Five years ago, Brett saw a photo of Gem on a friends phone which “very quickly” led to “hundreds of texts, emails, Facebook messages and Skype calls” and after a few weeks, a meet in Aukland, when the couple knew they were smitten. “Matt and I moved to Melbourne shortly after, got a puppy and the rest is history.” Fast forward exactly five years from their first date and they are getting married in a gorgeous Winter wedding in New Zealand and photographer Madeline Druce was there every step of the way.
THE PROPOSAL We were holidaying in Bali and on the last day, I dragged him out of bed at 2am to see the sunrise at the top of Mt Batur. He’s not super-romantic, however, and clearly didn’t take the cue from mother nature! He waited until later that day for me to get up from a nap in my pyjamas and completely disheveled, to propose by the pool.
THE DRESS The dress is Rue de Siene, which is a label I’ve always been in love with. I went into the Bridal Atelier in Melbourne to get a different dress, but this one looked so much better on and suited my style so well. I love that whimsical 70’s look and the spilt bell sleeves were to die for. It was perfect.
LITTLE LOL We decided to have our hen’s and stag party on the island in the lead up to the wedding. Brett was fed far too many shots and only three hours in, passed out quite dramatically, hitting his head and acquiring a mega-shiner for the wedding day! A great story for the grandkids.
STANDOUT VENDORS Our photographer and friend Madeline Druce was beyond amazing, Brett introduced me as they had been to school together in the Waiarapa and he knew we would hit it off. We are both a little green, share a love of animals and adventure. She really is great. We’re very glad we didn’t skimp on the important things like the photographer- it really does make a huge difference. The girls at Willow and Ink Design and Swami Yogamani– there are no words to describe her calming aura and stunning presence.
A WORD OF ADVICE Don’t stress or panic too much, it will all come together in the end. Trust your vendors to look after you and drink lots of champagne! It worked fantastically well for me!
REFERENCES Instagram mainly! I’ve got quite a few copies of Hello May, too.
This wedding was originally published in Issue 19. If you’d like to check out more from this issue, limited copies are available via our online store and postage is on us.
VENDOR CREDITS Photographer Madeline Druce Florist Wild Flower Waiheke Stationery Cass Deller Design Ceremony, Reception & Catering Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant Cake Kapiti Hire items My Waiheke Entertainment Asch-Rose Signage Willow and Ink Design Celebrant Yogamani Auckland Marriage Celebrant Engagement ring Heidi Gibson Wedding bands Cara Jewellers Transport Waiheke Executive Transport THE BRIDE Bridal gown & Veil Rue de Siene Bridal boutique The Bridal Atelier Melbourne Shoes Jimmy Choo Earrings Samantha Wills Hair Hair by Hannah Makeup Beauty Spot Waiheke Bridesmaid gift Honey and Hide purses THE GROOM Suit Gibson Clothing Tie Declic Shoes RM Williams Watch Daniel Wellington Groomsmen gift Honey and Hide wallets