Anita & Braedyn’s Romantic May Wedding at Leeston Soldiers Memorial Hall

Some weddings carry a quiet kind of magic — the kind you can’t quite plan for, yet feels like it was always meant to be. Anita and Braedyn’s May wedding at the Leeston Soldiers Memorial Hall was filled with romance, laughter, and the unmistakable warmth of family. From tender looks to candid moments of connection, the day unfolded with a natural flow that suited them perfectly.

A Love Story Rooted in Adventure

Anita and Braedyn’s story began in a thoroughly modern way — through a swipe on Tinder. But what started as chance soon turned into something far more enduring. They clicked straight away, and once they really got to know each other, their bond only deepened.

They share a love for adventure and the outdoors, often found off-roading, camping, or exploring the coast. Some of their happiest memories together are tied to travel — like their trip to Auckland for the Luke Combs concert, which turned into a week-long adventure around the North Island. Anita still laughs about trying to stop Braedyn from petting a pūkeko, while a pair of protective swans charged toward him. Their story is stitched with these playful, lighthearted moments, balanced with the depth of their care for one another.

When it came to the proposal, Braedyn knew it had to be somewhere special. On a Port Hills wander along Summit Road, the two found themselves at a quiet lookout on the Sumner side. With the hills rolling out in front of them, Braedyn popped the question — a simple, heartfelt moment that fit them perfectly.

The Ceremony at Leeston Soldiers Memorial Hall

By 2pm, guests had gathered at the Leeston Soldiers Memorial Hall, a country venue nestled close to Lake Ellesmere. The ceremony was unplugged, leaving everyone free to be fully present, to soak in each moment without the distraction of phones and cameras.

As Anita walked down the aisle to meet her forever person, there was a hush, followed by smiles and tears in equal measure. It wasn’t just the couple who made this moment special — nature played its part too. Two fantails darted and hovered through the ceremony space, weaving their way around as if they too had come to bear witness. In many cultures, fantails are seen as spiritual messengers, and their presence added a deeply symbolic layer of meaning to the vows Anita and Braedyn exchanged.

Their celebrant, Liv, guided the ceremony with warmth and sincerity, holding space for both laughter and emotion. Family ties were honoured, differences set aside, and in that hall filled with love, Anita and Braedyn officially became husband and wife.

Candid Moments & Family Connections

After the ceremony, Anita and Braedyn spent a little time mingling with their guests during cocktail hour. They wanted to capture their loved ones enjoying themselves — the clinking of glasses, shared jokes, and warm embraces. Candid shots became a beautiful thread through their gallery, reflecting their wish to remember the people who mean the most.

Family photos followed, ensuring parents, grandparents, and close relatives were gathered into timeless portraits. With 61 guests, the wedding struck a perfect balance between intimacy and celebration.

Portraits by Lake Ellesmere

When it came time for newlywed portraits, Anita and Braedyn chose the shores of Lake Ellesmere. It was a breath-taking setting — the water calm, the sky stretching endlessly above, and nature once again showing off in spectacular ways.

When we arrived, along the old jetty posts, a heron stood on nearly every single one, creating a surreal, almost painterly scene. Against this backdrop, Anita and Braedyn’s love felt grounded yet soaring, much like the landscape itself.

Their portraits captured both the grand scale of the environment and the tender closeness between them. Hand in hand, laughter bubbling between them, they seemed entirely at ease — as if they were simply on one of their many adventures together, only this time dressed in wedding attire.

A Joyful Reception

Returning to the hall, guests were ready for the reception. The couple kept things relaxed and inviting, opting for a buffet dinner catered by Spitroast, which kept everyone happily fed. For dessert, a family friend had lovingly provided treats, adding that extra layer of personal touch.

Music flowed through Spotify’s curated playlists, filling the hall with favourite songs — including nods to their shared love of System of a Down, their ultimate band. The mix of tracks reflected their personalities perfectly, keeping the energy high and the dance floor busy.

There were heartfelt speeches, moments of laughter that carried across the tables, and a strong sense of community. Though family relationships sometimes carried tension, Anita and Braedyn’s wedding was about togetherness, and the evening unfolded with joy and respect.

Capturing the Details

Every wedding has its little details, and Anita and Braedyn’s were beautifully simple yet meaningful. From jewellery and invitations to the laughter of friends during cocktail hour, these touches told the full story. What stood out most wasn’t elaborate décor or extravagant extras, but the feeling — romantic, emotional, playful, and natural, just as they had envisioned.

What Mattered Most

For Anita, it was about finally saying yes to her forever person and celebrating with those they love most. For Braedyn, it was having family and friends gathered in one place, differences aside, to share in their joy.

Their day was filled with the kind of love that lingers — the laughter of friends, the tears of family, and the quiet presence of fantails and herons reminding everyone that some moments are guided by something greater.

Vendors

• Celebrant – Liv The Celebrant

• Catering – Spitroast

• Venue – Leeston Soldiers Memorial Hall