Real Weddings

Article by

Laura Wilson

Posted on

08/05/2018

Posted in

Real Weddings

For these two Norwegian/ Kiwi chiropractors, their love story began way back at uni- “in Auckland where we both were in the same graduating year”- reveals the bride. After one of the sweetest proposals we’ve ever heard (seriously!) and a long engagement (we’re talking two-and-a-half years here), they were married in the beautiful Byron Bay with a very appropriate “midsummer night’s dream” vibe. Easily created at Fig Tree Restaurant and captured by talented photographer, Shane Shepherd with fave vendors like Grace Loves Lace, Forever Soles shoes and Le Rose robes along for the ride…

THE PROPOSAL It was Alex’s birthday, and I blacked out the house so it was only lit by candlelight. I made her lunch, and a relaxing bath with chocolate and Kombucha. Months prior, I had organised all our friends and family to message Alex at 8pm (on the dot) and tell her how much they love her. While she was dressing up for dinner, the messages came through and she started freaking out, because she thought her phone had a virus. She asked me to come and help her and when she turned around, I was down on one knee proposing.

THE VIBE I really had envisioned a midsummer night’s dream, with inspiration from Norwegian summer solstice with wild, boho flowers and lots of greenery. The venue did most the work, the Fig Tree Restaurant was the perfect fit for how I envisioned us enjoying the special day.

THE DRESS I wanted something classy and modest, but with a lacey boho twist to it. Most of my favourite dresses on my Pinterest board were from Grace Loves Lace and the ‘Alexandra’ was the very first dress I tried on. I absolutely loved it, however it took me another fitting to be sure that I had made the right choice. The stylists were very helpful and in the end how could it not be the one? It had my name on it after all!

FAVOURITE DETAIL We created a Norwegian/Kiwi dictionary for each guest (placed on the dining tables). It included helpful (but mostly funny) sayings from both cultures to help break the ice and for everyone to have fun and interact with.

LITTLE LOL Multiple Norwegian traditions were in place. For example, when guests clinked their glasses, Alex and I had to stand on our chairs and kiss. When they banged the tables, we had to go under our table and kiss, but there was one tradition that I wasn’t aware of. I came back from the toilet and my uncle asked me why all the boys were kissing Alex? Little did I know, another tradition is when the groom goes to the toilet, all the men sneak a kiss from the bride. Lovely to know while I was going to the toilet, all of my friends and family were sneaking kisses from my new wife.

A WORD OF ADVICE Someone had given us a little advice a long time before the wedding to take a step back during the day, to take it all in, as it will be gone so quickly. Matt and I did this during our dinner. We took a few minutes to just look at all of our wonderful guests, the beautiful venue and the fun-loving atmosphere. I was in awe of how lucky we are to have all of these people in our lives that would travel all this way to celebrate with us. I was so grateful and happy and I still remember looking out at all of those happy faces, being the happiest girl alive.

STANDOUT VENDORS Both our photographer, Shane Shepherd and Cinematographer, Rabbit and the Bear were outstanding. Such awesome people. Jordyn from Rabbit and the Bear even helped me fix my wedding shoes, which needed some DIY help not long before heading down the isle. Shane was so full of energy and fun vibes, he was almost excited about kneeling in cow poop at the photography location. Not to mention, he is a creative genius. Also, we are so happy we choose the venue- Che and his crew at Byron Bay Weddings made everything so effortless for us. They really went above and beyond on all levels.