Madeleine: Charlie is a builder, keen golfer and rugby fan. I am a project manager and a foodie. We are proud parents of a new fur baby, Spencer, a chocolate lab.
We are pretty low-key and love to spend our spare time relaxing with family and friends. Our little ritual is Friday date night, usually at one of our favourite Auckland restaurants.
We first met five years ago at a friend’s 21st, when I tried to buy Charlie a drink at an open bar. We caught each other’s attention the moment we met and have since been inseparable.
Our relationship is a balance: I can be very organised and directional, while Charlie is fun-loving and laidback, but we both have the same goals. He is extremely driven, supportive and always puts my needs first.
We’ve made so many memories through travel, ski trips, first and second home renovations, and our wedding. We are truly best friends.
Charlie had the ring made and had it up his sleeve waiting for the right moment. It happened spontaneously at Madeleine’s grandmother’s 90th. All the men were wearing kilts to celebrate her Scottish heritage. Whether it was dropping to one knee in the kilt, the liquid courage, or his handy sporran, it all made for a special moment with the family.
On the day of the wedding, everything went to plan. A lot of the set-up was done a few days prior, which helped, with only the food and flowers being put together on the day. We wanted somewhere formal for the ceremony, and St Matthew-in-the-City was perfect. With the beautiful stone detail, it was a great setting to get married, mingle and drink champagne!
The reception was at our family home in Parnell. What we pictured — an elaborate party with flowing food, drinks, laughter and colour — came to life. We had clear marquees lined with fairy lights set up in the lower garden area, surrounded by hydrangeas and star jasmine.
There were two bars, with custom mirrored fronts, in the garden and top deck overlooking the party below. Our favourite details were the dessert table, with our beautiful four-tiered lemon curd cake served with limoncello shots, the custom cookies and French pastries, and the flowers tied the event together, with breathtaking pops of colour: fresh orchids, peonies, Colombian roses and hydrangeas.
Madeleine: I loved organising all the beautiful details and seeing it come to life. Her dress was custom-made by New Zealand designer Paris Georgia and the groom’s suit was by Working Style. Paris was a gem to work with and the dress was beautiful, simple and elegant. I loved the train with button detailing down the back.
A memorable moment was when one of the groomsmen, Willy, sang an acoustic version of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’. We had our niece and nephew, Stella and Leo, walk hand in hand down the aisle first. It was so emotional, especially having an amazing voice to sing you down the aisle. Then the first glimpse of each other — there were a few tears!
Photography: Jonny Scott | Bride’s dress: Paris Georgia | Groom’s suit: Working Style | Ceremony venue: St Matthew-in-the-City | Reception venue: Family home, Parnell | Styling & planning: The bride, Madeleine | Rings: Custom-made at Walker & Hall | Bar Leaners + Stool Hire: Darby & Grey Event Hire (bars) Rollercoaster Design | Lighting: La Lumiere | Flora: Wonder Florals Limited | Bride’s earrings: Christian Dior | Makeup: Claudia Louis Marie | Hair: Brooke Mann at Hare & Hunter | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Paris Georgia | Fragrance: Chanel Chance | Bride’s shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Groom’s watch: Rolex | Cake: Amy’s Secret Kitchen | Marquee: Platinum Hire | Celebrant: Catherine Thorn | Catering + Beverages: Catroux
