Details of the day

Location: Whanganui at my Uncles avocado orchard 

Catering: Essence catering 

Hair: Alice Hyland

Makeup: Amber Smithers

Groom's Attire: Kings Lane

Rings: Michael Hill 

Photographer: Melissa Maguire 

Flowers: Jill bud  

 Clara was exceptional! Very talented. I am so glad I found her. She’s so patient and put up with my last minute amendments like it was no drama at all. 10/10 would recommend!

Love Story

How did you and your husband meet?

We’ve been family friends for years. Both of our parents have a batch in Taupo, so every summer since we were about 16 we would hang out and develop summer flings, then go back to our respective lives for the rest of the year.. feels like a classic romance movie. 

 When did you know he was the one?

 After so many years of crushing on each other, even after having other relationships in between our summer flings we always ended up together which felt like a clear sign. 

 How did he ask you to marry him? 

 We were on a trip to Perth, staying at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which is what I had originally thought would be our proposal place.. but instead, the day we arrived back in New Zealand, we went to the lights festival in New Plymouth (we go every year)- it was raining and he hands me this box and says some beautiful words. It was so us, and perfect in every way! 

What was the biggest source of inspiration while planning your wedding?

 Mostly Pinterest and Instagram. My inspiration changed throughout the process but I tried to incorporate personality too. For example, I love playing piano and to make it a bit quirky we put a piano on the back of a red truck for people to play. 

What was your most memorable moment from your day?

 Honestly, the whole day was better than I could have imagined. There were so many incredible moments that I’ll cherish forever. However, the one thing that does stand out is.. we held the ceremony amidst an orchid of avocado trees.. and right where the groomsmen stood was an avocado that ironically fell on one of the groomsmen’s head. My uncle had said after that in all his avocado picking days, he’s never had one fall on his head. Hilarious.

Did you have an idea in mind of what you wanted your dress to look like?

 Again, my ideas changed so much. I had lots of ideas but when I tried similar ones on they never suited my body the way I would’ve liked.

What was your absolute biggest challenge before purchasing your wedding dress?

 Going wedding dress shopping for the first time is completely overwhelming. It’s like you’re expected to feel a certain way when you find “the dress.” I tried on multiple different dresses and it can feel like a lot of pressure. Also, having different opinions can add to the pressure of finding the perfect dress. Working with a dressmaker to help alleviate that stress was amazing! Clara helped me so much and was so patient with my changing of ideas.

 What would you say to somebody on the fence about purchasing?

 Focus on what you like and what you feel comfortable in. It’s an exciting time but can be overwhelming with lots of opinions. Your wedding day is one of the only days about you! You want to love YOUR dress!