I wanted the big white wedding, but wanted to have it on my family’s property, by the river and surrounded by the vines.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Georgia: I grew up in Auckland with three sisters, one of which is my twin, Liv! My family is involved in the wine industry so we grew up traveling back and forth to Marlborough, exploring the vineyards and biking around the winery. I was a competitive swimmer and that took me over to the States to the University of Florida for four and a half years. Part way through my degree, I started dating Luke and we did long distance for about two years before I moved back to NZ. Swimming has always been a big part of my life and it was easy with Luke also loving the water (he also raced in swimming, as well as heavily involved in surf lifesaving). I currently work in marketing for my family’s company – Marisco Vineyards. Luke and I both enjoy the outdoors, and Luke’s adventurous nature has meant our relationship has been filled with activities like fishing, hunting, surfing, skiing and diving.
Luke: I was born in Matamata and spent a lot of time growing up in Pauanui. I’ve been immersed in the Kiwi lifestyle since a young age, participating in swimming, surf lifesaving and beach volleyball, going camping with the family and heading to the beach or Ruapehu to ski. I love it when Friday pops around and I have the choice of surfing, skiing, fishing, or drinking good wine with family and friends.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Georgia: We’d known each other for years, but after a quick message back and forth, we decided to meet up in Ponsonby. We chatted for hours in a booth while our friends were dancing away. What blew us away was the amount we had in common.
Luke: Fun, loved a party, Loved joining me on my weekend missions – Perfect
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Georgia: When I was leaving to head back to university in the States after 3 months of dating. Leaving Luke was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Over the next two years, he visited me several times, and it was clear how important our relationship was to both of us.
Luke: The relationship was always the priority for the both of us and the commitment to growing more as a couple is never doubted.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Luke: Yes, We went over to the family bach at Waiheke for a relaxing weekend – just the 2 of us. I wanted to go check out the recently opened Stony Batter tunnels. After completing the tour we went up to the Boulders where I had a picnic prepared. I put on David Gray and popped the question. We could see the Coromandel (we’d spent a lot of time there together) and also the spot we first went fishing together. We continued to Man O war, to G’s surprise I had organised both our families to be there and celebrate. It turned into a good party!
Georgia: The proposal was perfect – exactly what I would’ve dreamed of! The celebration afterwards with both sides of the family was amazing – big kudos to Luke for pulling that off.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Georgia: Florals and booze! Being on our property, we wanted to serve our guests wine from the surrounding vines and our favourite wines at that! As well as serving Diamond Heart, sparkling wines dedicated to my mum, Rosemary, we also served our favourite picks from brands The Ned, Leefield Station, The Kings Series and The Craft Series. Not impartial to a cocktail, we also served espresso martinis on tap (thanks to my sister & partner – Emma & Dan) and margaritas made by them too. Flowers were given, my mum’s house has always been filled with orchids – I think she currently has 6 in her living room, so they were a must!
Luke: The engagement ring :0
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Georgia: We were running 25 minutes late to the ceremony, while waiting the wind picked up at the River Hut (where the ceremony was). When walking down the aisle, my veil caught the wind and flew out of my hair. I had to squat at the start of the aisle while my mum put it back in! It made the moment memorable and reminded us that we were human – making it that much better!
Luke: Couldn’t tell ya, All went to plan (and better) in my opinion
CEREMONY: Marisco Vineyards Limited, @marisco_wines / RECEPTION: Leefield Station, @leefield_station / PHOTOGRAPHER: David James, @davidjames.picturetaker / VIDEOGRAPHER: BeJoined Films, @be_joined_films / CELEBRANT: Hannah Leonard, @celebranthannahleonard / ENTERTAINMENT: Jamie McDell, @jamiemcdellmusic / BAND: Cam Scott Music, @camscottmusic / STYLING: Miss Frou Frou, @missfroufrounz; OnPoint Events, @onpointing / PLANNER: OnPoint Events, @onpointing / HIRE: Truly Yours, @trulyyours_events; The Little Hire Company, @thelittlehirecomp / Got it Covered, @gotitcoverednz / MARQUEE: Truly Yours, @trulyyours_events / FLORA: Mayflower Studios, @mayflower_studio_floristnz / CATERING & BEVERAGES: Karaka Kitchen, @thekarakakitchen / WINE: Marisco Vineyards Limited, @marisco_wines / CAKE: Full Time Tart, @fulltimetart / STATIONERY: Inker Tinker, @inkertinker.nz / REHEARSAL DINNER & DAY AFTER: Boom – Sauce, Spice + BBQ, @boomchefblenheim / DRESS: Eva Lendel, @evalendel from Natalie Rose Bridal, @natalierosebridal / SUIT: Working Style, @workingstylenz / RINGS: Walker and Hall, @walkerandhall / BRIDE’S SHOES: Jimmy Choo, @jimmychoo / BRIDE’S EARRINGS & BRACELET: Walker and Hall, @walkerandhall / MAKEUP: Beauty by Brittanie, @beautybybrittanie / HAIR: Ardour Hair, @ardourhair / FRAGRANCE: Si by Giorgio Armani, @giorgioarmani / BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Knuefermann, @knuefermann / BRIDESMAID EARRINGS: Walker and Hall, @walkerandhall / BRIDESMAID SHOES: Stuart Whitzman, @stuartweitzman / GROOMSMEN SUITS: Bond & Co, @bond_and_co / WEDDING PLANNER JOURNAL: Together Journal
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