Isabella + Jarryd by Erica Jane - Together Journal

Our lovely celebrant Jacqui pronounced us married and was about to say “Jarryd, you may now kiss the bride”, but we were kissing already. In that moment, Jarryd and I were both besotted with each other and just could not help ourselves.

Isabella ——I was born in Australia and partly raised in New Zealand, although I grew up travelling the world with my parents. Jarryd grew up in Australia and we met in Doha, Qatar, introduced by a mutual friend on the dancefloor at a party. We found each other in a desert country, and realised how much we had in common, especially our sense of humour and love for travelling. Now we live in Auckland and I work for fashion designer Kate Sylvester, while Jarryd works for clean energy company Tesla.

Jarryd ——I thought Bella was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes upon. Sounds cliched, I know. I just knew I had to talk to her. Not long after that, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Isabella ——Jarryd was 18 and I was 17. He intrigued me. His confidence and humour was captivating. We were young and still figuring out who and where we wanted to be. We supported each other’s dreams and goals, and made compromises that weren’t always easy. I lived abroad on my own for several months for modelling contracts, and Jarryd worked in Luxembourg for half a year. Whenever we reunited, it was so special. Those big leaps out of our comfort zones made us stronger together and we know now that our love is forever.

Once, after several months apart, Jarryd and I reunited in Bordeaux. He set up a beautiful picnic between the grapevines at our chateau, with Champagne, strawberries and chocolates. That was where he got down on one knee and proposed. We were both so incredibly happy. My family had rented a beautiful chateau nearby and we joined them that night for a wonderful French dinner and the celebrations continued.

We both wanted a simple, timeless and elegant wedding. Delicate white florals, lush greenery and minimal decor was all that was needed, as the view of the Te Mata peaks in the background was so breathtaking. We had a smaller wedding due to family and friends not being able to make it because of travel restrictions, and we decided to livestream it for all those loved ones who couldn’t be there.

I found my perfect wedding dress from Hera Couture. It was the first dress I tried on, and I loved it straight away. I chose a pearl veil and had pearls sewn down the back of my dress to match. Jarryd chose a navy tux from Working Style.

Planning our wedding was fun and enjoyable. It was such a special day that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Our lovely celebrant Jacqui pronounced us married and was about to say “Jarryd, you may now kiss the bride”, but we were kissing already. In that moment, Jarryd and I were both besotted with each other and just could not help ourselves.