Real Wedding: Anna + Marc

We have a treat for you today with another pretty wedding shot by Nicole Marsden. Anna & Marc were incredibly lucky to have her father's boutique vineyard as their location; Dolce Vista in the beautiful Hawkes Bay. For more on this lovely relaxed wedding, the lovely bride Anna has shared some words below with us.




How did you meet?
Wandering the streets of London – well actually our local during our respective OE experiences.
Tell us about your proposal:
We were holidaying in our favourite destination – Vernazza, Italy – and after starters in the light of the sun setting over the sea Marc got down on one knee and proposed – much to the excitement of the other diners. It was so romantic and unexpected!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress:
I spent a couple of days scouring all sorts of shops with my sister finding not much. I did find a wonderful, but traditional (and therefore expensive) wedding dress that made me look like a princess – but I felt that when wearing it Marc could have been marrying any bride. I wanted unique – something that felt like me – something relaxed that fitted a wedding in a boutique vineyard – and I found the perfect one – an off-the-rack number from Annah Stretton and on the day I couldn’t have been happier with it.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?
Simplicity all the way – relaxed, inexpensive and reduced impact on the environment. We spent money on the things important to us – food and wine for the big party with friends and family, and the photographer for capturing the great memories. We choose to have the ceremony & reception at my Dad’s vineyard, Dolce Vista, in sunny Hawkes Bay. Being surrounded by nature with the grapes and the backdrop of Te Mata Peak meant we needed very little theming. We decked out his tractor shed in Calico with black tablecloths and candles as centrepieces. Hand-painted place markers were the pièce de résistance.
Describe your wedding flowers:
Our simplicity plan included flowers. Without a bridal party and the wonderful natural setting of the vineyard it was only the bridal bouquet that I purchased the day before from the local florist and arranged myself – simple, elegant orange calla lilies created splash of colour to brighten our day. I think Nicole our photographer used them so well in our photos – they look great with the hint of colour!
Describe your wedding cake:
Our wedding cake was a last minute decision – what with starters, dinner, dessert and plenty of great wine who needed more. But I was so glad we did get it – it was a tower of profiteroles covered in dark chocolate – perfect with coffee at the end of a perfect day.
Favourite detail of the day:
Celebrating our love and commitment with our family and friends!
What advise would you give out to someone planning their wedding?
Do it your way – weddings seem to bring out the very best (and worst) in people – remember this is about you two and it is important that both of you are happy with any decisions made. If you receive unsolicited advice just thank them kindly and do what you want. So many people remarked that ours was the most personal service they had ever been to and well done to us for making that happen – sure they have to compliment your day but I really think ours was that little bit more special. Also enjoy every second because the day goes too quickly!
Were there any special traditions that you included?
Hardly any – when looking at the budget and planning we discovered many traditions are just that – traditions. We kept it simple. My Dad ‘gave me away’ and I wore the ‘some thing old…’ but everything else was unique to us!
Most memorable moment?
Walking down the isle with dad and seeing Marc standing there beaming!
Any other significant vendors?
Our celebrant, John Taylor, was superb. He was a very calming influence during planning and supported our choices for a personal ceremony. Despite the lack of a practice run he made the day run smoothly and made the ceremony relaxed and humorous.
Nicole Marsden, our photographer, was excellent. Again she was relaxed, professional but most importantly not in the way – she got amazing natural shots without holding up proceedings or posing us. Honestly I don’t know how she got around the place to quickly – but again great to be able to totally rely on such a vital person on the day.
What’s next for you as a couple?
We have had a busy year – holiday with friends and family from aboard as our honeymoon, enjoying being Mr & Mrs, house hunting and most recently falling pregnant with our first child!

Thanks for sharing your day with us Anna and Marc, we wish you all the best for your future together and impending family!!