We wanted to have a relaxed day that ended with a big party.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We are both doctors living in Wellington with our little dog, Maverick. We love to spend time with friends and family, having a laugh over good food and a few drinks. Outside of work, we love going on adventures. We are keen travellers, enjoying exploring our own backyard and overseas with only two continents left to check off. At the weekends, you will find James playing football and Michaela running around the Te Kopahau Reserve.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We first met in Dunedin, where we went to Otago Medical School. Starting off as friends, we had our first date at an Italian Restaurant, where we sat and talked for hours. It has been ten years since then; we have lived in multiple cities, travelled across the world, progressed in our careers, bought our first home and loved every minute of it.
When did you first realise that this was someone, you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
As we built our lives together, it became obvious that we were immensely compatible. Laughter is a big part of our relationship, and it is well-balanced by the bickering. There was no one moment that sealed the deal; it was years of little moments. We were engaged spontaneously while on a ski weekend with friends in St Arnaud. We took our time designing a ring and enjoying our private engagement.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
For our wedding, we wanted to have a relaxed day that ended with a big party. Rose and Smith is a special venue in the Wairarapa, a beautiful space that offers everything we were looking for. Ceremony and reception on site, beautiful mature trees and an outdoor dancefloor.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
We wanted effortless florals that were wonderfully looked after by the masters at Horrobin and Hodge. The bridesmaids were in a lemon colour, so we kept using pops of soft colour throughout. For the tables, the flowers were paired with a combination of neutral-coloured candles, which transformed the space at night.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
We kept the planning process simple; we locked in the key vendors early and really relied upon their expertise to help guide us the rest of the way. Investing in quality, professional vendors makes life easy. We weren’t looking to reinvent the wheel, but we figured out what would work for us by attending other weddings over the years. Focus on what is most important to you and it will all come together on the day.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
New Zealand made was important for us when out shopping. James was well looked after with the team at Barkers, going for a classic black tux. I said when going dress shopping, I wanted simple lines and not strapless. Hayes Bridal offered everything that I was after, and it didn’t take long to settle on a custom strapless dress. Proving how important it is to try on different styles because it’s hard to know exactly what is going to work. Completing the outfit was my late grandmother’s pearl earring and the necklace my Mum wore on her wedding day.
What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
We wanted to make sure the people we love most were well looked after, with plenty of good food throughout the day and into the night with the famous R&S cheeseburgers. It was well and truly worth the money; we still have people commenting about how much they liked the food.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
We were prepared for imperfection, but everything went smoothly the bridesmaids were even early!
BRIDE Michaela Mullen, @michaela.mullen GROOM James Berry, @jamesberry95 VENUE Rose and Smith, @rose_and_smith PHOTOGRAPHER David Le, @davidle_nz FLORIST Horrobin and Hodge, @horrobinandhodge CELEBRANT Wendy Morrison, @wendymorrisoncelebrant ENTERTAINMENT DJ Luke CAKE Paige’s Cakery, @paigescakerynz STATIONERY Vinyl Me, @vinylmenz BRIDE’S RING Nolan and Vada, @nolanandvada GROOM’S RING The Village Goldsmith, @thevillagegoldsmith BRIDAL DRESS Custom Design – Hayes Bridal, @hayesbridal HAIR & MAKEUP Duo Styling, @duo_styling BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Heirloom pearls SUIT Barkers, @barkersclothing GROOM’S SHOE RM Williams, @rmwilliams GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Watch BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Blak, @blakbridesmaids GROOMSMEN SUIT Barkers, @barkersclothing
