Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Dan & I first met 13 years ago in 2006 at a bomb fire on the beach, we had an instant connection and chatted well into the wee hours of the morning.
Over the next 6 months or so we kept bumping into each other and ended up deep in conversation, finally we began dating and the rest they say is history .. Our relationship continued through a university degree (for me), overseas travel both independently and together and through an Olympic Campaign (now two for Dan). Our love story literally continued over oceans and mountains and in 2016 Dan competed at the Rio Olympic Games. We both feel so lucky that we have grown together rather than apart and that throughout our lives we are always our key supporters – it sounds super cheesy but we have always encouraged each other to achieve our dreams.
What makes our relationship unique is definitely our life journey but more than that it’s how we maintain such strong independence yet this wild and crazy love that not only draws and connects us together but actually makes us stronger. I now work in Ecommerce in fashion (which I love) and Dan is still sailing, about to head to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic games.
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…
Dan proposed 3 years ago on top of Roys Peak in Wanaka just after the Olympic Games so we had a lot of time to plan! However, when it really came down to planning, a big wedding just didn’t feel quite right for us. We had a big engagement party, which was perfect, however when it came to a wedding and committing our love to one another an intimate ceremony felt just right. Throughout our relationship, we have spent countless months apart and we truly felt like our intimate families of our sisters and parents are the ones who have really been on this journey with us.
We are very lucky that both our families are very close and get along incredibly well, however, it is often hard for us to be all in the same place at the same time, so we wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere that we would all remember for years to come. It was important to me that everything felt beautiful and effortless. We hired a private house on a clifftop of Waiheke Island overlooking the Hauraki Gulf where we have spent so much time sailing. I decorated the house with flowers and candles and made sure we had delicious food and overflowing champagne, wine, and whiskey all weekend long.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Previously working in the wedding industry I had seen so many beautiful brides and stunning gowns. I always knew on this special day I wanted to feel like myself but the most beautiful version. I found Alice from Hayes Bridal on Instagram and was instantly in love with her elegant silk designs. Once I tried on the slip dress I knew it was perfect for me. A few tweaks here and there to make it a custom fit and I was sold. We decided getting married in November that that the evening could be cool so I opted for a beautiful long sleeve top in addition to the slip. Dan isn’t much of a suit wearer and we had previously bought him a Barkers Suit for an awards dinner, which we decided to get altered at Rose’s Tailoring. I insisted on a white pocket square to match me and my Dad leant him something borrowed and something blue with a Bowtie.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Being together for so many years before we got married, we discussed so many types of weddings (big & small), and ultimately deciding on eloping. When it came down to it we both knew in our hearts that we wanted to share the special moment with our immediate families. It was incredibly hard for us to make the decision to not have any grandparents or friends with us, however we knew that deep down an intimate wedding was “very us.” We decided to keep the wedding a secret until after the fact and luckily everyone has been incredibly understanding and supportive – everyone seems to understand that this wedding was very Dan and I.
The entire weekend really was the best filled with so many memorable moments that we are holding onto. A couple of moments that really stand out is the morning of our wedding my sister led us all in a yoga session on the cliff overlooking the ocean, being married by our yoga teacher who is a wedding celebrant and whom we have now known for many years, Steph, and standing in front of our loved ones committing to one another (amongst a LOT of tears) was an incredible moment. The day was filled with so much laughter, tears, and love it was overwhelming. Our day really was about celebrating our love for one another and our families becoming one.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Breathe and always remember why you are getting married and what is important to you as a couple. Your day should be a reflection of each of you and about celebrating your love for one another. If you focus on this everything else will come together. .
Venue: Private location on Waiheke Island | Photographer: Haley Guildford | Celebrant: Stephanie Hall | Styling & Planner: Bride| Hire: My Waiheke & The Pretty Prop Shop | Flora: Honey Honey Flora | Catering + Beverages: Waiheke Chef | Cake: The Caker | Bride’s Dress: Hayes Bridal | Groom’s Suit: Barkers | Suit Tailoring: Roses | Ring/s: Engagement Ring: Carats Jewellery Bride: Meadowlark Groom: Good Gold | Bride Shoes: Mi Piaci | Groom Shoes: R J B Design | Bride Earrings: Zoe and Morgan |Makeup: Beauty by Alexandra | Hair: Samantha Lamb | Fragrance: Bride: Byredo – Bibliotheque, Groom: COMME des GARCONS – Wonderwood, both from MECCA
