In a game of chess, it’s all about strategy, working out the other player and countering their every move, now neither myself nor James are good chess players, in fact, most of my wins came from playing against my grandparents who would nine times out of ten falls asleep mid-game but I definitely saw a match with these two, and the fact they call each other king and queen, we say checkmate!

Sam and Melissa take on life at full speed, both being in love with the thrill of adventure and the great outdoors, entrepreneurs and business-minded people they live each day to its fullest and constantly strive to better themselves by inspiring each other to take on every challenge or opportunity that presents them. These two are truly a powerhouse couple, mixing business with pleasure every day we knew their wedding was going to be 100% full of highlights, good vibes, and a true representation of them. But with a couple so hooked on life and so busy living their dreams they of course had to have a great bunch of like-minded people to celebrate with for what we knew was going to be a day to remember and night to not forget!

Sam is a passionate hunter-gatherer and an exceptional planner having for the last four or so years organized alongside his friend Lee Marlborough's biggest spearfishing completion, the Sounds Summer Slam. So of course, what better person to leave in charge of providing a true feast for their guests. Sam, along with his groomsmen hunted and gathered from the top of the North to the depths of the South, and with help of the Feast Merchants on the day prepared the food gathered for what was probably the most memorable wedding feast we have ever experienced. Cray and Kingfish, Venison, and some gorgeous fresh salads, yum! (I mean please take us back, we want seconds!)

Spoiling their guests with views for days they chose to have their destination wedding in Marlborough on the wild and rocky coast just south of Blenheim at the most gorgeous venue called Paripuma (which might just be the most beautiful wedding venue in Marlborough). Their ceremony was held in the gardens by the villa overlooking the native gardens which created a natural aisle down to the coast. The couple tied the knot under a floral archway before guests congratulated the newlyweds under a sea of petals in the air as they walked down the steps to their marquee reception area.

Guests enjoyed canapes by the Feast Merchants in the gardens and bubbles with a champagne toast with what could have been the largest bottle of champagne ever! Celebrations ran late into the night with Melissa and Sam surprising their guests with an amazing choreographed dance before dancing the night away to music under the stars! Congratulations once again Sam and Melissa, what a day!