Nikita — I’m a film/commercial producer. Matt owns and runs Shared Space. Our family includes our little boy Arthur and our miniature dachshund, Archie. We met on a blind date in 2014, which was a bit comical as neither of us had been on a blind date before. We ran into a few of Matt’s friends from high school, which added to the humor.
My first impression of Matt was that he was a gentleman. We talked for hours and quickly became inseparable. Early in our relationship, we traveled to San Francisco. I was determined to bike over the Golden Gate Bridge. Four hours and about 25km on foot later, we still couldn’t locate the bike rental place, due to my navigation skills. Matt wasn’t bothered and suggested we stop for a cocktail instead
His relaxed, easygoing nature assured me that he was a keeper. Later, we were in Paris, but being a workaholic, Matt had gone to a co-working space. When he returned, I could tell he was up to something. We planned a picnic and Matt insisted on finding the perfect spot. We finally found a perch in the Tuileries Garden. After our picnic, Matt proposed, and we celebrated with a bottle of champagne he’d hidden in his backpack. It was a beautiful start to a European adventure together.
Like many couples, we had ideas on how we might wed. Then 2020 hit and the world changed. My siblings live overseas, so we were patient and relaxed about when it might happen. Three years and three children (between us) later, my sister and I were finally reunited and I needed to seize the opportunity while she was home. I wanted our wedding to feel casual and fun, while classic and timeless. We didn’t have a huge amount of time to plan, which meant there wasn’t time to dwell on the tiny details.
The flowers really elevated our ceremony setting and accentuated the costuming. It all went smoothly, considering how quickly we pulled it off. We even had a beautiful sunny day in late April. Archie, our dog, was our ring bearer. Matt called him down the aisle and he diligently pattered down with the rings attached to a blue velvet bowtie that Mum had made. Mum also made outfits for the four flower girls and Arthur’s page boy.
My dress was from Vinka Design. I tried the sample on, then the next day found it on Still White so it was meant to be. My mother is a talented costume designer/dressmaker and altered it to become my dream gown. We sourced extra lace to alter the neckline and lengthen the sleeves. It fits like a dream, and I felt so relaxed in it.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephan and Nakita, @stephanandnakita / WEDDING DRESS: Vinka Design, @vinkadesign / MATT’S OUTFIT: Crane Brothers, @cranebrothers / RINGS: Louis the Goldsmith / EARRINGS: Christie Nicolaides, @christienicolaides / BRIDE’S SHOES: ASOS, @asos / VENUE & CATERING: PAX Venue & Dining, @pax_venue_akl / HAIR: Kathryn Tasker of Taska & Harte @taska_and_harte / MAKEUP: Kimberly Hill, @kimberly_hill_makeup_artist / FRAGRANCE: YSL Black Opium, @ysl / CELEBRANT: Raymond Henderson / FLORAL: Roses Florist, @rosesfloristmteden / CAKE: The Caker, @thecaker / RECEPTION DRESS: Zimmermann, @zimmermann / REGISTRY: Gow Langsford Gallery @gowlangsfordgallery
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