Chelsie + Jordan by Ana Galloway

Chelsie– Jordan is a graphic designer and photographer, and I work in marketing. People always ask what it’s like working on projects together but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We met at a mutual friend’s party nine years ago. I felt an instant calm as soon as I met Jordan. Our interests and values were aligned.

About a year later, he headed to South America for six months. We met in San Francisco at the end of his trip and this will forever be the city in which we fell in love. Then living and working together from a tiny studio apartment in London really solidified our relationship.

Jordan– Chelsie is a Christmas fanatic. Each year we put together our own advent calendar which includes little love notes and gifts. Four Christmases ago I wrote ‘will you marry me’ in the advent, and when Chelsie opened it, I was behind her, on one knee, with Barry (our retired racing greyhound) as my wingman.

Chelsie– As it was over Christmas we decided to keep the news to ourselves for a couple of weeks. It was our little secret and meant we could really enjoy the moment together. If it were any other year, our wedding would have been a three-day extravaganza in Baja California, Mexico.

Originally booked for June 2020, we heartbreakingly had to cancel everything three months prior. We didn’t want to attempt to emulate what would have been in Mexico and instead opted for something completely different. I found the stunning private estate in the Hawke’s Bay online. We only had six guests, both of our parents and our dear friends (one of whom was our celebrant) so formal invitations were exchanged for a quick phone call.

Our vision was of a chic garden soirée – intimate, refined, and incredibly relaxed. Our intention was that, years later, when our family looks at old photographs and film footage from our day they won’t be able to pinpoint the era. Our talented photographer Ana captured this feeling perfectly, as did our Super-8 film videographer Aidan.

Initially I’d had my heart set on an Emilia Wickstead Bridal gown, and had a consultation with the team in London. However, as our Mexico plans progressed I was worried about the heat and the weight of the fabric. Soon after, I spotted the floral blush Roksanda beauty on the runway and knew that I had to find it! I contacted the designer, but to no avail. Then a few years later I spotted the dress second hand online. After months of back and forth, the precious package arrived and it became clear that the dress needed some careful restoration. We finished it just as our Mexico plans were cancelled but it didn’t feel right for our Hawkes Bay ceremony so I quickly snapped up my Emilia Wickstead gown online and it arrived just in time!

My parents and Ana all convinced me that I needed to give my Roksanda the outing it deserved, so I swapped into it after lunch and I am so glad I did. The reaction on everyone’s faces, especially Jordan’s, as I walked outside will stay with me forever.

Location: Private Estate, Hawke’s Bay | Photographer: Ana Galloway | Groom’s suit: Crane Brothers | Bride’s first dress (white): Emilia Wickstead Bridal | Registry: The Lovely Registry thelovelyregistry.co.nz | Videographer: Aidan Rogers Video | Makeup & Hair: Beauty by Alexandra | Bride’s Fragrance: Rose Atlantic, D.S. & Durga | Groom’s Fragrance: Crystal Pistal, D.S. & Durga | Florist: Foley, Botanical Lane | Bride’s Robe:Olivia Von Halle | Rings: Gary Meaden  | Bride’s other jewellery: Ursa Major Jewellery | Bride’s second dress (blush): Roksanda | Celebrant: Jordan Bolton, Bespoke Ceremonies | Catering + Cake: Private chef, Black Barn | Bride’s Shoes: The Row | Groom’s Shoes: Florsheim | Table napkins: Matilda Goad | Candles: Diptyque, Gardenia