Nigel and I met 10 years ago in Auckland. Our wedding was a celebration of our milestones and love as a family. It included our children, now aged seven and nine, as much as possible.
Our daughter was the bridesmaid and our son was the best man. They signed our marriage certificate as witnesses, recited a poem and gave a speech. I am from East Germany and came to New Zealand to study Ayurvedic medicine and yoga therapy. Nigel, originally from Auckland, owns his own business.
We celebrated our wedding day at Mudbrick on Waiheke Island. Sophia from My Waiheke created a bohemian-luxe concept of earthy warm tones of linen, Balinesian umbrellas and chairs, amber candle holders and brass accessories. Vicki from Wildflower created lush bouquets and floral arrangements combining fresh and dried elements in the same earthy warm colours.
Our daughter bravely went down the aisle first, all by herself. My dad, who flew in from Germany, walked me down the aisle and handed me over to Nigel who was waiting with our son. My brother led us through our German marriage vows. We served salted bread to our guests as an omen of goodwill, food harvest and prosperity. Our daughter came up with the idea to design our wedding bands and drew a family ring tree. Four of those rings are for my ring finger, each representing a family member with their birthstone.
During the ceremony, Nigel wore a golden brushed ring with an engraving of our wedding date, while our daughter received a custom-made necklace in the form of a throat chakra and is integrated with her Aquamarine birthstone. Our son was given a custom hei matau pounamu (greenstone fish hook). My dear friend Zoë from Zoë & Morgan used our daughter’s drawing and added her own ideas to come up with these stunning, sacred and meaningful wedding rings.
My friend Lisa from iCandy handcrafted all our wedding stationery using earthy elements. I fell in love with a short wedding gown made by Vinka Design. It features big long sleeves and french lace with feathers, beads and crystals — a mixture of the Great Gatsby and bohemian luxe. I wanted a long, elegant version for the ceremony so Vinka Design created one based on the original dress for this. Our daughter’s dress was also by Vinka Design. Nigel was wearing a custom-made outfit from Crane Brothers. Our grand entrance was a memorable moment: we entered the room to the song ‘South of the Border’ by Ed Sheeran. The cheering and standing ovations of our guests were one of a kind and an unforgettable memory.
photography Wild & Grace / flora Wildflower Waiheke / bride’s attire Vinka Design / groom’s attire Crane Brothers / styling, planning & hire My Waiheke / venue & catering The lodge at Mudbrick / cake Little Tart bakery Waiheke Island / celebrant Younique weddings NZ, Hollie Barr / entertainment Two Many Chiefs and Hipstamatics / stationery icandy / bride’s shoes Badgley Mischka / groom’s shoes Working Style / bride’s engagement ring, earrings & necklace Zoe & Morgan / best man’s necklace Greenstone Factory, Kingsland / makeup The Peach Club / accommodation Tangaroa Estate, Waiheke
