouragement.

It was such a fun, stylish, and deeply personal day – classic in all the right places, playful in all the others, and completely centred around the people and moments that mattered most to them.

Congratulations, you two – I’m so glad to have met you both and can’t wait to catch up again x

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Venues – Ōhinetahi Gardens & Cossars Wineshed  
Video – Candid Camera Co  
Bridal Gown – Gown and Altar  
Hair – Jessica Kirner Hair Artist 
Makeup- The SB Collective
Celebrant – Kyra Portis  
Bridal Accommodation – Plane Tree Villa
Photography – Laura Johns Photography 
Second Shooter – Jess McGhie