Staci & Todd

Staci and Todd were married in Wanaka on a blissful summer’s day, and managed to include overseas guests, a game of backyard cricket, ice cream, and dancing under the stars. Staci tells us more…

Photos by The Good Wedding Company

The girls and I spent the morning drinking bubbles online with my bridesmaid Kirsty - a friend of 17 years who was stuck in Melbourne - as she watched us get our hair and makeup done. It was tough being apart, but it was important for us both to spend the morning together as if she were there. We had also arranged a beautiful photo of her face laminated on a stick so she could come along with us for the day!

Todd and I had always liked the idea of a first look and having a moment that we could share just between the two of us. I headed down to Wanaka Station Park to meet the rest of the wedding party and to see Todd for the first time. It was really important for us to show our wedding party how much we appreciated their love and support so took a moment here in the park with a picnic and drinks, an opportunity for us all to have a laugh and catch up before we headed to the ceremony.

With many family and friends unable to join us we knew we had to do something different, but still wanted to ensure they were part of our day. Our videographer arranged for our guests who couldn’t make it to watch our ceremony online, and a friend carried them round on an iPad throughout the ceremony to see the guests, and we had a toast to them all mid ceremony. My absent ‘Bridesmaid on a Stick’ made her way around the wedding throughout the day! Todd’s 90-year-old nana and my mum’s sister witnessed our wedding certificate.

For anyone who knows my husband, they know he loves cricket. He would have been happy with anything I chose for the wedding, however, he had one request... there had to be a game of backyard cricket. The venue mowed a pitch for us in a paddock near the outdoor bar and this was the beginning of the inaugural Mr & Mrs Thayer T20 match. It was the most fun we have ever had - someone even split their pants to save a boundary ball!

Our reception was held in a beautiful converted woolshed with a stunning farm and mountain backdrop. Our MC was also one of our groomsmen and a special friend who introduced Todd and I. There were plenty of jokes and games involving the guests throughout the night, and Todd was even tricked into a blindfolded dancing competition… on his own. I have never laughed so hard. Of course, with some of our loved ones unable to be there we had plenty of speeches from abroad.

Our outside dance floor was an absolute hit. We had spent months putting together a playlist filled with our favourite songs as a couple and songs that reminded us of those who couldn’t be with us, and it did not disappoint. We spent the evening singing and dancing under the festoon lighting under the stars. Kirsty, the ‘Bridesmaid on a Stick’, was a highlight and absolutely carved up the D Floor, being passed around all the guests.

Although it was not the day we originally envisioned and it took a lot longer to get there then we expected, we are so grateful for the people who both stood beside us, made us laugh, made us cry and joined us for our special day both in person and virtually. We loved being able to incorporate those who couldn’t be there in various ways throughout the day and feel so very lucky we were able to have the day we had.

Photographer: The Good Wedding Company

Video: In the Frame Weddings

Criffel Station / Bride & Winter / Blak / Iconic / Amelie George Bridal / Hallensteins / Michael Hill / Southern Fare / Caravan Jennie / The Sanctuary Gore / Bella & Ruby Bespoke / Charlie Morton Designs / Peppermint Kitchen / Married by Soph / Wanaka Wedding Hire / Wanaka Pristine Steaming