Megan & Vincent’s Romantic Tai Tapu Hotel Wedding

Some weddings are about grand statements; others are about weaving love, family, and joy into every moment. Megan and Vincent’s wedding at the historic Tai Tapu Hotel was exactly that — a day of deep emotion, playful energy, and heartfelt family connections. With around 100 of their closest friends and family gathered, the couple celebrated not only their marriage, but the life they’ve been building together with their three beautiful daughters.

Their Love Story

Megan and Vincent’s story began in the modern way — on Tinder — but with an immediate twist of fate. Megan, brave and open-hearted, brought her daughter Hailey along to their first date. That honesty set the tone for everything that followed. Vincent stepped into their world with ease, and together they’ve created a family (with the addition of wee Lainee!) that is as joyful as it is loving.

When it came time for the proposal, Vincent chose Lake Tekapo, under a sky filled with stars. With champagne hidden in a drink bottle and shooting stars overhead, he asked Megan to marry him. It was perfectly them — a little unpolished, a little spontaneous, but full of heart.

Getting Ready

The morning was filled with laughter and a touch of nerves as Megan prepared at an Airbnb with her bridesmaids and flower girls. Matching PJs, giggles from the kids, and the careful attention of hair and makeup artists set a light-hearted tone.

Her gown — elegant with a flowing train — was paired with a delicate veil adorned in pearls. Beside her dress lay carefully chosen details: vow books, perfume, jewellery, and her garter. It was a calm but joyful space, punctuated by one very emotional moment — a first look with her dad, who couldn’t hide his pride.

Meanwhile, Vincent was getting ready with his groomsmen in his own relaxed style. Black suits with touches of emerald green tied the bridal party together. A thoughtful whiskey flask reading “Best Dad – Aged to Perfection” was a quiet nod to family connection.

The Ceremony

Held outdoors in the lush gardens of Tai Tapu Hotel, the ceremony was intimate and emotional. Guests settled into white chairs as the bridal party made their way down the aisle, bridesmaids in emerald green gowns carrying autumn-toned bouquets by Prime Petals and Mama Bloom. The flower girls, full of character and cheeky smiles, stole the show more than once.

As Megan appeared on her father’s arm, Vincent’s reaction said everything. Tears, pride, and love all mingled as he saw his bride for the first time. Celebrant Chelsea Grace led the couple through heartfelt vows and the exchange of rings, while guests smiled through their own happy tears.

The ceremony ended with a joyful shower of rose petals as Megan and Vincent walked back up the aisle hand in hand — officially husband and wife.

Styling & Details

Every detail of the day reflected Megan and Vincent’s style: natural, romantic, and personal.

• Florals: A rich mix of gold, burgundy, and ivory tones decorated the bouquets, altar, and reception tables.

• Signage: A DIY mirror sign welcomed guests with their names and date.

• Cake: A semi-naked cake adorned with flowers, lovingly homemade, stood proudly on a wooden board.

• Cupcakes: Floral-topped creations by Bouquets de Fleurs were almost too pretty to eat.

• Favours: Seed bombs and sugar cookies were waiting at each place setting.

• Cars: A true highlight was Vincent’s bright orange BMW parked within reach.

Portraits & Family

Group photos are often the hardest part of a wedding day, but Megan and Vincent had planned it perfectly. With family gathered and everyone still in celebration mode, the wrangling was smooth — and worth every second.

The bridal party — a lively group in emerald green and sharp black suits — laughed their way through portraits. Family photos captured parents, grandparents, and siblings, each frame showing how much love surrounded the couple.

Of course, some of the sweetest images came with their daughters: little dresses, flower crowns, and arms flung around mum and dad. These weren’t just portraits; they were memories of the family unit at the heart of the wedding.

Later, as the sun dipped lower, Megan and Vincent slipped away for golden hour portraits. Across the bridge, in the gardens, and against the backdrop of a glowing stone chapel, they danced, twirled, and held each other close. These were cinematic moments — just the two of them, taking in the magnitude of their day.

The Reception

Inside Tai Tapu Hotel, guests settled in for a reception that was warm and relaxed. Tables were decorated with fairy lights, floral centrepieces, and thoughtful favours. Platters and sliders from Smoke & Barrel kept everyone well-fed, while speeches brought both laughter and tears.

The cake cutting had everyone smiling, with Megan’s surprised expression caught on camera as the knife slid through the homemade creation. Later, the bouquet toss sparked playful competition, with hands reaching high under the night sky and cheers erupting as the flowers found their new owner.

The first dance took place under twinkling fairy lights, Megan’s gown sweeping across the floor as Vincent twirled her. Their joy was infectious, spilling out onto the dance floor where guests of all ages joined in.

Reflection

Megan and Vincent described their wedding as “romantic, emotional, and playful” — and it was all of that and more. From a Tinder swipe to a Tekapo proposal, from raising their three girls to celebrating with their extended families, every part of their story was stitched into this day.

It wasn’t just about two people saying “I do.” It was about love as a family, love as laughter, and love as something worth celebrating in all its forms.

Vendor Credits

• Venue: Tai Tapu Hotel

• Photography: Kathryn Louise Weddings

• Florals: Prime Petals & Mama Bloom

• Makeup: Proud Beauty + Brianna Clarke Makeup

• Cake: Homemade

• Cupcakes: Bouquets de Fleurs Occasion Cupcakes

• Catering: Smoke & Barrel

• Celebrant: Chelsea Grace Celebrant

💌 If you’re dreaming of your own Christchurch wedding venue, or planning a Canterbury wedding filled with personal touches and heartfelt moments, I’d love to chat. Get in touch to see how we can capture your New Zealand wedding story in the same candid, timeless way.