Jojo & Tom by The Official Photographers

Jojo and Toms Wedding captured by The Official Photographers at on 27/12/2019

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

We are both born and bred in the Waikato, we had met at high school but after spending time overseas we both settled here and re connected when we were 21.

We own two local cafes with my family (Two birds café and Frank) and run The Narrows Landing wedding venue. We also have two young children Gray 4 and Franky 1 so you could, so we keep ourselves fairly busy! I (Jojo) am very creative outgoing and I would say Tom is the brains and backbone behind me. I have big ideas and he helps me achieve them or brings me back down to earth when I need it. We have been together 8 years so really know each other well and have created a strong foundation for our family. 

Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

As a part of my Job is wedding planning, it was extremely fun to plan my day. I did most of the planning with my mother @penelopejaneflorals. I knew wanted a luxe and rich theme (I don’t do green and white!). I love vibrant florals, golds, glam! When it came to the food we are massive foodies and my chefs are insane- we love Mexican food so I let my chefs run wild with that idea! We had a lavish grazing table to start with oysters and crayfish. Then we moved into the mains which were charred corn, 3 cheese empanadas, Mexican street croquettes, cornbread followed by a dessert table to die for – I’m still thinking about the chocolate chilli tart. We got married in our main reception room and then dined alfresco on the lawn which had never been done before at our venue, we both love music so had Kyla singing old school R&B then finished the night with Cian our Dj who plays vinyl records.

Tell us about your main outfits:

I would describe my style as classically feminine with a bit of an edge. I knew I wanted a low-key effortless outfit that reflected my natural style. I found my blouse at RUBY while looking for my bridesmaid’s gowns and loved it. Then I contacted Ella from All the While who lives locally to see if she could customise one of her bias-cut skirts to match my top. Shoes were released literally the week or two before the wedding from La tribe and my veil was a must-have which I will pass onto my daughter. My hair and makeup I wanted very glamorous (I don’t do natural). My friend Kieran from Sydney did my hair and he’s a wizard and Gabrielle has done my make up a few times before and she nailed it. Tom was in charge of his outfit, we knew it would be hot so the linen jackets were perfect and kept it low key with black trousers to match my bridesmaids. 

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day? 

Tom and I both wrote special letters to each other to give one another on the morning of the wedding – we wanted to keep the vows classic so it was very special to read these on the day. For us, a wedding day was a chance to catch up and celebrate with all our loved ones and soak up the day as much as possible. It was a day to celebrate how far we had come, all of our highs and lows, with our most special people there. Our celebrant was a childhood friend and my brother was MC, Shannon and Aaron our photographers, we know well and they captured the day so perfectly. All the staff we knew and usually work alongside so it was all so special.


Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?

My advice would be to work on your relationship each day, a big lavish wedding is great but you have to be able to back it all up with a strong, love-filled, fun relationship. A wedding day is not going to turn you into a queen or your partner into the person of your dreams without putting in some solid groundwork. Also, as I tell all the couples I work with, be as organised as you can be so that on the day you can relax – and don’t sweat the small stuff. None of that will matter, what matters is enjoying yourself, soaking up the day as much as possible and being present.

Photography: The Official Photographers | Ceremony and Reception location: The Narrows Landing | Bride’s outfit: Top- Ruby, Skirt- custom made by All The White , Veil- Pearly veil by Grace Loves Lace| Bride’s shoes: Penny heel from La Tribe | Bride’s engagement ring: Grae | Groom’s outfit: Jacket, Shirt and Trousers- Barkers Clothing | Groom’s shoes: Penny loafers by Barrett| Makeup: Gabrielle Houghton | Hair: Kieran Knight | Fragrance: Bride- Narciso Rodriguez, Groom- Paco Rabanne | Bridal Party: Ruby and Witchery | Bridesmaid’s Make Up: Gabrielle Houghton and MP Makeup | Bridesmaid’s Hair: Kieran Knight and Amy Dudarko |  Groomsmen’s outfits: Barkers Clothing | The White Wedding Club | The Pretty Prop Shop | Penelope Jane Florals | The Flour Cakery