Vintage vows
Briar Gayford and Adam Fraser married at Ridge House, Gisborne, on Friday, January 11, 2013
Provincial France comes to Gisborne for Briar Gayford and Adam Fraser’s sun- drenched nuptials.
Will you marry me? While spending the weekend with family in Hahei, Adam and I went for a morning beach run. We reached the end, which was completely deserted, and Adam made me climb onto a rock. I didn’t realise that was his way of setting the scene until he bent down on one knee and pulled out a ring. From there, it was all a blur – I said yes, then we ran home, shared the news and celebrated with a bottle of our favourite champagne.
Location, location, location I grew up in Gisborne and Adam regards it as a second home, so we couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else. Ridge House’s stunning views over the region made it perfect for our outdoor ceremony, and my parents prepped their farm months in advance so it was reception-ready – planting a grassy patch for a marquee and wild flowers which bloomed right on time.
You’re invited Living in France for a year ignited our love for all things French vintage. I made the invitations myself, basing them on vintage postcards we had collected during our time there. Instead of using table numbers, we placed postcards in macaron card-holders.
My dream dress While in France, I saw a silk chiffon Jenny Packham dress and fell in love with the lace that embellished the bodice and back – by happy coincidence, the exact dress was in stock at a boutique in Nice. I accessorised with my mum’s gold bracelet, and my grandmother’s rose gold ring was my ‘something old’.
Taste sensation Each table at our relaxed evening reception shared platters of breads, dips and local olive oil followed by a main of salmon or local beef. Instead of a single wedding cake, my sister and I made three separate ones – chocolate, carrot and fruit.
Music to my ears Adam loves his music, so after our vows I surprised him by playing one of his favourite songs, Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. Hawke’s Bay band Naked Gun performed during our reception. They played classic dance ballads, and even though many people had only just met, dancing united them as friends.
For our guests My sister and mum made jars of fruit jelly and chutney ahead of the big day, then we invited guests to help themselves before leaving – there wasn’t a single jar left at the end.
My advice for brides to be Utilising loved ones’ talents makes the day more personal. My mum arranged our flowers, my sister made her own bridesmaid dress, and my brother – a professional speaker and guru on lights and music – made a fantastic MC.
The Details
Bride’s gown jenny packham Hair Tracy henry, nova hair boutique Makeup Sara macintosh, Studio 38 Bride’s shoes briarwood Groom’s attire the kooples, nice Celebrant norman maclean Rings selfridges, london and dubai diamonds jewellers, dubai Band naked gun Photography susan maclaurin photography