What a woman, what a dress, what a day! An employee of designer Juliette Hogan‘s by day and an arts major by night, Alexa, of Issue 10, (in all her spare time) organised a £relaxed, simple and joyful wedding at Abbeville Estate in Auckland, New Zealand.
£I had seen Abbeville Estate on [photographer] Danelle Bohane’s website and assumed it was some amazing overseas venue, it wasn’t until my friend sent me the link a few days later that I was like holy hell this is in Auckland! says Alexa who, inspired by its sleepy, rustic charm chose to have a casual outdoor ceremony and cocktail style reception. £This really simplified the planning for us, as we didn’t have to worry about seating plans or centrepieces and favours.
Instead her focus was on creating a bucket load of DIY decorations. £There was a lot of DIY. My amazing uncle made our dream stationery. Myself and my sister and friends made metres and metres of bunting? My brother also made a giant connect four’ for us to have as our lawn game, which looked amazing.
Wild daisies and romantic festoon lighting also added a nice decorative touch to their day but it was Alexa and her bridesmaids, who all wore gowns by Juliette Hogan, that everyone stopped and took notice of.
£My dress was one of the easiest aspects of the planning. I have a wonderful relationship with Juliette and trust her vision completely. She has seen me in so many of her designs and knows what suits me so I was really quite spoilt and well looked after by her and her design assistant Meagan,” says Alexa, adding that it was important to her that her bridesmaids loved their dresses just as much, and that they were comfortable.
£I’m glad my bridesmaids and I changed into Converse Chuck Taylors and New Balance sneakers? we all danced the whole night. In fact their DJ (and friend) had guests grooving even before the formalities had finished. £? a dance battle erupted during our cocktail reception, before we’d even cut the cake.
It would appear they worked up quite an appetite too as Alexa admits, £After we left the venue we made a midnight trip to a McDonalds drive through. Laying out heaps of napkins over my beautiful dress and eating burgers and fries with my new husband, bridesmaid and her partner in a Ute was a super cute moment. And one to remember too.
CREDITS Photos Danelle Bohane // Bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses Juliette Hogan // Veil Rue de Seine // Shoes Kathryn Wilson // Accessories Karen Walker // Hair Stephen Marr // Makeup Ash Jones Artistry // Rings Naveya & Sloane // Groom and groomsmen suits Barkers // Tie / Bow tie ASOS // Shoes Rembrandt // Watch Michael Kors // Florist Botanist and Carole Bowden // Stationery Steve Dunlop // Printer Johnston Press // Ceremony and reception Abbeville Estate, NZ // Catering The Great Catering Co // Cake Ellie May Cakes // Prop and furniture hire The Vitrine and Raj Tent Club // Lighting and sound hire Raj Tent Club // Photo booth Photo Booth Fun // Entertainment Paul Walsh // Celebrant Ceremonies by Jane.
