Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
We are just two soulmates that finally found each other. When we met, we feel in love almost instantly. We just clicked and worked so easily. We share a love and passion for the outdoors, particularly the West Auckland beaches. We had our first date at Bethell’s Beach which is our favourite of all, and always planned for that place to be a part of our wedding.
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…
We wanted a very low key and simple but elegant wedding. We had a vintage theme, and everything fell into place so easily. Stefan and I met the night before at sunset for our first moment together. From then on, the nerves dropped, and we were able to relax and enjoy the day following. We had a lot of fun during the day as a bridal party – starting with being back at the beach at lunch time and then drove around in convoy in limos
(and a Kombi which was a surprise!) – with our best friends & champagne.
Our flowers were a surprise, so we didn’t even know what we were getting. Our friend is a florist at Cartier for Flowers and made beautiful bouquets and a huge garland, which is still dried our hung in our backyard still to
this day. We couldn’t have imagined anything so beautiful. The bridal bouquet was placed on the grave of a dear friend who passed prematurely, Kelly.
We based everything on our love and appreciation for our local area of West Auckland; our table names were names of all our favourite West Auckland beaches and we wanted to physically be in the beach, the Waitakere’s and at the vineyards on the day.
Tell us about your main outfits…
Stefan wore a velvet tuxedo from Hallenstein Brothers, and the groomsmen’s suits were from there also. Charlotte wore a lace dress from White Runway. The bridesmaids wore a plum dress from Forever New with nude shoes.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
The entire day was a real rollercoaster of emotions. We had travelled between Bethell’s Beach to into the Waitakere ranges and ending in Kumeu. We were bursting with excitement, joy and happiness the whole day. The bridal party and family were an amazing bunch of people who kept us in a huge bubble of support and did everything they could for us. It was truly incredible, and we are so grateful to them.
Charlotte’s wedding ring was lost on the way to the ceremony and now makes a great story – Stefan placed his head in his hands with worry and there it was, viola – the ring found. And so special that the groom was the one to find it.We stayed out in the Waitakere’s at a boutique hotel (Waitakere Estate) the night and day after, and it was beautiful waking up with stunning peacefulness of our rural surroundings and the view of the Waitakere Ranges.
For us one of the most memorable moments was immediately after the ceremony – neither of us could keep the tears away and we both cried our eyes out to each other and to our guests. We will always remember laughing to tears throughout the entire day.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Don’t be afraid to follow your heart and take what life brings you! Focus on the big picture. Love the whole person, and you will bring joy and happiness to them in doing so. Don’t forget to share all of yourself with your partner: your wins; your loses; when you accidentally spend too much money; when you have forgotten to do the chores; and that you love them.
Photography: Fiona Anderson | Charlotte’s Dress: White Runway |Venue: Grace Hill |Flowers: Cartier for Flowers | Bridesmaids: Forever New | Cake: Scrumptious Cakes | Celebrant: Diane Hale | Catering + Beverage: Grace Hill | Stationery: Sarah Jane Letters | Table Signs: Harlow Studios | Accomodation: Waitakere Estate Hotel | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Hallenstein Brothers | Brides Ring: Micheal Hill | Grooms Ring: Stewart Dawson Jewellers | MUA: Shanita Ellmers
