I think we both recognised the fun and not-to-serious personalities that are so important to both of us.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Both are part of a service industry, i.e., hospitality and cosmetics. We love people and love being around our friends and family, so any opportunity to get out there is jumped on. Hosting is our favourite; however, it is always a chaotic event as we try to cook obscure recipes we found in the back of a 2012 women’s weekly at James’ family bach. Coffee in bed together every morning we can is not to be missed. We also dot over our very needy, slobbery and hyper-energetic black lab, Bowie. He is truly a King amongst mortals.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We first met at my Auckland leaving party back in 2017 when we shared a cheeky pash. I was moving back to Hawke’s Bay to join the family catering company, which I have since taken over. We didn’t see each other again until my friends had an engagement party in Auckland in 2021 that we both attended. Both nights, we ended up talking the night away in a fit of giggles. I think we both recognised the fun and not-to-serious personalities that are so important to both of us.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Honestly it was very quickly, we are both very aware of when we are truly ourselves and it was effortless from day 1. We had to go through a year of long distance from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay in the tail end of COVID-19, which has always had its challenges, but we always kept moving forward. I will always be in awe of Jas, especially with the sacrifices she made in moving to Hawke’s Bay so we could be together. Proposing was the easiest decision I have ever made. 

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
James proposed while we were taking our Labrador, Bowie, for a walk along the lakefront at Halletts Bay in Hatepe, Lake Taupo. Since James and his family have spent many holidays in Hatepe, he thought it was the perfect place to create more special memories. We celebrated on the Hatepe Lake Front. The lake was incredibly still, and there was a bright pink and orange sunset. Both of our families (unbeknownst to Jas) joined us (unbeknownst to Jas) with the Jardines travelling from New Plymouth and the Ortons from Hawke’s Bay to join in on the surprise weekend. James planned it beautifully, and it will always be one of our favourite family memories. Lots of champagne and a beautiful homemade dinner followed.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
The Old Church is so charming and beautiful on its own, it was important for us to compliment the space as best we could. It felt fitting to lean towards a more romantic setting with white roses, soft lighting and a LOT of candles!
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
The food! With James and his family running a catering business for over 40 years, it was essential to ensure everyone was well-fed and treated to the most delicious menu possible. We truly went all out! Masses of canapes to start so we could mingle with our nearest and dearest for longer, Confit Duck and Roast beef fillet for the mains, accompanied by potato dauphinoise and fresh, local roasted seasonal vegetables, and the most delicious dessert spread possible! Homemade mini doughnuts, omega plum panna cotta, chocolate brownie and Scott’s Strawberries, all accompanied by our wedding cake – yum! We took home a box of desserts from the wedding night and sat next to the fire, already wanting to relive the night.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Nothing at all! We were incredibly fortunate that everything went smoothly and according to plan. A huge thank you goes to the team at Orton’s—their expertise and professionalism truly made a difference! We were so immersed in the day’s celebrations, surrounded by the best guest list imaginable: our closest friends and family – all our favourite people! Even if something unexpected had happened, it wouldn’t have mattered in the slightest.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Jasmine: I knew I wanted something timeless and elegant, but I didn’t have a specific vision or style in mind. That’s when I reached out to Hayes Bridal to help me create a custom gown. At the beginning, I wasn’t certain about the structure or the final look of the dress, but working with Alice turned out to be the greatest wedding gift imaginable. Despite my lack of a clear vision, she designed a dress and veil that suited me perfectly, enhancing my body shape and making me feel like the most beautiful bride ever. Thank you, Alice! I’ll forever be grateful!
James: Custom suit by Crane Brothers. I wanted something formal but versatile (unlike a tux that has very few reasons to come out) so we went with a straight black jacket and pants with a wide peak lapel.
VENUE Ceremony – Onsite villa accommodation front lawn; Reception – The Old Church, @theoldchurchhb PHOTOGRAPHER Meredith Lord, @meredithlord STYLIST Jasmine Jardine from Ortons, @ortonhire PLANNER Sarah Witkowski from Ortons, @ortonshawkesbay FLORIST Hannah Moore – Sniff Flowers, @sniffffff__ CELEBRANT Helen Orton ENTERTAINMENT Ceremony and Canapes: Brad and Emily – The Raw Honeys, @therawhoneysband; Shaun Preston, @shaun_preston HIRE Tableware – Ortons, @ortonhire Tables, chairs and bar leaners, and white couch set: Flock Events, @flockevents MARQUE The Flagship Events Company, @flagship_events CATERING Ortons, @ortonshawkesbay CAKE Cuteneys Cakes, @cuteneys_cakes STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Madeline Laffey – Tou Jours, @toujours RINGS McClurgs Jewellers, @mcclurgsjewellers BRIDAL DRESS & VEIL Custom – Hayes Bridal, @hayesbridal BRIDE’S SHOE Asos, @asos BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Earrings – Jessica McCormack, @jessica_mccormack; Silk bow handbag – Hayes Bridal, @hayesbridal MAKEUP By the Bride BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Santal 33 – Le Labo, @lelabofragrances SUIT & SHOE Crane Brothers, @cranebrothers GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Amazing Green EDP – CDG
