Justin & Nicholette Girdler

A wedding to remember

By Michael Wilson

February 4^th, 2014

July 26th 2013

Last year, two of my best friends got married. I went to play-school with Nicholette and had known Justin since primary school, so I was honoured when they asked me to take photos of their special day.

The wedding was to be held at a friends father's house where we spent many a happy summer during our youth. I visited the venue a few weeks before the big day to scout it for locations to shoot etc. The place was still as stunning as I remembered.

The big day

The day had finally arrived and I got there nice and early with Lucy to get a look at how the couple had transformed the garden into the most amazing wedding arena. There were lots of beautiful little touches that added that extra feeling of love to the atmosphere.

The Yurts

Two yurts were hired, one to hold the dinner/disco and one for the happy couple to stay in over night. They looked incredible.

The guests begin to arrive

What are these photos about?

Arriving in style

Nicholette's family have always loved VW camper vans, so it made perfect sense for her and her bridal party to arrive in one. It was also great to watch the mother of the bride get a helping hand from two of her kids!

Waiting in anticipation

Everyone gathered in place for the ceremony to start and waited for the bride to arrive.

Walking down the aisle

The music began and Nicholette's sister Tori appeared from the distance. Just behind, Nicholette (looking suitably stunning) and her Dad (looking pretty dapper himself) appeared and the walk down the aisle began.

The ceremony

The ceremony began with another best friend of theirs marrying them, and of course there was a funny technical hitch to begin with. There was also a reading from another handful of best friends. (You might be starting to see a theme here).

Another very talented friend performed a song and then it was time to exchange rings.

The first kiss as husband & wife

What are these photos about?

A time to celebrate

Before heading off to get their photos taken, they wanted to spend some time having a drink and thanking everyone for being there for them.

What are these photos about?

Father of the bride speech

Now it was time for the speeches and Nicholette's dad had the tough task of starting them off. He was brilliant, there were lots of lovely memories as well as some hilarious stories. He was going to be a tough act to follow.

Groom's speech

Luckily, Justin has always been a confident storyteller, and he stood up to the challenge brilliantly. He also managed to have half of the guests in tears (both laughing and crying).

Best man's speech

It was now the turn of the best man, Justin's brother Jamie. Once again he gave a brilliant speech, reminding some of the lads of how the stag do and putting a smile on many faces.

Wedding Piñata and cake

What are these photos about?

First dance

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Party time!

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The morning after the night before...

It was time to reflect on what had been a perfect wedding. So many friends and family helped out, which made the wedding feel very special just like the love both share for each other.