The story of Annie & Taylor's non-traditional Fairy-Tale wedding at Waikanae Beach.

"We don't want to do our wedding like everyone else!" Annie and Taylor told me at our first meeting.

'Yus!' was my response. I love it when you, as a couple, choose to make your wedding unique to who you are.

Here's the story of just some of the things Annie and Taylor did to make their wedding a Fairy Tale and unique to who they are....

1. Wedding Theme just for you

1. First Dance in the Sea

"For a start we want to do our first dance straight after the ceremony - in the sea.  We don't want to wait till evening".   

"In the sea! Fabulous :-)"  As a dance, as well as wedding, photographer, I was already excited. 

Annie and Taylor told me exactly what they planned to do and how they wanted it to be.  I envisaged how I would do it, how I'd have to be ready to get down the the sea quickly, to get in the water without blocking the view of the guests on the beach.  In the weeks leading up to their wedding I pictured the scene, where the sun would reflect on the water, where I needed to be in relation to Annie and Taylor to get their best angles.  And it worked out perfect!!

On the day I was ready, as soon as the I Do's and the newly married couple announcement was made, my sandals were off and was on my way down into the sea. 

Nothing however, could have prepared me for how beautiful Annie and Taylor's first dance was.   They had had lessons and had choreographed their dance with partnering, turns and lifts that suited them perfectly.  And not a beat missed.

With their family and friends watching, they performed their exquisite first dance to that most glorious music Merry-Go-Round-of Life (from Howl's Moving Castle) by Joe Hisaishi.  If you don't know Merry-Go-Round-of Life google it, and for 5 minutes all will be well in your world! A heart soaring waltz, with changes in tempo and key, that leaves you smiling and a wee tear of elation.

Annie and Taylor's timing, musicality, connection, skill and sheer abundance of energy made my heart sore with joy. 

Annie and Taylor were in heaven and so were we. 

2. Invite Your Guests to join in a Wedding Theme that's important to you

Annie and Taylor invited their guests to "dress in your fantasy best, at whatever level suits your fancy or whatever fancy suits your level".

Just look at how Annie and Taylor's guests did themselves proud.

Why not take the plunge - you'll be amazed at your guests' imagination and how much fun everyone has.

3. The Bridal Party Chose Their Own Outfits 

 The paudlon is an essential part of a jousting suit and, bearing in mind the role of the Best Man is to protect the groom, this is most fitting.

 Each bridesmaid designed their dress to suit their own style.  Made by the bridesmaid and very talended maker @heatherbannister

4. Alternatives to traditional Flowers and Arch

The wedding flowers were made of silk taffeta, wire and tule to match Annie's wedding gown.
The Moon Arch created the perfect backdrop along with a glorious day at Waikanae Beach. After the ceremony the guests all signed messages on the Moon Arch, which now lives at Annie & Taylor's home as a wonderful memory.

 Wedding party and celebrant Andrea Maxwell, on a perfect Waikanae Beach day watched over by Kapiti Island

 The I Do's

5. Sailor Moon Rings and Cake

Sailor Moon rings specially imported from Japan

Choosing elements that mean a lot to you help express who you are.  As talented artists, Annie and Taylor designed many of the elements of their wedding including their Wedding invitation, outfits and cake. 

 You can see more of Annie's incredible art work @sleepysirensong

6. Take advice from experienced people - when it fits in with your ideas 

One piece of advice I gave, that I was very happy Annie and Taylor took, was to have the group and family photos on the beach. 

For Annie and Taylor the bridal party and couple photos were really important.  They weren't so bothered where we did the group and family photos.  But I was really keen to do the group photos on the beach straight after first dance and before anyone ran away.  And look how brilliant they turned out in that magnificent setting on Waikanae Beach.

7. Always Invite a Fairy God Sister

To cast a good luck spell on your marriage and ensure everyone has a good time on your big day :-)

8.  Relax, have fun and express yourself - makes for the best bridal party photos

 
Groomsmen looking valiant

 Maids looking...

9.  Down Time for just the two of you in your Wedding Day

Your day will go by in a Fairy Tale flash of magic.  So schedule a wee bit of down time for just the two of you on your wedding day.  It's probably the only time you'll be on your own and is so precious.  

A few moments when you can stop and look at each other, marvel at what you've done and whisper sweet things to each other.

10. And of course...Dance like No One's Watching!

FINALE. When all is well in your World

Annie, the bride and artist @sleepysirensong creating my precious thank you card in matching purple.  Check out her stunning work @sleepysirensong.

 Fairy-tale couple Annie and Taylor and me, happy photographer, Celia Walmsley.  All is well in the world.

Thank you Annie & Taylor for the best Fairy-Tale Wedding Day ever xxx 

WEDDING PARTY and VENDOR CREDITS

Venue: Longshore, Waikanae Beach
Celebrant: Andrea Maxwell https://www.facebook.com/people/Andrea-marriage-celebrant-love/
Wedding party: Abigail Murcott, Jenny Christian, Deborah Bannister, Julia Bannister, Darius Simpson, Louis Jimmieson
Photography: Celia Walmsley @stageboxphotography
Artwork: Annie Bannister @sleepysirensong and Taylor Halford
Bridal gown: Annie Bannister and Heather Bannister
Bridesmaids dresses: Heather Bannister, Abigail Murcott, Jenny Christian, Deborah Bannister, Julia Bannister
Best Man pauldron:  Darius Simpson
Sailor Moon Arch: Kevin Bannister
Sailor Moon Wedding Cake: Paiges Cakery NZ @paigeadamz
Music: Elton Halford
Video: Ethan
Wedding Catering: