Although we met in New Zealand and got married in New Zealand, we have never lived in New Zealand together. Singapore is home at the moment. We adore life in Asia — the colourful culture, the travel on our doorstep, the delicious food, the balmy heat.
I’m originally from Tauranga and Simon is from Dunedin. Simon is adamant we met 10 years ago but I’m certain it was about three years ago. I’m proud to say I made the first move. We have loads of mutual friends and I heard Simon was in town, so I asked him out and he accepted, but he was about to fly out so we had our first date about two hours after that first text message.
Simon was coming back to New Zealand regularly for friends’ weddings, which helped us get together. We tried to have a long distance relationship between Singapore and New Zealand — not the easiest commute. I knew it was a forever love when Simon flew from Singapore to Auckland just for one night.
The craziest challenge we have faced together was cancelling our wedding three weeks before the day. We originally planned to marry on April 3, 2020, in Queenstown, in an epic two-day celebration. We spent a year planning a weekend that included our favourite food, wine and memories and were so excited to share it with our family and friends. We had travelled back to New Zealand to marry, not anticipating the global lockdown around the corner, but it soon became clear that our international guests wouldn’t be able to make it. We also had a number of our bridal party and family abroad. It was a heartbreaking reality to accept. We had to cancel our wedding and were unable to return to Singapore for three months. When planning a wedding, you navigate some huge decisions together, but you don’t plan for a pandemic! It definitely tested us, but it brought us closer.
When we finally got the all-clear to have a smaller gathering, we had six days to plan our wedding. Those were the most emotional, crazy, beautiful six days of our lives. Simon was working crazy hours; I was studying. We were both completely exhausted. We went from a long autumnal lunch in Gibbston Valley followed by a party in the mountains at Moke Lake to an intimate candlelit winter dinner at Sid at The French Café in Auckland. The romantic courtyard setting and exquisite food and wine made our wedding an absolute dream.
A close friend married us in the courtyard at last light, surrounded by our family and bridal party. It was beautiful and perfect for us. So we spent a year planning a day we never saw come to life, and six days planning our magical wedding day. No matter how much energy you give to the important things in life, you still need to cultivate space to let in the unknowns. It’s the unexpected parts of our journeys that bring us closer and can become the most meaningful milestones we share.
photography & video Bayley & Moore / bride’s dress Time Taken to Make a Dress / groom’s attire Personal tailor in Singapore / groom’s bow tie Tom Ford / venue Sid at The French Café / styling & planner Claire Donaldson from One Lovely Day / bride’s shoes Balenciaga / groom’s shoes Christian Louboutin / celebrant Sam Gallagher (close friend of couple) / flora Michele Coomey Floral / bridesmaids separates in Iris blue by Paris Georgia / bridesmaids white tops Harris Tapper / makeup Beauty by Alexandra / hair Vivian from M11 / groomsmen’s suits Barkers groomsmen’s ties Missoni / bride’s ring & earrings Jessica McCormack / groom’s ring Naveya & Sloane / catering & beverages Sid at The French Baby blue Café Sid at The French Café dj Soraya LaPread @sorayalapread