Today’s wedding is like stepping back in time! A 1950’s inspired seaside love story, I am in love with the colours, dresses, that cake, the kissing booth, oh that car, and well pretty much every other detail of this day. Beautifully captured by the talented Tony McKay from Handcrafted Stories, this wedding is filled with chic vintage wedding inspiration for a shindig by the sea. A big congrats to kick ass couple Michelle & Simon and a huge thank you to Tony for sharing these fantastic images on P&L. Enjoy!
From the bride…
How did your love story begin? At the Beach Hop in Whangamata
Why did you say ‘YES’? I said yes because he’s British like me, and we are really good friends, we built up a strong foundation to build on.
What was your inspiration or theme for the day? 1950’s Cocktail Chic
What were your Save & Splurge items? I had a vintage cut-out Fred & Ginger and our initials that lit up custom made from The Vintage Amusement Co
What music did you play for those special moments? Our good friend who is a blues/jazz singer sang Etta James ‘At Last’ live and we dance up the aisle to a favorite R&B tune called ‘I found you’
In hindsight, is there anything that you would have done differently? Yes, hired a team of professional wait staff and a Maître D to oversee the catering and the flow of that.
What advice would you give to future brides to be? Get your wedding budget sorted and be clear about what you really want. Delegate and only to people who you really know want to help you out. Take time for yourself.
What do you love most about being a MRS? Coming home each night to a lovely hello and hug from my husband, and knowing he’s got my back.
Photographer Tony McKay, Handcrafted Stories // Flowers Janine Amelia Betts
Makeup Phoenix Cosmetics Hamilton // Cake Chocolate Earth, Browns Bay, Auckland
Brides Dress & Accessories Curvy Couture by Judy Dee // Venue Raglan Town Hall
Bridesmaids Dresses & Accessories Pinup Girl Clothing // Hair by Gord Thomas
Grooms Suits & Accessories Their own vintage suits // Invitations Vanilla Retro Stationery
My name is Tony McKay. I love my family. Don’t tell her, but my wife is too good for me. I have been blessed with a thoughtful little girl and cheeky boy. Rachel and I traveled the world for a few years and then returned to New Zealand to settle down in Hamilton.
My approach to photography is quiet and sensitive. I am a business but I also get involved in what I am photographing, I can’t help it, but I also think it shows in the images. I like to work that way and it probably explains why I do weddings and portraits so well. I have degrees, have won awards and all that stuff but really all you need to know about me is I take good pictures and you will enjoy our time together.