We have an unconventional relationship in that we don’t see each other for six weeks at a time. I work in Saudi Arabia as a contract manager, six weeks on and three weeks off. Jen works for an interiors company in Auckland, and my company flies me home every six weeks to see her.
Spending so much time apart means we truly cherish our time together and try to squeeze in as many adventures as possible. In the 10 years we’ve been a couple, we’ve travelled the world and shared so many experiences. On one adventure, we were in Indonesia, on an island called Nusa Lembongan. I hired a scooter and went searching for the perfect spot to drop a knee. I covered almost the entire circumference of the island, shooting down bush tracks and travelling by foot when it got too dangerous on the scooter. I eventually found a spot on a cliff where you could hear and see the swell smashing into the rocks below. Four hours later, I returned to get Jen, packed the ring into the pocket of my board shorts, and told her I wanted to take her on a ‘scooter mission’. After the proposal, we headed to the nearest bar for a few celebratory Bintang beers! I’m originally from the Hawkes Bay and we’ve made some great memories there, as a couple, so it was the perfect location for our wedding. We both love the outdoors, so when we came across this piece of land tucked away between the river and the trees, we knew it was perfect. Secluded and wild, Black Barn inspired us to keep the styling as organic as possible. We hired a clear marquee so guests could see the trees surrounding them and the sky overhead, and incorporated our love of dark colours through the floristry. The dark flowers at sunset, accompanied by espresso martinis and whiskey, created the perfect midsummer’s night moment. Originally, we wanted our wedding on the headland around from my beach house, but because of the number of guests, it wasn’t possible, so we flew there for our photos, just the two of us for an hour. The flight was incredible and it was really special to take some time out on our wedding day. Our family and friends live in different parts of the world, so our main objective was to bring everyone together and have a great party — and we did! Everyone danced the night away and the drinks were flowing from start to finish. Our advice to other engaged couples is not to let yourself be influenced by other people’s opinions. The most important thing is that your wedding day represents who you are as a couple. Jen and I feel like we are our own little family now and there’s something special about knowing you are committed to this person for life.
Photography: Danelle Bohane | Bride’s Dress – Inbal Dror | Groom’s Attire – Working Style Jacket, Alexander McQueen Shirt, Country Road Chinos | Videography – Bubblerock | Bride’s Shoes – Saint Laurent | Groom’s Shoes – Country Road | Gift Registry – Mildred & Co | Venue – Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North (offsite) | Celebrant – Nikki Lorigan | Flora – Magdalen Hill | Styling – PS I Love You Events | Bridesmaid Dresses – Miss Crabb | Bridesmaids’ Jewellery – Zoe & Morgan | Hair – Shontal Healey | Band – The Good Brew | Rings – Engagement Ring & Groom’s Wedding Band by Naveya & Sloane, Bride’s Wedding Band by Cartier | Catering – Ortons Catering | Cake – The Pretty Details
