I realised when I got back to Australia that I wanted to keep in touch with him. I couldn’t stop thinking about his smile and the connection we had. Eventually, we decided to meet up 5 months after our one-off meeting in Bali. Now 8 years later we’re married.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Fuchsia: I’m a lawyer from Australia and Mike’s a graphic designer from New Zealand after living overseas in London and New York we now call Adelaide home with our 20-month-old daughter. We love live music, exploring the outdoors and time at the beach.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Fuchsia: Mike and I met in Uluwatu, Bali at Single Fin (a clifftop bar overlooking a cracking sunset). My first impression of Mike other than him being ridiculously sunburnt and barefoot was that he was a gentle soul with a lot of love to give. He had some rhythm too and we danced until the early hours before losing each other and not being able to say goodbye.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Fuchsia: I realised when I got back to Australia that I wanted to keep in touch with him. I couldn’t stop thinking about his smile and the connection we had. We found each other on Facebook and started up a conversation despite being in different countries. Eventually, we decided to meet up at Laneway Festival in Sydney about 5 months after our one-off meeting. Now 8 years later we’re married.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Fuchsia: Mike proposed to me in Raglan, New Zealand at the LoveBus a tiny house (converted bus) accommodation surrounded by paddocks and a view of the ocean. We were dancing and listening to music late at night and I knew something was up when he went inside to put on a nice shirt despite it being just the two of us in such a remote spot! It was beautiful and also a great spot for us because we’re obsessed with architecture and tiny living.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Fuchsia: We wanted it to be relaxed, but we also wanted everyone to dance! After two years of cancelled weddings due to covid, we wanted a party. We also wanted the ceremony to take in and respect the beautiful view at Mike’s best mate’s family farm.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Fuchsia: Great food. We were also very lucky to have incredible flowers with thanks to Mike’s step-mum who gifted them to us.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Fuchsia: The bridesmaids and I beat the guests to the venue and had to take a detour which resulted in us getting stranded and then rescued by the neighbours whose paddock we got dropped off at. I also forgot my veil on the day!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?/
My dress was made by Greta Kate. It was a long process because we started it for our initial wedding that got cancelled in 2021, and then again in 2022. My body had changed a lot post pregnancy so poor Greta had to make a lot of changes. It ended up boho and sleek at the same time which I loved. I chose an after-party dress because I wanted to be able to dance with no restrictions and didn’t want people to feel like they were going to step on my dress!
Ceremony & Reception Location: Private Farm, ‘Big Sky’ Kumeu / Photographer: Life Like Film, @lifelikefilmnz / Videographer: @jonny_goosman / Celebrant: Brother of the Groom / Entertainment Datt Lucas DJ, @dattlucas / Styling: Bride & Groom / Planner Weddings by Samantha, @weddings_by_samantha / Hire Roller Coaster @rollercoasterdesign / Marquee: Willow Lane, @willowlane_events / Flora: Where Rosemary Grows, @whererosemarygrows / Catering: Little Wolf, @littlewolfweddings / Stationery: The Groom / Beverages: Ruby Tuesday, @rubytuesdaycaravan / Bride’s Dress: Greta Kate, @_gretakate_ / Bride’s Second Dress: ASOS, @asos / Bride Wedding Ring: Bell and Brunt, @bellandbrunt / Bride’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall, @loeflerrandall / Makeup: @beautywithjazmyne / Hair @fleur_covich_hair