Ride to romance
Anna Fraser and Ben Ryder married at st Patrick’s Church, arrowtown, on saturday, March 9, 2013
Our love story Ben and I met at a bar in Ponsonby. He’s an engineer and I’m an architect – we spent that first evening arguing about who was the problem in the building industry, and still haven’t resolved the feud, five years on! Ben proposed in the historic Colombian city of Cartagena at the end of a year-long South American cycling trip, and on the way home we stopped in the States to choose a ring from Tiffany & Co. scene setters We never settled on a particular theme, instead letting our wedding style develop on its own. Peregrine Winery made a suitably rustic reception venue. Its onsite woolshed’s bare stone walls and corrugated iron ceiling set the scene for a relaxed affair, while a giant chandelier exuded an air of glamour. We played up the romance with fairy lights and lanterns. Floral fantasia The Flower Room in Queenstown created our floral arrangements. White roses made up my bouquet and brightly coloured, textural blooms such as chrysanthemum, roses and foxglove were used for the bridesmaids’ posies and our centrepieces. My dream dress My wrap gown from A La Robe featured long lengths of silk organza, so could be worn many different ways – I covered my arms for the ceremony, went asymmetrical for portraits and opted for a strapless reception look. A loose updo meant I could showcase my silk and pearl drop earrings, also from A La Robe, which complemented a pearl bracelet Ben had gifted me that morning. I finished my look with a pair of pale pink heels from Mi Piaci. Taste sensation After canapés, Artisan Catering served a spread of local cuisine including venison and braised lamb. We spent the whole night looking forward to desserts of deconstructed toffee apple and granny smith gelato – the perfect accompaniments to Truly Scrumptious’ three-tiered chocolate and fruit cake. shall we dance? Ben and I are both lousy dancers, so took lessons ahead of the big day to ensure we would be confident and capable enough to last a whole song. Our one-man band Neil Chilton learned ‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers especially for the dance, and we even managed a lift at the end to really get the party started. My advice for brides to be Coming up with unique ways to express your individuality will make the day all the more memorable. As enthusiastic cyclists, Ben and I surprised our guests by arriving at our reception on vintage bikes.