Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship:
Russel owns a bar in our hometown New Plymouth and I am currently studying towards a degree in psychology.
We both share a lot of love for our family and friends we would do anything for them. We love getting together having dinners, parties, trips away, whatever it is we are always up for a good time with our loved ones. Russel really enjoys sports and competition and I love art, design, and crafts. I’m a huge animal lover and an indoor plant enthusiast. We both share a love for adventure and travel, after 6 months of dating we explored many countries in Europe, and ever since we continue to explore the wonders of this world. I think what’s unique about our relationship is we embrace each other’s differences and support one another with whatever they want to do, Russel is more extroverted and I am an introvert but we have taken the time to understand that and work in each other’s ways.
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:
We both had a vision of designing the day around good friends, good music, and good food/booze. I wanted to be surrounded by flowers, trees, candles, and fairy lights so we didn’t look further than Russel’s parent’s property in the little village of Oakura. His mother is a gardener and both her and Russel’s dad did an amazing job at making over an acre of gardens the most beautiful vision to the eye. I see myself as an ‘I can do anything’ kind of person, so, months before our day – with the help of my wonderful mum – I was drying flowers, making bouquets, fiercely collecting op shop items, making signs and all the bits and bobs that made our vision come to life. The venue featured a collection of dried flowers, rugs, cane furniture, blankets, a tipi, lawn games, and little seating nooks scattered throughout the gardens, plus all of the tea lights and fairy lights I could get my hands on. We wanted the whole vibe to be very relaxed and make our friends and family feel as if they were at home too.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Russel’s outfit is from the UK by Marc Darcy after finding them on Instagram, and the groomsmen found their suits at Hallensteins. My dress was made by Rue De Seine which I had set my eyes on years before I was even engaged! I used to be a wedding photographer and every time I stumbled upon wedding images with this dress I always said I would wear something like that if I were to get married… My day came! The bridesmaids and bridesman were given a colour theme to work around and found their outfits online to their desire.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day:
Russel: Seeing Bianca for the first time was really special – and also nerve-wracking, waiting while Amy led her up to me. It was a moment I won’t ever forget. Having the ceremony at my parents where I grew up was amazing, and finally having all of our family and friends from all over the world just a few short weeks before the COVID lockdown was so lucky and special for both of us.
Bianca: The entire day had such a special feeling around it, from the beginning when getting ready with my best girls and guy to the end trying to find rides for the ones who missed the bus (the band was too great to leave the dance floor). Each part of the day had its own feeling of greatness, but seeing Russel for the first time amongst the redwoods was one of the best moments! My heart has never jumped out of my chest that much and I loved having the first look just the two of us. The most unique moment was simply looking around and feeling the happiness between us and our loved ones. We felt so lucky to have such amazing people to celebrate the day with us and to see so many smiling faces, crazy dance moves, and so much laughter – it was the absolute best!
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together:
If it is something you both want then dive in. Don’t stress, do what you want to do, keep smiling, and remember what your day is about. Enjoy yourselves!
Venue: Family home in Oakura, New Plymouth | Photographer: Amy Kate Photography | Celebrant: Donna Signal | Entertainment: The Blistered Fingers | Planner + Styling + Flora: by Bianca (Bride) and with items from The Jungle Society | Marquee: Elco Canvas & Heating | Catering + Beverages: ABC Catering| Bianca’s Gown: Rue De Seine Bridal | Russel’s Suit: Marc Darcy | Rings: Benjamin Black Goldsmiths | Hair: Demelza Henly-Law of Ruby Blu Salon | Makeup: The Palette Of.
