Getting married is so much more than a piece of paper. It’s an indescribable feeling knowing that you’re lucky enough to spend the rest of your days with your best friend.
We had to cancel plans for a summer wedding in Copenhagen when Melbourne went into the first Covid-19 lockdown. Not only did it feel like our dreams had been crushed, but that we were also letting our guests down, as many of them had already paid for flights and accommodation. Luckily, our family and friends surrounded us with love and support through what was a really disappointing time. When we started making alternative wedding plans, Jeremy and I decided that we wanted to get married somewhere elevated, yet effortless.
I explored options around some of our favourite places in New Zealand — Wanaka, Queenstown and the Marlborough Sounds — but when I found Eichardt’s, I knew it was the perfect spot for us. Even though we chose to get married in New Zealand, we still wanted to pay homage to our original Danish plans. We sourced the natural wine Jeremy and I loved in Copenhagen and kept the table settings simple with long, brass candles and elaborate florals that spoke to Europe. I asked my very talented friend, Louise Graham, to handwrite and illustrate our menu cards too, which tied the whole theme together.
The evening before the wedding, I headed down to Lake Wakatipu with my bridesmaids and a bottle of bubbles. I wrote a love letter to each of them to thank them for their support throughout the year. It was such a beautiful way to set the tone for the next day.
My wedding dress was custom-made by Wynn Hamlyn. The look on my mum’s face when she saw me was everything. I’ll never forget how proud she was and it was a moment I’d dreamt of for a long time. In the evening, I changed into a dancing dress by Harris Tapper and let my hair down. It wasn’t my usual style so I don’t think anyone expected it, but if there’s one day to wear whatever you want, it’s your wedding!
Two of our very close friends, our celebrant Sam and my bridesmaid Anika, travelled from Barcelona and Melbourne to be there on our wedding day. We were overwhelmed by the lengths they and others went to, to celebrate our love. Unfortunately, my dad and Jeremy’s brother couldn’t make it from overseas, but we were able to livestream the ceremony for them and it was wonderful to see them celebrate from afar. Cheering over Facetime with my dad and practicing our first dance by the fire were some of the beautiful moments we will remember for years to come.
Getting married is so much more than a piece of paper. It’s an indescribable feeling knowing that you’re lucky enough to spend the rest of your days with your best friend. Wedding planning can feel incredibly overwhelming at times so make sure to set time aside for each other. Rest assured that everything will be perfect on the day, as there’s only one reason why you’re there and that’s all that matters. Having planned two weddings was emotionally draining at times, but the moment I saw Jeremy on the day, it was all worth it. We would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Photographer Holly Burgess | Bride’s first outfit Wynn Hamlyn | Planner & styling Bride groom’s outfit Doran & Doran | Venue & Catering The Grille by Eichardt’s | Bride’s makeup Sister | Bride’s hair Geana and Sarah from Pure Hair Studio | Fragrance Jo Malone | Flora Little Botanica | Naveya and Sloane | Bride’s Wedding Band Jessica McCormack | Groom’s Wedding Band Friend Michael Ayling | Bride’s Shoes | Bottega Veneta Matches Fashion | Groom’s Shoes RM Williams | Cuff & earrings Jasmin Sparrow | Bridesmaids’ Attire Lee Matthews | Wynn Hamlyn | Paris Georgia | Bridesmaids’ Jewellery | Jasmin Sparrow | Celebrant Friend Sam Stewart | Hire Candles Style Depot | Cake The Grille | Cava Clay | Scallop Shells Sourced by Matakana Smokehouse | Bride’s Evening Outfit Harris Tapper | Bride’s Bag Georgia Jay | Groomsmen Attire Rembrandt Hire | Entertainment DJ Langston
