Courtney and Jared's Wedding at Lacebark in Clarkville, Canterbury
“Rowan was amazing! He did a fab job capturing our wedding, we absolutely adore our video and will cherish it forever. Rowan also did a short reel for social media which was fun so we could post a wee snippet with our friends and family. We are so grateful for Rowan’s services”
We also made this short version to share on instagram
Surrounded by golden late-summer light and the vibrant energy of their closest friends and family, Courtney and Jared were married at Lacebark Function Centre and Wedding Venue by the ever-warm and wonderful Danielle Bartlett.
It was a celebration filled with heartfelt moments, bursts of laughter, and stunning personal touches. Their ceremony unfolded on a warm mid-March afternoon, the kind of day you dream of for an outdoor wedding in Canterbury.
The couple’s relaxed and romantic vibe was beautifully brought to life by a talented team of creatives. Courtney’s look was effortless and elegant, with flawless makeup by Stacey Banfield Makeup and hair styled by the incredible Beth Alice Hairstyling. The florals, lush, textured, and timeless, were crafted by the team at Ilam Florist, setting a natural and classic tone for the day.
A true labour of love, the wedding cake was lovingly made by Jared’s mum, a sweet and meaningful touch.
Every moment, from tearful vows to full-belly laughs, was expertly documented by the talented Libby Ellmers, whose relaxed approach and candid style allowed the day to unfold naturally in front of both our her lenses.
Keep scrolling to relive the emotion, the fun, and all the gorgeous details from Jared and Courtney’s big day.
All the photos here are taken from the Next Day Film above
that morning
with Stacey Banfield Makeup and Beth Alice Hairstyling.
Courtney’s wedding day began with calm light streaming through the windows at Lacebark, where she and her bridal party got ready in matching satin pyjamas, surrounded by laughter, coffee, and cuddles with the cutest baby guests
While Courtney and her girls were getting pampered at Lacebark, Jared and the boys were getting ready nearby at the beautiful Clearwater Estate, a location known for its tranquil setting, lakeside views, and modern accommodation just north of Christchurch.
The morning was full of banter, big laughs, and a few slightly confused attempts at tying ties. As the groomsmen got dressed in matching suits and cream ties, the vibe was relaxed and full of good energy. There were cheers, hugs, and plenty of light-hearted ribbing.
Courtney’s morning at Lacebark continued with bubbles in hand, surrounded by her bridesmaids in matching satin PJs, laughter echoing beneath the trees as they soaked up the sunshine and the joy of the day ahead.
Inside, Courtney lifted her gown with care, its floral appliqué catching the soft window light. With help from her mum, she stepped into the dress and transformed into a bride.
One of the most touching highlights was the bridal party’s first look. As Courtney emerged fully dressed, the room erupted in gasps and joy. Her bridesmaids and flower girl stood beaming with wide eyes and open hands, the emotional weight of the moment setting in.
Courtney’s fathers reaction says it all…
that afternoon
at Lacebark Function Centre and Wedding Venue, with Celebrant Danielle Bartlett.
“Love can mean many things to many people. Kind words, delivery of morning coffees, a hand to hold when you are nervous, a hug when you just need recalibrating”
As the warm sun poured over the garden, guests made their way to their seats for Courtney and Jared’s outdoor ceremony. There was a gentle buzz of excitement in the air as loved ones arrived, greeted each other, and found their place among the rows of white chairs framed by perfectly trimmed hedges and summer trees.
With the bridal party in place, all eyes turned to the timber archway as Courtney appeared on her father’s arm. She held a bouquet of crisp white roses and wore a lace-detailed gown that caught the sunlight beautifully. Jared, waiting beneath the floral arch, spotted her and gave a quiet thumbs up, his face lighting up the moment he saw her. As they reached the front, Courtney’s dad shook Jared’s hand and took his seat, and the ceremony began.
🥹🥹🥹👍
Adorable, Love your work Jared 😁
“You know when it’s real love, when a person’s eyes light up, when a goofy smile stays permanently on their face, and the room appears to be a happier place as a result of them.
For Courtney and Jared, it’s been a journey of patience, loyalty and everything in between.
Qualities they’ve shown over the last 10 years, they have known each other.”
“Never would I have thought a girl I had a huge crush on in high school ten years ago, would later be my wife.
I knew you were special from the moment I laid eyes on you.”
“I love you with every ounce of my being. You show me that love isn’t just in the grand gestures, but in the everyday moments we share together. You turn the mundane into something extraordinary with your patience, your unwavering support and your ability to make me crack a smile.”
“Friendship is a foundation in which true love is built. For Jared and Courtney, this stands true”
“They’ve been committed to each other for the past six years, and this is just the beginning”
With the ceremony complete and Courtney and Jared officially married, the celebrations moved into full swing. Guests spilled out into the gardens, drinks in hand, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and reconnecting with friends and whanau. Laughter rang out as hugs were exchanged and stories shared. It was easy to see just how loved these two are, surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt congratulations.
After the ceremony, Courtney and Jared took a moment with their bridal party to soak it all in before heading into their photo session. The golden afternoon light filtered through the trees, giving the gardens at Lacebark a warm, soft glow. The groomsmen shared relaxed laughs, while the bridesmaids gathered around Courtney with matching white rose bouquets and big smiles. Together, the full bridal party looked incredible against the lush greenery.
that evening
As the newlyweds stepped through the doors and into the reception space, they were met with cheers and a sea of smiling faces. Courtney raised her bouquet high in celebration. The room glowed with warm fairy lights and happy energy, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead. Laughter and applause carried through as they cut their cake, shared stories and danced beneath the lights, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. From heartfelt speeches to a romantic first dance, every part of the reception was full of joy and connection.
“As Courtney’s father, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow from a little girl with boundless energy and curiosity into the incredible woman she is today. From the moment she was born, she had me wrapped around her little finger. She’s always been strong, kind and full of life. She has such a big heart with lots of love to share. And like any father, I’ve always wanted the very best for her, and I can say with certainty, she’s found that in Jared.”
“Growing up, we were like the classic sibling duo — two people living in the same house, each living in our own worlds. But the past five years, we’ve become closer than ever, and our bond has become something truly special. When I was thrown into the whirlwind of life with newborn twins, you were there every step of the way. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived those sleepless nights and chaotic days without your encouragement and support.”
“Thank you so much for all of your hard work yesterday. We love the film!”
Courtney and Jared’s wedding was a dream to capture. From the heartfelt ceremony to the joyous reception, their day was filled with real emotion, beautiful details, and the kind of love that makes filming weddings so rewarding.
If you’re planning your own wedding in Christchurch, Canterbury, or anywhere across New Zealand, and looking for a wedding videographer who can tell your story naturally, honestly and with heart, I’d love to hear from you. I focus on creating cinematic wedding films that feel like you, no awkward posing, no over-the-top drama, just real moments captured beautifully.
Whether you’re eloping in the mountains, tying the knot at a vineyard, or celebrating in your hometown with friends and family, I bring calm, creativity and a streamlined experience to your day.
I film weddings throughout New Zealand and beyond, but Christchurch is home, and I know it well. If you’re searching for a Christchurch wedding videographer who understands how to capture both the big emotions and the quiet in-between moments, you’re in the right place
and thank you for reading my blog!
Rowan
Frameboy
