We wanted our wedding to be deeply personal.
I run my own business, Floralcentric, specialising in floral design for weddings and events. Josh works in the marine industry and is never happier than when he’s out on a boat or on the golf course. We both have a love for travel, adventure, and discovering new places together. We met in London in 2019, introduced by my best friend Alex. We’d both been chatting to her separately — without realising it was about each other — so she hosted a flat party with a not-so-subtle motive. From the night we met, we were inseparable.
Just one month in, we booked a trip to Malta — a bold move so early on, but it was on that trip we knew we’d found something special. We wanted our wedding to be deeply personal. We held it at my grandparents’ property — a place filled with family history and surrounded by natural beauty. Each stage of the day unfolded in a different space.
The ceremony took place in the garden, followed by canapés around the fountain, and then a garden path led guests down to the marquee for dinner and dancing. We wanted each part of the day to feel distinct, with its own energy and design. The ceremony, surrounded by nature, needed little enhancement — we kept the flowers organic and natural to complement the setting.
For the canapés, held in the warm afternoon sun, we chose vibrant reds to reflect the playful atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the red
roses growing throughout the garden. In the marquee, we created a rich, bistro-style space with deep burgundy and dark green tones. We had custom green velvet draping and tablecloths made, layered with soft lighting, table lamps, and striking florals — it felt warm, inviting and theatrical in the best way. A large-scale picture behind the bar became a standout feature. I was incredibly lucky to have such a talented team around us.
Our stylist, Claire, brought our ideas to life with the most thoughtful attention to detail, and my mum — Michele Coomey of Michele Coomey Floral — created all our flowers, which was incredibly meaningful to us. The property is already so stunning that we let it speak for itself, focusing our energy on the marquee where we could be more expressive with styling. As the sun set, our photographers and videographer led us around the garden, capturing us in the golden Queenstown light. These are some of our favourite images — just the two of us in that serene, glowing moment.
Both of my dresses were custom- designed by Brooke Tyson. I came to her with a clear vision, and she helped bring it to life, adding thoughtful details that made all the difference. I knew I wanted my ‘princess moment’ — so we went for a full skirt, and I loved every second of it. Photography and video were especially important to us. The day moves so quickly, and we wanted to preserve every moment. We had our dream team with us not only on the wedding day but the day after too, and being able to relive those memories has been priceless. We’ve already watched our video countless times. We’ll never tire of it.
LOCATION Chantecler Gardens, @chanteclergardens PHOTOGRAPHER Stephan & Nakita, @stephanandnakita VIDEOGRAPHER Flatroc Films, @flatrocfilms BRIDE @ainsley_henry GROOM @josh_boyle BRIDE’S CEREMONY, RECEPTION & PARTY DRESS & VEIL Brooke Tyson Ritual, @brooketysonritual GROOM’S OUTFIT Working Style, @workingstylenz BRIDE’S CEREMONY & RECEPTION SHOES Nicole Rebstock, @nicole.rebstock GROOM’S SHOES & CUFFLINKS Hugo Boss, @boss BRIDE’S PARTY SHOES Zara, @zara BRIDE’S BAG Georgia Jay, @georgiajaybags BRIDE’S ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BAND Naveya & Sloane, @naveyaandsloanejewellery BRIDE’S EARRINGS Jasmin Sparrow, @jasminsparrowjewellery GROOM’S RING Guys Gold, @guys.gold BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Benni, @benni.au BRIDESMAIDS’ SHOES Zara, @zara FLORIST Michele Coomey Floral, @michelecoomeyfloral STYLIST Claire Donaldson Styling, @onelovelydaystyling CELEBRANT Ainsley’s aunt, Jacqueline Taylor BRIDE’S MAKEUP JET Makeup @jetmakeupartist BRIDESMAIDS’ MAKEUP Liv King, @livkingmakeup BRIDE’S HAIR Beautiful Bridal Hair, @beautifulbridalhair BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Gloam by Aesop, @aesop GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Wonderwood by Comme des Garcons , @commedesgarcons ON THE DAY COORDINATORS Friends Kim Bright & Mel Kong DINING & BAR MARQUEE Truly Yours, @trulyyours_events DANCE FLOOR MARQUEE You Gather, @yougather_events TABLEWARE Royal Laboratorie, @royallaboratorie LINEN TBLE, @tble__linen__hire ENTERTAINMENT DJ Derek Smith of The Execs, @derekforealmusic, @theexecsnz CATERING Artisan, @artisan_catering LIGHTING & DRAPING La Lumiere, @lalumiere_nz STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Brogan Scott Studio, @broganscottstudio BACKDROP BEHIND BAR Inker Tinker, @inkertinker.nz FURNITURE Flock Events, @flockevents
