We’re both 26 and were both born in South Korea. I came to New Zealand when I was three years old and Kevin came when he was 12. We met ten years ago when we were 17 and in high school, where we started off as friends.
We wanted an outdoor wedding, so didn’t have a Plan B for the rain. Our whole wedding (especially the ceremony) was prepared with our fingers crossed the weather would be good on the day. It was perfect up until dinner and speeches and then it started raining – but to our surprise this made the evening even more special!
There was no specific theme or style, other than trying to make sure the wedding was laidback and fun. We loved the huge tipi, white flowers with a lot of foliage, Turkish rugs, olive leaves, festoon lights, vintage sofas and retro stools and felt these all came together beautifully. We wanted heaps of candles and greenery on the table tops and liked the idea of delicate green foliage and olive branches rather than a lot of flowers.
We also wanted our guests to mingle and have fun, so we only allocated specific seats for immediate family. This was a genius plan because it meant no stress with the seating plan and guests could sit where they wanted to and meet new people.
My mum and I looked everywhere for a wedding dress, both on and offline, and immediately fell in love when we saw the Inca dress by Grace Loves Lace. It was both sexy and conservative with a plunging low back but also a high neckline. It was covered with beautiful, delicate French lace and the lower part was lined with a nude material, meaning my legs weren’t exposed and allowing for a more modest look. It was perfect – not over the top and also very comfortable. For the reception, I changed into flat sandals and an even more comfortable dress I bought on Etsy – it was originally a nightgown but I had it altered!
One of the most memorable moments from the day was walking down the aisle to Kevin and seeing his reactions – I could tell he was trying hard to keep his emotions in. He’s not usually an emotional guy, just laidback and happy, but when he was saying his vows he got pretty emotional and I think it made all our guests emotional too! Also, after it started raining and once dinner and the speeches were over, a lot of our parents’ guests left, so it was only our close friends and family and everyone decided to go dancing out in the rain.
Photography by: Paul Tatterson / Location: West Melton, Canterbury
See more of this wedding inside issue three available to purchase here: issue three
Brides Dress – Grace Loves Lace | Brides Shoes – Sol Sana | Grooms Attire – Witchery Man | Floral – Aromaunga Flowers Ltd
