THE LOVE STORY
"In 2016, Stefan was travelling around New Zealand from Canada with a few friends. We met at a bar in Queenstown and stayed in touch even when he returned home.
I was due to sit my big post-graduate exams in the middle of 2017, so decided to treat myself with a celebratory trip to Canada once I passed - in the hope Stefan would accommodate me for three weeks. Thankfully, he said yes!
After a successful three weeks together, we decided to give long-distance a go. A year later, Stefan bravely gave up his life in Canada to be with me in New Zealand."
THE PROPOSAL
"It was a few days before my birthday in 2021 and Stefan had just come home from work. I was in my 'mom' clothes - baby puke and all - and he pulls out a Deadly Ponies box!
While myself and my 6-month-old excitedly attempted to open this beautiful gift, he gets down on one knee and pulls out a smaller but even more exciting box. It contained the most beautiful custom ring. Totally perfect. At home. No one else except me, him, and our tiny human."
THE WEDDING
"We were married at the stunning Rose and Smith in the Wairarapa in the middle of March.
Being a country girl at heart, Rose and Smith provided the perfect blend of countryside and wedding chic.
With Stefan being Serbian and myself Scottish, we wanted to ensure our day honoured our cultures in at least a small way. We served scotch whiskey and Serbian brandy decanted onto the tables for toasts, and made sure everyone got involved with traditional Serbian dancing that was led by Stefan's glorious sister.
As both of us have immigrated to New Zealand, we were blown away by how many of our loved ones joined us from overseas. In a post-covid world, it was the first time many of our family and friends had met, and boy was it a celebration!"
THE BRIDESMAIDS
"My five beautiful bridesmaids were my oldest friend; Harriet, and four dear friends from university, Char, Kate, Danielle, and Aimee. I am grateful to have so many strong and supportive women in my life, and these five beauties are some of the best people I know.
We were also very fortunate that Kate could officiate our wedding - providing a personalised and emotional ceremony."
THE DRESSES
"All my bridesmaids live in different cities and countries so were unable to try the dresses on before choosing. They all chose a variety of styles from the website and then myself and Harriet went to the Newmarket store to try on all the styles they had selected so they could get a sense of what they looked like on us.
I then chose a colour palette and the five of them chose their dress style in one of the three palette colours. All of them loved their dresses, and Char was even determined to find a way she could wear hers to work on a regular basis!"
BRIDESMAIDS WEAR: Golden Hour Dress in Cinnamon, Audrey Dress in Moss, Be Mine Dress in Cinnamon, Frida Dress in Moss and Lights Out Dress in Siesta, all in satin crepe
VENDORS
@billiebrook
@rose_and_smith
@dollhousedo
@chloeblackmua
@flowers_etc_petone
