We also wanted it to be a classy, formal and timeless style with nothing we would ever look back on and regret.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Both John and I have our own successful businesses based in Tauranga. John is a woodworker, and I am a Graphic designer. In our spare time, we love spending lots of time outdoors, whether it be diving, fishing, hiking or hunting. We also love delicious food and quality time with our friends and family. So having a big wedding was always going to be important to us both.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Our story is the classic one; John was my older brother’s friend; we went to the same school growing up and kindled a relationship a few years after leaving through a few cheeky online messages, which quickly turned into a game of tennis/ our first date (in which I had no idea how to play.. apparently everyone owns a tennis racket haha). Although we knew each other throughout our school years, we didn’t have any relationship until a few years after I (madi) left school. John was always remembered in my mind as being quite a “cool” guy at school and was in quite a popular crowd. I think John just remembers me as being “quite pretty, but her mate’s younger sister.”
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Madi – Before john and I hung out, I specifically remember telling some close friends of mine how I always thought he would be a great husband. Right from the get-go, I was drawn to that aspect of him and his character.
John – Madi had all the characteristics I wanted in a wife: we have lots of fun together, she is always down for an adventure, and we have the best times and laughs together.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Our proposal happened in the beautiful Queenstown. It was special because not only did he ask me out here, but he also proposed to me, and we got married here, too. We are from Tauranga, but Queenstown has always held a special place in our hearts as we love the beautiful mountains and country. I had been patiently/impatiently waiting for a while for John to ask me.. We went for a walk up the Crown Range, and it was very icy and snowy but a beautiful day. We got to the top and he didn’t do it so I thought to myself, it won’t be happening today.. it was very windy and cold at the top and not very nice, so we started our decent down, I also slipped over etc walking down and was very over it haha. Near the bottom half of the walk we pulled over he popped the question, I was of course very excited and loved up, it all happens so fast so I tried my best to really take in the moment.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
We always knew for the wedding we wanted our wedding down south as it was such a beautiful destination and the scenery added so much to the beauty of the day. We also wanted it to be a classy, formal and timeless style with nothing we would ever look back on and regret. Everything was very minimal, yet tasteful and as a graphic designer I wanted all the details to be perfect and thought out, our aim was for our guests to be comfortable even in the cooler weather.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
One of the main elements we were happy to splurge on was photography and videography, being able to relive the moments from the day are so special and important to us and we wouldn’t change this. We also had the most incredible experience with Kate and Scott.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Since all our guests flew in from all over the place, we ran the risk of having issues with flights, and of course, they did. A few days before the wedding, no flights were coming in, and we were able to land because of the wind, so that was really stressful, but luckily, everyone made it to the wedding okay. I was also quite stressed about everyone being cold, but with a mulled wine in hand and plenty of heating, everyone seemed to be fine and had a great time regardless.
LOCATION Vingard, Arrowtown, Otago, New Zealand PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Roberge, @katerobergephotography VIDEOGRAPHER Wild Souls, @wildsoulsnz STYLIST & PLANNER By the Bride FLORIST Bek Novak Floral Design, @beknovakfloraldesign CELEBRANT Uncle – David Crafts ENTERTAINMENT Pat For President, @pat_for_president_nz HIRE Linen – Olive Linen, @olivelinen_nz; Lighting – Entertainment Solutions, @entertainmentsolutions.nz; Furniture – Major & Minor Hire, @majorandminorhire Glassware and Cutlery – Royal Laboratorie, @royallaboratorie CATERING & CAKE Chef Brendon Catering, @chefbrendancatering STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Simply Creative Studio X Michaela McBride Calligraphy, @simplycreative_studio, @mmcbridecalligraphy RINGS & OTHER SIGNIFICANT JEWELLERY Louis The Goldsmith, @louisgoldsmith BRIDAL DRESS The Ivory Room, @theivoryroombridal BRIDE’S SHOE Kailee P., @shop.kaileep ACCESSORIES Earrings – Mejuri, @mejuri; Necklace – Saint Valentine Jewellery, @saint_valentine_jewellery MAKEUP Alarna Taylor, @alarnataylor_hair_mua HAIR Beautiful Bridal Hair, @beautifulbridalhair BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Jo Malone, @jomalonelondon SUIT Working Style, @workingstylenz GROOM’S SHOE Rodd & Gunn, @roddandgunn GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Giorgio Armani, @giorgioarmani BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Molly Perkinsons, @molly.perkinsons GROOMSMEN SUIT Barkers Clothing, @barkersclothing HELICOPTER Wanaka Helicopters, @wanakahelicopters
