Kimberley and Michael's Intimate Wedding and Surprise Reception
“Oh Rowan, you are AMAZING!! These films are absolutely classic. Thank you also for being so calm and collected when you were with Mike. Thank you again, so, so much - we really appreciate you coming down and spending our adventurous day with us!”
We also made this short version to share on instagram
In early February, tucked into the secluded beauty of Camp Bay on Banks Peninsula, Kimberly and Michael were married in an intimate ceremony at The Bearded Poet, a hidden gem surrounded by rugged hills, native bush, and wild sea. With only their closest family and friends present, the ceremony was private, heartfelt, and uniquely them.
Kimberly got ready at the beautifully preserved Lakeside House, a heritage-listed villa filled with morning light and quiet anticipation.
The ceremony was led by Sarah Henderson – Celebrant, whose warm, grounded words set the tone for the day. Photography was by Brad Crocker, capturing every laugh, tear, and windswept shoreline perfectly.
Later that evening, the couple surprised their wider circle of friends with a joyful wedding announcement at what was originally billed as an engagement party at Dux Central in central Christchurch. With live music, heartfelt speeches, and a palpable sense of love in the room, the night became a true celebration of everything Kimberly and Michael had built together.
I captured their day with a Film along with full videos of their Ceremony and Speeches
All the photos here are taken from the Next Day Film above
that morning
that afternoon
at The Bearded Poet, Camp Bay on Banks Peninsula
with Celebrant Sarah Henderson
“Here in this amazing remote paradise and even the sun has come out and it’s warmed up a bit for you today.”
“We take ourselves out of the usual routines of daily living to witness this unique moment for Michael and Kimberley”
“Marriage is a commitment in life where two people can find and bring out the absolute best in one another. And it offers opportunity for sharing and for growth that no other human relationship can equal. An emotional and a physical joining that holds the promise of a lifetime”
“A ring is an unbroken circle with ends that have been joined together. It represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity and of your infinite love for each other.”
“I promise and look forward to a lifetime of having fun together, just being us. Let’s make more bad choices. We will keep up with our expensive hobbies because they make us happy. We will eat too much of the wrong food and drink too much before balancing it out with a strong coffee the next day. I vow to continue going on adventures and to live a life well.”
“If you don’t already know by now, there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for you. You make me strive to be a better person than father, and I promise to continue to do so.
You’re my best friend, and forever with you will never be enough. But from this day forward, I vow to make the most at every moment with you.”
One of my favourite shots i’ve ever captured at a wedding. right time, right place.
that evening
at Dux Central
“Can everyone raise their glasses for another toast? To Kimberly and Michael, may your marriage adventure be like living hakuna matata.
No worries, just lots of love, laughter, and endless joy. Cheers to a worry-free and beautiful life together. Congratulations and let the good times roll.”
Kimberly and Michael’s wedding was a masterclass in doing things your own way — intimate, intentional, and full of genuine joy. From their heartfelt ceremony at The Bearded Poet in Camp Bay, to the surprise reception that unfolded at Dux Central in the heart of Christchurch, every moment reflected who they are as a couple: grounded, playful, and completely in love.
Their early February celebration was proof that you don’t need a huge guest list or a packed timeline to have a wedding that means everything. Surrounded by the crashing waves of Banks Peninsula and just a handful of their nearest and dearest, they shared personal vows that spoke of adventures to come, inside jokes, and deep devotion. Later that night, they pulled off the perfect surprise wedding reveal — catching their guests completely off guard in the best possible way.
Every detail of the day was carefully chosen and beautifully executed, thanks to the combined talents of Sarah Henderson, who led the ceremony with warmth and humour, and Brad Crocker, who captured the windswept landscapes and laughter-filled moments with grace.
Whether you’re planning your own Christchurch wedding, dreaming of a Banks Peninsula elopement, or looking for ideas for a private ceremony and surprise reception, Kimberly and Michael’s day is proof that the best weddings are the ones that feel most like you.
If you’re looking for a Christchurch wedding videographer to capture your day with heart, soul, and a touch of cinematic magic, get in touch
I’d love to help tell your story.
Rowan
Frameboy
Thanks for the photo Brad