LUCRETIA + JAYME by Carla Mitchell - Together Journal

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship:

I’m Lucretia and I am an occupational therapist, working in mental health. Jayme is a builder and we both have been doing these professions since finishing high school.

Jayme and I have known each other since we were 11 years old and had attended the same school together. We were always friends and it was only a year out of school when we met again at a good friends wedding where we spent time together over lots of wine and dancing that we became interested in each other. Jayme and I were dating for four years before he proposed at our favourite beach, Tawharanui Regional Park where we share so many special memories camping, surfing and spending time together.

We are two dorks that make each other happy while navigating life together.

Whether we are out exploring different areas in New Zealand, or parked up at our local beach with a gas cooker and wine we love just being together, making new memories and not taking life too seriously.

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:

Jayme and I were engaged just days prior to the national lockdown. We spent lockdown thinking about what is important to us and what we really wanted our wedding day to look like. We were both excited to be married and we wanted our wedding day to be fun, stress free and wanted it to feel like us. With close family that were stuck overseas, we decided that instead of waiting out for borders to open, we would use this unusual situation and make the most out of it by having an elopement up at The Remarkables with just our parents, our family Pastor and God to share our special day with, followed by a party later when our friends and family can join us. This location felt special to us not only for its natural beauty, but because we had also packed our van up and moved to Queenstown just days before our wedding, making this location feel like our new home.

We had no specific style we were intending to go for other than using the beauty of NZ as our back drop and to make an epic day that we would always treasure. We felt incredibly blessed by having clear skies and a breath taking sunset, the whole setting felt unbelievable and so much more than we had ever imagined, like a winter wonderland!

Tell us about your main outfits:

Being in lockdown, I found my entire bridal outfit through online shopping. I have always loved long sleeved embroidered wedding dresses and was stoked to be able to find one online that felt unique and felt like my own style. It also had to be practical being up on a mountain so I loved the look of white boots that were both comfortable and classy on the day. I have always loved a bright red lip to help me feel confident and my hair out in the wind to keep me feeling natural.

Jayme wanted to wear a suit that he felt comfortable and relaxed in and was lucky to find this a couple weeks prior to the wedding post lock-down, when he headed straight to Hallensteins as shops began to open again.

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

Seeing each other for the first reveal at Queenstown gardens was such a special experience where we shed no tears, rather we laughed a lot and spent time focusing on the fact that we were about to get married and see how we dreamed of this day come to life.

By having such an intimate wedding, we felt no pressure and that we were able to enjoy each moment of the day together. The whole day felt so relaxing and we were able to soak in the beauty of the Remarkables and getting married!

Seeing our parents laugh as they fell in the snow made the day so fun and seeing their excitement and happiness for us.

It felt really special having our Pastor Dirk Van Garderen marry us. Pastor Dirk had married Lucretia’s siblings and had spent time preparing us for marriage in which he made a really special addition to the day.

We loved celebrating with mulled wine following the ceremony, taking in the views and warming up our hands.

Hearing each other say our vows was so special and being pronounced as husband and wife, I (Cretia) have never smiled so much and did a big squeal and happy dance.

Jayme: My pre nerves for the day quickly left as I saw Cretias big smile and laugh.