Nicole: We live in London with our son Teddy, one, who’s the chubby little light of our lives.
Billy works in private equity and I’m a lawyer. Despite our parents owning baches about 100 metres apart in Matarangi, we met in Barcelona. I was living in London and Billy was still in New Zealand, so after that weekend we didn’t see each other again for a few months. When I came home for Christmas, we spent the entire summer together at Matarangi and never left each other’s side after that. Billy moved to London. We have so much fun together. We both work hard but we always prioritise our little family and enjoying life. Billy is hilarious and never misses an opportunity to share one of his well- worn jokes, whether the situation is appropriate or not. We love each other for all our talents and flaws, but together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
Billy’s proposal was relaxed, down to earth and unfussy, just as I would expect from him. We were on a weekend trip to Berlin, and he just handed me the ring while we were lying in bed and told me he wanted to spend our lives together. It was perfect.
Matarangi is where Billy took me out fishing on our first date, and where we fell in love. It is somewhat sacred to us so it was the only place we considered getting married. We also chose the beach because of the natural beauty and energy it brings, so our theme was an extension of that environment.
Claire from One Lovely Day Styling worked with Shaye from On My Hand Flowers to create our vision, with Martin Smith and Bex Kerrigan managing the delivery of the event. They were an incredible team. If you want to enjoy planning your wedding, find people you completely trust then let them do what they do best.
I had both my wedding dress and day- after party outfit designed and made in London by Emilia Wickstead. She’s originally from New Zealand, and apart from loving her ladylike, simple aesthetic, I loved that Kiwi connection. My bridesmaids also wore Emilia Wickstead and they all looked gorgeous. Billy wanted his outfit to be stylish but fun; nothing too formal, given that we were at the beach. The boys looked so sharp!
We are both very family-oriented, and our wedding reflected that. Billy’s dad surprised all our guests by being our celebrant. Ross has an incredible energy and loving spirit that set the tone for the whole weekend. My mum also carried Teddy down the aisle before the bridesmaids walked out. Our ceremony was full of laughter and happiness. It was perfect.
Photography: Danelle Bohane | Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses: Emilia Wickstead | Groom and groomsmen’s outfits: Crane Brothers | Videography: Jared at Perspectives | Rings & Bride’s bracelet: Tiffany & Co | Bride’s earrings: Borrowed from her mum | Hair: Lauren Gunn and Phillippa Hofman at Colleen | Makeup: Kiekie Stanners | Location: Private home, Matarangi Beach, Coromandel | Celebrant: Ross, Billy’s dad | Planner: The Great Catering Company and Belo Productions | Style directing: One Lovely Day | Floral style directing: On My Hand | Marquee: Twelve Tables and Flagship Events | Stationery: Fee Greening | Bride’s shoes: Prada | Groom’s shoes: Gucci | Cake: Sweet Addiction | Catering: Collective Hospitality Black Pineapple Co and Luke’s Kitchen | Entertainment: Jaimie and Nathan Haines, Sweet Mix Kids & Murry Sweetpants
