Taylor: We’re high school sweethearts who met in Nelson when I was 15 and Mitch was 16.
After some time living in London, I’d only been back in New Zealand for two months when I went to the movies with a group of friends. Mitch was there and the next day he sent me a message saying, ‘What are you doing?’ The rest is history. Having been together from such a young age, we’ve taken so many monumental steps together: finishing school, going to university, living abroad, travelling – and planning a wedding! We both love new experiences, no matter how big or small.
Mitch’s proposal was truly magical. We were on holiday in Budapest when he gave me a bracelet for Valentine’s Day. He’d wanted to get it engraved, but hadn’t had time to do so before we went away, so he asked me to give it back when we got home. When I pestered him about what he intended to get engraved on it, all he would say was, “I’m still thinking”. Fast forward to May and we were on holiday with my family in Italy. One night we were having a few drinks before dinner when Mitch began giving a beautiful speech. He touched on things like how proud of me my recently passed grandfather would be, thanked my dad for everything he’s done for us, then said how special I am to him and that he’d got me a gift. He handed me my bracelet and engraved on the inside were the words: ‘Will you be Mrs Horner?’
The theme for our wedding day was Tuscan/Italian. We live in Christchurch so chose French Farm Winery in nearby Akaroa as our venue because although it’s ‘French’, it has a strong Italian flair. We love its natural beauty and complemented it by adding more foliage and flowers. I first saw my gown on Instagram and instantly fell in love with it. On a girls’ trip to Sydney with two of my bridesmaids, I tried it on and knew it was the one. As well as our three cakes made by Mitch’s sister – tiramisu, chocolate salted caramel, and passionfruit and mascarpone – one of the highlights of our day was simply being surrounded by our dearest family and friends. We had people travel from all over the world to be with us and we treasure every memory. Getting married meant everything to us. We wanted to celebrate our love for each other in the perfect way, and we did. Mitch and I are loving being married. In many aspects, life hasn’t changed a lot for us – we just sealed the deal. If there was the option to go back, I know we wouldn’t change a thing. To other couples we say, make the most of every moment you have together – and make sure you go to Italy!
Photography: Sophie Isabella Photo | Videography: Grey Area Productions | Bride’s gown: Berta Bridal | Groom’s suit & shoes, & groomsmen’s suits: Hallensteins | Bride’s shoes: Novo | Bride’s earrings: Heirloom | Venue: French Farm Winery | Planning: Emma Newman | Celebrant: Josh van Berkel | Flora: Bunch Floral | Hair: Boo Bear & Balayage | Makeup: Kasia Stanicich | Rings: Naveya & Sloane, Partridge Jewellers & Tiffany & Co | Bride’s fragrance: Chanel Chance Eau Tendre | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Blak | Save the dates & invitations: Bridesmaid – Bridgette Bell | Wedding day stationery: Paperweight | Gift registry: Mildred & Co | Catering: Catering Department | Hireage: Balencia Lane, Paris & Pine, Party Warehouse & The Little Hire Company | Cake: Groom’s sister – Stef Morgan | Entertainment: Puree
