On Friday 11th January 2013 at Furneaux Lodge, The Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand, Kiwi eventers Tim Price and Jonelle Richards were married among family and friends.
Libby Law, photographer extraordinaire, was there to not only capture their wedding but also celebrate the marriage of her lovely friends. This is her personal report
“Today I marry my best friend…”
These were the words that both Jonelle and Tim used to begin their self-written vows.
There was magic in the Marlborough Sounds this weekend as New Zealand Olympic Team Bronze Medallist in eventing, Jonelle Richards and her partner (and best friend), Tim Price were married.
Around 100 guests attended with most arriving on Thursday 10th January and stayed through to Sunday to make the most of such a beautiful part of New Zealand, surrounded by stunning people from around the world!
The guests included fellow Olympic athletes Jamaican Samantha Albert, UK-based New Zealand riders Lucy Jackson and Tim Rusbridge, very good friends and owners of a number of horses with Tim and Jonelle in England Lucy Sangster, her husband and daughter Eliza (who has ridden for the British Junior Squad) and an eclectic and vibrant array of gorgeous family and friends.
A number of other international riders were invited however, due to the nature of these equestrian stars’ careers, they were unable to travel to New Zealand to attend; Mark Todd, Blyth Tait and Bettina Hoy, to name a few.
The setting was spellbinding, the attendees flamboyant and excited, and the Lodge, accommodation and staff wonderful.
Friday dawned gloriously after being very stormy the previous day, with a morning of relaxing (enjoying the Queen Charlotte Track for some, playing Frisbee and swimming for others… ) then the day rolled into a wonderfully relaxed, but supercharged afternoon and evening of celebrating the partnership of these two incredible people. They have been partners in life and love for over 10 years, and have been based in England for the past seven years where they have built a formidable eventing team, but a huge part of their hearts remain here in New Zealand…
There was an air of mischief surrounding the groom and his men as they waited somewhat impatiently for the beautiful bride!!! However, as soon as Jonelle stepped out of the Lodge with her mother and father on each arm, Tim (and the groomsmen)were stunned into silence. Jonelle was radiant as she walked towards them and towards the shade near the beach where the guests formed a circle as she joined Tim.
The ceremony was beautiful, simple and very moving, and the afternoon flowed effortlessly into the evening with heartfelt (and hilarious) speeches, dinner, Champagne, Heineken and a multitude of other toasting drinks (as you can imagine!!).
A glorious sunset over the Sounds bought out the band and the fabulous “first dance” (with some impressive swings and a little jig from Jonelle at the end!). From there, it was dancing and laughing into the night (and the small hours of the morning!!!).
Saturday was a perfect unwinding, reviving, AND CARRYING ON day!!! Water, tracks, Frisbee, human pyramids, flaming BBQ’s and more fun, laughter and scampering around this glorious area.When it came time to leave on the 11am ferry on Sunday, there was a general feeling that no-one wanted the weekend to be over…
What is it with Kiwis and flaming BBQ's?
From here, Jonelle has a one-day clinic to do in her home-area of Motueka, they will then both travel to Christchurch for a final Kiwi BBQ before jetting back to their horses in the other Marlborough – in England!
They have no planned honeymoon, however, they have been in New Zealand for just on four weeks, and prior to their wedding they spent a glorious week on the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island. The property they stayed at is owned by a beautiful and very generous friend who is also based in England and has a fabulous interest in our New Zealand riders!!!
For this beautiful couple, Tim and Jonelle, your friends and family are reflections of you both; loving, caring, honest-to-goodness-down-to-earth-no-nonsense, AND SUCH FANTASTIC FUN!!!
I feel incredibly privileged and honoured to have been with you and your family and friends to share this wonderful, unique “Event” and to capture it all. It was a pleasure to view the magic unfold through my Canon’s…
Libby Law
