Laura & Andrew – Photography by Melissa Mills

Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills

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

Andy and I were introduced through mutual friends in Melbourne. Bizarrely enough we’re both originally from Dunedin and given it’s small town vibe it’s surprising that our paths hadn’t crossed earlier in life.

Our long friendship became more ‘serious’ when Andy purchased me a ticket for Coachella and what followed was an epic journey further overseas. I remember the trip being such a huge dive head first into the unknown but thankfully everything was perfect and we’ve been together ever since. We count ourselves truly lucky to not only have friends within the same circles but also family from the same town. Today we are based in Auckland with future plans to settle in Wanaka. Andy works for the company he was with in Melbourne and I’m studying Interior Design. Together we enjoy working hard and getting ahead with like-minded goals in life.

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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 really wanted our special day to be intimate and romantic. We felt a huge pull to do something interesting and unique and it was important to me especially that every element was absolutely perfect. After much research and consideration it was clear an elopement style event would be the best option for us. We selected a location within easy reach of Auckland that we had only ever heard amazing things about, Hawkes Bay. It took just one visit and we were hooked on the scenery, weather, food and the wine weekends away and anniversaries there were always going to be good! Our elopement was styled by our dear friend Aleisha of Lucy Chase. Aleisha along with all our incredible local vendors made our elopement the day we had always dreamt of for us and our small gathering of just 6 guests.

The following weekend we celebrated with a big party for all our nearest and dearest in Dunedin. I would love to live that weekend over and over again. Bringing everyone you love into one room at one time is the strangest most wonderful feeling. We really enjoyed stretching our wedding out across two very important events one for us and one for our family and friends. Looking back we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills-----Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills

Tell us about your main outfits:

For my dress I initially looked long and hard for a second hand couture gown. Given the size of New Zealand this task was much harder than anticipated! However trying on just one brides dress led me to my dressmaker, Elizabeth May. I had never experienced having a dress made just for me and I’m glad that feeling had been unintentionally saved for my wedding day. I wanted my dress to be classic with a twist, removing the back and adding some sparkle to the lace achieved exactly that.

For Andy’s suit he really wanted to invest in something black, white and timeless. When Working Style dressed him in his tuxedo it was an instant success he looked so handsome and that tux was coming home with us no matter what!

Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills

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

It was the local vendors we worked with that really made the day. We met and made friends with the most amazing people planning and executing our elopement we honestly can’t imagine doing it without them. Also taking the plunge into married life in front of our parents! It’s such a serious, scary and real moment when you stand there together and make your relationship official. Having your parents to give you away and sign for you makes them so proud and makes you feel so lucky to have them there to support you.

Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills

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

That’s an easy one! Be there for each other. In our first year of marriage we have faced some unfortunate heartbreak totally outside of our control. For the ups and the downs our undeniable support for each other is the backbone of our relationship and gives us so much strength for the future whatever it may bring.

Categories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa MillsCategories: Weddings-Laura & Andrew - Photography by Melissa Mills

Photographer: Melissa Mills | Bridal Gown: Elizabeth May with Alexandra Dodds earrings and wearing Perfume, by Van Cleef and Arpels | Groom: Working Style | Ring/s: Naveya & Sloane | |  Makeup: Josie Brenstrum | Hair: White Fox |  Bridesmaid: Viktoria & Woods | Groomsmen:Working Style | Celebrant: Nichola Nicholson |  Entertainment: Jonny Avery  | Styling: Lucy Chase |  Flora: Lushka | Food/beverages/catering: Kate Lester | Cake: Buttercream & Blooms | Transport: Jaguar E Type | Wedding Processional: Angus & Julia Stone – Bella | Signing of the Register: Cat Power – Sea of Love | Recessional: Marvin Gaye – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough