We are both musicians and gig together all the time. Nathan is also a music teacher and Rachel is also a graphic designer. We have been together for just over six years and live in a little townhouse by the beach
We wanted us and our guests to feel like they had been swallowed up into a secret garden; somewhere far away from the nuances of their own lives back in Australia. It was fitting to retreat to the Tree Church, a garden that was curated by the owner as a place where you can feel God in the trees and flowers. There were so many birds singing there too, and they were so loud that we even told our musician to forget about her playlist that was meant to play during her breaks.
Since we are from Australia, we didn’t get a chance to see the wedding venue before the week of the wedding (and neither did our guests, which really added to the escapist atmosphere!) We loved that, by the time we visited the church, there were beautiful red roses that had bloomed along the sides of the church. We didn’t expect that!
We held a pre-wedding brunch in the garden of our Airbnb accommodation the day before, which was a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the big day. There was even a little light rain during the brunch, which felt so cosy while we were enjoying our tea and coffee under a big tent.
Nathan went for a classic black tuxedo, Rachel opted for a white floral headpiece instead of a veil, and we had the bridesmaids follow suit in matching headpieces. We had them wear different dresses but in the same fabric and print, and in their own accessories so that they felt like themselves in their outfits.
Rachel is of an Egyptian heritage and wanted to blend in some Egyptian traditions on the day. Without knowing, her sister Bec had taught all of the female guests how to do the Egyptian zaghrouta, which is kind of an ear-splitting cheer that Egyptian women sing out during a celebration. It was so exciting to hear them all nail it every time something monumental happened during the ceremony.
We can’t say when it comes to life advice (our marriage is still in its infancy), but we did find the whole wedding planning process a lot of fun! As far as that goes, the main focus should be on how you want to feel on you wedding day.
We planned everything with the intention that the week of our wedding should be relaxed and peaceful, and it really was a whole week of peace and laughter. Do your own thing, skip out the traditions you never really aligned with, keep the ones you do, and add in new things that makes your memories personal to you.
Pre-wedding brunch location: At an Airbnb house in Tamahere, Ceremony location: Tree Church http://treechurch.co.nz, not on Instagram, Reception location: Tree Church http://treechurch.co.nz, not on Instagram, Photographer: Nita Meyer Photography https://www.nita.co.nz, @nitameyerphotography, Celebrant: Father Bishoy Mekhaiel http://stmark.co.nz/, For the pre-wedding brunch (harpist): Margaret Harper, For the wedding reception (pianist): Noelle Dannenbring Styling: Done by the bride http://www.margharper.co.nz For the wedding reception pianist: Noelle Dannenbring, Styling: Done by the bride, Flora: Muck Floral https://muck.co.nz, @muckfloral, Trestle tables and bench seats: Stretch Tents https://stretchtents.co.nz, stretch_tents, Teacup sets: The China Cabinet https://thechinacabinet.co.nz, @ thechinacabinet, Lounge furniture & cushions: Borrow & Beau http://www.borrowandbeau.co.nz/, @ borrowandbeau), Glassware & Tableware: Royal Laboratorie https://www.royallaboratorie.co.nz, @royallaboratorie), Glassware: Royal Laboratorie https://www.royallaboratorie.co.nz, @royallaboratorie), Pop-up bar & bar leaners: Carlton Party Hire https://www.carltonpartyhire.co.nz, @carltonpartyhirenz, Marquee Stretch Tents https://stretchtents.co.nz, stretch_tents), Cake: Blank Canvas Catering http://www.blankcanvascatering.co.nz, @blankcanvascatering, Wedding stationery done by the bride: Rachel Farag Studio http://rachelfarag.com, @rachelfarag, Bride’s dress: Needle & Thread https://www.needleandthread.com, @needleandthreadlondon), Groom’s suit: Uberstone http://www.uberstone.com.au @uberstone_official, Rings: Custom designed by our jeweller friend, Tasman Kerley, Shoes: Bride accessories: Aquazzura https://www.aquazzura.com/, @aquazzura Groom accessories: Julius Marlow https://juliusmarlow.com.au, @juliusmarlow, Bride:Earrings: Vintage Chanel https://www.chanel.com/, @chanelofficial, Headpiece: Olga Berg https://www.olgaberg.com, @olgabergofficial, Necklace: Kailis Australian Pearls https://www.kailisjewellery.com.au, @kailisjewellery), Makeup + Hair: Belles & Brides https://bellesandbrides.co.nz, @belles_and_brides, Fragrance: Bride Tiffany Eau de Parfum, Tiffany & Co. https://www.tiffany.com.au/ @tiffanyandco, Groom: Hugo for Men, Hugo Boss https://www.hugoboss.com/ @boss, Bridesmaids dresses by Zimmermann https://www.zimmermannwear.com, @zimmermann, Headpieces by Olga Berg (https://www.olgaberg.com, @olgabergofficial
