By the beach
Kristen Peoples and David McCarthy married at Kristen’s family beach house in Waipu Cove on Saturday, January 11, 2014
Will you marry me? Dave and I met in 2004, and got together three years later. He proposed at home on Christmas morning 2012, presenting the ring as a ‘special last present’ and using cardboard to disguise the box’s shape. When I got through the wrapping paper I looked up to see he was down on one knee. Location, location, location Having created many happy memories at my family’s beach home in Waipu Cove, it seemed like the natural place to hold our wedding. We said ‘I do’ on the deck against a backdrop of twinkling blue sea, and moved into the marquee-covered courtyard for our reception. Floral fantasia Claire from One Lovely Day styled our celebration. As well as draping rosemary, olive branches and ivy from the marquee ceiling, she arranged blousy clusters of white hydrangea into bouquets and buttonholes for the bridal party. My dream dress My John Zimmermann gown featured a satin lining and a beaded lace overlay. I accessorised with nude Miu Miu heels – with a silver glitter sole they were a classic yet celebratory addition to my look. Instead of a veil, I complemented my low bun with a diamanté comb from Primrose & Finch. Music to my ears We asked each of our guests to submit their favourite songs, then sorted them into separate dinner and dance playlists. It meant everyone got to enjoy at least a few tracks! Maid my day With a guest list of only 40 people, David and I agreed it seemed silly to have more than one attendant each. My sister Hannah acted as sole bridesmaid, and wore a custom-made, gold sequinned gown by Misty Lang. Takes the cake A close friend, Mary-Tabitha, created our cake. It featured one chocolate layer and one lemon passionfruit layer and in keeping with our theme she decorated it with white fondant, a giant sugar hydrangea and white satin ribbon. For our guests Little vases with name tags at each place setting acted as favours – the men’s held a rosemary sprig, while the ladies’ contained white flowers. We had a stamp made that said ‘Mr & Mrs McCarthy’ and our wedding date for the other side of the tags too. My advice for brides to be If you’re holding your celebration at a private property it pays to assign small jobs to trusted guests – it means you can enjoy the day knowing all the logistics are in hand.