We’re not your typical match. Nicholai is a manager at a car dealership and I’m a social work team leader at a community agency. Nicholai comes from Whanganui and I grew up on the North Shore of Auckland.
We were on the island of Mykonos in Greece, having a few drinks, when I asked Nicholai what our five-year plan was, and he said: “I suppose get engaged in the next two years”. Two days later, on Santorini, he was down on one knee asking me to spend the rest of my life with him.
We were so lucky to make our special day happen, given the various Covid-19 restrictions. We enjoyed every second of it. We had incredible vendors and the fact that we knew some of them personally made it so much fun. My sister and I stumbled across the Stone Terrace when we went on a little getaway to the Coromandel Peninsula. We cancelled every other venue visit. Straight away, I knew I wanted to style the wedding to fit with the scene. I didn’t want a stylist or planner because I know exactly what I like. Having a clear L.L Hire marquee was a must for me. They are so beautiful at night. We stuck to a white and neutral colour palette with a pop of my favourite colour, khaki green. A total hit on the day was the bouncy castle. I have never laughed so much in my life!
I was originally going to go for super plain, classic dress but I figured it’s not every day you get to dress up so I chose a beautiful lace gown from Trish Peng. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the dress process but it turned out to be so much fun. The dress I wore after our dinner was insane, too. My photographer Sophie recommended Brooke Tyson and it was the most perfect party dress. I’m a sneaker fanatic, so having a dress I could dance in comfortably was a dream.
Before I walked down the aisle, I could see our best friends’ two children throwing petals. They were so adorable and easygoing. Some of our grandparents couldn’t make the ceremony due to health reasons but my grandad was adamant that he’d be there and he stood up at the ceremony and did the best reading we could have asked for. Nicholai and I both adore our dog Billy, so of course he was there too.
Don’t let anyone dictate your wedding plans. We had people tell us to invite fewer people, or start the wedding later, but just did what we wanted to do. Make decisions that make you both happy and the rest will sort itself out. We love nothing more than reminiscing over our photos while enjoying the wine we have left over. Nicholai and I are in this for life. Being married means waking up every day and choosing to love your other half. We’re super excited for the rest of our lives together.
Photographer: Sophie Isabella | Videographer: Jono Viviani | Location: Stone Terrace | Bride’s ceremony dress: Trish Peng | Groom’s shirt: Country Road | Groom’s suit : Barkers Made to Measure | Fragrance: Jo Malone | Flora Anita : Blue Meadow Florals | Bride’s engagement ring: Mansors Jewellers | Bride’s wedding ring: Naveya & Sloane | Groom’s wedding band: Silvermoon | Bride’s earrings: Amélie George | Bride’s shoes: Dior | Groom’s shoes: Merchant | Bride’s reception dress: Brooke Tyson Ritual | Entertainment: Malcolm Lakatani Music | Bar: Wildernest | Plates & cutlery: Royal Laboratorie | Napkins & couch throws: Tble. Linen | Bouncy castle: Crazy Castles | Bud vases: White Wedding Club | Marquee L.L Hire | Catering & beverages: Sugarfish | Cake: Sweet Addiction | Hair: Nicole Reyns from Hare and Hunter | Makeup: Jess Henty | Celebrant: Bruce Bradburn | Furniture: L.L Hire | Bridesmaids’ attire: Custom Lisa H Design | Groomsmen’s attire: Made to Measure pants by Barkers, shirts: Country Road | Signage Hey Lola | Styling & planning Bride
