Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship:
Maree: We met while working at Rainbows End – I was one of the resident artists, and Glenn was one of the maintenance engineers. He asked me out and I said I didn’t want to date anyone at work but was happy to hang out as friends… and the rest is history. We’ve both been married before and didn’t plan on getting married again. We are both in our mid-forties – proof that it’s never too late to find love!
Glenn is an Engineer and works for Sleepyhead Comfort Group, and I’m an entrepreneur, artist, a wedding stylist – and recently I’ve become a celebrant. When I’m not doing that, I work a day job in Brand Development for an NZ Skincare company and raising two teenagers, one with special needs.
Maree: When we got to know each other, we realised we wanted to marry and be together forever. I’m more outgoing and creative, Glenn is introverted and practical. We make a great team. I consider Glenn my ‘rock’ and my recompense – and try my best to put up with his dad jokes!
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:
Maree: I never have matching tableware or furniture – I love eclectic and retro things, so collecting vintage plates and coloured glassware for the wedding was a no brainer. We wanted to have a backdrop not seen in NZ yet, so I made one (okay, Glenn helped a tiny bit lol) and we made the word LOVE from custom made perspex. I don’t particularly like to follow trends, so I tread my own path creatively and with my styling. My parent’s backyard made for an intimate and cosy setting for us.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Maree: My Jesus Peiro gown came from Ireland 2 weeks before the wedding – and it didn’t fit! So the lovely lady at Stitches in Pukekohe worked around the clock and got it altered just in time – we are so grateful!
Glenn doesn’t care much for wearing suits, but we got one on him (minus the tie lol). Both his, and the boys’ suits were from Hallensteins.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Maree: It was amazing to have my 2 boys walk me down the aisle. After having to postpone due to COVID, and losing thousands, we halved everything and had the wedding in my parent’s backyard. Our family are very close and always come together when we are in need. It was intimate and magical, with around 50 guests (3 days before Auckland went back into Level 3!).
Glenn: Another great moment was Maree singing a song to me – she’s a singer from way back and spent her twenties touring and singing in bands.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Maree: Having been married before, we knew what was important and what was just ‘fluff’. Include things because you want them, not just because they are trending, or someone somewhere in the past made it a tradition. And HAVE FUN! Laugh and giggle and enjoy!
Photographer: Jake Pears-Scown | Celebrant: Family Friend | Entertainment: Ness Abernethy | Styling + Tablewear: January Styling | Furniture Hire: Boutique Barn | Marquee: Pulse Party Hire | Dress Garland: Marigold Merchant | Table + Backdrop Florals: Floriculture | Cake: I Need A Cake | Brides Dress: Jesus Peiro from Still White | Groom’s Attire: Hallenstein Brothers | Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller | Makeup: Jess Coppock | Hair: Sonja at Hair Kraft
