Mini golf, arcade portraits, and Mr Whippy… Jason and Lily have got us more excited than a kid on Christmas morning. This couple of eight years got married at Lake Tarawera in New Zealand’s gorgeous Bay of Plenty region, with photographer Ash Muir by their side to capture the mems.
Guests came ready to match the pair’s playful energy, even finding a way to turn the party favours into a game. “We had mini tong party favours as our last name is ‘Tong’, and during Jason’s parents’ speech, our guests started clapping using the tongs. We hadn’t even thought of this, and everyone cracked up [laughing]. It became the guests’ way of clapping at anything for the rest of the night.”
Did someone order a helping of heavenly views topped with a big ol’ scoop of nostalgia? Enjoy Lily and Jason’s gem of a day below…
THE VENUE “We knew who we wanted [Ash Muir] to be our photographer and saw the venue The Black Barn through her Instagram page. We wanted to be overlooking the water as Jason grew up around water in Thames and my family spent every summer holidays at Whangamata growing up. Not too rustic but still relaxed was a big one for me, with the ceremony and reception all in one location to make the day feel cohesive and easy for guests to really relax and enjoy.”
THE VIBE “We wanted to create was a modern, fun and colourful yet relaxed day that felt fashion-forward and focused on the guests’ experience and the feeling of love from the combination of all our family and friends together.”
FAVE DETAILS “We were so lucky to have amazing vendors [who we] trusted to see our vision and be creative with it. We wanted our florist (Le Fleur Florist) to have fun in our reception area and use ‘conversation starter’ flowers. Having people say to us, ‘Wow, there are flowers in there I’ve never seen before’ was so cool. Seeing how happy my Poppa was when Mr Whippy arrived with the music going – it was so nostalgic for so many guests.”
THE DRESS “My talented and very clever sister, Katy Hooker, made my dress. I tried a few dresses on in local boutiques but couldn’t quite find one that felt like me. so my sister and I mixed elements of a few dresses that I loved and came up with my dream dress. She really understood the vision of romantic yet fashionable how I wanted to feel on my wedding day.”
MARRIAGE MEANS “Teamwork and not taking yourselves too seriously. Having the same sense of humour and being each other’s biggest supporters. We work together and live together, so finding time to prioritise our relationship and also time apart when needed for our individual hobbies and interests.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “We were tossing up whether to do a first look or not as I was worried it would ruin the emotion of walking down the aisle, but it was so nice to have time to connect, just us and our wedding party and have some fun and relax before we stood in front of everyone. We loved that we wrote our own vows; I still sit and read them on special occasions and reminisce.”
Tying the knot in NZ and ready to lock in some vendors – all our faves can be found on the Hello May Directory. Yep, we’ve got South Island sorted and North Island too. Digging Lily and Jason’s fun-lovin’ vibe? Check out these quirky nuptials or pop to your local newsagent to pick up a copy of Hello May Issue 40 fresh off the press.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Ash Muir photography Cinematographer Esme & Logan Stylist Alana Henry (Friend) Florist & Cake Topper Le Fleur Florist Stationery Feather & Stone (Envelopes) & KarlCustomizedStamp via Etsy (Wax Seals) Venue The Black Barn Catering Cream Eatery Food Trucks or Carts Mr Whippy Cake Maker Sage & Grace Wedding Favours Kmart Hire Items Twelve Tables (Furniture), Cooper and Co (Outdoor Games) & Premier Party Games (Mini Golf) Signage We Do Weddings & Events Entertainment Sound Cartel Celebrant Anna Barlow – Hey Lover Weddings Rings Michael Hill (Engagement), Meadowlark (Bride) & Gucci via Farfetch (Groom) Transport Rentabus THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Katy Hooker (Family) Robes / Getting Ready Tees The Whole Bride, Piyama, justinxuhandknitted via Etsy Shoes Mi Piaci Accessories Gucci Hair Laura – White Salon Makeup Ashlee Hastings Perfume Maison Francis Kurdjjan via MECCA Bridesmaid Dresses Showpo, Forever New, Billy J Boutique Bridesmaid Shoes Number One Shoes + Hannahs Bridesmaid Gifts Piyama, Country Road & McGloins Supertex THE GROOM Jacket SABA Shirt & Pants Country Road Shoes Merchant Watch The Watches Men & Co. Groomsmen Suits & Gifts Country Road
