Nic + Jenni by Proshot Photography

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

J. I am enthusiastic, bubbly, and passionate, while Nic is steady, calm and thoughtful. Together we are the perfect balance and make a great team. We love to drink coffee and go on adventures, and even better when the adventure involves coffee. We’ve been renovating our house for the last 15 months, so it has been a busy year alongside wedding planning and lockdown restrictions.

We’re looking forward to enjoying slower mornings and honeymoon bliss on our new deck with a flat white in hand. In our free time we love to hike, snowboard and drink craft beer. Together we’ve done some pretty epic things but taking 2016 off to travel the world was a real highlight, cementing our love for pasta, festivals and beer. A few favourites were watching the Northern Lights in Iceland and sunrise over Bagan, or partying at Glastonbury and Oktoberfest! Living in a post Covid world we’re very thankful we got to travel then.

How/where/when did you meet and what were your first impressions?

N. I first saw Jenni when she came into the pools for a swim, while I was the lifeguard on duty. We crossed paths a few mornings after that, but it wasn’t until Jenni was also working at the pools that the gazes of admiration turned into more. On the first lifeguard shift that we were both rostered on together, I was perfectly positioned to greet her at the entrance and lay on the charm. After months of gym chat, discussing festival line-ups and a few parties we exchanged a cheeky pash in a bar. Not long after, Jenni got wind that the Engineering Uni Ball was coming up and convinced me that going together would be fun. The rest is history.

J. I still remember the first time I saw Nic, rocking his lifeguard uniform at the pools, and what went through my head in that moment is still what runs through my mind every time I see him now he is very handsome!

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

N. I’d known I wanted to spend my life with Jen for a while, and during the first lockdown of 2020 where we spent so much time at home together, I decided it was the right time. Inconspicuous ring shopping wasn’t easy when we were in such close proximity to one another. Seeing the ring I had eyed up online for the first time in person confirmed this was the best decision I had ever made.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it...

J. Nic proposed on top of Isthmus Peak in Wanaka just after sunrise. His aim was to make it to the top before the sun was up, but we had been snowboarding at Treble Cone the day before and our tired calves couldn’t make it in time. In the end it was perfect as we got to the top 30 mins after sunrise and enjoyed all that golden hour has to offer. As we reached the summit Nic went to hug me and I could tell he was a little nervous, but up until this point I had no idea what he was planning. He said some kind words, got down on one knee, and said some more kind words. In the shock of it all I couldn’t remember what he said but only that I said yes! (Although Nic claims I was so surprised and actually said “okay”). We had the lightly snow-capped mountain all to ourselves, which added to the special morning. Nic then pulled out a bottle of champagne he had lugged up in his backpack and we enjoyed it in the tussock grass as the sun continued to light up the sky.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…

J. We didn’t have a set theme we wanted, so I used images from real weddings to piece together the different styles we loved. I saw a wedding with a stunning olive garland, and as we have an olive tree in our garden, this became our starting point. I then added elements that suited the olive and are timeless, such as neutrals and brassware. I knew I wanted taper candles and fairy lights, and the table runners helped pull the whole look together. We are very grateful to have an amazing group of friends who helped us set up the day before.

J. I thoroughly enjoyed designing and styling our wedding and seeing my visions come to life. I remember a special moment on the night when all the formalities were done, and the dance floor was on fire, I looked back across the room and saw all my family and friends having fun in the beautiful venue I had envisioned.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on?

J. Fairy lights! The ambiance of the lights made the whole room come to life. I’ve always loved fairy lights and it was so stunning to see it come together.

J. We booked the videographer two days before the wedding after having lunch with friends and talking it through. We are so grateful Ellie and Kenny were able to make it happen and we will have those memories forever!

N. Not a splurge, but Dad took Jenni to the venue in his 1954 Land Rover Series I, which my Grandfather originally bought and had been in the family since then. We weren’t sure if the car would make the journey the longest it had done in 20 years. The car was so special to Dad; it even got the first toast at the wedding, which had all the guests in stitches.

Learn more about Proshot Photography:

Ellie Kia

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

J. Apart from not knowing if our wedding could go ahead until one month before it due to the Covid restrictions, we had a pretty stress-free day!

J. When our three-year-old flower girl got sight of all the guests that weren’t there the day before at the rehearsal, she bolted behind a bush and cried. It was a funny moment for the guests and helped me calm my nerves before walking down the aisle. I was reminded that anything could happen, and everything would be okay, which was good because my veil got stuck on a stick 20 seconds later and my Dad had to free me.  

J. Another funny moment was when Dad requested we do the Jerusalema dance after the first dance. It is a dance that went around the world during the first year of the pandemic but didn’t get a lot of media coverage in NZ. Up until the week before I wasn’t really sure if he was serious, but I’m glad he was! It was an excellent way to start the dance floor and most guests joined in. Dad loved it so much he even asked the DJ to play it again later in the night. Now I know who my love of dance comes from!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

J. I tried on a number of beautiful dresses in New Zealand but nothing stood out to me like a dress I had seen in a real weddings online. Hermione De Paula’s embroidery is exquisite and their dresses are modern while still being elegant. I felt amazing while wearing it and loved that it was unique. I managed to find a second-hand version of the dress in Australia, took a gamble and it couldn’t have worked out better. I also worked with Hermione De Paula to create a matching veil which brought the whole look together. I liked being sustainable with my dress choice by choosing a pre-loved dress. This beautiful dress got to be a stunning part of two weddings, and I hope it will do a third and be just as special for someone else.

Ceremony + Reception location: The Hunting Lodge / Videographer + Photographer: Proshot Photography / Celebrant: Friends Harry & Jesse / Entertainment: DJ 4 You / Lighting: Event Styling / Sign frames + Wishing well: Event Refinery / Candle sticks + Vases + Table numbers: The Pretty Prop Shop / Flora: Bride + Friends / Catering + Beverages: The Hunting Lodge / Cake: The Caker / Stationery: Bride / Brides Attire: Hermione Depaula / Grooms Attire: Politix / Engagement ring: Navy and Slone / Brides wedding ring: Meadowlark / Grooms wedding band: Walker and Hall / Brides Shoes: Nicole Rebstock / Grooms Shoes: Politix / Earrings + pearl bracelet: Meadowlark   / Brides Sunglasses: Zara / Grooms Sunglasses: RAEN / Makeup: Painted by Poppy / Hair: The Peach Club / Brides Fragrance: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel Eau De Parfum / Grooms Fragrance: Nic Dolce Gabbana Grey / Bridesmaid attire: Shona Joy / Bridal robes: Lerose / Groomsmen attire: Hallensteins