I always knew I wanted a stylish and classic wedding. I loved the look of a neutral colour palette however, wanted to bring a pop of colour in with the florals. It also looked amazing amongst the trees and festoons in the alfresco dining. Very romantic.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Rebecca: I am a commercial lawyer and Ryan works in IT. We are massive foodies who love to wine and dine. We love hosting dinner parties and games nights with friends and family, going for hikes, going to the cinema, travelling, and experiencing new places and cultures.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met through a mutual friend at one of my university flat parties. Ryan didn’t stay for long but following that first meeting, we began seeing more and more of each other at social events. After a year or so of just being friends, Ryan decided that it wasn’t enough and asked me out on a date. Being a little naive didn’t get the hint and told him I was too busy. However, after much perseverance, he changed my mind and here we are now.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
I don’t think there was a light switch moment but as time has gone on I realise that no matter how much time we spend together, I never get sick of him. We are best friends. We complement each other’s personalities so well and I couldn’t ask for a better person to do life with.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
I had my suspicions that Ryan was going to propose when he told me he had planned an early morning hot air balloon ride using the excuse that it was because he found cheap tickets online. However, when he didn’t propose to me when we were up in the air I thought that my suspicions must have been wrong. When the balloon landed, I walked off to the side to get some photos of the beautiful morning sunrise and as I turned around Ryan was in front of me, on one knee with tears in his eyes asking me to spend the rest of our lives together. It was a big yes from me, champagne was poured and we celebrated by breaking the news to friends and family. Because we aren’t morning people, the 4 am wake-up call and all the excitement meant we needed to have a nap that afternoon.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
I always knew I wanted a stylish and classic wedding. I loved the look of a neutral colour palette however, wanted to bring a pop of colour in with the florals. Our florist did amazing and the colours from the flowers really stood out amongst the neutral colours. It also looked amazing amongst the trees and festoons in the alfresco dining. Very romantic.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Our amazing talented photographer Sophie! Photos provide everlasting memories of the day so we were more than happy to invest in a great photographer.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
I was so concerned about the weather given that Ryan and I were so set on having an outdoor ceremony and alfresco reception.
On the day, It was such a beautiful day with clear blue skies right up until about an hour or so before our wedding ceremony when it started pouring down with rain. Luckily enough the weather gods were on our side and as soon as the ceremony started the rain suddenly stopped and, as soon as I got to the front of the aisle, the sun came out and shone through the trees. It played out like a well-rehearsed script. the timing dramatic and impeccable– something that money could not buy.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
We always knew our wedding outfits were going to be timeless and classic. We wanted to feel comfortable and elegant at the same time. Having a blazer for myself was such game-changer given our outdoor reception.
Ceremony & Reception Location Harpers Homestead, @harpershomestead / Photographer Sophie Isabella, @sophieisabellaphoto / Celebrant Victoria Thomas, @victoriathomas.celebrant / Entertainment Pulse Entertainment, @pulseentertainmentnz / Styling Soiree Studio, @soireestudio___ / Planner Harpers Homestead, @harpershomestead / Hire Blackbird, @blackbird_hire; Blank Space Events, @blank_spaceevents; Loula Hire, @loulahire; Tble Linen, @tble.linen.hire; The Hirer, @hayleythehirer, Little Hire Company, @littlehirecomp; Truly Yours, @tydesign_studio; Premium Events, @premium_events_nz / Floral Bunch Floral, @bunchfloralnz / Catering + Beverages Moveable Feasts, @moveablefeastsnz; Franks Liqour / Cake The Cake Eating Company, @thecakeeatingco / Stationery With This Sign / Pre Wedding Locations: Five Acre Farm, @fiveacrefarm.nz; Distinction Hotel, @distinctionhotelsgroup; Heritage Hotel / Bride’s Gown Hayes Bridal, @hayesbridal / Bride’s Party Dress Brooke Tyson Ritual, @brooketysonritual / Blazer Maggie Marilyn, @maggiemarilyn / Groom’s Suit Barkers, @barkersclothing / Bride’s Ring Naveya and Sloane, @naveyaandsloanejewellery / Groom’s Ring Village Goldsmith, @thevillagegoldsmith / Bride’s Shoes Saint Laurent, @ysl / Bride’s Party Shoes Steve Madden, @stevemadden / Groom’s Shoes Merchant, @merchant1948 / Bride’s Earrings Gucci, @gucci / Bracelet Tiffany & Co, @tiffanyandco / Handbag Coach, @coach / Bride’s Sunglasses Saint Laurent, @ysl / Groom’s Sunglasses Ray-Ban @rayban / Cufflinks Tommy Hilfiger, @tommyhilfiger / Grooms Watch Daniel Wellington, @danielwellington / Makeup Chrystal O’Brien, @chrystalobrienmua / Hair Monique Woods, @moniquewoodshairstyling / Fragrance Jo Malone London, @jomalonelondon; Byredo, @officialbyredo / Bridesmaids Attire Shona Joy, @shonajoy / Groomsmen Barkers, @barkersclothing/ Wedding Planner TJ x AOL Planner V2
