How we met:
We meet by absolute chance through social media - the modern love story haha
We had followed each other for some time, but never spoke until one day I thought "what the hell" and replied to one of his stories. From there we instantly clicked and talked everyday for almost a week until he asked to meet for a coffee date. When we first met, I felt an instant sense of familiarity and belonging, a feeling that has never faded in the 5 years we have been together since.
Even on that very first date I knew there was something special between us - and the rest is history!
Our wedding journey:
Our journey to the wedding day was very much a rollercoaster. We were one of the many couples whose wedding date was postponed multiple times due to Covid. Unfortunately for us, each postponement happened within 1 week of our wedding date - so it was very emotional to get so close to then have it be pulled away from under your feet.
We were blessed to have had some very understanding vendors who made it so easy to rebook a new date each time. A few of our vendors dropped off due to already being booked ont he new date - but we truely believe we ended up with the perfect vendors for us and our day so we couldn't be happier!
Finding my dress:
As someone who had dreamt about my wedding day for what feels like my entire life - finding the perfect wedding dress was so important to me.
I looked at a few recommended stores in Auckland CBD, but I couldnt find anything that I loved and in all honesty I almost settled for a dress I didnt love because I was worried that I wouldnt find 'the one'. I then drove past an old sign for Bridal Brilliance and thought I would look at their website. They had SO many more options and the prices were far more reasonable than any of the other stores I had looked at. I even found a dress that I instantly connected with through their website. I booked my appointment and the ladies were absolutely lovely - SO friendly and welcoming. I showed them the dress I had seen online and they got it ready for me to try at the very end of my appointment. I tried on about 8 other dresses that they helped me pick out with this dress as the final one to try on - and instantly I knew when I tried it on - this dress was the one. The delicate details in the lace applicae, the white buttons trailing all the way down the back of the dress, the stunning train - everything was perfect. I wanted a dress that was comfortable and flattering but would also be elegant and timeless, and I definitely think this dress ticked all the boxes! I felt absolutely stunning in this dress and could not be happier x
Dress is Stella Yorks 6648 https://bridalbrilliance.co.nz/collections/stella-york/products/6648-stella-york
Venue: Bracu - Simunovich Olive Estate https://bracu.co.nz/weddings
This venue is absolutely stunning! We got married in their draped marquee called The Island, and had our reception in their beautiful Pavillion.
The olive green trees beautifully complemented our bridal party attire and they have a stunning lookout for sunset photos.
Photographer: Jesse & Jessie Photography https://jesseandjessieweddings.com/
After having to change our vendorb 2 times due to covid rescheduling - we are over the moon to have found Jesse. He was absolutely amazing! From helping us stick to our getting ready timeline, to ensuring he got all the finer details shots, to making us feel so comfortable and beautiful - I can not recommend Jesse highly enough! We received sneak peak photos within a few days and they have exceeded my already very high expectations. We cannot wait to get our full gallery in the coming weeks!
Videographer: Matt Randall Productions https://www.mattrandallproductions.com/
The best duo you could possibly have at your wedding - Matt and Chandra were amazing. This beautiful husband and wife team were so amazing on the day, we barely even noticed they were there which I think is a testament to the way they work. They are able to capture pure authentic moments which I think is beautiful and their wedding video they have done for us is something I will cherish forever.
Celebrant: Lee Weir https://www.facebook.com/LeeWeirWeddings/
What an incredible person! Lee was the only celebrant we could have wanted for our wedding - funny, relaxed, witty but still able to convey the love and emotion that comes with a wedding. Don't let his non-traditional appearance fool you - this guy is a big teddy bear and guests absolutely LOVED him!! He felt like someone we have known forever - even our guests thought he was a family friend because of how well he fitted into our wedding with our friends and family. A mate for life for sure!
Florist: Bek Novak Floral Design https://www.beknovakfloraldesign.com/
After my original florist pulled out of the wedding less than 3 months before the wedding - I came across Bek and she was an absolute God send.
Her communication was second to none, she knew exactly the look I was going for and was so great at being able to communicate concepts. Even with an issue with her supplier 2 days before the wedding (which was no fault of her own) - Bek worked miracles and was able to put together absolutely beautiful arrangements for our guest tables that I think worked out better than what I had originally planned. She even hand painted probably 40-50 anthurims so that they would be the colour I was after (as they didnt supply them to NZ). If thats not committment to a bride and her dream florals, I dont know what is!
Hair and Makeup:
For hair we used Anna Hills - an amazing hair dresser who was able to work wonders with my no-hold hair. I was so happy with the result and the curls lasted all night!! My husband kept telling me throughout the day how much he loved it 🙂
Makeup we used Chantelle from Taylored Beauty - It was like having one of the girls over - so relaxed, fun, friendly and she made us feel a million bucks! Make up lasted through tears, eating and dancing throughout the night. Was just as perfect!
