Island escape
Hayley Davis and Matthew Thompson married at The Goldie Room, Waiheke Island, on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Summer fun characterised Hayley Davis and Matthew Thomson’s whimsical Waiheke vows.
Will you marry me? Matt and I met at a friend’s wedding in January 2011 and he proposed during a midwinter getaway 18 months later. After two mornings spent unsuccessfully convincing me to climb Mount Pauanui, he finally triumphed on the third morning. The moment we reached the top, he got down on one knee and proposed with a red, flower-shaped ring from a $2 shop.
Our wedding style The Goldie Room’s spellbinding sea views, rustic interior and expansive outdoor spaces made it perfect for our playful, pretty day. Hues of dusky pink and green were present in the decorations, and in Floral Stylist’s loose, soft arrangements of roses, dahlias, Queen Anne’s lace and wild flowers. Fun details such as wooden directional signs, a Hayley and Matt monogram, dreamcatchers and olive-branch hearts completed the picture.
My bridal look Sera Lilly designed my stunning sleeveless gown which featured lace details at the shoulders and a loosely gathered chiffon skirt. To showcase the V-shaped back, I wore an updo and opted for cream fabric flowers and tear-drop earrings from Prive Bridal instead of a veil. A pair of blush pink shoes, which I purchased overseas, finished my look.
Something special Instead of favours, we organised an array of interactive activities for our guests. A lemonade stand kept people refreshed ahead of the outdoor ceremony, while a Polaroid photobooth and lawn games entertained them during our portrait session. We left personalised notes of thanks beside the photobooth – each guest took their note and replaced it with a Polaroid of themselves, and we collated these photos to form a visual guestbook.
Fresh feast After canapés in the sun, our 95 guests moved inside for our three-course, sit-down meal: dishes such as rosemary and garlic lamb rack showcased the best of Waiheke’s produce. An outdoor dessert table, draped with fairy lights and laden with treats from the best bakers in town, enticed guests outside after dinner.
Music to my ears Matt and I love music and dancing, so these were important parts of our day. Solo artist Sam Allen sang while I walked down the aisle, and during the post-ceremony drinks and canapés. The band Leys and Keys took over after dinner: their upbeat style kept the outdoor dance floor full long into the night.
My advice for brides to be Use your invitations to set the tone of your day – Ruby and Willow’s brown craft paper and handdrawn design indicated the rustic, relaxed vibe we hoped to evoke.
The Details
Bride’s gown sera lilly Hair and makeup rubie dickinson Bridesmaid dresses christine stokes Catering the goldie room Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire executive suit hire Rings jewlz handmade jeweller Flowers floral stylist Stylist lovely like you Photography lene photography