Bex & Keith by Sophie Isabella

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship … Bex is an engineer by trade and works as a gearbox project manager engineer, Keith is a co-founder at Cloud Conformity an international security software company.

So in summary Bex would be the one to change a tyre or fix the broken fence…

Keith originally from Zimbabwe and moved to New Zealand when he was 18 with his family. He then attended Dunedin university where Bex and him met via mutual friends during oweek when bex would visit from Auckland where she grew up and went to University.

We did not connect again up until several years ago when Keith was visiting from Sydney (where he was living at the time) and haven’t looked back since.

Both are very competitive, sport loving couple and have both competed for their country and province in several sports (Sailing/Tennis/ Hockey/ Equestrian).

The animals are very important to both and especially Bex hence the involvement in the wedding of their two dogs (Baxter and Bear) and the horse JB.

Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

Bex’s family were the second family to build down at Lake Tarawera so it is a very special place to them. Keith also growing up near lake Kariba in Zimbabwe also made this the perfect location however logistics of licensees and consents for having 150 guests wasn’t easy especially in a semi-remote area. Over 24 houses were hired for friends and family to stay at within a 1km walking distance and create a weekend wedding with next day sporting activities competition.

Bex and Keith love the natural beauty of the place but also love a good party and have particular taste so the raw beauty of the lake was maximised by having the epic twelve tables clear marquee and then adding the extra luxurious touches from the stunning grace and flora florals, the velvet twelve tables couches and free flowing Moet and batched espresso martinis and donuts by no biggie to top it off.

Animals are a huge part of our life so both our dogs (plus family & friends’ dogs) were included in the ceremony walking down the aisle with the bridesmaids, then Bexs 5yr old horse she is currently training for competition was brought in by her.

-Due to the African tradition of the Lobolo (Payment of the bride) the auction of “how many sheep she was worth for payment” was done between both the father of the groom and father of the bride and of course the groom. Bex managed to get 4 sheep and a promised farm (which she has always dreamed of having) HOWEVER she is yet to get this…

Tell us about your main outfits:

Having lived together in Sydney for a year or so together I (Bex) knew my way around the shops and dressed the whole bridal Party from the dresses to the jackets to the belts to the shoes. I am very fussy with colours and having things match and not look out of place and know what I want! I had a scheme of black/cream linen and burgundy and that was that! The grooms jacket was the hardest thing to purchase! We looked for months and then finally found the perfect cashmere jacket in working style which then we projected the flipped look from the groomsmen to the groom to give a different yet still matching look.

After shopping for my own dress whilst on a trip to Sydney I in fact fell in love with the New Zealand Rue De Seine dress which was so incredibly different yet versatile for the evening change taking the top layer off to dance and also needed to have in mind the riding of the horse ability whilst in it! I also have a bit of a love for Gucci and having a thick heel was very practical for the grass! The girls also gave me a Gucci pin which was worn in my hair during the day and on my fur coat in the evening. Finally, Zoe and Morgan was a huge part with not only the earrings which the Mother of the bride and Mother of the groom and of course the bride but obviously the beautiful wedding bands designed around my engagement ring. This symbolises Rangitoto which I grew up looking out at every morning. It also is not your classic ring but quite art deco and straight lines which I love being an engineer.

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

Definitely all the animals – Dogs, Horses, Sheep! Very me!

The dead flat calm lake and the beautiful flowers to frame everything and add that extra touch

Having a live sax player (Crocker) made the day as well!

Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?

Be with someone that makes you laugh daily and loves doing the same things you do!

Venue: Lake Tarawera (Family Property)  | Videographer: Auckland Wedding Films | Photographer: Sophie Isabella Photo | Celebrant: Friend  | Ceremony Entertainment:  Lee Gray at Ceremony, Hamish Crocker on the Sax after the ceremony | Reception Entertainment:  Band in the early evening, DJ in the late evening | Styling & Planner: Bex (The Bride) | Marquee & Hire: Twelve Tables | Flora: Grace And Flora | Catering & Donuts: No Biggie | Cake: Real Rad Food | Espresso Martini: Batched | Bridal Accommodation:  Spencer Lodge | Wine glass holder & Flower boxes: Bex & her Dad | Drinks Caravan/Service: Lola Caravan | Bride’s Dress: Rue De Seine | Groom’s Jacket: Working Style | Groom’s Pants: Country Road | Groom & Groomsmen Bow Tie: French Connection | Wedding bands: Zoe and Morgan | Engagement Ring: Culet Australia | Bride’s Shoes: Gucci | Groom & Groomsmen Shoes: Double Oak Mills | Bride’s Hair pin: Gucci | Bride’s Earrings: Zoe and Morgan | Bride’s Necklace: Tiffany & Co | Makeup & Hair: Ashlee Kellett | Bride’s Fragrance:  Si By Giorgio Armani | Bridesmaid Dresses: Mossman | Bridesmaid Shoes: Senso | Bridesmaid Earrings: Ruby | Groomsmen Blazer:  Double Oak Mills | Groomsmen Pants: Barkers