Ali + Jade by Sapphire Studios - Together Journal

For our wedding, we envisioned a black-tie affair with theatrics and gothic moody elegance.

JADE —— I’m a creative through and through, whether it’s music, singing, design, or dreaming up big ideas that usually turn into accidental side hustles. So, naturally, I adore what I do as a hair and makeup artist, spending my weekdays in a salon and my weekends glamming up brides. Ali is also a dreamer, but he actually follows through. He runs a successful sales business in IT and somehow balances an intense work ethic with basketball, fitness, and an unwavering love for routine. I don’t get it, but it works.

We first met as awkward teenagers on Takapuna Beach, back when life was all questionable fashion choices and bad decisions. Years later, I bumped into Ali again, except this time, he was tall, dark, and ridiculously handsome. We talked all night at a party, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was. From that moment on, we just fit.

For our wedding, we envisioned a black-tie affair with theatrics and gothic moody elegance (yes, I was an emo kid). Think The Addams Family throwing a party at The Great Gatsby’s mansion — except in the mountains. Rippon’s jaw-dropping lake and mountain views did most of the heavy lifting, inspiring a deep, moody colour palette of reds, burgundies, purples, blacks, greens, and whites. A lot of weddings feel soft and feminine, but we wanted something dramatic and effortlessly cool. The freestanding red velvet curtain, black velvet signing chair, burgundy candlelight, and scattered grapes and chillies set the perfect tone. Even the scent of the night was curated: smoky Trudon candles, Ernesto (Ali’s pick) and Madeleine (mine), adding warmth and intimacy.

Our florist, Amy, was incredible, pulling together red roses, burgundy dahlias, and mossy greens for the perfect mix of sultry romance and drama. My favourite little detail? Personalized potion bottles filled with limoncello, each with a name tailored to the guest, a nod to our love of magic and mystery. Seeing everything come together was surreal.

I handled most of the styling, but the music was something we built together — a true bonding experience. We crafted the soundtrack to our day, filled with songs that carried meaning and memories. Guests arrived to 90s hiphop and rap because nothing says romantic vineyard wedding quite like Nas and Biggie. Walking down the aisle to Björk’s “All Is Full of Love” felt ethereal, dramatic, and just rebellious enough. For the signing songs, we kept it personal with Cat Stevens’ “The Wind” and Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle”, before flipping the vibe and dancing back up the aisle to Rihanna’s “Diamonds”.

When it comes to weddings, there are no rules. Don’t get caught up in trends — focus on what feels true to you as a couple. And don’t try to do it all! Pour your energy into what actually matters.

My dress was a custom silk dupioni dream by Fritz & Sarah — a Posh Spice meets Carrie Bradshaw moment. Elegant, structured, timeless — no second dress needed. The corset bodice and full skirt made me feel like a princess, paired with a matte winged eye, bold red lip (Dior’s Rouge Forever Liquid — it’s kiss-proof!), and black stilettos embellished with sparkly A’s — for Ali, not Alexander Wang, of course.

Ali had a custom Italian silk jacket, paired with a wing-tip collar shirt, giving Arab Brad Pitt in Inglourious Basterds. He looked divine, standing out against his groomsmen in sleek all-black suits. Photography was non-negotiable. We chose Sapphire Studios because we love their style. Looking back at the photos, it was one of the best decisions we made.