We got married on my family farm and wanted it to be country, but chic.
Jen —— I own a clothing boutique in Orewa and James works in sales and merchandise for a local clothing brand. Both of us grew up in the rag trade, so it’s second nature. I love that we both work in the same industry.
We ran in similar circles for years, but it wasn’t until a mutual friend’s birthday party that we officially met. I thought James was really funny. A little shy, but at the same time a really engaging person to be around. Everybody loves Jimmy! We had some hilarious first dates that really defined who we are as a couple: relaxed, easy going, and always up for a laugh.
We were in the middle of renovating our house and when I got home there was a painter’s bucket with a bottle of bubbles waiting, and a note scribbled on butcher’s paper asking me to marry him. I said yes, and we got back to renovating. That note is now framed and hangs on the wall of our living room.
With my previous job anchored to campaigns, organising the wedding was like bringing my dream concept to life. We got married on my family farm and wanted it to be country, but chic. The ceremony was in front of a row of magnolia trees and the reception tent was framed by old twisted oak and birch, so it felt really cosy, even though it was only just coming into summer. Guests could sit on hay bales around a fire, or cosy up on couches. A few weeks before the wedding, the cows got into the paddock. James spent ages levelling out the ground with a hand roller and the evening before, our groomsmen were mowing an isle for me and the girls to walk down.
We had a really personal approach to what we wore on the day. I’ve been blessed to work for the best so James wore a made-to-measure suit by Ryan Lightfoot from Barkers Ponsonby while the boys wore ZQ Merino suits from Barkers.
My dress was a custom design by Kenny and Harlow. I’m very much a wallflower, so I wanted a dress that made me feel relaxed but sexy. One of my best friends and bridesmaids owns a lingerie boutique called Underlena, built on the principles of sensuality. She really understands femininity and found me the perfect pieces for the day. My veil was made by another of my talented bridesmaids. We made the train length quite long and dramatic. My bridesmaids wore custom silk dresses by Gloria. We all grew up wearing Kristine Crabb’s designs. Knowing that they would cherish their dresses over the next decade of their lives was really important to me.
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Ana Galloway, @anagalloway LOCATION Longburn Farm CELEBRANT Maggie Grace, @maggiegracegoing BRIDE’S GOWN Kenny & Harlow, @kennyandharlowbridal GROOM’S SUIT Barkers, @barkersclothing LINGERIE Underlena, @_underlena VEIL Claire Morrison @clairemorrison_ BRIDE’S BAG Love James, @lovejamesstore RINGS & ACCESSORIES Meadowlark, @meadowlarkjewellery SHOES Gucci, @gucci MAKEUP Leisa Welch, @leisa.w.hairandmakeup HAIR Lauren Gunn and Zoe Taylor at Colleen, @colleen__colleen FRAGRANCE Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle, @meccabeauty BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Gloria, @gloria_nz_ BRIDESMAIDS’ EARRINGS La Tribe, @la.tribe GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Barkers, @barkersclothing HIRE Arkade, @arkade_hire MARQUEE Twelve Tables, @twelve_tables FLORA Isadia Floral, @isadiafloral CATERING & BEVERAGES Ruru Pantry, @rurupantry; Lebanese Grocer, @lebanesegrocer CAKE Puff Cafe, @puff_cafe STATIONERY Ciochetto Studio, @ciochettostudio ENTERTAINMENT Sam Allen, @samfrickenallen
