Their Story
A love story decades in the making.
Lauren and James’ story is one of those rare ones that seems to circle back at exactly the right time. They first crossed paths years ago, with a spark at Lauren’s brother’s 21st, but it was a social netball game and a local country pub that really started things properly.
Lauren always thought her mum had been the one quietly matchmaking after the game, encouraging everyone to head to the pub for a drink so she could introduce Lauren to a “lovely fella.” Only later did Lauren discover James may have had a hand in suggesting the drink in the first place.
The proposal came more than twenty years after they first met, on Stewart Island during a rare getaway from the farm without the kids. Lauren thought James was joking at first and did not answer straight away. It was only when he reminded her that she had not actually said yes that she realised he was completely serious.
A wedding at home on the farm
Lauren and James were married at home on the farm in Patearoa in October. Although it was spring, snow arrived the day before, bringing a very Central Otago kind of chill to the outdoor ceremony.
The weather did not take anything away from the day. If anything, it became part of the story — a farm wedding full of warmth, even if the air was cold.
Their style came from who they are. Lauren loves florals and pinks, James is a country bloke who loves hunting and the outdoors, and together they wanted a wedding that reflected their family, their farm and their life together.
Planning the day together was one of the parts Lauren enjoyed most. Being a little 'older', and having a strong sense of what mattered, made the process feel meaningful. They were surrounded by special friends who knew them well, offered ideas, and helped take care of the things that mattered.
The hardest part was planning without their mums. Both Lauren and James had lost their mothers, and Lauren describes that absence as one of the most difficult parts of the process. At the same time, they were grateful for the special people around them who stepped in with love and support.
The first look
The standout moment of the day was, without question, the first look. Lauren had originally been unsure about seeing James before the ceremony because she still wanted that sense of surprise walking down the aisle.
After talking it through, they decided to have their first look at the place where they would later be married. It gave them a private moment together, allowed them to do their portraits before the ceremony, and meant they could spend more of the day with their guests afterwards.
“It was the best idea ever.”
That moment gave them everything they wanted: the emotion, the reaction, the pause, and the chance to take it all in before the pace of the day took over. Thinking about James’ reaction still brings tears to Lauren’s eyes.
There were other moments that still make them smile too — saying “I do,” reading vows they had written together one night over a bottle of wine, and seeing all five of their kids enjoying the day.
A day full of family
For Lauren and James, the wedding was never just about two people. It was about family, children, memories, and the future they were building together.
Their children were a huge part of the day, and one of the surprises was simply how amazing they all were. Lauren expected to be the nervous one and James to be calm, but on the day their usual roles seemed to reverse. Lauren felt relaxed and warm, while James was more nervous — and definitely colder.
After all those years and a story with plenty of chapters, finally being married was emotional in the best way.
A relaxed photography experience
Before the wedding, Lauren was comfortable with being photographed, although she admits she does not necessarily love photos of herself. What made the experience work was the preparation beforehand and the way the day was planned around making everyone feel at ease.
Catching up before the wedding and walking through the farm together helped shape the plan. It meant everyone knew what would work best, what adjustments were needed, and which family photos mattered most.
“Their superpower is people.”
Lauren and James loved that Craig and Sarah were professional and friendly, calm and organised, while still helping the day feel relaxed. They felt supported without the photography ever becoming intrusive.
What they love most about their photographs is the story they tell. The big moments are there, but so are the smaller, fleeting moments that could easily have been missed.
One image that means a great deal is a photograph of James’ grandad, who has since passed away. It is a genuine, authentic image from the day and has become a treasured memory.
Looking back
If Lauren and James could relive part of the day, they would simply pause more and take it all in. Like so many wedding days, it moved quickly. James’ answer was a little more specific: dancing with Sarah and drinking beer with Craig.
Their advice to newly engaged couples is to invest properly in photography and choose people you trust. Lauren knows from experience how important that decision is, and James would also recommend having portraits before the ceremony so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
As for what they would do differently, Lauren says nothing. The wedding reflected them, their family and their life together. The small worries beforehand — whether everything would run smoothly, whether James would be late, whether every detail would work — faded away once the day arrived.
“At the end of the day it’s your day. You do you, just enjoy it.”
