Megan & Vincent – Tai Tapu Hotel Wedding

A Love Story Meant to Be

Some connections feel written in the stars. For Megan and Vincent, that spark started on Tinder six years ago. What began as a chance swipe quickly became something unforgettable—their first hug sent an electric jolt through both of them, a moment that felt like destiny. Megan took a leap of faith, showing up to their first date at Engineers bar with her one-year-old daughter Hailey in tow. It could have been daunting, but instead it was magic: Vincent embraced them both, and from that moment, their lives began weaving together into one.

Fast forward to April 2025, and these two celebrated their five-year anniversary with a wedding at the beautiful Tai Tapu Hotel, just outside Christchurch. Surrounded by family, friends, and their daughters, the day was a celebration of love, family, and the life they’ve built together.

The Morning: A House Full of Laughter

The morning of the wedding unfolded at a Yaldhurst Airbnb, where Megan, her bride tribe, and her daughters filled the rooms with chaos, laughter, makeup brushes, and music. Two makeup artists worked their magic while bridesmaids rotated through DIY hair stations set up by Anna and Ebony.

There were matching PJs, flower girls dancing around, and plenty of candid moments with Megan’s daughters, Hailey and Lainey. Megan shared quiet, emotional minutes with her mum, while her bridesmaids cheered her on with a round of shots before slipping into their dark green gowns.

Megan’s dress, a timeless satin gown with a slit that showed her bold thigh tattoo, hung waiting outside under the beams of the Airbnb’s patio. Its simple elegance paired perfectly with her flowing veil dotted with delicate pearls. Before leaving, she shared a first look with her bridal party, then her dad— moments full of emotion, pride, and love.

Vincent’s Calm Morning

Meanwhile, Vincent prepared more casually at home. While his morning didn’t involve a flurry of curling irons and mascara wands, it held its own sense of anticipation. Mostly because the E30 had finally gone for a WOF! He dressed in a sleek black suit with a deep green tie—perfectly matching the bridal party—and spent time with his groomsmen, soaking in the moments before seeing his bride walk down the aisle.

One particularly special detail of Vincent’s day: his orange BMW, polished and legally ready, which held pride of place at the venue. It wasn’t just a car, but a piece of him woven into the story of their wedding day.

The Ceremony: Vows Among the Trees

The gardens of the Tai Tapu Hotel were filled with around 90 of their closest friends and family. Guests sat under the shade of trees while Megan and Vincent’s bridal party made their way down the aisle. Flower girls Hailey, Lainey, and Jashaya charmed everyone as they sprinkled petals, and their ring bearer Nitai carried the rings with pride.

Then came Megan. Walking hand-in-hand with her dad, bouquet in hand, her dress sweeping the grass, she made her way toward Vincent. His reaction was everything she’d hoped for—emotional, heartfelt, and impossible to hide. Still my most favourite photo of all the weddings I've photographed!

Their celebrant, Chelsea Grace, guided them through vows that were both tender and light-hearted. Rings were exchanged, promises were made, and when they sealed it all with a kiss, cheers erupted from their guests. Rose petals rained down as they walked back up the aisle as husband and wife, hand in hand and beaming with joy.

After the Ceremony: Hugs, Cars, and Quiet Moments

Following the ceremony, the lawn buzzed with congratulations, hugs, and candid moments. Guests mingled with drinks and canapés, while children darted between legs or played at their special activity table.

Megan and Vincent took time to celebrate with their bridal party, whose emerald gowns and dark suits looked striking against the lush gardens. Of course, we made sure Vincent’s bright orange BMW made an appearance in portraits, adding a pop of colour and personality to the afternoon.

Some of the sweetest moments came in the in-between: Megan crouching down with her daughters in her arms, golden-hour portraits stolen on a nearby bridge (by the Tai Tapu Church), and a few quiet embraces where the world seemed to melt away.

The Reception: A Celebration Full of Personal Touches

Megan and Vincent had kept things casual and welcoming—there was no strict seating plan except for the kids’ table, encouraging everyone to mingle and relax.

The décor blended moody romance with playful details: signage handmade by the couple, seed bomb favours lovingly DIY’d, and florals by Prime Petals (alter pieces, signage and head table florals) and Mama Bloom (bouquets). Rich autumn tones of deep red, white, and gold flowers adorned the tables, glowing softly under fairy lights and candles.

They made their grand entrance to cheers as Mr & Mrs Hudson, followed by heartfelt speeches from Megan’s dad, the Maid of Honour, and the Best Man. There were tears, laughter, and stories that had everyone raising a glass to the newlyweds.

Dinner followed—a delicious spread by Smoke & Barrel featuring DIY sliders that had everyone going back for seconds.

Cake, Dancing & Bouquet Toss

As the evening wore on, the formalities gave way to fun. Megan and Vincent cut into their homemade wedding cake (with cupcakes by Bouquets de Fleurs) with wide grins and plenty of laughter.

Before going into the first dance, Megan did a bouquet toss, with her best man's girlfriend catching the florals to much laughter and excitement.

Their first dance was intimate, twinkling fairy lights overhead, Megan’s dress trailing as Vincent spun her across the floor. The dance floor opened immediately after, and the energy carried late into the night.

Guests laughed and danced, children bounced in the bouncy castle outside, and later, Megan’s bouquet flew through the air into eager hands during the bouquet toss. It was the perfect mix of romance and celebration—reflecting exactly who Megan and Vincent are as a couple.

The Heart of the Day

For Megan and Vincent, the day wasn’t just about a stunning dress, a shiny car, or even the perfect photos. It was about family—the love they share with their daughters, the support from their parents, and the friends who cheered them on through every step of life together.

When asked what they wanted to remember most, their answer was simple: the love and family surrounding us. And as the night drew to a close under the stars, it was clear they had achieved exactly that.

Vendors Who Made It All Possible

• Venue: Tai Tapu Hotel, Christchurch

• Celebrant: Chelsea Grace Celebrant

• MC: Shara Hudson

• Catering: Smoke & Barrel – DIY sliders

• Florals: Prime Petals & Mama Bloom

• Makeup: Brianna Clarke Makeup, Proud Beauty

• Hair: DIY by Anna & Ebony

• Cake: Homemade | Cupcakes by Bouquets de Fleurs Occasion Cupcakes

• Favours: Handmade seed bombs & sugar cookies

• Signage: Created by the bride & groom

• Wedding Cars: Falcon (Wayne Smith), BMW E30 (Vincent’s), Thunderbird (Ash’s father)

• Photography: Kathryn Louise Weddings