I knew very early on that Alex was the one. He’s kind, intelligent and driven, and he makes me laugh every day.
We met more than 10 years ago at high school when we were both into cycling. We would see each other at races or at the velodrome. I always thought Alex was gorgeous and funny, but never thought he would be interested in me. On a pretty regular winter’s day, while out bike riding, we stopped at the top of Mt Victoria in Devonport to take in the view over the city. Alex was rustling around in his pockets for what I thought were snacks. When he pulled out a ring, I was completely surprised. He had drawn a picture and asked Libby’s Jewellery to create it — he wanted soft edges so I could wear it cycling. We wanted our wedding to be somewhere wild and beautiful. Great Barrier Island seemed the perfect off-the-grid location, with Medlands Beach for the ceremony and Soleil Retreat nearby for the reception. Although it was an outdoor wedding, we didn’t have a back-up plan if the weather packed it in. It was late February so we simply hoped for a good day. In the days leading up to the wedding, it poured. We watched as guests’ flights came in and left again because the pilots couldn’t see the runway! Luckily, on the day, the weather started to clear around lunchtime. The sun came out and we saw dolphins in the bay. Guests gathered under big pohutukawa trees for drinks before the ceremony. When I arrived, it was overwhelming to see our friends and family there. They’d spent the days prior foraging for greenery to decorate the signs, archway and tables. After the ceremony, we moved up the road for the reception, where we ate fresh local snapper caught by the person who shuttled our guests home. The rain came back after dinner, but the formalities were over, so, armed with umbrellas, we danced in the rain. It was fantastic. When Alex and I got home, he put my wedding dress in the washing machine to clean off the mud. I was mortified! Being together for so long, we’ve experienced a lot of life together and respect each other hugely. Our wedding was about celebrating our commitment with a good party and we achieved that. I’ll mostly remember dancing in the rain, marrying the love of my life, and the sound of the washing machine with my wedding dress in it.
Photography – Bayly & Moore | Ceremony Location – Medlands Beach, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand | Bride’s Dress – Eve gown by Rue De Seine | Groom’s Attire – Hugo Boss | Bridesmaids – Show me your Mumu | Celebrant – Jill Dobson | Flora – The Wild Bunch | Bride’s Ring – Libby’s | Groom’s Ring – Michael Hill | Bride’s Shoes – Mi Piaci | Groom’s Shoes – Converse | Catering – Aotea Delights Catering | Reception Venue – Soleil Retreat, Medlands, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand | Hair & Makeup – Angela Renee | Entertainment – Bride’s Cousin Alex Borwick | Cake & Dessert – Made by bridesmaid Thalia Stronge | Gift Registry – Not Another Toaster | Groomsmen – 3 Wise Men Shirts, Ben Sherman Shorts, Converse Shoes
