Something i learned
“Take the time to set up a wedding website. I used The Knot and it helped enormously with guest lists, information, RSVPs – and it was free! It saved lots of headaches closer to the time. ”
I Sean proposed on Chinese New Year during our family dinner, after three years of dating. I was particularly touched because I know how shy he is, so it would’ve taken a lot of courage to do it in public. Our ceremony and reception were held at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke’s Bay. Sean and I love golf, so we thought choosing a golf resort would be a great way to reflect us. Plus, I loved the vibe and the rich, vintage décor of the venue – it was the perfect fit.
The venue directed our styling and colour palette, which was flawlessly brought to life by our wedding planner and stylist Danielle from Oh! Such Style. We leaned towards white and blush with accents of pale blue, beige and dark green to give the look more depth. The pale pink tied in beautifully with the bridesmaids’ blush off-the-shoulder dresses, and we incorporated the creams and blues throughout the venue into our candles and stationery suite.
Magdalen Hill created the breathtaking floral installations across
dinner followed by a next-level semi-naked chocolate and banana cake and dessert wall created by Cookie Delicious (owned by my sister).
Adam Dixon in Sydney created my beautiful gown. He was a dream. The dress was a silk drop satin in bone white with pearls that were embroidered by Adam across the back. I’d collected the pearls over the years from my 21st birthday, friends and antique shops.
Before the ceremony I took my sisters to Bull Hill, where one of Dad’s sculptures stands. There, I gifted them pounamu pendants each containing Dad’s ashes. I’d been dreading not having Dad there on the wedding day but having this moment with the girls really eased the burden. Along with paying tribute to Dad throughout the day (which included a post- ceremony photoshoot at his best friends house in the church they built for him), the speeches were also such a highlight, they evoked laughter and tears, followed by dancing and partying until four in the morning!