Game, set, matched up for seven years, Brooke and Matt knew “virtually right away” that New Zealand was where they wanted to wed. Quaint Waihi Beach caught their attention, but limited local locations had these cool cats thinking outside the box and onto the court. “One of our friends mentioned the local tennis court might work if we wanted to do a DIY event with marquees, etc. When we went to look at the tennis courts, they were actually so perfect, a nice flat surface tucked into the bushland with an ocean view!”
In Bec + Bridge and M.J. Bale, the bridal party were serving sophistication, and there were SO many touching details and DIYs courtesy of the couple’s nearest and dearest. Love by Colour Captured was behind the camera, and even the bumble bees gave this “giant garden party with extra personality” their tick of approval. Safe to say we’ll never look at a tennis court the same way. Scroll on for all the buzz.
THE VIBE (Brooke) “I used the tennis court aesthetic for a bit of inspiration and decided to combine the lime green accents with natural greens, bright pink and red tones. It sounds like a lot but it really worked, as we were surrounded by beautiful grass, trees and the burnt orange tennis court floor. [These colours] flowed into our theme for the flowers as well, so it all tied together nicely. We wanted the wedding to feel like a giant garden party, but with a bit of extra personality. I love bright colours and fun disco vibes, so we leaned into that.”
FAVE DETAILS “I am absolutely still obsessed with my cake! I originally planned to get my wedding cake from The Caker, but the bakery shut down the week I went to order! So I enlisted two good friends to make the cake of my dreams using The Caker Cake Kits. It was three 3 layers with matcha, raspberry and poppyseed iced and covered with fresh flowers and fruit. My flowers were also absolutely dreamy. Renee from Roam Studio was able to source from one of our Kiwi friends, who grows a bunch of zinnias and dahlias. During our ceremony, the flowers were covered in bumble bees, which was kind of terrifying but also very cute.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Brooke) “My pop lives in Canberra and was unable to attend our wedding, which was pretty heartbreaking. My family managed to coach him to set up his phone and record a video speech, which we played at our reception. I’d say 70% of the wedding was in tears.” (Matt) “I’ve got two. The first has to be the moment Godspeed [by Frank Ocean] started playing and Chook began her walk down the aisle. Another special moment was one shared with my best man, Adam. I had a custom gold pinky ring made that I engraved for him myself. I gave it to him about an hour before the ceremony over a cold Lion Red. He played a huge part in organising my bucks party and stuff around the wedding, so it was the least I could do.”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION (Matt) “One of my old man’s best mates, Graham ‘Herb’ Purvis, ex-All Black and top man, was kind enough to perform a Karakia before we ate. A Karakia is a traditional Maori blessing that can be performed before eating a meal. Herb holds a lot of Mana [prestige] and you could feel it in the room while he was speaking. What an honour. It was cool to share some Kiwi culture with the Aussies.”
WE’RE GLAD WE…”We did a first look, which meant we could go straight from the ceremony to cocktail hour to soak up the good vibes with our friends! Matt and I also snuck off at sunset to go down to the foreshore for some photos. It gave us some breathing space to chat and just take a moment. We got some amazing photos, and no one even noticed we were gone.”
All love for those bridal party lewks! If these elegant ensembles are on your Pinterest board, get shopping Bec + Bridge and M.J. Bale via the Hello May Directory. Dreaming of a destination do? Here are some damn romantic spots for your consideration, or jump over here for more darling garden parties. Don’t forget, there’s plenty more inspo within the pages of our brand new issue 40 – on shelves now! Shop the issue here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Juliette Murray – Love by Colour Captured Cinematographer Cousin of the Groom (Family) Florist Roam Studio Stationery & Signage Brooke Oke (Bride) Ceremony Venue Pohutukawa Park, Waihi Beach Reception Venue Waihi Beach Tennis Club Catering Cream Eatery Platters The Platter Board Wine Fruit Cru Cake Maker Amy & Laura (Friends) & The Caker Hire Items Lucy’s Hire, Tauranga Party Hire & TBLE Linen Marquee / Teepee & Lighting Hire Lucy’s Hire Sound Hire Triac Light and Sound Entertainment Eric Roy DJ (Friend) Celebrant Paige McCoy Rings Lott Studio (Bride) & Cort Jewellery (Groom) Bridal Party Accommodation Amongst the Nikaus THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Toni Maticevski (Ceremony) & Natalie Rolt (Reception) Bridal Boutique Bluebell Bridal Veil Amelie Gordon Robes / Getting Ready Tees Homebodi Shoes By Far Accessories Jasmin Sparrow Hair Chandra – Good Hood Makeup Daisy – Whole Beauty Fragrance/Perfume Ode to Self Bridesmaid Dresses Bec + Bridge Bridesmaid Shoes Therapy Bridesmaid Gifts YCL Jewels & Mecca THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Cufflinks & Bow Tie Tailored – Josh Davies Shoes Sebago Barber / Grooming The Mane Barber Groomsmen Suits M.J. Bale Groomsmen Gifts Yeti
