The Officers Mess Wedding

Photographed by Amber and Zahn

Choosing a venue can be one of the biggest decisions when planning a wedding. But sometimes there are just so many signs pointing you in the right direction that it seems meant to be.
When Lucy and Nick were looking for their venue, they wanted it to: have a great outdoor view, but have a safe indoor option (because you know… Auckland), ideally near the water, and if it could be local even – even better. The Officer’s Mess was just 5 minutes from where Nick and Lucy have just bought their first home, and just down the road from where Lucy grew up.
They decided to do a “first look” and take their bridal party photos before the ceremony. We had planned to head down to the Bayswater Marina, but with the sun beaming down, and the tide being high – the marina had been taken over by fishermen! On to Plan B – meeting at their new house for a private moment before we headed off. In the morning, as I was telling Lucy the revised plan, she said “Oh, I love that so much. Every time I come home I think how much I love this house and how lucky we are to be here – it’s just perfect!”
We made the most of the summer vibes, and found our way to the most vibrant Pohutukawa trees in Devonport, before finding shade under the North Head hills. Their ceremony at St Francis in Devonport was absolutely stunning, and Nick and Lucy just smiled the whole way through!
Back at the Officer’s Mess, they had time to chill and have a drink with their guests out on the deck – taking in the epic views of the ocean and Rangitoto. I know I’ve said it before, but having this time with your guests after the ceremony really is one of my favourite things about doing a first look and pre-ceremony photos. You really get to make the most of your day and spend more time with your favourite people.
As sunset approached, I started sticking my head outside to see what our odds were of getting some colour in the sky. It wasn’t looking promising. The clouds had rolled in and the chances were getting slimmer. We decided to carry on with the evening, and didn’t have high hopes. As the speeches were wrapping up – I saw the trees out the window starting to light up. Crossing our fingers and toes, we stuck our heads out the door and BINGO! The most stunning sunset!
We finished the night with some epic dance floor moves (hand stands and all).
Lucy and Nick – we have loved getting to know you guys. Your wedding was so full of happiness and love and we feel very privileged to have been a part of it.
So many more photos on the way soon – enjoy this sneak peek.

Vendor Shoutout:
Ceremony Venue: St Francis Church – Devonport
Reception Venue: The Officers Mess
Makeup – Made up By Ruth
Bride’s Dress – Amber Whitecliffe
New Zealand Wedding Photographer: Perspectives Photo + Cinema
Auckland Wedding Videographer: Perspectives Photo + Cinema
Florist: Twig & Twine
Auckland Wedding Bands

If you have enjoyed Lucy and Nick’s wedding photos at The Officers Mess, make sure to leave them a message in the box below.
And if you’re busy planning your own wedding and are here to get some ideas… you can check out some church wedding vibes here and some beach weddings here.