THE LOVE STORY
"We met at Katikati College, in 2009 at the age of 14. We're true high school sweethearts."
THE PROPOSAL
"The proposal was everything I had dreamt of since I was young.
River and I fell in love with a little spot just outside the gorgeous Coromandel town. We took off at the end of January 2022 to our favourite place where we would go fishing and soak up the sun. I had a sneaking suspicion something was going to happen when River asked if we should buy a bottle of champagne in case we catch a good fish (which we had never done before!).
We set off early in the morning on the 22nd of January. We spent the morning laughing, fishing and enjoying each other's company. We pulled up to a secluded bay where there was not another boat or person in sight. We set up a picnic and I thought for sure he was going to propose then and there, but he didn't. Lunch passed and I decided to sunbathe while River went to find a place to surf cast off the beach (nothing out of the ordinary).
He then exclaimed from down the beach "Oh my god Kate come here you've got to see this!"
I ran down the beach not knowing what was going on, then he then knelt down and said those four words that everyone dreams of. We cried, we laughed and I had to ask him to pinch me to make sure it was real life. A perfect proposal that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
THE WEDDING
"Our wedding was on the 29th of April 2023. We planned the wedding ourselves and it was absolutely perfect. We were married at the beautiful Omahanui, just north of Tauranga.
It was a special and sentimental venue as it had originally been owned by River's grandparents and his dad had grown up on the property. The day was a little grey and rainy, but we wouldn't have changed it for the world.
I'm usually a very cool, calm and collected person but I have never been more nervous in my entire life. I couldn't shake the nerves until I was walking down the aisle, arm in arm with my dad, and saw River standing there. All nerves vanished and all I felt was pure love. The day proceeded to be very relaxed and the best celebration with our loved ones."
THE BRIDESMAIDS
"My bridesmaids consisted of my best friends Jodi, Charlie and Bee. Jodi, Charlie and I have been friends for 16+ years so it was only right that I had them standing by my side on my big day.
Bee and I met at university and instantly hit it off and have been so close ever since. All three girls mean the world to me and it was so special to have them there with me. They kept me composed, kept the vibes high and made me laugh and smile throughout the day."
THE DRESSES
"They absolutely loved their dresses. We came in to the store in the Mount to try on all the different styles. I let them pick the style they felt most comfortable in, as although this was my big day, I wanted them to feel just as beautiful and happy as I did."
BRIDESMAIDS WEAR:
Verona Dress, Dawn Dress, Haven Dress in twill Moss
