We wanted a day that felt elegant, timeless and romantic, with a touch of old-world glamour.
We’re based in Auckland and we love to travel, stay active, and — most importantly — eat. We’re passionate foodies, always hunting for the best restaurants the city has to offer. I work in marketing within the financial industry, while Zach is an investment banker. Life can be fast-paced, but we always make time for new experiences together. Our story began at university in Dunedin, where we were randomly paired as ball dates by two fellow students in our hall of residence. From that moment, we were inseparable. A week before the ball, Zach took me out to dinner, and I finally got to know the thoughtful, intelligent man I had secretly admired from afar.
He says he felt an instant connection and knew straight away that he wanted to spend more time with me. After university, Zach moved to Auckland to start his career while I finished my studies in Dunedin. That year apart made us both realise just how much we meant to each other. Towards the end of it, Zach flew back to Dunedin to attend the same university ball where it all began, and it was there that he asked me to marry him.
When it came to planning our wedding, we wanted a day that felt elegant, timeless and romantic, with a touch of old-world glamour. A black-tie dress code was an obvious choice — there’s something so special about seeing the girls in beautiful, full-length gowns and the boys in classic dinner suits. Mudbrick was the perfect setting, with its romantic landscapes and charming buildings needing little enhancement. We kept the florals refined, accenting lush greenery with crisp white blooms to create a sophisticated but natural aesthetic. A string quartet played throughout the ceremony and reception, bringing an air of romance and tradition that truly set the tone.
We were both very particular about our outfits, which had to be custom-made. For my gown, I was inspired by the timeless bridal looks of Grace Kelly and the Princess of Wales. Eventually, I met Anita from Vinka Design, who brought my vision to life in a way that felt effortless. My ‘something blue’ was a pair of satin Hangisi Manolo Blahniks, which paired beautifully with my sapphire engagement ring. Zach and his groomsmen looked incredibly sharp in classic black dinner suits, with his being that little bit extra special and custom-made by Crane Brothers.
We loved every part of the day, but some of our favourite moments were the unexpected ones. I spent the week before the wedding obsessing over the weather forecast, convinced it was going to pour. The morning of, I sat in the makeup chair frowning at every black cloud that passed overhead, only for the sky to clear two hours before I walked down the aisle. I laugh about it now, but at the time, I was completely fixated. More than anything, we wanted our wedding to be a reflection of us — elegant but effortless, classic yet warm. Every detail came together perfectly, and looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing.
PHOTOGRAPHER Julia & Cameron at Haute Weddings, @haute.weddings LOCATION & CATERING Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, @mudbrick_weddings CELEBRANT Rev Dr Jordan Redding BRIDE Victoria @victoriag.ryan GROOM Zach @zach.ryan3 BRIDE’S CEREMONY OUTFIT Vinka Design, @vinkadesign WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS Louis the Goldsmith BRIDE’S SHOES Manolo Blahnik, @manoloblahnik GROOM’S SUIT Crane Brothers, @cranebrothers GROOM’S SHOES Morjas, @morjasshoes GROOM’S CUFFLINKS & SHIRT STUDS Budd, @buddshirtmakers GROOM’S WATCH Cartier Santos DuMont, @cartier BRIDESMAIDS’ OUTFITS Shona Joy, @shonajoy BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE English Pear & Freesia by Jo Malone, @jomalonelondon GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Endymion by Penhaligon’s, @penhaligons BRIDE’S MAKEUP & HAIR Alex Penton, @penton.andco STYLIST Island Collection, @theislandcollection FLORIST Grace and Flora, @graceandflora.nz MC Jacqueline Nairn, @weddingsbyjaq DJ Island Collection, @theislandcollection; Real Entertainment, @real_entertainment_nz HIRE Island Collection, @theislandcollection; Covers Decoration Hire, @coversdecorationhire CAKE Lilith Waiheke, @lilithwaiheke STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Inkberry Calligraphy, @inkberry_calligraphy BRIDE’S RECEPTION OUTFIT Jessica Couture, @jessicacoutures VIDEOGRAPHER Ben Journee, @ben.journee
