Leisha — Brydon writes, produces, teaches and plays music for a living, and I’m a makeup artist. We met at a show Brydon’s band was playing in an old bunker overlooking Christchurch…
It was just “Hi” and “Bye” and that was it, but around the same time, I was looking for a guitar teacher and a mutual friend told me Brydon was a tutor. Being a complete chicken, I asked everyone but Brydon, but it turned out no one was available, so I plucked up the courage to reach out to him.
I knew after my first lesson that I’d end up crushing on him even more than I already was. After a term of guitar lessons that never seemed to end on time or finish with a lot accomplished, Brydon asked me out on a date. I haven’t played the guitar since! Brydon proposed while we were on holiday in Mexico. On our last day, he suggested we go out for dinner then, while I went shopping for the afternoon, he ran round the streets of Mexico looking for fairy lights and roses!
After a dinner at a fancy Japanese restaurant, we went back to our apartment and Brydon convinced me to pop up to the rooftop with him. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I started crying. There were red rose petals and lights all over the place. Brydon handed me a letter, which I read but could hardly take in at the time, and when I turned around he was on one knee holding out the most beautiful ring. I said yes as quickly as I could. Our wedding day was so relaxed and fun. I didn’t really have a particular theme – I just wanted every aspect to be timeless and reflect us.
Our reception was at a hair salon owned by good friends. It had mirrors and basins lining the walls, but we didn’t want to hide the fact that it was a salon – that’s what made it unique. My favourite detail was the centrepieces at our ceremony and on our bridal table – two huge baskets full of toetoe that my lovely mother collected for me. Instead of having a videographer and a guest book, we had two small camcorders so people could record the day and messages for us. It was so cool to watch the footage and see things that we’d been unaware of. The best thing about marriage is being with your best friend forever. You hear that all the time, but it’s so true and so insanely beautiful. Kindness is key, and I know I’ve married such a kind man who’ll make me feel loved for the rest of my life.
Photography: Andrew Hewson at Grey Area Productions | Groom’s suit: Munns | Groom’s shoes: Asos | Bride’s gown: Louise Anderson Bridal Design | Bride’s shoes: Boohoo | Flora: Bunch Floral | Ceremony venue: Oxford Terrace Baptist Church | Reception venue: GM Hair | Hair: Hair by Tuscany | Makeup: Emma Knowles | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Asos, Finders Keepers, Laura Ashley, Lulus and Ruby | Bridesmaids’ shoes: Novo Shoes | Fragrance: Tocca Cleopatra | Rings: Fendalton Jewellers and Sladens | Celebrant: Paul Bennetts | Beverages & glassware: Henry’s Beer, Wine & Spirits | Catering: SpitRoast.com | Dessert: Made by friends | Entertainment: A band made up of friends | Special song: ‘666’ by Bon Iver
