It was a warm, sunny day.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We live in the Coromandel in a little spot called Hikuai; we moved here a couple of years ago and love all the beautiful beaches and bush walks.
Josh is an engineer and artist, mostly working with steel. I am a painter and a sewer; we have a young family and spend our weekends outside gardening or at the beach.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We first met when we were 16; our paths crossed a couple of times before we ended up together in our early 20s. We both knew that was it, and we started our life together. 

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
The elements that worked for us were having the wedding at home, where everyone felt comfortable. We used what we had and had a no-frills approach. The garden was still flowers in the garden, and it was a warm, sunny day.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
I enjoyed how excited our friends were to celebrate, and our darling 4-year-old was thrilled.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
Both of our outfits were vintage. I found my dress at Love James Bridal and loved wearing it. It was fun to dance in, and I wish I could wear it again. Josh’s vintage suit was one I had picked up at a market; he had worn it a few times before, but that didn’t matter.
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
Both my rings are vintage. I got my wedding band from my favourite second-hand jeweller – Mayo Jewellery in Mount Maunganui. Josh’s ring was custom-made by my childhood friend Tashjian.
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
Everything was done by friends and family; our food was made by our local pizza guy in Tairua, and we had BYO drinks in an outdoor bathtub filled with ice.
Our lovely photographer Claudia was a real treat. We wanted film photos as Josh and I both enjoy taking photos.
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
During the ceremony, our daughter and our nieces were sitting with my parents, and they both kept asking, when are they going to kiss?? I could hear them and couldn’t help but laugh.
Dancing to my dad’s band all night was all I had really dreamed of, and that was a real highlight.
What does being married mean to you, and are there any special rituals you have that you would like to share?
Being married to me means choosing each other every day to do life with. We felt married before we were married, as having a child is such a big commitment to each other, but having our daughter there to witness the day and enjoy it with all our friends and family is a special memory to have.
LOCATION Couples’ home, Hikuai – Coromandel NZ BRIDE Rose GROOM Joshua PHOTOGRAPHER Ceremony by Claud, @ceremonybyclaud FLORIST Westney at Loretta Flowers, @loretta__flowers CELEBRANT Grace Saathof, @ceremonybygrace PIZZA Santa Maria Pizza Italiana, @santamariapizzaitaliana CAKE Ruby at YumYumCake, @yumyumcake___ BRIDE’S RINGS Vintage; Mayo Jewellery, @mayojewellery GROOM’S RING Custom Made – Tashjian, @tashji__ BRIDE’S DRESS Vintage from Love James, @lovejamesstore BRIDE’S SHOES & ACCESSORIES Vintage HAIR & MAKEUP Bride’s friend – Elle GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES Vintage
