We wanted our wedding to have an energy that reflected our relationship: calm, relaxed and fun.
FELICITY —— We live in Mount Maunganui. I’m a dentist and Sam is a business banker. We have a beautiful Burmese cat, Freddie. Our relationship was built on a shared love of the outdoors. We’re happiest when we’re out exploring together. We met during the first Covid lockdown when Sam sent me a message on Instagram. We were living in different towns at the time. We went on Zoom dates almost daily until restrictions loosened. For our first date, I drove to meet Sam, and stayed for three days. I remember thinking it felt so easy and effortless because we were so aligned in our values and interests.
SAM —— My initial message on Instagram was a reply to a story Flick posted of a meal she’d made. She knew the way to my heart. After our first date in person, I remember feeling a sense of calm. Flick exudes calm, confidence and positivity. The first day we met, I knew I was in love. When I proposed, I convinced Flick to come surfing with me. I’d prepared champagne and a cheeseboard and nervously stashed all of it in a backpack. I’d also arranged for two of her best friends to come down from Auckland to surprise her afterwards.
FLICK —— It was one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve surfed in. Post surf, Sam showed me a video of our relationship and then pulled out the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen. Never did I think I would be proposed to while wearing a full-body wetsuit, but it felt so fitting for our relationship!
We wanted our wedding to have an energy that reflected our relationship: calm, relaxed and fun. Visually, we wanted classic silhouettes brought to life with colour and structural florals. Our venue featured many separate spaces, but the option of dinner in the glasshouse surrounded by leafy greenery lent it the garden wedding vibe we had envisioned. Sam’s focus was on having good food, an even better drinks selection, and a day that flowed smoothly.
My wedding wardrobe was created by our talented friend, Lulu Jackson. It was one of my favourite parts of wedding planning. I say ‘wardrobe’, because I ended up with three potential main outfits and an additional party outfit, and decided which I would wear 20 minutes before leaving for the venue! One would have its moment during the first look and another would be for the ceremony and reception. There is still one outfit Sam has not seen! Lulu is an absolute star who brought my vision of a classic corseted gown to life. I wanted to have some fun with my shoes, and the cobalt blue Manolos tied in with the sapphire in my engagement ring and Sam’s wedding band. Sam wanted a classic black suit that was more elevated than those he wears to work. A dinner suit felt slightly more understated and appropriate than a tuxedo.
PHOTOGRAPHER Ashleigh Brooksbank of Sapphire Studios, @sapphirestudios___ GETTING READY OUTFITS Piyama, @piyama_co BRIDE’S OUTFITS Lulu Jackson Bridal, @lulujacksonbridal BRIDE’S SHOES Manolo Blahnik, @manoloblahnik BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Jasmin Sparrow, @jasminsparrowjewellery GROOM’S SUIT Rembrandt, @rembrandt1946 GROOM’S SHOES R.M. Williams, @rmwilliams MAKEUP Rosie Callen, @thepeach_club HAIR Danni Falconer, @thepeach_club LOCATION Black Walnut, @blackwalnutvenue BRIDE’S RING Zoë Porter Jewellery, @zoeporterjewellery GROOM’S RING Guys Gold, @guys.gold GROOMSMEN’S OUTFITS Rembrandt, @rembrandt1946 BRIDESMAIDS’ OUTFITS Shona Joy, @shonajoy FLOWER GIRL DRESSES Designer Kidz, @designerkidz VIDEOGRAPHER Cam Neate (Super 8 film), @camneate CONTENT Curate Weddings, @contentbycurate FLORIST Ainsley Henry of Floralcentric, @floralcentric CELEBRANT Bailey Parata, @baileyparataweddings LIVE MUSIC Tom Knowles, @tomknowlesnz STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Rebel Reflect, @rebel.reflect DJ Mcgama, @mcgamadj CATERING No Biggie Catering, @nobiggie.food CAKE Victoria Hume, @treatyoselfnz DANCEFLOOR LIGHT ARTWORK Holly Schroder, @schroder_holly