Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Oliver – I work as a weapon’s technician in the Army. It’s pretty much the dream job as I get to work with guns every day. Guns are also my hobby, so I enjoy going out for a shoot and also teaching others more about shooting and guns.
Grace – I am a hairdresser which I love as it’s so creative and you get to make people feel amazing about their hair. I am also currently learning how to shoot 😉
We really love people and are really involved with our church (Connect Church Timaru), with helping people in all different walks of life regardless of their backgrounds or what they’ve done, our priority is loving, valuing and encouraging people. Our relationship is unique because of this and also because we make an effort to have complete honesty and authenticity, even when it means being vulnerable or feeling stupid. We want our relationship to be as real as possible and to be able to show others that love, and marriage are actually both really awesome! We also laugh a lot!
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 just used neutral colours, we didn’t have a specific theme. The church we had the ceremony in was absolutely beautiful, so we didn’t have to decorate it at all as we loved everything about it. For the reception we wanted everything to be quite natural and simple, so we went with neutral colours and fairy lights for simple romance.
Our favourite details were probably all to do with the church, as it was made out of uncut stone boulders before nails were even invented.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Grace – I fell in love with the Florence two piece by Grace Loves Lace and didn’t look back. It was a bit risky getting it made in Australia, but they were so good to deal with and when it arrived it fit perfectly. It is such a romantic and beautiful dress and I felt extremely comfortable in it.
Oliver – My suit was a stretch fit Marino suit – I was a bit worried that it would show off my thick calves, but I was pleasantly surprised as it looked quite professional and sharp and it was very comfortable. I wore black as I wanted to go for a traditional look.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Oliver – Watching Grace walk down the aisle. I didn’t think I would cry, but when I saw her I started tearing up.
Watching the bridesmaids freak out during the photos because there was so much cow poo on the ground haha.
Grace – Having everyone we loved there celebrating us and telling us how much they loved us and were supporting us – that meant a lot.
Also the whole day was full of laughter and fun, I loved the moment I saw Oliver at the end of the aisle and knowing I was making the best decision of my life.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Don’t just settle with anyone. Make sure the person you choose to spend the rest of your life with is your best friend, your biggest encourager and supporter and who will hold you when you’re scared and upset.
Also don’t focus on changing the other person but focus on becoming the best person you can be – for yourself and for them. And have heaps of fun – go on adventures, and wind each other up – laughter is truly the best medicine!
Photographer: Laura Johns | Ceremony location: St. David’s Memorial Church, Cave | Reception location and catering: The Grosvenor Hotel, Timaru | Celebrant: Pastor Mike Coe | Entertainment: Emma-Kate Newlove | Flora: Absolute Flowers | Cake: Lisa Kuepper | Hair and makeup: Goldfingers Hair & Day Spa | Wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace | Shoes: Hannah’s | Accessories: Michael Hill | Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Hallensteins | Rings: The Ringmakers | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Glassons | Groomsmen’s attire: ASOS
