The beautiful real wedding of Kayla and Andrew by Jonny Scott as seen in Issue 18.
Kayla: Andrew owns and runs a creative studio and I have my own creative consultancy. We met when he was working for a print company and I was designing at Trelise Cooper. When I was given the print account to look after, Andrew took me on a tour to explain the printing process. Our eyes locked over the sublimation machine and we both knew something special was about to happen. Andrew tells people he was just being a professional salesperson and building a solid working relationship, but I had other plans!
Andrew: Right from the start, things seemed like they were meant to be. Our relationship bloomed naturally and I think that’s really nice — not forcing things, but having a sense of belonging to each other and being connected to each other’s lives, friends and family.
Kayla: We got engaged at Andrew’s family bach shortly after getting the news that my mum’s breast cancer had spread to her brain. Andrew gave my family the best gift that weekend, as it brought so much joy in a time of such sorrow. Engaged in February and married in April, I didn’t have much time to think about a colour palette for our wedding, so we kept it black and white. We included personalised styling details like table settings with baskets of bread and grapes like in my grandmother’s homeland, Croatia, and film cameras for guests to use. We placed quotes on everyone’s seats to reflect a framed version hanging in our home that reads: ‘You inspire me with your determination and I love you’.
A couple of weekends after the engagement, I booked a dress fitting at Secret Lace Bridal in Kumeu, close to my family home. It stocks so many gowns that it felt like an episode of Say Yes to the Dress! I’d tried on about 20 styles that were just okay when the owner, Deborah, said she had one out the back that was too small and out there for the average customer. A vintage sample Rue De Seine, picked up in Paris, it was nothing like what I’d been looking for, but felt perfect. We all cried. My dear friend Trelise fitted it to my body, secured the hand-sewing and designed a veil she’d had beaded in India. We also added a bow at my neck, because why not? More is more! Andrew wore a custom-made tuxedo with a gold chain from our five-year anniversary and gold Versace cufflinks.
The biggest challenge Andrew and I have faced has been loss. His grandparents and cousin have passed away, and my mother recently passed away after a nine-year fight with cancer. It means so much that we were there for each other and experienced it together. Being married has cemented our relationship and really confirmed that we have each other’s back. As my mum would say, we’re like “two bookends” — we complement each other.
Photography & videography: Jonny Scott | Bride’s gown: Secret Lace Bridal | Groom’s suit: Doran & Doran | Rings: Hera Saabi | Bride’s fragrance: Jo Malone London | Groom’s fragrance: Curionoir Pablo | Planning & styling: The bride | Celebrant: Ian Ingo | Bride’s earrings & bridesmaids’ jewellery: Homage | Groom’s cufflinks: Far Fetch | Bride’s shoes: Acne Studios | Groom’s shoes: RM Williams | Hair & Makeup: Serenity Makeup | Mother of the bride’s dress: Trelise Cooper | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Wynn Hamlyn | Beverages: Master of Ceremonies & Vintners | Venue: The family farm, Kumeu | Marquee: Raj Tents | Flora: Emeri | Hire: Events on Show & Hire Plants | Catering: Andre Rooney, Bluerock, Food Snob & Mint Kitchen | Groomsmen’s suits: Vintage | Waitstaff: Wanted
