During this time I think we both realised that it’s not every day you come by someone who you feel so comfortable and yourself with, and we eventually found our way back to each other.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We’re Jaz & Ricky. Jaz is an Account Director for an Auckland-based E-commerce/digital agency, and Ricky is an Engineering Geologist. We’re both Kiwis, living in Sydney at the moment, enjoying our early 30s before we move back to Auckland to start a family. We love spending time with our mates, we’re so lucky to have such a big network of incredible friends all around the world. We’ve both recently taken up golf and are right into it, getting pretty competitive with each other on the golf course most weekends.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met in 2009 in Christchurch (Ricky’s hometown) at a Water Polo tournament. Jaz was coaching a young team, and Ricky was always mooching about the pool. A fun night out with friends at Boogie Nights sealed the deal. The Christchurch earthquakes happened shortly afterwards, so Ricky relocated to Auckland for Uni and was conveniently located at the student housing near Jaz’s parents’ place. Initially, Jaz wasn’t too keen on this, but Ricky’s persistence won her over in the end.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
We ended up spending a couple of years apart while we were both living and playing professional water polo in Spain and France. During this time I think we both realised that it’s not every day you come by someone who you feel so comfortable and yourself with, and we eventually found our way back to each other. Initially, we weren’t too fussed about marriage, but after almost 14 years together and seeing so many of our friends get married, Ricky decided he wanted to propose!
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
We had gone up to Forestry for a dusk surf one weekend with two of our best mates who we lived with. Jaz was not keen to go and wanted to stay home and watch a movie instead, but thankfully, Ricky did some excellent convincing. While we were in the water a pod of DOLPHINS!! came to surf with us under the pink candy floss skies. Jaz was absolutely buzzing! Ricky got out early, which Jaz thought was weird, usually he’s the last one out. He waited at the top of the dune, as Jaz sat down for a beer in her wetsuit Ricky asked if she’d marry him. It was all very casual, chill and quiet, there no one around, which was perfect for us. We then went home and had drinks with a bunch of best mates! It was the best!
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Photography/Videography. We’re lucky to have attended a heap of weddings over the years, and this is definitely something you notice. I love watching our friend’s wedding videos, and I’m so glad we got one to watch back. It definitely captures the vibe/feeling of everything so well. And photos speak for themselves, something to cherish forever.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
We are so lucky, everything was actually perfect on our wedding day. All of our vendors were incredible, and so accommodating to our loose schedule of events. Jaz was rushing a little bit to get ready as she was busy setting up the venue in the morning, so was last in the hair and makeup chairs, but it all worked out fine in the end. Something we still laugh about is that at some point in the night, on the dance floor, all the men at the wedding ended up with shirts off, waving them in the air, and we had a massive shirtless conga line going for a little bit. It was a real sight!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Initially Jaz was looking for a relatively inexpensive wedding dress, but made the mistake (or made the best move) to book an appointment at Rachel Gilbert to try on their gowns. As soon as I tried on the Viola gown, I was so excited by how dramatic the sleeves/top of it was. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so decided to just bite the bullet and buy it. Ricky’s suit is from MJ Bale, we weren’t sure on what colour to go for but the cream linen just looked so good we couldn’t go past it. The staff at MJ Bale in Sydney CBD were also awesome/so friendly and knowledgeable, which made the process much more enjoyable.
LOCATION Orua Sea Grotto, Hahei, NZ, @orua_beachhouse PHOTOGRAPHER Ellie Kia, @elliekia.weddings FLORA Styled by the Bride; Suppliers: Petal Farmer, @petalfarmer; Kauri Flowers, @kauri_flowers HIRE Urns – The Pretty Prop Shop, @theprettypropshop; Covers, @coversdecorationhire; Peninsula Party Hire, @peninsulapartyhire MARQUEE Peninsula Party Hire, @peninsulapartyhire CELEBRANT The Guru Knows, @guruthecelebrant ENTERTAINMENT DJ Shaun Corlett
CATERING Sugarfish, @_sugarfish_; Coromandel Caravan Bar, @coromandelcaravanbar CAKE Made by the Bride’s Sister RINGS Harley Carnegie, @harleycarnegie CEREMONY OUTFIT Viola Gown – Rachel Gilbert, @rachelgilbertau RECEPTION OUTFIT Shona Joy, @shonajoy BRIDE’S SHOE Jo Mercer, @jomercershoes ACCESSORIES Earrings – Kristin Ash; Veil – Borrowed from my bridesmaid, Kate MAKEUP By Laura, @__bylaura HAIR Katie Hookd, @katie.hookd SUIT MJ Bale, @mjbale GROOM’S SHOE Aquila, @aquila_est1958 BRIDESMAIDS DRESS Shona Joy, @shonajoy GROOMSMEN SUIT MJ Bale, @mjbale
