We wanted it to feel relaxed, intimate, and charming, with an emphasis on the relaxed part. We just wanted everyone to have a good time and wanted to avoid too many stuffy wedding formalities. We also didn’t want to get too swept up in the commercial aspect of it all by spending silly amounts of money.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I (Steph) am a Graphic Designer and work at an advertising and design studio in the heart of Wellington, while Joel is a Strength and Conditioning coach and runs his own Gym in central Lower Hutt with two others.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Stephanie – We’d been kind of aware of each other for a while, as we had friends in common and grew up in the same area but met properly while at Uni through mutual friends. We were set up and hit things off right away. The feeling was mutual, for sure.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Stephanie – We’ve been together for so long now it’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment. I think our relationship just organically moved in that direction, where we worked so well as a team and slowly evolved into life partners.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Stephanie – There was – it was really sweet. We were out celebrating our anniversary in the city (Wellington). Joel had booked us a room at the QT and a table at my favourite restaurant. In the evening, post-dinner and a few cocktails, we went for a walk along Oriental Bay. It was such a lovely warm and still night, with a sort of magical feeling in the air. We sat right at the edge of the ocean and Joel popped the question there, just really casually and mid-conversation. It was very cool and casual and just felt special.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Stephanie – We wanted it to feel relaxed, intimate, and charming, with an emphasis on the relaxed part. We just wanted everyone to have a good time and wanted to avoid too many stuffy wedding formalities. We also didn’t want to get too swept up in the commercial aspect of it all by spending silly amounts of money.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Our epic photographer!
CEREMONY & FLORA: Olivio-nor, @olivionornz / RECEPTION: Cool Change, @coolchange.bar_eatery / PHOTOGRAPHER: Haley Guildford, @hgphotographer / CELEBRANT: Love on Locations / ENTERTAINMENT: Mark Hanify, @mark_hanify / RECEPTION STYLING: Bride / HIRE & MARQUEE: Festival Hire / CATERING & BEVERAGES: Trestle and Mortar, @trestleandmortar / CAKE: Family Friend / STATIONERY: Good Company, @goodcompany.nz / SUIT: Barkers Clothing, @barkersclothing / GROOM’S SHOES: Merchant 1948, @merchant1948 / GROOM’S BELT: Trenery, @trenery / BRIDE: Dress purchased on Facebook Marketplace / RECEPTION ATTIRE: Custom-made bolero and reception dress / BRIDE’S SHOES: Mi Piaci, @mi_piaci / EARRINGS: Meadowlark Jewellery, @meadowlarkjewellery / VEIL: Etsy / RINGS: Bride’s Wedding Band – Luisa Farah, @luisafarah_jewellery; Bride’s Wedding Ring – Antique jewellery store in LA / MAKEUP: NJ Makeup Artistry, @_njmakeupartistry /
