Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Michael and I first met in Wellington while we were both studying at university and I was helping a friend move into Michael’s flat.
But while the attraction was instant, the romance was not! A mutual shyness meant that it was long five months after that first meeting that Michael finally asked me on our first date – dinner at a restaurant for Valentine’s Day.
A little cliched it may have been, but from there, I was hooked. After a couple of years living together in Wellington, we moved to Sydney in August 2015, landing in Bondi. Our experience in the ‘Bondi bubble’ has really been one of ease and fun – as a lawyer (Michael) and bank manager (Kylee), we are successfully establishing our careers, while the thriving Kiwi ex-pat social scene and beach is on our doorstep and keep us energised and sated.
Our personalities are different but complimentary. I am busy, energetic, and outgoing. My perfect weekend is built around the number of friends I can gather to share a platter’s worth of cheese. An enthusiastic foodie, I cook a lot and cook with little regard for the mess I leave in my wake. Michael is quieter, more reserved at first meeting. His perfect weekend is a steady stream of rugby, basketball, and cricket games. Unlike me, he’s considerate and tidy in terms of mess. What I love about Michael is how much he has to give underneath his shy exterior. His personality burns brightly below the surface – he didn’t get the nickname ‘Smiling Assassin’ without a wicked sense of humour to back it up.
Like many relationships, ours has taken time and effort, and the path has been difficult in places and not always direct. The engagement ring Michael designed includes a note – “thanks for waiting” – which may point to a less than direct route to a proposal. Proof that great things take time, and that over our short years together we have grown into a cohesive team that respect each other and live to enjoy each day together.
As a team, we love to travel, eat and drink, and it is the people we share these experiences with – our friends and family in New Zealand, Australia and beyond – that make these times so special and our lives so full. They know who they are and know that they share a special place in our hearts.
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…
Our day; the best day. An absolute reflection of us and all the things and people we love.
We had a number of guests who travelling from across the globe, and with that, we saw the opportunity to showcase Michael’s hometown – the beautiful Hawkes Bay region in New Zealand. Modern with an earthy edge was the style we landed on – something that was perfectly “us”. Cue Te Awa Estate, and a special ceremony set overlooking the vineyard.
Inside, the timber beams and raw timber tables of the reception space were complimented by organically- styled floral arrangements and candles. Little pockets of styling were seen in the frosted olive green acrylic signage used for the seating plan, while each guest sat down to a personalised frosted white acrylic name tile.
Our custom-made ‘KYLEE & MICHAEL’ neon light brought to life the contemporary part of our styling brief, and gave a focal point to our dancefloor space, whilst also doubling as a photo backdrop. It now sits in our house as a constant reminder of our very best day.
Tell us about your main outfits:
The groom and the groomsmen wore suits made by Institchu and mirrored the style of the wedding – relaxed, and a mix of the traditional and the non-traditional.
Both groom and groomsmen wore the same style suit. Each groomsman played a special part in the lifecycle of our relationship, and we wanted our suits to reflect that each person in the bridal party was equally important to its success.
Although I had envisioned myself being a somewhat particular bride, my dress was only the second dress I tried on. I never believed in the ‘moment’ everyone talks about when you find the dress, but it’s truly something I experienced. I couldn’t explain it, but the moment I put that second dress on, I knew there wasn’t going to be a third. I wanted a classic design that wouldn’t date and couldn’t have been happier with the simplicity of Sarah Seven’s design.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
During our ceremony, we had our guests hold and bless our rings. It was a special moment putting on an artifact that represented both mine and Michael’s love, and the love of our nearest and dearest.
Michael’s best man gave us great advice – he said to steal a few moments during the day for ourselves, to soak it all in. We made sure to do this, and we are glad that we did, as it is truly a whirlwind that you can get lost in if you are not conscious of it.
Our photographer Tom (Hollow and Co) had done some great research the day before the wedding and found a spectacular spot for sunset photos. We had not expected to go offsite for photos during the afternoon. He stole us away and when we arrived at the fields for these photos we were floored – it was like we were a million miles away! The contrast between these and our photos at Te Awa is dynamic, and we are reminded of that deep feeling of excitement and anticipation every time we look at those sunset photos.
Lastly, the cheese cake! It couldn’t be a wedding of mine without a good, aged cheddar and gooey brie. What a hit!
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
The wedding: Enjoy it! It’s only as stressful as you choose to make it, and on the day everything just falls into place naturally. The moments where Michael and I felt like we were at our wits end with each other are actually ones we look back and laugh at the most.
The rest of your life: Be patient. We all speak our own love languages – understanding and empathy is key to progressing successfully as a team. Lastly, have fun! Even when the hot water has run out, and kitchen is a mess
Venue, Catering & Beverages Te Awa Winery | Photographer: Hollow & Co | Celebrant: Nick Davis| Entertainment: The Good Brew | Styling: The Style Store | Hire: Miss Frou Frou | Flora: Magdalen Hill | Cake: Cheese from Moore Wilsons | Signage: Sketch and Etch | Bride’s Dress: Sarah Seven from The Bridal Atelier | Veil: Theia Couture from The Bridal Atelier | Groom & Groomsmen Suit’s: Institchu | Ring/s: Cutlet | Bride Shoes: Tony Bianco | Groom Shoes: R M Williams | Bride’s Earrings: Jennifer Behr | Makeup: Candice Dear | Hair: Abby Schofield | Bride Fragrance: Altaia ‘Don’t Cry for Me’ from MECCA |Groom Fragrance: Eight & Bob ‘Champs de Provence’ | Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy
