Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We’re a couple of homebodies mainly. Nat is a nurse and I am in the Army so we fit a certain stereotype on paper that doesn’t necessarily match us as people. The last few years have shown how the status quo can be upended and that feels relatable on some level. We love just spending time together, either running and cycling outdoors or curling up at home with the kids, cats and a movie.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions
We met almost a decade ago through mutual friends but it wasn’t until much later that we started dating. There was always something there, in a look or a moment alone, but the timing was off for both of us. One day we found that the timing was on and we’ve never looked back! Our first date was a disastrous hike that we didn’t start until 10pm. It was so dark that we almost missed the hut and then we stayed up most of the night talking and drinking whisky.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
I guess when you can’t imagine what life would be like any other way, or with any other person, that’s when you know. After we started dating we were inseparable, however separated a lot due to the army. Our priority has always been each other and home is wherever I’m with Taz.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
The proposal was a fiasco. A tragedy. I had planned a weekend away at an air bnb, but got the dates wrong and couldn’t find a backup (despite hinting heavily that there would be a one knee conversation). So the panicking ensued and the contingency plan was to recruit the cat by tying the ring to him and bringing him in to wake Nat up. Cat hated it so much that he attacked us both and the ring wasn’t immediately obvious so we argued about why I was earnestly thrusting an angry cat at Nat’s face before morning coffee. We’re still here, and the cat has forgiven us.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
My vision for the wedding changed from dried florals and a very neutral palette to…PINK! I really surprised myself as we have a very neutral minimalist style usually. Our original wedding date was postponed due to the old story of lockdown so I had time to reassess. I potentially went a bit crazy in lockdown and started build pink plinths for the flowers then it all went from there and next thing my dad had a garage full of pink plinths, arches, table numbers and the list goes on.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
The photographer and clothes were most important for us. We figured that if everything else went wrong, at least we’d get some good photos to remember, and we weren’t disappointed. We ended up getting lucky with all our vendors, the catering suited the wedding really well and the pianist was next level. Because we had the wedding at a family venue we spent a bit more on everything else, but we still ended up doing the styling, flowers, stationary, set up and everything else ourselves!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
We were keen to look timeless so settled on a black and white palette. Nat’s dress and the bridesmaid dresses were all custom made by Jessica Bloom and were a dream come true. They all were designed with Jessica to suit each of us and custom made so they fitted perfectly. It was really special being part of the process and watching them all come together. It was a wonderful to be all wearing one off dresses and her attention to details and fit was impeccable.
For Taz we bought some cheap tux’s from ASOS to try get a gauge on the fit, and then when we went to buy an expensive one we liked the ASOS one better! It wouldn’t have been a problem but we built an emotional relationship with the David Jones salesman in Auckland and returning his beautiful suit was heart-breaking. We kept the bowtie though.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
There was a romcom, Ross saying Rachel at the wedding, moment during the ceremony. Nat skipped my first name and said Richard, which is my uncle. She’s always had a soft spot for Uncle Rick so there was some doubt about whether it was unintentional.
Ceremony + Reception location : Parents farm | Photographer: Sarah McEvoy Photography | Entertainment: Shaun Preston | Hire: Arch Furniture Hire | Flora: Bride | Catering + Beverages: The Crafted and Co | Cake: Family | Stationery: Bride | Registry Bank account set up for people to contribute to new furniture. | Nails, tan, lashes: Belle Beauty | Brides Attire: Jessica Bloom | Grooms Attire: ASOS | Ring/s: Meadowlark | Shoes: R.M.Williams | Makeup: Kez | Hair: Bride | Fragrance: Replica By The Fire Place | Bridesmaid Attire: Jessica Bloom
