We met through friends. On our first date over a jug of sangria, there was an immediate spark and we couldn’t wait to see each other again.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Reid – I’m an electrician and outside of work I play football in the NZ national league. So when I’m not working or playing football I like to spend time with my friends, family and wife.
Tayla – I am a physiotherapist working in a small private practice based in Ponsonby where I also teach reformer pilates. I love long walks, wine and spending time with loved ones. I also love to travel and I’m so excited about our up and coming honeymoon our dream trip to Europe trip in May 2023.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Reid – I just knew, love at first sight really did happen for me. Once I got to know Tayla literally from the first date she was beyond perfect in every way.
Tayla – I knew from the moment I met Reid there was something special about this man. I’ve fallen for him more and more every day since then.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Reid prepared the most beautiful proposal. We were on holiday in the Coromandel over the summer break, he had booked a table at a nearby restaurant for dinner and after dinner, we walked via the beach back to our accommodation, Reid told me to turn around and wait there for a moment as he had a surprise when he turned me round he had prepared a little picnic, with champagne, fairy lights and he dropped to one knee. He propped his phone against the rock wall with his jandals and managed to film the whole thing. In all the excitement we managed to smash the glasses he had packed so drinking champagne from the bottle on the beach was how we celebrated. He couldn’t have planned it more perfectly.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Photo’s to keep forever! We are so grateful we found Rebecca Bradley – Rebecca is the absolute best! She is so talented and passionate about what she does! Right up from our initial meeting Rebecca was organised, professional, and genuine, plus she is such lovely company and made us feel at ease on the day. We couldn’t have asked for better photos or a better experience, we couldn’t recommend her enough!
We also splurged on the venue, keeping our guest list smaller meant the people that were present felt we could truly spoil.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Judy Gao Dress – I found Judy after endless try-ons and hours researching for the perfect dress, I count myself extremely lucky as she had only just entered the bridal market being event wear as her background. Her style is very modern but classy which is exactly what I wanted. As soon as I tried on this particular design I was sold. I went with a slight custom, removing a slip, and adding some buttons and a train. The process all felt very personal and special. Judy is so talented and I couldn’t recommend her beautiful designs enough.
Barkers – Reid’s brother was married 2 years before us and was adamant he wanted to wear the same suit style as he loved this classic black tie look so much (and so did I!). Being a tradie it’s not often he gets to get dressed up so we took full advantage of this! He couldn’t have looked more handsome.
VENUE: Bridgewater Country Estate, @bridgewater_country_estate / PHOTOGRAPHER: Rebecca Bradley, @rebeccabradley.photography / CELEBRANT: Karen Kumar, @celebrant_karen_kuma / ENTERTAINMENT: DJ4U – Antony / FLORA: Bride and her Mom, Sandy Bazeley, @sandybazeley / CAKE: Bluebells Bakery, @bluebellscakery / BRIDE’S DRESS: Judy Gao, @judygaobridal / GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES: Barkers, @barkersclothing / RINGS: Stewart Dawsons; Silvermoon / BRIDE’S SHOES: Asos, @asos / MAKEUP: Jess Neale, @jessnealebeauty / HAIR: Moana Meekings, @riddellhair / FRAGRANCE: Valentino Voce Viva; Dior Sauvage / BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Bec and Bridge, @becandbridge / GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: Barkers, @barkersclothing
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