Ashley & Nic – by Chasewild
At first glance, Nic and I are definitely different. Nic is a pragmatic, logical and a details oriented thinker, whereas I’m more of a care-free creative. I’m a lifestyle journalist who works in magazines and online, while Nic is an investment banker. Our relationship is built on a foundation of support, respecting one another’s busy work schedules and commitments, lending an ear after rough weeks and cherishing the time we do manage to carve out to spend together. We’re definitely friends first and foremost.
I think our biggest challenge to date is our recent move to the United States from New Zealand. It’s something we have been very excited about for a while, we’re starting from scratch. I think our ability to navigate testing scenarios as a team, tackle the tough stuff and recognise where our different strengths are, has proven pretty valuable in coordinating our wedding and should stand us in good stead with our new life in a different country. Perhaps the most unconventional part of our special day was the deadline we worked to. Nic and I pulled our wedding together in a little over two weeks. It was very important to us to move to the States as a married couple and begin our big adventure as a team, in every sense. For Valentine’s Day earlier in the year, we had dinner at The French Cafe, seated nice and close to the beautifully lit courtyard. Nic and I both agreed this spot would make the perfect urban ceremony location. The French Cafe has always stood out when it comes to a special occasion dining experience. The food, the service and the ambience are consistently seamless. We decided to occupy The French Kitchen, the private dining space that hosts no more than 32 people, with the chef cooking for guests. Nic and I made the difficult decision to make our celebration family only, with the exception of one special friend each. We have best friends in London, Sydney and Melbourne that we would have loved to have there, it certainly wasn’t a decision made lightly. When it came to finding the perfect wedding outfit, with such a tiny window to make my decision, I knew I’d be going ‘off the rack’ and custom was not going to happen. I’d originally envisioned a white pantsuit – a real Bianca Jagger moment – but struggled to find the perfect one. After an evening of trawling the web, I found my dress. I knew almost immediately that my one-shoulder Stella McCartney ivory gown was perfect. Clean lines, a modest train and a modern silhouette for a very modern bride. Praise be for express shipping! For Nic, wearing a suit comes with the job, so it was exciting to see him dressed a little differently, in a classic Crane Brother’s tuxedo. I gifted Nic a bottle of Eight and Bob Nuit de Megeve which I bought with care from World on the eve of our wedding, which he wore on our wedding day.
Photography: Chasewild Venue: The French Café Bride’s Dress: Stella McCartney Groom’s Suit: Crane Brothers Bride’s Shoes: Maurie and Eve Groom’s Shoes: Rembrandt Makeup + Hair: Tyler Drader and Briar Howard Flora: Alex at Wonder Florals Styling: The Couple Hire: The Pretty Prop Shop Cake: The Caker Food: The French Café Drinks: Maison Vauron French Wine Merchants Bride’s Ring: Jems Remuera Groom’s signet ring: Maria Black via Mr Porter Bride’s Earrings: Brent Sutcliffe Stationery: Nat’s Paper Studio, London Entertainment: Emily and Charles Looker of Aro Music Special song: Live acoustic cover of 500 Miles (I’m Gonna Be) by The Proclaimers Celebrant: Friend, James Hackett Gift Registry: Wishing well distributed via Paperless Post
