Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
I am a Registered Midwife and Matt is an IT Consultant from Auckland. We met as teenagers (16 and 17) whilst working a part time job in a local pizza shop. I was a counter girl and Matt was the fry boy when we first bonded over our love of emo music and Pizza. We have now been together for 12 years.
We have been so lucky to have been able to support each other through many achievements and challenges; including finishing high school, two university degrees, several job changes, overseas travel, seven house moves and finally buying our first home and becoming parents to our fur child Sadie.
We enjoy watching Harry Potter, going to Auckland Zoo, brunching and cuddling our kitty much to her disgust.
At the start of 2017 we finally went on our much awaited South Island Road Trip. I was secretly hoping the whole trip that a certain question might be asked but when we got to almost halfway through our trip I started questioning myself that maybe I had been reading into things way too much.
It took me questioning my sanity and a walk down to the shotover river with a few extra rock climbing for Matt to present me with a ring. He was so nervous he couldn’t even ask the question, so in true Trinity style I had to give him a nudge and the rest is history.
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….
There was never a specific theme or style. Things seem to come together naturally but truly started with us pinning down our venues and Matt deciding that a burgundy suit is what his heart desired.
I have always had a thing for historical buildings and particularly little white churches. The Hobsonville Settlers Church was one of the first venues we visited. Matt wasn’t keen on a church wedding but when we went to the Hobsonville Settlers Church for the first time with its worn wooden floors and wonderful soft lighting there was something about it that felt like it was where we wanted to get married.
The Tasting Shed fitted in so well with our relaxed country wedding. The owner Jo was the best in helping put together everything for our reception so we had no worries on the day.
Our favourite styling details would be the flora installation at the church by the wonderful Ash at Gather and Twine, potted basil favours made by Matt’s parents and everything The Tasting Shed had including the wooden tables and copper cutlery. We chose to keep things very simple and let the venues speak for themselves and keep the vibe relaxed.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Trinity: Finding and choosing my gown was one of the easiest parts of the whole wedding. My dress is the Genevieve dress by Sally Eagle. When I was getting inspiration for what I might want I used Pinterest. I had actually pinned my dress when I started looking and when I looked into it further discovered that a new bridal store (Haven Bridal) had opened in Auckland that stocked that very dress.
I only went to two bridal stores deep down knowing that was probably my dress. Trying it on just confirmed this with the approval of my entourage. I just love the lace detailing and structure of the top with the ethereal tulle skirt.
Matt: With my suit, I really struggled to find inspiration in the standard suit selections you see in stores. I knew what I didn’t want, but had no real idea of what I was looking for. It wasn’t until I was watching a Mayer Hawthorne performance where he was wearing a burgundy suit that I felt like I knew what I wanted, from there it was a case of either finding somewhere who had this colour or going custom.
I had an appointment with Tailor Made Suits to see if they could do something in a burgundy material. After going through the colour swatches and selecting what we both felt was the colour I was after we took the plunge. Once it had arrived for final tailoring and I tried it on I knew that this was the perfect suit and colour for me and exactly what I was after for my wedding day.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Our ceremony was just perfect. It felt so lovely and intimate in the church surrounded by family and friends. We were also so thankful to have Matt’s Uncle Christopher be our celebrant. He was so involved from helping us write our ceremony/vows and he did a wonderful job on the day after only arriving two days before from Canada. I was nervous about walking down the aisle but as they say that all melts away once your up there with your partner. That feeling when running out the church once all has been said and done is the best.
Doing photos with the best bridal party ever and our super cool photographers Ryan and Heidi from Forged in the North was another highlight. It was fun to get away after the ceremony hang with your besties and get some sweet photos.
We had ice creams available at our canape hour which was the best decision ever!
We had the best band ever The Rocking Roller Coasters. They looked awesome and sounded even better. We decided to have a set during the canape hour so even had some dancing going pre-dinner. Everyone still talks about these guys to this day.
Surprisingly something we dreaded actually turned out to be a highlight. Dancing is not really our thing, but we decided to do a first dance with the encouragement and simple choreography by one of my bridesmaids. We danced away to Bee Gees “More Than a Woman” then had everyone joining in was the best feeling.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Our advice for those about to embark on this journey together is to really enjoy the whole process from engagement to wedding. It is so true that as awesome as the whole day is, it is finished in a flash. Try and be organised and enjoy the whole planning process and lead up together it doesn’t have to be completely stressful.
Make sure you are clear with each other what your expectations are for each part of the wedding planning and make a compromise where needed. Once you guys have a clear idea of what you want as a couple stick to this and don’t let outside influences sway you. This day is a celebration of you as a couple so make it the day you want it to be.
Photographer: Forged in the North | Ceremony location: Hobsonville Settlers Church | Reception location and catering: The Tasting Shed | Celebrant: Chris Rae, Groom’s uncle | Entertainment: The Rocking Roller-coasters | DJ: DJ Sal Valentine | Flora: Ashleigh Tuck, Gather & Twine | Cake: The Gourmet Gannet | Hair and makeup: Face Me Makeup | Wedding dress: Sally Eagle (“Genevieve”) | Bridal boutique: The Haven Bridal | Groom’s attire: Tailor Made Suits | Engagement ring: Angela Daniel Jewellery | Bride’s wedding band: Amber Stone | Groom’s wedding band: Stewart Dawsons | Bride’s shoes: The Iconic | Groom’s shoes: Barkers | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Evolution Bridesmaids | Groomsmen’s attire: Hallensteins, Barkers
