A big thing for us was having a day planned where we knew we would be able to relax and actually enjoy the day with our friends and family
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We both grew up in Auckland, weirdly, our family homes were about 200m away from each other! Gus works in Architecture, Anna works in Advertising. We both love travelling, skiing and our retired huntaway X “Shandy”
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met down in Wellington, when we were both studying. We lived together and were friends for a few years before getting to know each other more once we both moved back to Auckland following our degrees & travel.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
Neither of us had a “dream” wedding scenario, so a big thing for us was having a day planned where we knew we would be able to relax and actually enjoy the day with our friends and family.
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).
We wanted something that was modern but classic and Mudbrick is a great venue for that. Our bridal party was all in black and we had some earthy tones in our florals, our table decorations were super simple with about 400 candles.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
Question whether you are getting carried away throughout the planning process, IG is great for inspo but you also go down some wedding rabbit holes which are (most of the time) unnecessary.
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
The team at Mudbrick were absolutely flawless, from the wedding planning team to the service staff – they ensured everything was running smoothly before and on the day. Our photographer, Jonny was also incredible to work with. We fully trusted his creative direction and he made something that could have been quite awkward, extremely comfortable for us both, plus our bridal party.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
Anna – I found my ceremony dress on a trip to New York with her mum, something they had planned to do for a while and was perfect timing in that it came around about three months after we got engaged. I had been to a few NZ bridal salons to get a feel for what I liked, but really enjoyed trying on dresses just the two of us on that trip and the range was incredible. I always thought I would only have one dress, but I went to Love James to pick up my hand beaded bag and tried on a vintage beaded dress from the 60s which fit like a glove and decided I needed a fun party moment!
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
Gus had my engagement ring made through Guy from Guy’s Gold, who we knew down from studying in Wellington!
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?).
Food and photography were super important to us.
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Heading up the hill from the lodge with our dog, after having a post-ceremony toast with our family and friends. It was great to have a moment to ourselves and take it all in. Also having our friends part of the day made us feel very comfortable.
GROOM Angus, @guscarson BRIDE Anna, @annagram_________ LOCATION Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, @mudbrick_nz PHOTOGRAPHER Jonny Scott, @jonnyscottphoto FLORIST Wildflower Waiheke, @wildflowerwaiheke CELEBRANT Charlie Brown, @_cbrown__ ENTERTAINMENT ZAP Entertainment, @zap_entertainmentnz CAKE Sweet Talk NZ, @sweettalk_nz ENGAGEMENT RING Guys Gold, @guys.gold WEDDING BAND Diamonds on Richmond, @diamondsonrichmond BRIDE’S MAIN OUTFIT Danielle Frankel, @daniellefrankelstudio BRIDE’S PARTY OUTFIT Love James, @lovejamesstore altered by Fritz and Sarah, @fritzandsarah BRIDE’S SHOES Asos, @asos BRIDE’S EARRINGS line of the sun, @thelineofsun MAKEUP & HAIR The Peach Club, @thepeach_club BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Coco Chanel Mademoiselle by Chanel, @chanelofficial GROOM’S MAIN OUTFIT Crane Brothers, @cranebrothers GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Family cufflinks GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Le Labo Fragrances, @lelabofragrances BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES maid of honor- custom design by Lucy Macdonald, @lula_mac; mossman, @mossman; calvin klein, @calvinklein; Shona joy, @shonajoy
