We wanted it to be like a fun dinner party with a focus on great music, delicious food, cocktails and wonderful company.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We are Lili & James – parents to two beautiful children, Poppie & Marley. I (Lili) am a passionate makeup artist with a love for wedding makeup, and my biggest passion of all is being a mum. James is a full-time plumber and roofer, but he’s outdoors and fishing any chance he gets! Family time is everything to us. We love to all get together every weekend for good food, wine, and fun!
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
James and I had been friends for over a decade in the same circle of friends. One night, we finally decided to tell each other how we truly felt and took the next step! Not long after, our beautiful Poppie was born, and we were living an incredible life together!
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
I think we always secretly knew we were meant to be—a few drinks on a fun night out, and we let it all out to each other, and the rest is history!
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
James proposed to me on Pauanui Beach – a place we both hold close to our hearts. James has been going to Pauanui ever since he was a little boy with his family. They own a gorgeous batch, and when James and I got together, we would always go on the most fun trips, which became even more fun when our wonderful babies came along. Poppie was there the day he proposed and made it even more special (and funny) by her racing into the water mid-proposal, leaving me standing on the beach a blubbering mess while James chased after her. It was truly a special day we won’t ever forget!
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
Our wedding day was all about creating a close, intimate gathering with our nearest and dearest in our favourite place by the sea, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel-we wanted it to be like a fun dinner party with a focus on great music, delicious food, cocktails and wonderful company. I love my flowers, so the florals were such an important part for me, too – incorporating colours to bring out the beautiful surroundings and everyone dressing in gorgeous summery but chic cocktail attire!
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
The dress of course ! And also the florals, food and drinks. Endless lemoncello spritz were essential on a balmy summers night!
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Probably just the chaos of getting ready as a bride while having to look after a one-year-old and 4-year-old right up until the minute I was about to walk down the aisle! The groomsmen were off relaxing all day, going for swims out for lunch – taking their sweet time to get ready. And I (the bride) was running around like a headless chicken trying to organise the day, making sure the kids had their naps, were fed nappies, changed ETC, ETC, while doing my makeup & hair, amongst other things – the room was a mess we couldn’t even have getting ready photos!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way – having my babies there on our day made it truly even more special!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
We wanted to be very classic, for our looks to be timeless. For me, the most special part of my outfit was the brooch on my bouquet—a photo of my late grandfather. He was a huge part of my life; he meant the world to me. I felt him close to me the whole day.
LOCATION The Duke of Marlborough, Russell Bay of Islands, NZ, @dukeofmarlborough PHOTOGRAPHER Skye Carter, @_skyecarterphotographer FLORIST Little Leaf Floral, @little.leaf.florals CELEBRANT Friend – Summer Skelton ENTERTAINMENT Shaun Corlett; Kidku, @kidku HIRE Chairs – Tents & Events (Keri Party Hire) CAKE Tessa – Cuppa Cakes, @cuppacakesnorthland SIGNAGE Made by the Mother of the Bride RINGS Personal family jeweller BRIDAL DRESS ‘Monte’ – Chosen By KYHA, @chosenbykyha; Aje, @_aje_ BRIDE’S SHOE Jimmy Choo, @jimmychoo BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Earrings – Amber Sceats, @ambersceats MAKEUP By the Bride, @lilishinemakeupartisty HAIR Ruth Baron – Made Up by Ruth, @madeupbyruth BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Coco Mademoiselle – Chanel, @chanelofficial SUIT Working Style, @workingstylenz GROOM’S SHOE Florsheim, @florsheimshoes GROOM’S FRAGRANCE American Crew Win GROOMSMEN SUIT Working Style, @workingstylenz BRIDESMAIDS DRESS Shona Joy, @shonajoy BRIDESMAIDS’ MAKEUP Mimi & Lili, @mimiandlilimakeupartistry BRIDESMAIDS’ SHOE Billini, @billinishoes
