Theo + Summer by Lovers by Ruby Jane - Together Journal

It was raining, I was completely exhausted and moaned the whole way up, but when I got to the top, it was all worth it because he got down on one knee!

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

(S) I’m Summer, I’m 27 years old, and I’m a stay-at-home mum to our two little kids, Luna and Romeo. I would like to say I’m quite laidback and relaxed, a big homebody! I really just love to spend time with my family. Usually, this is just hanging out at home or in the summer, I love to get out of Auckland and spend time at our families’ beach houses. Anything we enjoy in the sun is really appealing to me! I also love to travel and experience new cultures, which is why the idea of eloping abroad really appealed to me.

(T) I’m Theo, I’m 28 years old, and I work in recruitment. I’m a friendly, easygoing guy, but I love to keep busy and have a lot going on. I love to socialise with friends, but now that I’m a dad, my weekends are usually occupied with taking the kids to the playground or swimming lessons which, although at times can be chaotic, is equally as fun. My interests are pretty predictable, I love cars, golf and travel.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

(S) I met Theo in 2016, I was 20, and I had just started a new part-time job in catering while I was studying Communications at AUT. He instantly caught my eye, I thought he was so handsome and I loved his confidence while he was working. I remember he was really caring and generous, always offering to help someone out or take charge of a situation. The whole team became great friends, and we ended up spending a lot of time together outside work hours, so very quickly, it developed into more than a friendship.

(T) I thought Summer was really bubbly and energetic. Obviously, she was really cute, too, which immediately pulled me in. She became my favourite person to be around, so not long after meeting her, I asked her to be my girlfriend.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

(S) I think, for me, it was pretty early. I just felt completely relaxed and at peace when I was around him, he became a safe place for me. He fit like a glove into my family too. I’m very close with them, so when I knew they loved him as much as I did, I think I knew we were going to last forever.

(T) I just realised I wanted to spend every day with her, and I was missing her the days I wasn’t around her. I also loved how much Summer cared about her family and how close they all were. It made family gatherings really fun, they always made it a big affair, and I loved being a part of that. Not long after, I started thinking about us continuing those traditions and values within our own family

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…

(S) Yes! I was about 20 weeks pregnant, and Theo had told me I could tag along on a work golfing trip to Queenstown. Now looking back, that seems very extravagant for a work affair, so I’m not sure how I didn’t catch on! On the first day, he said he had time to go for a walk with me before he caught up with everyone, so he dragged me up this enormous mountain! It was raining, I was completely exhausted and moaned the whole way up, but when I got to the top, it was all worth it because he got down on one knee! Turns out there was no golf trip, he had booked the entire weekend stay for our engagement, I felt so special!

(T) Yes, I have to admit a nice dinner might have been more appropriate, considering she was pregnant and it was raining, but it all worked out in the end! We also found out our baby was a girl on that trip, which is really cool.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…

(T) We loved the idea of getting married in Paris. A wedding would have been too much for all of our guests to travel, especially those who live overseas, so we ended up deciding on an elopement combined with our honeymoon. We loved the intimacy of an elopement and I think we really needed that special time just to focus on us two. After our honeymoon in Positano, we flew home, and Summer’s family hosted a beautiful candlelight dinner for us in celebration. It really couldn’t have been better.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on?

(S) I think we definitely had a clear vision for the dinner, we really wanted an angelic, glowy and cosy winter evening. The only right way to do this was with endless candles and creamy white flowers. So yes, the flowers and candles were definitely the splurge!

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

(S) Our entrance was at the top of a long staircase, we weren’t actually supposed to be making our entrance till we were already at the top of the stairs. But the unfortunate announcement was made at the bottom, and as we walked up, Theo was holding my dress up so I wouldn’t trip coming up the stairs. What he didn’t realise was he was holding it so high I think I flashed my knickers to half of our guests! Just a bit embarrassing, but I can laugh about it now.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

(S) I really wanted a traditional wedding dress, nothing too flashy or modern. Hera Couture combined the top and bottom of two dresses I loved, and it turned out absolutely perfect. We also added a bow to the back of the dress, and it became my favourite detail, I think it made the dress really romantic and feminine.

(T) I wanted a classic, timeless suit. I knew Working Style was my first choice, Graig always has me leaving looking sharp, so it was a no-brainer for me!