There is nothing like a heartfelt family oriented wedding, and this one from Jenn Hadley Photography is quite lovely. The very talented bride (check out her work here) made her own dress would you believe? She also had both hers and her partner's son walk her down the aisle which is such a lovely touch. And how cute do they look!!
Chris and I met in 2006 at a friend’s birthday party. We were introduced, as we were both single parents of little boys who were aged 3 and 4 at the time. Our second date was taking the boys biking around Oriental Parade. The proposal was a complete surprise! On my 30th birthday we had rented a house in Te Horo and had a few friends staying. During the afternoon I was sitting on the beach with our boys. I saw Chris walking towards me with a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses. He poured us a glass and passed something to my son Marly and asked him to give it to me. I thought it was a birthday present and opened the box and then Chris asked me to marry him. It was completely romantic and I am so glad that Chris made the boys apart of it, as they are such a huge part of our journey as a couple.
The location of the wedding was a friends property in Martinborough where they have 14 vines which we as a family go most years to harvest the grapes and always get to enjoy the delicious fruits of our labour the following years- a delicious chardonnay. The property is a stunning place complete with a barn, an old railway carriage which has been converted to a sleepout and working rail lights from the 1920s.
Being a fashion designer, I had to make my own dress. I had been so busy though with wedding planning, making decorations and running my business that I left it right to the last minute. I did however make it in three days. The lace bodice was crafted from a lovely vintage dress I had and the skirt was a Donna Karen Lace. I did have one funny moment while fitting the dress; I was in full wedding outfit (shoes, veil and dress) when the doorbell rang. I would have left it but my son Marly answered it so I had to run down the stairs and face the visiting guest! Opting out of a bouquet so that I could hold both the boys hands while walking up the vineyard ‘aisle’, I chose instead a wristlet from Flowers Manuela in Wellington who also made buttonholes for the wedding party and parents. The table flowers I had bought from a flower warehouse and I arranged the day before in old milk bottles and jars we had collected.
Our wedding day was just perfect. The theme was down-home country with vintage elements. It was very DIY with every decoration being made at home and every piece being collected. Most things at the wedding had a story behind them. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives who donated their time, skill and love into many things. The biggest surprise for me on the day was when Chris and our boys got up and performed a song for me with the help of a couple of musician friends.
The only drama came minutes before we were meant to leave the house to the ceremony. I put my dress on in such a rush that I split the front! Luckily I had packed an emergency sewing kit and with a bit of redesigning, my beautiful friend Annabel had it stitched up in no time.
Our amazing friend Jenn Hadley at Jenn Hadley Photography. She did such a great job of capturing all the details and taking contemporary shots of us.
Seeing all our wonderful family and friends enjoying themselves was such a highlight for me. Chris and I wanted the day to be all-inclusive so created a whole afternoon of fun. I remember standing back and looking around and not one person looked bored or looked like they were not having a good time.
Vendors: Photography | Jenn Hadley Photography, Dress | High Noon Tea, Bride's shoes | Bresley from Guize Clothing, Bride's accessories | Vintage finds, Brides flowers | Flowers Manuel, Grooms suit | Vintage waistcoat, Crane Brothers tailor made Trousers, Vintage shoes, Hair | Annabel Kinley @ The Powder Room, Rings | Kirsty Winton @ Kirsty Winton Jewellery
1 comment:
gorgeous!
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