We’re both passionate about travel and lucky enough to have jobs that have taken us around the world. We moved to London together in 2012 and have been living abroad since. David proposed in a small town called Conca Dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. He’d hidden the ring in my jewellery box, but as I was getting ready in a rush I didn’t even notice! So when I wasn’t looking he pulled it out and when I turned around he was on one knee, ring in hand. I couldn’t stop crying, it was so special. We spent the day exploring the town and drinking champagne. It was the best!
David is from the Hawke’s Bay and Te Awa is his favourite restaurant there – it’s such a beautiful hidden gem and the food and wine is phenomenal! He took me there a few years back and I fell in love, we knew then we wanted to get married there.
For the styling we wanted minimalist, rustic and green. The venue was just so stunning, we didn’t want to overpower it with a ton of decorations. We were lucky to have a lot of talented friends and family who helped us with our wedding, and it just made it all the more special. My cousin did everyones hair and makeup, my mother and I made all the decorations, my aunty did the bouquets and my good friend Robin made our cake. It was a stunning, two tier white chocolate mud cake. We also had a fruitcake made by my grandmother – David has always been obsessed with it.
I loved my dress. I had it custom-made in London by Charlotte Simpson – while I was living in Canada! I flew over to London for my first fitting and then she would post the mock-up to me to try. It was definitely a logistical challenge, but I’m obsessed with her minimalist designs. It’s 100 percent silk crepe and honestly one of the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn! When I got it to New Zealand we made a few last minute tweaks to the design with Meg’s Tailoring. They were amazing and put so much work into going the extra mile to getting my dress perfect for me!
Married life is the best thing ever! Everybody told me it would feel no different but I definitely noticed a change, we both just feel really content and happy. You have your best bud forever and you’re so relaxed post-wedding, it’s a very nice feeling!
Photography by: Jessica Sim / Location: Hawkes Bay
See more of this wedding inside issue three available to purchase here: issue three
Second Shooter, Natalie McNally | Venue, Te Awa | Brides Gown, Charlotte Simpson | Bridesmaids, Zara | Grooms Attire, Strellson | Groomsmen, Next
