We knew when we started planning big things together like the house and plans of moving overseas. Getting excited about these things and only seeing each other in our future plans and goals made it more certain that we wanted to be together forever.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
(NM) Both of us grew up on the coast so having our wedding near the beach was super important. The land where the wedding was held was on the land that Jovarna’s late mother designed and landscaped, so it held a lot of sentimental value. All the photo locations were where Jovarna spent her childhood exploring and the first look was done on the cliff looking at the ocean.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions…
(JM) We swiped right on tinder. It started with a coffee/dog playdate, but grew into something more. Nick was working over in Florida so the first 6 months were spent doing long distance. Eventually, Nick decided that he wanted to make a proper go of it and moved back to New Zealand.
First impressions – Nick thought the bride was very honest, funny, and easy to converse with. Bride thought the groom was TALL, adventurous world traveler and kind.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
(JM) When we got a 30 year mortgage together, kidding. We knew when we started planning big things together like the house and plans of moving overseas. Getting excited about these things and only seeing each other in our future plans and goals made it more certain that we wanted to be together forever.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
(NM) The proposal was in Gibson valley while staying at the Gibson Valley Lodge & Spa. It wasn’t planned but we both felt it was right. My mum ended up bringing the family heirloom (ring) that Jovarna had fallen in love with. She gave it to her when we told them about the proposal on the trip. It felt like it was meant to be or maybe her motherly intuition.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
(JM) The wedding was held towards the end of Summer so we wanted a tone that would fit in with the colours of the land. It was based on neutral-earth colours, but with an elegant vibe. From dried flowers, whites to soft browns, everything fitted within this palette. The guests had a dress code to follow to ensure that everyone would look good together in the photos. I found myself designing and creating all the flora arrangements from the hanging installations, table settings and ceremony arches myself. Sourcing stuff from op shops and online wholesalers. Nick hand made the candles, signage stands and oyster bar. We actually built the ceremony arches the night before the wedding. It was a lot of hard work, but it allowed me to have the vision I wanted without blowing the budget.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
(NM) The videographer/photographer. Jovarna had lost her Mother at an early age and talked about how she wished she had more videos/photos of her. Since we were lucky to still have our grandparents present, having a videographer capture live moments, reactions, and voices was super important. I believe Valo did a great job with this. Throughout the day they were never pushy or in the way, but managed to make a seamless video with all our favourites and a beautiful gallery of photos.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
(NM) Due to the location and poor phone service, there was a breakdown in communication so the bridal party thought the groom’s party wasn’t ready yet, and vice-versa. Which meant both parties were 30 mins late to the ceremony, poor guests were waiting in the heat. Also the classic car the bride arrived in wouldn’t start so there was a delay with this too.
Ceremony + Reception Location: Whananaki, NZ – Family Property / Photographer + Videographer: Valo, @valophotocinema / Celebrant: Tom Gray / Styling + Planner: DIY by Jovarna & Nick / Hire: (Furniture & Marquee) L.L Hire, @llhire; (Glasses, cutlery, plates) Folio Hire, @foliohire / Flora: DIY by Jovarna & Nick (table settings, ceremony arch, bridal party) / Bride’s Bouquet: @poppies___ / Catering: Anise Catering, @anise.catering / Stationery: DIY by Jovarna & Nick / Registry: Created travel fund on our wedding website / Wedding car: Family friend / Groom’s Suit: Crane Brothers, @cranebrothers / Groom + Bride’s Shoes: The Iconic, @theiconicau / Hat: Will & Bear, @willandbear / Watch: Nixon, @nixon / Bride’s Dress: Selena by Maggie Sottero from Astra Bridal, @astrabridal.auckland / Veil + Organza blouse: Made by mother in law / Ring/s: Partridge Jewellers, @partridgejewellers / Makeup + Hair (Bride/bridal party and Mother of the groom): Dani Froude Makeup, @danifroudemakeup / Bride’s Fragrane: Chloe L’Eau / Groom’s Fragrance: Durance L’ome Argousier Sauvage / Bridesmaids’s Attire: (Co-ord) Dissh; (Dress) Designer Wardrobe, @designer.wardrobe; (Silk top and trousers) The Iconic, @theiconicau / Groomsmen’s Attire: Asuwere, @asuwere.co
