Mihi and Mitch ~ Waingarara Valley, Ohope Wedding // Kirsten Summers // Auckland wedding photographer
Having photographed three-time New Zealand Superbike champion Mitch and his beautiful bride Mihi trackside at the New Zealand Superbikes for many years, Mihi loved how I made her look in photos, so choosing me as their wedding photographer was a no-brainer. Not only was that incredibly flattering, but knowing the Rees family for so long made it a real privilege to be part of their special day. Even more so given that Mitch’s younger brother Damon wasn’t present after passing away 18 months earlier. It was always going to be an emotional day, but surrounded by the love and support of their guests, it was a truly beautiful and happy occasion, filled with love, laughter and tears.
Mihi and Mitch were married at the beautiful Ohope wedding venue, Waingarara Valley. Mitch wore cufflinks engraved with his brother’s race number, a meaningful tribute that made him feel his brother was part of the special day.
With no ring bearers present, the couple cleverly hid their rings under a guest’s chair. Without a seating plan, it was a special surprise to discover who would deliver the rings — it turned out to be their good friend and fellow Superbike champion, Alastair Hoogenoezen. It was a pretty special moment and drew lots of laughs.
Mihi gave me a heads-up that they were planning on the dip, and that it was something she really wanted photographed.
Such an emotional day, surrounded by family and very special friends, yet filled with so much laughter, happiness, and joyful celebration that Mitch finally married his best friend, Mihi.
