On our five-year anniversary of ‘getting together’ - which happens to be Valentine’s Day - we always plan a night away and, usually, James surprises me. This year was no different; we pulled up to a beach just 30 minutes north of where we live, and over the cliff he had drawn ‘Marry Me?’ in the sand. Next moment, he is down on one knee with a ring! I was absolutely overjoyed, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with family and friends.
The Day.
10 March 2018 at Pihama Lavender Farm, located in the small rural town where I grew up and where my parents still live. The venue is an old converted dairy factory with lavender gardens and a stream running through the property. The cool thing is that my late Pop used to deliver milk to the factory on horse and cart back when he was a boy!
The Details.
It was a bit of this and a bit of that! You could say there was a boho/feminine/rustic ‘feel’ about the day. I am the biggest fan of everything pink, so I was incredibly excited about the colour of our gorgeous Blak bridesmaid dresses. The guys wore blue suits with open collars - a very relaxed and handsome look. The reception room (an old concrete factory) was dressed with long wooden tables, greenery, and hanging foliage wreaths.
Inspiration.
I absolutely love the bohemian, romantic, natural and ‘imperfect’ wedding styles around at the moment! I couldn’t help but be inspired on Instagram and Pinterest. Rue De Seine and Together Journal were great to follow, and they totally embodied my wedding flavour! I loved my wild cascading bouquets, bohemian-styled wedding gown, and hanging macrame in the old Pohutukawa tree where we were married.
Expectation and Reality.
I was expecting it to be an emotional and immense day - and it was! There were moments of absolute gratitude where I’d be looking up at the sun, and basking in all the love and joy. The best part about the day had to be the people! It was quite overwhelming to think all our guests were there to celebrate with us. I was also surprised at how amazing the weather was after battling rain and gale-force winds all week!!
From One Bride To Another.
Just enjoy the ride! There will be highs and lows, stressful, and testing times. The lead up, the appointments and the wedding chat are all part of the experience. Accept that not everything will be perfect or go 100% to plan. Don’t lose sight of the real reason for your wedding – to marry that special someone!
Best Bit.
Just after the ceremony, in the sun, on my own - but with my new husband and amazing bridal party in sight - and just thinking... Man could life get any better?! It was a moment of absolute euphoria and gratitude
