We love featuring the work of local photographer JESSICA SIM and this classic yet rustic Auckland wedding with warm tones of dusty lilac is the perfect way to start our Friday. Although you could also say that jetting off to Paris � which I'm about to do in an hour � is also the perfect way to start a Friday! If you want to follow along with all the prettiness of my trip be sure to follow along on INSTAGRAM.
Courtney & Robbie always knew they wanted their ceremony and reception in the one place, so that helped to narrow down the venue options and GRACEHILL VINEYARD ESTATE on the outskirts of Auckland fit the bill perfectly. �We've always liked more of a 'rustic' than 'chic' look and feel that the end result was a classic, country-themed day. The venue just suited what we were looking for and we couldn't have asked for anything more.�
Beautiful flowers by our favourite LEAF & HONEY were the perfect accompaniment to the bridesmaids mauve gowns from HERA BRIDAL � where the bride's gorgeous fitted gown also came from. Another of our wonderful DIRECTORY members Amelia from BOUTIQUE BRIDE did a beautiful job of the girls hair, resulting in a natural look that was fitting for this country wedding.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: Unbelievably well thought out and romantic! My birthday was coming up and Robbie asked me, a few weeks in advance, if I could keep Saturday 8th March free as he was planning something for my birthday. Of course I could, that was easy, didn't think anything more about it. The day before I got a message saying I should pack my wetsuit, but wear something nice for lunch afterwards and be at his place for 10am. When I got there, his car wasn't there and I started to get a bit curious... on his front door was an envelope and a letter saying he had planned a treasure hunt for my birthday and I was to quickly get in my car and get going. The first clue was 'where we had our first date.' I arrived at the Takapuna Beach Caf to find his best friend and wife having a coffee; they had my next clue. And so it went; to one of my houses I lived in growing up, the Sky Tower Observation deck, Takapuna Beach, the old Fire station, finally finishing at Lake Pupuke's French Caf . At each stop were some of my and Robbie's best friends to give me my next clue. When I arrived at the final spot I was to do a Sudoku before entering the caf ; this was to buy him and our friends some time to get there before I did! Honestly, the whole time I was driving around I had no idea. I wasn't expecting a proposal AT ALL, which I think made it all the more special when it did happen. When I walked in all I could see was Robbie, dressed in some pants and a smart shirt which is very unusual for him on a Saturday! It was only at this point that I had a feeling something was up. As I walked in, he dropped to one knee and hidden behind the partially closed doors were all of our friends, there to share in the moment. We celebrated with champagne and lunch with everyone afterwards. It was truly special and I'll never forget it; I still have the letter and all the clues in their envelopes!
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: Before I'd even gotten engaged I knew I would want to go to Hera Bridal in Auckland to try some dresses on. I had been with my friend a few years back as a bridesmaid and Katie and her team made everyone (incl. bridesmaids) feel special. They are incredibly talented... and lovely people. I ended up getting a dress that I thought I wouldn't like. I "didn't want lace, didn't want strapless, didn't want mermaid or a sweet-heart neckline." I ended up with all of the above! As soon as I put it on, after having tried on about 20 others, I knew it was 'it.' I would love to do it all over again just so that I could wear my dress a second time!
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: Unbelievably fantastic! Just beautiful and I wouldn't have changed a thing. The bouquets were also simply stunning. Naomi knew exactly what we were after and we just trusted her to do her thing. She's amazing.
FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: The flowers and the little things she did; Naomi had created a little bunch of flowers to go on top of the menus, she had placed extra milk bottles of flowers around the place and the colour of the girls' bouquets matched the dresses perfectly. When we got our photos back I was truly able to appreciate how great they were!
WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?Have a budget, but also allow for a 'buffer.' Someone said to me at the beginning of it all that I would need a $5k buffer. I didn't believe them, but actually; you do! Also, don't buy things too early. I made the mistake of buying table place names, thinking I would use them, but as time wore on I changed my mind. You'll find things fall into place when they're good and ready; don't rush it all at the beginning.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? As I got to the bottom of the aisle and Robbie met my Dad and I. I remember the look on his face and holding his hand as I walked up the stairs to stand with him; I get butterflies just thinking about it!
ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT HELP TELL THE STORY OF YOUR DAY: I'm South African and Robbie is Dutch so we wanted to incorporate a little of our heritage into the day. For favours we made Dutch Speculaas biscuits and had tulips on the tables. The table names were of well-known places in South Africa.
Photographer JESSICA SIM PHOTOGRAPHY / Videographer GREEN APPLE / Cake ROS WARD-MEIR / Florist LEAF & HONEY / Stationery HANNAH LUXTON and BELLA CALLIGRAPHY / Venue GRACEHILL VINEYARD ESTATE / Bride's dress HERA BRIDAL / Shoes TROUSSEAU BRIDAL SHOES / Jewellery WALKER & HALL / Hair BOUTIQUE BRIDE / Make up FRECKLES & BLUSH / Bridesmaids Dresses HERA BRIDAL / Grooms Attire BARKERS / CatererGRACEHILL VINEYARD ESTATE
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