“We met at a high school party in our late teens. Jason had just started his building apprenticeship (which has since hugely contributed to the renovations on our first home!).
I am a bathroom designer. I was unsure of Jason at first, as he seemed a bit too good. Turns out he was worth pursuing, as we have been together ever since.
We had been together for over 11 years, so it was a feat to keep the proposal and ring design a secret. Jason enlisted the help of my sister, Alex. It took more than six months to perfect the ring. He then got my friend, Yiselle, to suggest I organise a trip away, to thank him for all his work on our home.
Because I was the one who had planned the glamping weekend at Castaways at Lake Puketi, I had no idea he was going to pop the question. The proposal was flawless, in a secluded spot by the ocean on a clear winter’s afternoon.
We had toyed with the idea of a wedding at my parents’ home, but knew it would be a lot of work for everyone, so we went venue hunting. However, we both knew nothing could beat the beautiful setting of my mother’s garden and the surrounding paddocks. We both love green and when I found a green jacket for Jason, that set the tone. I was lucky to stumble across the green heels.
As soon as I saw them, I was sold. My mum collected dried flowers for the bouquets we had hanging through the marquee. My dad and Jason built our ‘Welcome’ signs and seating chart and my close friends created our incredible cake. My maid of honour works for Jo Malone London so we were lucky enough to have a wedding scent, with candles throughout the marquee.
From the moment we made eye contact to walking down the aisle, it really was dreamy. The photographers took us away as the sun was setting and we had the opportunity to just be us for a moment, to look back at all our closest friends and family, enjoying each other’s company in the afternoon glow.”
Photographer @baylymoore | bride’s dress @hayesbridal | groom’s jacket @frenchconnection | groom’s other attire & shoes @barkersclothing | venue Bride’s parents’ home | celebrant Kaye Jensen | fragrances @jomalonelondon | ring/s @naveyaandsloanejewellery | bride’s hair & makeup @rebecca.sola | bride’s shoes @mi_piaci | groomsmen’s tuxedos & shoes @barkersclothing | bridesmaids’ dresses @shonajoy_ & @stone_cold_fox | bridesmaids’ shoes @andotherstories | marquee & furniture @llhire | fresh flora @honeysuckleflowers | catering Gemma Miles | cake @sweetswissmeringue44 & @bekasbaking | band & DJ @findabandagency | neon sign @radikalneon | custom dance floor @endurobuildnz | invites & website @yisellelowrey
