Waiheke Wedding By Alice Doig

By Magnolia Rouge

Levon is a big fan of the vintage, shabby chic look � �it's so romantic, fabulous and fun all at the same time, a perfect combination for our wedding. We chose Waiheke Island as we loved the idea of family and friends coming together for more than just a day and because it's such an amazing place. We also wanted somewhere where we would return to and spend many more unforgettable moments together in the future.

Her wedding to Nikolai too place at the boatshed in front of the Heartsong Retreat and was followed up with a reception at Plumbago Hill � a new venue Both venues offered them a slice of not only New Zealand but also Germany where the groom is from and where the couple met. Local photographer Alice Doig captured the day.

Tell us about your proposal: One of our favourite spots in New Zealand is at the top of Lake Hawea. We love to set up camp there and enjoy its serene beauty. Behind the campsite there is a track that takes one straight up to the top of the hill/mountain. Quite a hike... but worth every step once one makes it to the top and can enjoy the breath-taking view over Lake Hawea and the surrounding ranges, absolutely stunning. After we climbed it the first time we vowed we would return, and five years later we did, and once again climbed to our magic spot. But this time Nikolai was carrying a treasure with him that would make it unforgettable! As we sat there admiring the view, Nikolai asked me to get something out of his backpack that lay a few meters behind us. I walked over and when I looked inside...there lay a small red box...open and empty! I was like...what... and spun around to find him on bended knee holding a gorgeous ruby flower ring with the stunning scenery as his backdrop...with a huge smile on my face I ran over to him and the rest is history!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: Ever since I was a little girl I had wanted my aunty to make my dress. Ruth used to design and make wedding dresses and other beautiful pieces that I had always admired. So I sat down and wrote her an email asking if she would do me the honour and she said yes! I started collecting different elements of dresses and details I liked and would send them to her and she would draw designs and send them back. Once we had the design roughly sorted it was time for sourcing the right materials... lucky I live in Shanghai! After numerous trips to the fabric market I had my samples sorted, so by the time my aunty came to Shanghai we were purchasing the final gorgeous pieces of fabric that would be transformed into my wedding dress. It was a fabulous and very special journey together. My dress was made of duchess satin, organza, organdie, lace, silk and pearls. But most of all with creativity, passion and love!

Most memorable moment? Everything!!! But here are two that stand out... as I was coming down the stairs to the boathouse tightly grasping my Papa's arm and squeezing my Mum's hand... seeing all our friends and family there together... feeling very emotional... but then looking out to the end of the pier and seeing Nikolai standing there smiling at me. It was our most treasured moment, our journey... two people... one love.

And dancing our first dance. We had this great dance teacher in Shanghai who choreographed a very beautiful dance for us to the song charms from the soundtrack of W.E. When we listen to it now it takes us right back to that moment....so romantic...goose bumps!!!

We chose the ancient ritual of Handfasting. The tying of ribbons over joined hands to signify the joining of families, cultures, souls and our love before our witnesses (wedding guests). Five of our closest family members came forward and placed a ribbon each over our joined hands whilst wishing us a good fortune for our future together. The celebrant placed the final ribbon and then spoke these words while tying the ribbons into a knot around our hands. As these ribbons are encircling your wrists, so let your marriage be: as soft, yet binding; as special, as poignant and as beautiful. The ribbons were then removed and placed in a precious box.