Kylie & Wesley

Wes and I first met on the dancefloor at Little Easy bar in Ponsonby during my birthday celebrations in April 2016. After a week of dating he took me for a surprise romantic weekend on Waiheke. We toured the wineries, relaxed on the beaches and both realised we had found our partner in crime – we could do this together for the rest of our lives. After a few years together, Wes plucked up the courage to ask my parents for my hand in marriage. A couple of months later he took me on another surprise weekend away, whisking me off to Rakino Island by helicopter. When we landed he got on one knee and asked me to be his wife. We then flew to Mudbrick winery on Waiheke where all of our friends were waiting to celebrate our engagement with us.

During the wedding planning process, Wesley saw an ad for Tui Hills, Waitakere and it was just what we were looking for. Newly renovated, we jumped at it and planned our wedding in just five months! We fell in love with all of the greenery inside and out, especially the surrounding native trees. Nature is very important to us as a couple; the greener the better! It was very similar to where we bought our first home in Titirangi! Hoping for sunny weather, we chose a February date and went for lightweight attire. Soft summery colours helped us achieve a romantic modern boho vibe inspired by nature. We collected olive tree leaves from a neighbour for our table runners and kept our greenery arrangements simple including toetoe from the Waitakere Ranges and pussy willow from Whiritoa Beach. Our bouquets were created by Flwr using white roses, jasmine leaves and lots of pink peonies. I have always loved shades of pink and peonies are my favourite flower. Crystals on the cocktail tables represented our love of the spiritual.

As we had five months to plan our wedding I had to buy off the rack. I decided to visit just one bridal shop, Alma J Bridal, so as to not confuse myself with too many options. I wanted a modern, romantic look and tried on about six dresses. The final choice was a last-minute find as it was being mended out the back. My lace and tulle Stella York gown was a flattering fit and flare style with shimmering beadwork and scalloped lace which really tied into the modern, romantic aesthetic of our wedding. The plunging neckline was adorned with bugle beads and shimmering water pearls that elevated the look. I loved that the underlay was almost blush pink, fitting in perfectly with the tones used throughout the décor. The shoestring straps were embellished with delicate beading and met in the back to create a unique floating illusion. Couture-inspired lattice details placed throughout the bodice and skirt created movement and shaped my body, elongating my frame – much needed at 5’4! The long train featured handsewn lace and a fully finished hemline which gave drama and depth to the dress. The crystal buttons on the back were the finishing touch. I chose a simple sheer lace chapel length veil to show off the ornate back detail. My floral bracelet and silver earrings were purchased from an Etsy designer while my nude platform heels from Nova gave me much needed height!

My four best friends were my bridesmaids and wore a selection of dresses from Blak. I wanted them to choose the style, colour and fabric they felt most comfortable in so they would feel beautiful and confident on the day. The only direction I gave was that the colour be in the pinky-beige colour family. They accessorised with silver starburst earrings from Etsy that I gave them on the day. Wes went to Hallensteins and chose a navy jacket, crisp white shirt, rolled-up chinos and brown loafers to suit the summertime feel, but also be comfy and modern. His bowtie was patterned with little birds, connecting to the hints of nature throughout our wedding. I gifted him his cufflinks which were engraved with our wedding date and initials.

It might be cliché, but the best moment of the day was when I walked down the aisle and we saw each other for the first time – it was so emotional. We were both so nervous but melted once we looked into each other’s eyes. I almost ran down the aisle into his arms! As something a bit different, we placed two pens under random chairs before the ceremony. When it was time to sign the marriage license, the celebrant instructed everyone to look under their seats to see if they were the lucky witnesses! The venue was stunning, the food was delicious, and the energy of love was very apparent throughout our wedding. It was a day full of love and light with our most treasured people.

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