Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

We were first introduced by a mutual friend while studying for our law exams at Otago University.  Our relationship gained momentum in the years that followed. Having completed our studies we entered work life before our love for travel and exploring took us to the UK and beyond…

On one of our last trips before returning to New Zealand (and some 11 years after we had first met), Simon proposed with his grandmother’s ring after he convinced Charlotte to climb a cliff to a small quaint whitewashed chapel set into the rock above Perissa beach, Santorini.  We are happiest with a glass of Central Otago Rose in the sun listening to Fleetwood Mac with some good friends and family.

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

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…

Getting married in the city we have chosen to make our home – Wellington – was possibly the best decision we ever made.  Weddings can be stressful and we were keen to make the process as streamlined and stress-free as possible.  We focused on what mattered to us, the people, the music and food.  The personal touches that made the day memorable then flowed from there.  Of course, the guests are a huge part of that atmosphere and there is no doubt the relaxed vibe was felt by all throughout the day culminating in everyone surrounding and on top of Shaun Preston’s piano at the end of the night.

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

Tell us about your main outfits:

Getting married in the city in April meant we could wear something a little more formal and not have to worry about the heat.

Charlotte had seen a dress on Instagram that seemed perfect for the occasion.  This meant a weekend in Melbourne with her mother.  Last minute, Charlotte made one other appointment – there was no need to complicate matters by looking anywhere else!  Despite thinking she would be coming home with the Instagram dress, Charlotte went to Suzanne Harward first.  She knew then that she had found the perfect dress.  Not only did it fit like a glove, it was the perfect combination of modern-classic.  It’s not often you find a wedding dress with pockets!

Simon wanted something dapper that would stand the test of time.  Of course, you can’t go wrong with the combination of a box-fresh white shirt, perfectly tied bowtie and a custom fitted suit.  Instead of the usual black, Simon went with a midnight blue suit with black lapels.

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

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

Between the ceremony and reception, our amazing photographer, Lucy Li, took us up to the Skyline above Wellington city.  Despite fighting the strongest winds we’ve ever experienced (even for Wellington!), having a moment together as a newly-wed couple with the sun setting behind us was incredibly special.

To top the night off, our good friend Matiu Walters serenaded us to an acoustic version of the Carpenters song “Close to you”.  In true Matiu-style, his performance was flawless and the love in the room was electric!

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

Respect and be kind to each other – there’s already enough challenges in life!

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li PhotographyCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Charlotte & Simon by Lucy Li Photography

Photographer: Lucy Li Photography, Celebrant: Father James, Entertainment: Sean Preston, Flora: Flower Shop Florist, Hire/Food/Beverages/Catering/Cake: Ruth Pretty Catering, Charlotte Wears: Suzanne Harward, with shoes by La Tribe, and earrings by Samantha Wills, Simon wears: Working Style, with shoes by Hugo Boss, Ring/s:  Partridge Jewellers, Makeup: Kate Keogh at Beauty Book, Hair: Hair By Jordy, Fragrance:  Le Labo – Santal 33, Bridesmaids wearing The Stockroom, Groomsmen in Barkers, Ceremony location: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Wellington, Reception location: Prefab Hall, Wellington