Joella & Dan’s Foliage-filled Wedding in Christchurch

Words by Amy Richardson / Images by Hannah Bird Photography
November 8, 2017

Joella and Dan’s original plans for an outdoor garden ceremony became the inspiration behind their foliage-filled indoor wedding, captured by Hannah Bird Photography. A July date in New Zealand called for a cosy alternative, and the pair and came to a compromise, bringing the garden aesthetic inside.

The ceremony was held in a stone church, nestled in the Port Hills of Christchurch, strewn with bunches of silver dollar eucalyptus. After they’d said their forevers, Joella and Dan decided to do something symbolic that they would remember as the years passed, so decided to plant a tree on their wedding day. “There had recently been big bush fires in the Port Hills so we planted our tree where others had been burnt down.”

Wanting a venue where they could bring in their own caterers and have let their creativity run free, a quaint hall on the beach at New Brighton ticked all their boxes. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the reception and bringing the garden inside, they styled the space with soft lighting and plenty of foliage.

This creative couple had the DIY thing down pat, even hand-sanding Jenga sets for each table of guests. Teams of friends and family put together everything from the teeny tiny succulent favours, to the glass terrarium gardens. Joella had some sound advice when it comes to wedding day DIY endeavors. “Delegate, delegate, delegate! Rather than take everything on yourselves, get the people who love you involved. Friends are there for you and want to be involved with your big day, it’s not a disservice to ask them to help out.”

botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical illustration wedding invitation
This talented bride is a graphic designer by trade, so designed her stand out stationery herself. We're loving those dramatic tones and gorgeous florals!
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ
king protea bouquet
Rue de Seine floral wedding dress
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ bridesmaids in olive linen dresses Rue de Seine bride with protea bouquet
Joella was drawn to her elegant 1940s style Rue de Seine dress from the get go. “It was outside of the box and unlike any wedding dress I had seen." Accessories by Karen Walker completed her glamorous old school bridal look.
Cashmere Presbyterian Church Christchurch botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ Cashmere Presbyterian Church Christchurch Cashmere Presbyterian Church Christchurch Cashmere Presbyterian Church wedding Christchurch botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ bridesmaids in olive linen dresses
Joella's bridesmaids wore weighty olive green dresses from Not Perfect Linen in a relaxed feminine style, which made for a perfect winter option. The girls sported Matching Nixon watches and shoes from ASOS.
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ Joella&Dan-LowRes-298 botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ
The groomsmen looked sharp in their Hallensteins suits, which they paired with cosy cable knit cardigans from Urban Outfitters. Their olive bowties, made by the bride’s mum, matched with the girls and dressed up their informal look.
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ greenery-wedding-christchurch-nz-35
Joella’s stunning king protea bouquet by Essence of Clover was the best kind of wintery arrangement, with muted greens and native flowers.
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ
Hannah Bird Photography’s moody and ethereal photographic style captured the magic of this winter wedding. These stunning shots truly prove just how awesome getting married in NZ is, all year round.
botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ botanical winter wedding in Christchurch NZ

Credits

Images Hannah Bird Photography | Bride's Dress Rue de Seine | Bride's Shoes Novo | Bridesmaid's Dresses Not Perfect Linen | Bridesmaid's Shoes ASOS | Groom's Suit Hallensteins | Rings Michael Hill | Accessories Karen Walker | Hair Zoe Snook | Makeup Hannah Gomez | Ceremony Venue Cashmere Presbyterian Church | Celebrant Hudson Bond | Flowers Essence of Clover | Catering Chilli Flakes Indian Restaurant | Entertainment Christchurch Symphony Orchastra | Stationery/Invitations Joella Corbett (bride) |


Leave a Reply

Pao 6 years ago

Lovely wedding, I really like the photos, the atmosphere looks amazing, simple, a bit rustic wedding with beautiful bride and groom and wedding guests.

Congratulations to the couple.

Stay in the loop!