Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Daniel & I are Dairy Farmers from Southland, we met 6 years ago at a mutual friends house party in Queenstown while he was home on summer break from work in Australia.
We hit it off instantly and spent the next 3 weeks while he was home glued to each other! We did long distance from Western Australia to the very south of NZ for 2 years and after some travelling together, Dan decided to move home and after 5 years together he finally dropped a knee on Christmas Day last year. We basically do everything together so to get a break from each other Dan (who cannot sit still) will be found doing many different types of outdoor activities – I can be found either at home snuggling our dog, Lou or spending time with the little people in my life. We love to surround ourselves with friends and family, with farming we live at work so we love to get away for weekends and spend time with the people that make us smile.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
The theme for our wedding was simple with an emphasis on the things that matter – good food, great music! We got married in Wanaka, a mutual ground for our families and a place we love to be, plus the views aren’t too bad either! We’ve been to a lot of weddings in Central Otago and really wanted to find somewhere that felt unique to us. After getting in touch with Shannon at Corbridge Woolshed, we met her at the venue and booked our date right there and then! We cancelled all our other bookings with other venues as we knew it was the one. The grounds, ‘woolshed’ (if you can call it that) and whole vibe just felt like us. We got married in front of the pond next to the woolshed which was such a lovely backdrop for guests.
All our stationary, signage, styling was pared back, we’re not a over the top kind of couple so instead of flowers on the tables we had green foliage that my mum went hunting all over Southland for and thanks to some wonderful helpers we assembled things the day before. For our menu we really wanted to be able to supply our own proteins, with Dan being a keen hunter and gatherer this was a non-negotiable. We met with Kate from Morsel and after throwing ideas around for West Coast whitebait, wild venison, Southland farmed lamb and Fiordland crayfish it was a match made in heaven. It was exactly what we were after and people are still talking about that spread to this day!
Tell us about your main outfits:
Dan is a simple kind of guy when it comes to fashion so he was just after a navy suit and splashed out on some RM Williams boots which he now wears them all the time! Dans dad had handed down his wedding ring for him, which was really special. In the engagement bliss, I followed 100s of Instagram pages (as you do) and kept going back to Karen Willis Holmes. Her designs are simple but super unique with full sequins, I was in love! I felt so comfortable and myself on the day, it was honestly my dream dress. I purchased it from Paperswan Bride at their Christchurch store, Izy the manager looked after my mum and I, which was very special as she had actually sold mum her wedding dress a few years prior! On the day I only wore one piece of jewellery other than my rings which was my late grandmothers Cameo and also borrowed my sister in laws vail.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
The day wizzes by so fast it took a couple of weeks to let it all soak in. A highlight had to be the hour to ourselves on the top of a mountain! After the ceremony and some bridal party photos we flew in a helicopter to the top of Twin Peaks at Minaret Station. The view is like a painting when you’re up that high, although it was a slight temperature drop it was so nice to have some time to ourselves. I think my favourite time looking back would have to be the speeches, in the lead up and the planning I hadn’t thought of the impact they would have on me. Watching your favourite people stand up and share stories, jokes and their love for you, it’s pretty special. I hadn’t read Dans before he spoke, and I actually had no idea he could speak like that in front of a crowd – a cried with laughter! The best surprise.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Don’t get too caught up in things that wont matter in time to come, pick three or four things that are important to you both and stick to it. For us it was venue, band, photographer & caterer. Invest in good vendors and trust that they know what they are doing, don’t be afraid to ask questions so you can put your mind at ease knowing that things are taken care of.
Photography: Samantha Donaldson | Ceremony and Reception location: Corbridge Woolshed | Celebrant: Judith Mitchell | Bride’s gown: Karen Willis Holmes from Paperswan Bride Christchurch | Groom’s outfit: Hallenstein Brothers | Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller | Shoes: bride- Chaos & Harmony, groom- RM Williams | Makeup: Blush Beauty by Amy | Hair: Jo Russell | Fragrance: Jo Malone London | Bridesmaid’s dresses: Shona Joy | Groomsmen’s suits: Hallenstein Brothers | Entertainment: LA Social Club | Styling and Planning: Bride | Hire: Wanaka Wedding Hire, Wanaka Marquee & Party Hire | Flora: Wilde Woods NZ | Catering and Beverages: Morsel | Cake: Whitestone Cheese | Stationery and signage: Shave Photography and design
