It definitely sounds a little cliché but we were in a glamping tent with sea views, the weather was awful but it didn’t matter. I proposed in the Yurt then we went to the local tavern for a meal and watched the rugby on a stormy night.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Ben: We’ve been moving around a lot with work in the past few years from China to the South Island but we landed back in the Waikato last year. It has been an awesome chance to be living back close to our friends and family. We love getting to Waihi beach when we can on weekends and spending time with our dogs Linc and Alby.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Caitlyn: We met at University and were in the Halls of Residence together. I’d heard lots about Ben from our mutual friend Dado and we were just friends until second year. First impressions were that he wore very bright colours, I later found out he was colour blind.
Ben: Haha first impression was “She’s way out of my league.”
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Caitlyn: Yes! Ben arranged a weekend away on the West Coast and had booked a Yurt looking over the sea in Cape Foulwind. I was not expecting it at all.
Ben: We were living in the SI at the time, and Caitlyn thought the trip to the West Coast was just another weekend away. It definitely sounds a little cliché but we were in a glamping tent with sea views, the weather was awful but it didn’t matter. I proposed in the Yurt then we went to the local tavern for a meal and watched the rugby on a stormy night.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Caitlyn: To be honest we didn’t really have a mood or a style. I always wanted to get married at the TreeChurch, it is close to home and such a special place. The venue meant we didn’t need to worry about any decorating. We were really just trying to make it as easy as possible for us and for our families. The Good George for the reception was an easy choice as they were able to cater everything.
Ben: Low stress small wedding was the goal.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Ben: We forgot to sort out water and zero alcohol options for after the ceremony. We didn’t realise until we saw Caitlyn’s nieces and nephews running around with empty alcohol bottles that had been filled with water.
Caitlyn: Yea the no water was definitely a bit of an oversight.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Caitlyn: My sisters and mum came to Auckland with me and we tried a few shops but I ended up finding my dress in Hamilton. Ben left it pretty last minute and went with the classic suit option. Can’t go wrong.
Ceremony location: The Tree Church Ohaupo, @treechurchandgardens / Reception location + Catering & Beverages: Good George Frankton / Photographer: Nikki Deles, @nikkidelesphotography / Celebrant: Jennifer Jones, @jenniferjones_celebrant / Flora: Le Fleur Florist, @chloelefleur / Cake: Heather Schilt (Ben’s Mum) / Ring/s: Melanie Casey Rings, @melaniecaseyjewelry / Shoes: Mi Piaci Shoes, @mi_piaci / Makeup: Miller Makeup, @millermakeup__ / Hair: Hannah Stechman, @hannstech_hair
