Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
I’m a studio assistant for Adairs and Ryan is a production manager at Magnify media. We were engaged for a year and a half and got married on our 12 year anniversary.
Ryan organised a surprise weekend away to Wilson’s Prom. One morning while he was making breakfast he sent me out to the car to get something from the boot. I opened it to find a large bunch of roses. When I got back to the cabin he was down on one knee! Later that day we went for a hike, at the peak was a lookout with an incredible view overlooking the ocean.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
We didn’t get too caught up on details or themes. We wanted a small wedding with a relaxed vibe. We went for simple and classic. The most important thing for us was that people were fed delicious food, had plenty to drink and had a good time!
As soon as I got engaged my mum sent through links to several venues in and around the town where we both grew up. We were always going home to New Zealand to get married and we knew we wanted a spring wedding. Mum penciled in an available date at one of the venues we had on our wish-list (Tarureka Estate). It ended up being the date of our 12 year anniversary without her knowing! It was the only venue we looked at and confirmed the booking the day we visited.
There were so many beautiful details from our day but one that was really special to us both was our wedding arch. I wanted a focal point for the ceremony so Ryan and his Grandad spent an afternoon a few days before the wedding building one. I love it and love that they made it together! Ryan’s family played a large part in the planning and organising it meant so much to have both sides so involved. As mentioned above Ryan and his Grandad built the wedding arch a few days before the wedding. With the help of family and friends we did all the table arrangements and hanging wreaths. Ryan and I created the photo booth and used some of my old photography equipment. I created the signage and table numbers Ryan printed them at his work.
I was so lucky with all of my vendors, Patricia was amazing. We had only ever Skyped but the day before the wedding when we met it didn’t feel like the first time. She’s so lovely and made everything easy and really looked after us, she got us through the tears during the ceremony with tissues and a friendly reminder to breathe every now and then. Our photographer David and videographer Josiah worked really well together and were really comfortable around us and our guests which was really important to us. Everyone said how personable, friendly and professional they both were. My glam team Renee and Nicole were amazing, they really listened to what each of us wanted.
Tell us about your main outfits:
I went dress shopping with my mum and sister and discovered The Bridal Atelier. I was drawn to the Rue De Seine dresses and tried a couple on, I loved them all… however, they were out of my price range. Six months later, when I saw The Bridal Atelier was having a sample sale I jumped online to look up some of my favourites in case they were in the sale. I was one of the first in line at the sale and as I entered I saw the sleeve of the Roxy gown (top of my favourites list) and grabbed it. I clutched the dress in store for a few hours hoping my MOH or sisters would come and help me decide but they got held up at work. Instead, I took a sneaky pic and sent it to them… they responded with BUY IT, BUY IT, BUY IT. So I did.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
At every wedding I’ve attended my favourite part is when the groom sees the bride. It was no different for my own. Although I was nervous about it initially, walking down the aisle ended up being the most incredible and indescribable feeling. I was so excited to see Ryan and to become his wife in front of all our closest friends and family. We were both so emotional and overwhelmed it literally took my breath away.
I laughed (and cried) a lot… not really at any one thing in particular. The day will filled with so much love, emotion, fun, and laughter.
Marriage allows my best friend to be my family, it’s also the start of our own family as Mr. and Mrs. Shannahan. It means loving each other and committing to one and other forever. It’s a celebration not only of our future but also the years we’ve already spent together.
I’m so glad I had the homestead on site. To spend the morning with both families under the same roof, getting ready together it was really special. Even the boys got ready there, we just had to have someone keep an eye out so Ryan and I didn’t run into each other. To hear him but not see him built up the anticipation and excitement of finally seeing him down the aisle.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Make sure you take time out to enjoy the experience along the way. Every bride says how quickly the day goes so make the most of the days leading up to it as well. Try not to let stress or anything overwhelm you… things may go wrong but it all works out in the end. Include others in the planning (especially your hubby-to-be and his family) and accept help when it’s offered to you. Part of the fun for me was setting up the day before with friends and family. I even had boys making flower arrangements for the tables! To have others involved makes the day more special for everyone involved. Just have fun with it!
Photographer: David Le | Ceremony & Reception Location: Tarureka Estate | Videographer: Firetale | Celebrant: Patricia Robbie | Entertainment: DJ Eskapet | Styling: Magnify Media | Flora: Bride | Catering: Zane Saba | Cake: Family | Bride’s dress: Rue de Seine | Bridesmaid’s dress: Zimmerman | Groom’s attire: Peter Jackson | Groomsmen’s attire: Windsor Smith | Rings: Ellissi Jewellery | Shoes: Wittner & Florsheim | Hair & Makeup: White Wedding Boutique