How did you and your husband meet?

We met when I was hairdressing in Wanaka and my friend was cutting his hair, so we’d make lustful eye contact in the salon for over a year before we plucked up the courage to talk.

When did you know he was the one?

I knew he was the one 6 months into dating after a trip to Milford sound. All because I realised he made me want to be the best version of myself yet I could be completely myself with him and felt unconditional love. Energy!

How did he ask you to marry him?

He took me to Bali which was quite sentimental as our first overseas trip together 6 years prior was in Bali. He took us for couples massages, when we got back to our accommodation there were purple flower petals leading down towards the balcony overlooking the dense forrest, he made us a margarita and as we sat there he began telling me all the reasons he loves me and after about 4 minutes of this he got the ring out of his pocket and asked the big question. 

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

Our relationship and who we are were my biggest sources of inspiration when it came to planning. I didn’t want it to feel like someone else’s wedding off instagram, I wanted each guest to feel our love and also feel appreciated for travelling as far as Western Australia to celebrate with us. 

What was your most memorable moment from your day?

Our vows. There were no dry eyes in sight and we haven’t stopped talking about them on our mini moon! Also mum forgetting the rings was pretty memorable! 

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

Yes, I knew I couldn’t buy a dress from a shop as I love fashion and had a strong sense of what I wanted/what was flattering on me. My dress silhouette was heavily inspired by Vivian Westwood. I wanted high sheen to my fabric to sparkle under the Central Otago sunshine, yet I wanted elegance and an old Hollywood vibe. 

What was your absolute biggest challenge prior to purchasing your wedding dress?

Not finding anything I liked remotely!

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

Book a consultation with Clara, if anything at all, it will at least give you a better idea of what you want! 

Anything else that you want to add about Clara and the process?

She was conscious about my budget as I’m South Island based and couldn’t commit to travelling up to Auckland multiple times for fitting so she made it work around me! She is so kind, knowledgeable and open to constructive feedback.