Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett – Photography by Samantha Donaldson

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

Garrett and I meet at a Cafe called Bee’s online out towards Muriwai 9 years ago. We had only just finished high school, I was waitressing and Garrett was a Chef. 

We have come full circle and are now both working at the same company again, Garrett is an IT Manager and I am a Product Designer at Xero.

Even after being a couple for so long, Garrett managed to still surprise me when he popped the question at the Blue Lake on Mount Tongariro. I was a sweaty mess with huge blisters on my heels but he made me feel like the most beautiful women and the rest of the hike went by quickly as we immediately started planning our wedding. It started out with quite a bit of a Lord of the Rings theme going on… I think our surroundings were influencing us!

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

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…

I am not sure if there was a specific theme or style, it was a bit rustic and a bit farmy with some New Zealand touches. The ceremony and reception was on the family farm and there was a lot to organise but we had an amazing group of family and friends who helped put it all together and I wouldn’t change a thing. 

The toi toi ceremony back drop blew me away and exceeded my expectations. We had a friend go and gather all the toi toi for us and then Garrett’s Uncle and Dad put it all together the morning of the wedding. We had family going and poking fake flowers all throughout the field we got married in, it made it look magical. The lighting behind the marquee was set up to look like a sunset all done by a family friend. The cake was delicious and rustic which was made by Garrett’s Aunty. Our close friend who is an amazing chef organised all our catering and the food blew everyone away. There were so many amazing details that were put together by the people we love which made it a truly special and unique day.

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

Tell us about your main outfits:

It was important to me that I was going to be comfortable in my dress but I also wanted to feel amazing, it’s not often you get a chance to wear a full-length gown. I fell for Anna Schimmel’s dress and the amazing sleeves. Anna changed the fabric for me so it was a bit more stretchy, lighter and easier to move in. I danced the night away in it. Garrett and the groomsmen all wore suits from Rembrandt, the boys wore suspenders while Garrett had a waistcoat. 

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

I hate to sound cheesy but the ceremony was the most memorable and special moment. I don’t think I was prepared for the amount of love you feel at that moment for each other. 

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha DonaldsonCategories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?

Do it your way! Have the wedding that you two want and don’t feel obligated to do all the ‘traditional’ things. Only do the things you two want to do.  

Use the networks you have, when people offer help, take it! There is a lot to do. 

Be in the moment! Just enjoy every moment of it ’cause the day goes by too fast. 

Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson Categories: Weddings-Real Wedding: Rosie & Garrett - Photography by Samantha Donaldson

Photographer: Samantha Donaldson | Ceremony & Reception Location: Garrett’s family farm, Helensville | Celebrant: Nivana Johnson | Flora: Blossom & Wild | Marquee: Stretch Tents | Catering: Bodiene’s Gourmet | Bride’s dress: Anna Schimmel; alterations by Ellie Atelier | Groom & Groomsmen’s attire: Rembrandt | Rings: Michael Gibbon | Jewellery: Boh Runga; Steph Lusted Jewellery | Hair & Makeup: Sarah Knight