Real Wedding: Sarah & Shaun - Photography by Sarah Florence - Together Journal

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

We have been together 5 years now. We met 2 weeks before Sarah left on her OE. She was away for 9 months before we got to meet again. We spoke everyday while she was away. We did an amazing trip to America and South America in 2016. Shaun proposed at the top of Macchu Piccu. Such a special and unique place to get engaged it’s a story we love telling people. We love spending time together at our home in Howick or catching up with our families in Waihi beach (where we got married).

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…

A private property in Waihi overlooking the beach. We tried to tie in the beach theme with pampas grass in the flowers. I didn’t want to over style as the location was the part that I knew would take everyone’s breath away. The styling at Flatwhite was kept very minimal as well. We stuck with long foliage table runners and personalised menus. The flowers made the day & the styling all come together. Our dog Cooper was also there for part of it.

Tell us about your main outfits:

Sarah wore Kellylin – it was altered from how the dress originally looked. Sarah asked for a full-length slip underneath which she felt gave the gown more elegance. Shaun wore a blue Hallensteins Suit.

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

We wrote our own vows which made the day special. Being able to get married at Shaun’s parents’ home means we can visit that space whenever we want. Shaun’s cousin James married us which was extremely special & we left made the ceremony more personal. Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?