Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
This one is hard! During uni we flatted together, we graduated in the same month and started our very first jobs within a week of each other so we have had the support of each other through some big changes.
We talk about being a little team, always supporting each other and talking through big decisions. Luckily we enjoy the same things and our weekends usually involve getting the boring stuff over and done with so we can get out and enjoy the outdoors and time with our friends (usually also involves our dog, Albie). Alex works shift work which has its challenges but it helps us to appreciate our time together as well as ensures we have time to do our own things.
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:
We didn’t initially plan a ‘typical’ wedding but once we started thinking about it, we thought why not? We were excited to have all of the people we care about all together in one place. We totally forgot to discuss a theme but we took inspiration from the exposed brick and huge plants inside the venue. We used eucalyptus as table runners and included a lot of glass and gold details. The bouquets were similar in that they didn’t have flowers as such but just greenery, grasses and gypsophila.
We both have grandparents that have passed and we intentionally included details to remember them on our day. Andy and his groomsmen enjoyed whiskey from his grandad’s decanter. In her hair, Alex wore her grandmother’s brooch that was also used in her sister’s wedding. She also wore earrings that belonged to her other grandmother. A reading from her grandfather’s journal was included in the ceremony which was read by his daughter, Alex’s mother.
Our celebrant is the husband of one of Andy’s work colleagues. It was a bonus to be married by someone who has known us both for a number of years.
Tell us about your main outfits:
I (Alex) knew the style of dress I wanted and was so lucky that the lovely ladies at Felicity’s Bridal helped me to create a Made With Love dress that combined the bodice and skirt from two different dresses (Harlie bodice and Willow skirt). It wasn’t what I had thought I’d like but again I thought why not? When would I get another chance to wear something so elaborate? It was so comfortable and survived being worn through the water and sand dunes at the beach. Andy wears a suit for work so the wedding was a good excuse to buy a new one. The Rembrandt suits were dark navy and worn with a white shirt and navy and white tie. The vest and buttonhole helped to create a look that was different to Andy’s usual work look. The bridesmaids chose their own white dresses/jumpsuit and luckily they worked so well together. We liked the contrasting look against the boys navy suits and the white buttonholes tied in with the girls’ outfits.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day:
Getting ready for the wedding was so much more relaxing than we expected. We were staying in the beautiful Britten Stables so that our parents and sisters could stay together, too. The girls got ready in the ‘workshop’ which is a big bright room and we had music playing, scented candles burning and bagels and croissants on the table. Our hair artist, make up artists, photographer and videographers felt like old friends and there was a lot of laughing and chatting. Next door the boys were in the billiards room with the fire going while they played billiards and enjoyed Andy’s favourite whiskey. It was cool to think we were right next door to each other (which was also easy for Hannah) but never saw each other. We even managed to be in photos together without ever seeing each other before the ceremony.
We couldn’t go to the location we had planned for photos after the ceremony because of the cloud. That turned out to be the best thing as our helicopter pilot knew of a beautiful bay that was even more gorgeous. We enjoyed a picnic and champagne before kicking off our shoes and running around like kids. We had so much fun and looking back it is such a special memory of the day that only we share.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
In terms of the wedding day, one thing that helped us with the stress of planning and nerves on the day was to think as long as you’ve got the marriage license and someone to marry you, the other stuff is just an added bonus. We are really pleased we decided to disappear for a short time to get photos. It was nice to have some time to ourselves before getting back to the reception.
Photography: Hannah Bird | Ceremony and Reception location: Trents Vineyard | Videographer: New Zealand Wedding Films | Celebrant: Rod Paton | Bride’s outfit: Made with Love Harlie bodice/Willow skirt from Felicity’s Bridal | Groom’s outfit: Suit- Rembrandt from Colombus and Ware | Rings: Emma Bolderson | Engagement ring: Naveya and Sloane | Makeup: Alex Lyttle | Second Makeup Artist: Amy Connelly | Hair: Graceful Hair Art | Fragrance: Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb | Groomsmen’s suits: Rembrandt | Entertainment: The D’sendantz | Flora: Jenny Burtt Florist | Catering and Beverages: Trents Vineyard | Cake: Kate’s Cakery | Helicopter: Garden City Helicopters | Getting ready location: Britten Stables
