Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Sam is a small business owner (builder) since 2019, and I am studying chiropractic in Auckland. We love being amongst nature- especially mount Ruapehu, and LOVE LOVE LOVE our fur babies- Sika and Leia.
We are absolute foodies- our honeymoon itinerary consisted only of restaurants and cafes, but we also love a good outdoor adventure. During the week we are absolute homebodies, you’ll find us cuddled up on the couch with our two pups and some carbonara, watching criminal minds. However, on the weekends we can be found visiting family in all over NZ, snowboarding off-piste on Ruapehu, hunting, fishing and of course boating at our favourite lake, and wedding location, Lake Whakamaru.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
SC: I remember telling my now-best man that I was going to marry Chon one day… 4 years before we even got together. When we did finally get together, she knew within a few months too. I guess you can really tell when your values align, and you’re both happy to learn, that they’re the person for you. The rest of the details can be worked out together if you’ve got a solid foundation.
CC: We became best friends very quickly and always had a very honest line of communication which helped us to grow rather fast. I knew I would marry Sam when the connection was stronger than anything I’d ever felt before but first and foremost rooted in friendship, and what was best for each other. We had a lot of respect right from the start, and never played games. I think if you have to play games, they’re not the right person.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Well, I knew about the rings for a year before he popped the question, so we went on many tramps, picnics and outings to give Sam the opportunity. We went to Musick Point for fish and chips with Sika (dog) and I even wore a pretty dress just in case. I hinted to Sam that “I can take off this jumper if you need” (in case he was videoing the proposal), yet I still didn’t actually expect him to ask! It was pretty surreal, even though I was all prepared on the outside for him to propose it was still a COMPLETE SURPRISE! We were just cuddling on the picnic rug and he got on both knees, with the ring box upside down and asked me to be his wife. It was so lovely and intimate and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I think Sika got wind of our excitement because she started racing around us in circles sharing the love too.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
My number one priority was to have it at Lake Whakamaru. It is such a picturesque location, that our family will visit for decades to come, and unique to our special day. I’m so excited to show our future kids all our wedding photos that were taken at their family escape in the middle of nowhere. However, hosting at a non-wedding venue does not necessarily make it cheaper, but it does mean you get to choose every little element of the style to truly make it your day.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
One thing I was sure of is that I wanted the boys to be wearing green jackets, but man they were hard to find! Not a single shop in NZ stocked them but after a few trial and errors (thanks to free returns to ASOS), we finally got the perfect ones. We then go out to get the rest of the boys outfits and guess what… three different shops now stocked green jackets! We then get Sam’s jacket tailored to his size, along with his groomsmen. However, boys being boys wore each other’s jacket by mistake so the expedition was rather pointless. Thankfully it wasn’t too obvious in photos! I found it super difficult to find a flattering dress that was really me. I tried on a few and after realising a completely different shape suited me than I originally thought, I got it custom made only weeks before the wedding. We managed to find the most beautiful large rose lace (inspired by Grace Loves Lace) and used panelling to accentuate my curves. My dress wasn’t how I originally imagined but it fitted me so well that I absolutely loved it.
Ceremony and Reception Location: Waipamu Station Lake Whakamaru (Private Farm) / Videographer: Victoria Ecclestone / Photographer: Wild & Grace / Celebrant: Love and Marriage / Entertainment: Family Friend / Styling and Hire: Two Foxes / Planner: Bride and Mum / Other Hire: LL Hire / Marquee: Peninsula Party Hire / Flora: Aster and Bloom / Catering + Beverages: Posh Nosh Catering / Cake: Sage and Grace / Did you have a registry? My Registry / Tableware: Royal Laboratorie / Invitations: Paradise Invitations / Other Stationary: Just My Type / Bride’s Gown: Alter Me / Groom’s Attire: Asos and Tarocash / Rings: Michael Hill / Shoes: Forever New / Makeup: NZ Makeup Girl / Hair: Hair By Yvana / Fragrance: Daisy by Marc Jacobs / Bridesmaids: Kilt
