Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Mattie and I both grew up in New Plymouth and have stayed put. We brought our first home here a few years ago with plans to slowly renovate and eventually start a family in. We have a cat Frank, who absolutely runs the house and a golden lab, Marnie who is our little baby and she knows it! We are both very social people and love a good time. We adore our friends and family and are so grateful to be surrounded by our amazing people.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We both went to the local Boys and Girls Highschool, although in different year groups (me being older by 5 months, as he loves to remind me) we were always bouncing around the same circles.
I had always had a ‘crush’ on Mattie. Tall, dark, handsome always with a big smile on his face. A few years later our paths crossed again, and we went onwards and upwards from there.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
About 7 months into our relationship, I was off on a girl’s trip to Bali and Mattie asked if we should find our own place when I got back. Some serious discussions, accompanied by some fine aeroplane wines were had on the flight over with the girls. One night, early on in our trip, I opted to stay in and catch up with Mattie over the phone while the girls went out. This was the moment I realised yes, I absolutely wanted to move in together and start a new chapter.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
We were long overdue for some TLC and Mattie booked a surprise weekend away at a local glamping spot in Taranaki (Country Retreat Glamping). I remember the hosts showing us around and mentioning a couple recently had become engaged here! I thought nothing of it however Mattie froze a little on the inside.
Later in the evening I was enjoying the outdoor bath, with a wine, some snacks and a good book. Mattie must have asked me at least 5 times when I was getting out of the bath, I assumed he was bored and told him to go relax I’ll be out soon. When I finally joined him, he disappeared to get ‘something’, he came back and said close your eyes and took my hand. I immediately burst into tears as he proposed.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Rustic and relaxed. The Milk Shed was the first venue we had looked at and immediately it was the one. We wanted the ceremony and reception in the same place to make it easy for our guests and on us! The venue had its own BnB on site, Mattie and his Groomsmen stayed here which was so handy for set up in the morning. Hosts, Sian and Isaac were incredible to work with.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
The venue – something that captured us perfectly and ticked all the boxes and The Milkshed did that immediately.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
My wedding dress was designed and made by Liah Roebuck.
I had previously tired on various brands and off the rack pieces at expo’s and wedding dress stores however they were never what I have envisioned for myself. I hadn’t come across the ‘perfect’ dress I just loved different bits from different styles I had tried or seen online.
Liah is a local wedding dress designer with a stunning portfolio of dresses. We tried on a few premade styles, and she was able to design the perfect dress from my comments on the spot!
On the day everyone adored my dress commenting that it suited me perfectly. Liah was amazing to work with and recommend all brides to check her out!
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
My maid of honour absolutely deserves a mention! As soon as we woke, she was up with a coffee at the ready and was right there for anything I needed all day.
Lauren is one of my closest friends and has never been fussed about getting married, but she was the most emotional on the day, especially when walking down isle which made Mattie smile and relax before I came down. I can’t thank her enough for her support during the planning and the on day!
Mattie – 30 mins before Steph was due to arrive at the venue, my cousin Ange came over to me and said the flower display at the end of the alter had fallen over and did I know how it looked before. I had no idea how it was set up previously, so I had to ask Ange if she had an idea on how it should look, so she put her florist cap on and fixed the flowers back up to look awesome, Steph had no idea until I told her later in the night.
Ceremony + Reception location: The Milk Shed | Videographer : Ben Dath | Photographer: Natalie Waugh Photographer | Celebrant: Mel Bielawski | MC: Friend Hohepa Te Moana | Band/DJ: Ash & Aiden | Sound & Mic Equipment: TSH | Bus Hire : Withers | Flora: The Gathers | Catering: Backyard Catering | Beverages: Liquor Land Fitzroy | Cake: The Unbaked Bakery | Grooms Attire: Barkers & Kingsway Menswear | Grooms Shoes: Hannah’s | Brides Attire: Custom made by Liah Roebuck | Brides Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Earrings: Linid Kingi from Blackbird Boutique | Grooms Ring : Pascoes Jewellers | Brides Rings: Brownsons Jewellers | Makeup: Bridal Party by Makeup By Annalee | Hair:Brooke Frankham assisted by Georgia Frankham | Groomsmen Attire: Kingsway Menswear | Groomsmen Shoes : Asos | Bridesmaids: Blak The Label
