Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Kenny is a farmer and I work as a registered nurse. Our family includes cats Bill and Barry, and Frank the dog, who does double duty as a house and working dog. We actually grew up not far from one another in small towns on the East Cape, leading quite similar lives, both being the youngest in our families with older sisters.
Surprisingly, we only met a few years ago after being introduced. We just get along so well. Our relationship is very playful so we have a lot of fun together. Our parents are actually quite good friends now too which is pretty special. They can thank us for that.
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 did not have a specific theme as such. We borrowed a lot of things, used what we had and everything just came together. You could say it was eclectic. We decided to have the ceremony at my parent’s place which is 27 hectare section, covered in kānuka and other native trees, just inland from Tolaga Bay. Mum and Dad created a sort of amphitheatre in one of the paddocks by the house, and during the ceremony you could hear gray warblers and tui singing with kererū flying overhead. It was pretty magical. Our reception took place just down the road at the community hall which was built in 1915 and has a lot of sentimental value. Our Mums and their friends spent so much time decorating the hall. As part of a wider East Coast community, we had so many people contribute to our special day and for that, we feel really lucky.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Kenny chose a classic black suit from Barkers paired with an open collared white shirt and of course, his black R.M. Williams’s boots.
My main criteria for my outfit was what can I feel comfortable in? Because I wanted to dance. I am not somebody who really wears dresses either, so when I tried on the Linda Jumpsuit by Juliette Hogan Bridal that was it. I especially love how classic and simple the piece is. I already have an event coming up that I plan to wear it at. And I cannot wait. I paired my jumpsuit with Emerson Sandals by Mi Piaci, the flared heel was perfect for the rugged terrain. I wore Gold Yvonne Drops earrings by Jasmin Sparrow which a friend bought down from Auckland last minute, so I actually tried them on for the first time on the day. Safe to say they are one of my favourite pieces of jewellery.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Cat: Having everyone that you love and care about all in the same place, there to celebrate your love and commitment to one another was quite an unreal feeling.
Kenny: To begin with, they day was finally here so waking up and having my mates and family with me was great. I knew that I was hungry but I couldn’t eat. I’d like to pretend that I have it under control but in actual fact I was very nervous. My Groomsmen and women were exactly who I needed to get me ready. I was very worried about what Cat was wearing because she had mentioned that she wasn’t going to wear the traditional attire and her sister had let it slip that she may be wearing a suit. All I could picture was a 80s style white suit and Jacket straight out of Miami Vice. What she did wear blew me away. No padded shoulders or form concealing business suit in site but an elegant beauty walking my way. I will never forget the way she looked at me for the first time and how it made me feel.
Once the business of getting married was over, we had an epic party that wasn’t overshadowed by any one moment but was perfect from start to end.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Cat: Someone who truly loves you, will love you and all your flaws.
Kenny: Marry your best friend. That way you always have them with you. Be patient, be kind and remember to listen.
Photography: @zarastaplesweddings | Ceremony location: Cat’s parent’s property, Tolaga Bay | Reception location: Reynolds Hall, Tolaga Bay | Celebrant: Stephen Donald | Bride’s jumpsuit and veil: @juliettehoganbridal | Groom’s suit: @barkersclothing | Rings: Tony Field Jewellers | Bride’s shoes: @mi_piaci | Groom’s boots: @r.m.williams_official | Bride’s earrings: @jasminsparrowjewellery | Makeup: @headcreativesalon | Hair: @itsgoldiehair | Groomsmen’s suits: @barkersclothing | Groomswoman’s outfit: @ovna_ovich | Bridesmaid’s attire: @rubytakessnaps | Hire & Marquee: Martins Event & Party Hire | Flora: @field0froses | Catering and Beverages: Black Fig | Cake: Leonie Brown
