JULIA & MATTHEW - MAGIC IN METHVEN

It was Christmas morning, 2019, under the tree with Pip, our beautiful labrador. Matthew threw me one last gift. A small box, perfectly wrapped. Thinking it's probably just earrings as that's a stint Matthew would pull! But in a beautiful Rimu box hid a solitaire ring. "Will you marry me?" Matthew asks with a big grin on his face and of course I said yes!

The Day

Matthew and I got married on Friday 22nd January 2021, at my parents place in Methven on their well manicured lawn. Surrounded by our close family and friends. My parents and extended family had spent months preparing their home and garden for our big day and we cannot thank them enough. I grew up in Methven so it was special to have all my Southland friends and family up for the occasion. My Dad had always said it would be a great place for a wedding and that it was!

Inspiration

We both wanted a very relaxed and fun vibe. Our reception was held under a Stretch Tent, which I would definitely recommend! Toni and her team from Silk Estate did an amazing job of setting up the inside of our tent with their wooden tables and crossback chairs, festoon lights and a dance floor. We had a vintage caravan called "The Thirsty Caravan" and they were great and suited our theme! 

Expectations and Reality

Lots of laughs! Otherwise, we didn't really have an expectations - we just wanted people to enjoy themselves! Looking back on the photos we received from our photographer (Sophie Isabella - also highly recommend!) it showed us just how fun and relaxed our wedding day was. Wish we could do it all over again!!

From One Bride To Another

Don't stress the small stuff, it doesn't matter! Enjoy every moment because it just goes so fast. If you can, after your reception make sure you and your husband take 10 minutes away from everyone and just talk about your day! Find a spot to sit and watch your guests mingle. Dance lots and take lots of photos! 

Best Moment

There are so many! We loved listening to all the speeches, a stand out was the performance done by two of my bridesmaids, Charlotte and Holly. Charlotte was on the guitar while Holly had unreal timing on the triangle! They had used the song 'Hallelujah' and put their own lyrics in. It was amazing! We talked about it for weeks after. They had everyone singing along to the chorus. 

Photographer: Sophie Isabella
Flowers: Alpine Florist Methven
Make-Up: Berry Beauty Co.
Hair: Boo Bear and Balayage
Wedding Dress: Made With Love from Bride and Winter
Bridesmaids: BLAK Bridesmaids
Reception: Stretch Tents
Infill: Silk Estate
Catering: The Social Platter Co
Band: Headrush 
Bar: The Thirsty Caravan
Wedding stationary: Pop Creative
Groomsmen: Swandri, RM Williams, Whistle and Pop, McKnight and Brown