After being blown off the first time around Josh waited 3 weeks before asking me out for dinner a second time. I figured I’d obviously been in his thoughts for a while so I accepted. I’m so glad he persisted because we have never been apart since that first date!
Josh and I both work for ourselves, I’m in hair and makeup artistry, specialising in weddings, and Josh has a signage and installation company. Our jobs keep us extremely busy but sadly with quite opposing schedules. I work away a lot of weekends so now Josh will often come with me so that we can really make the most of our time together. We both love to travel and have so many amazing memories from our time overseas together. Two years ago we planned a one month trip to America to tick off a few places on the bucketlist, New York was one of them and it was where Josh proposed. It was a bitterly cold day but with crystal clear blue skies so we set off excited on our first morning in Manhattan. We found a cute little cafe just off Central Park to have breakfast at and afterwards we took a stroll through the park, jumping in icy puddles and marveling at where we were together. Before I knew it Josh was kneeling down in front of me and he pulled out a ring. I don’t remember what was said but the feeling was out of this world, so much happiness in knowing we would spend the rest of our lives together. I always knew that the location of my wedding would be outdoors in a beautiful garden. I have always felt that it’s the perfect canvas to then put your own style and touches to. Ataahua Garden is so beautiful with it’s lush trees and many different locations to choose from for your actual ceremony. When Josh saw it he fell in love with it straight away. The ivy covered courtyard is what sold me, it’s such a stunning back drop to any photo! I wanted the florals to be a real focal point and I have always had an obsession with orchids so they were everywhere. I also wanted larger florals rather than delicate, and a colour palette that really popped against the green setting, Shaye from On My Hand totally understood and created the perfect setting. My favourite detail had to be the custom made neon sign that Josh made for me which was our centre piece for the marquee with a beautiful floral installation surrounding it. We now have it in our house and it’s a constant reminder of our wedding day.
Photography – Anna Kidman | Venue – Ataahua Garden Venue, Pyes Pa | Bride’s Dress – Custom Soontariya Utto | Custom Suits – Tailor Made Suits | Bridesmaid Dress – Maurie and Eve | Bride’s Shoes – Chaos and Harmony | Bride’s Earrings – Bauble Bar | Groom’s Shoes – Cuoio | Flora & Styling – On My Hand | Hair & Makeup – The Bride Herself | Stationery – Michaela McBride | Rings – Naveya and Sloane | Cake – The Caker | Catering – Devour Catering | Table Linen – TBLE | Celebrant – Michael Gouldie
