Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Dan is a project manager and I’m a florist in training. We’ve been together for ten years so it’s pretty safe to say that we have evolved into the people we are together. Dan has been such a constant in my life.
We have the house and two beautiful children so at this point in our lives, marriage was a really symbolic way to celebrate how far we have come and solidify our bond as a couple. I think we complement each other well and are a pretty solid team.
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 never wanted anything too formal or rigid, just good food and the people that we hold dear. Everything kind of came together in a really serendipitous way. As an aspiring florist my favourite part of the styling was the florals. I always intended to do my own florals but was daunted at the prospect of going in on my wedding day to do the ceremony install. Toni, the owner of Magdalen Hill Floral and my mentor, suggested dry flowers which were all foraged and were able to be done weeks in advance.
The dried flowers all came out in their own rich, almost jewel toned colour palate and Toni worked her magic beautifully on our bouquets. To me that aspect, along with most aspects of the day, was the perfect twist of fate. My other favourite part was how dashing the boys looked in their suits. The colour and fit were just perfect and it was one less thing for me to organise so they nailed it.
Tell us about your main outfits:
I never wanted anything too traditional and as soon as I saw my dress on the Lover website, I knew it was the one. It seems awfully risky for something so important, but I took my measurements, ordered the dress through the lovely ladies at the Sydney boutique and trusted that it would be perfect. And it was!
I don’t think Dan was ever going to wear a plain black suit so himself and his groomsmen took full reign on the suits and came out with those fantastic green tartan suits.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Dan and I, along with our children, drove as a family to the ceremony. We had already had our photos done and were in the Ford Capri that Dan bought when we first got together. It felt so right to be together as a family for a few quiet moments and share in the excitement together before getting married.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
I think spending your life in partnership with somebody requires you both to grow alongside each other. It’s so important to always remember the qualities that first attracted you to that person and focus on that first. Relationships are full of inevitable ups and downs; celebrate the ups and work through the downs together. And always say I love you 😉
Photographer: Heather Liddell | Ceremony location: Orchard, Twyford, Hawkes Bay | Reception location: Orchard Packing Shed, Twyford, Hawkes Bay | Celebrant: Mel West | Flora: Magdalen Hill Florals | Catering: Vagabond Jack’s Food Truck | Cake: Lexi-lu | Hair: Kim McQueen | Wedding dress: Lover | Groom’ and groomsmen’s attire: Noose & Monkey | Earrings: Samantha Wills | Hair piece: Trelise Cooper | Rings: Michael Hill | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Coop