Lucy & Gerard

Gerard and I met in 2016. He came to an auction, saw me and asked my friend who I was. He was working in real estate with Harcourts; I was with Bayleys. He added me on Facebook, but I declined him! We kept seeing each other at the gym and a year later, he asked if I was going to accept his friend request! We went for coffee. The rest is history.

Later in the relationship, we admitted that we both fell hard and fast! Everyone said the honeymoon phase would wear off, but it never did. I moved in with him after only three months of dating.

Gerard proposed on top of a mountain in Queenstown. I had no idea! It was my dream proposal. We were engaged for one year, to the day.

We found the venue on Instagram. We both wanted a white wedding with mountains as the backdrop, so the Eichardt’s Penthouse in Queenstown truly was the perfect location. A winter wedding created such a cosy, intimate setting with fireplaces inside and out.

Our theme was modern, classic elegance. The wedding was intimate and simple. We had 16 guests, slightly reduced due to Covid. I chose white orchids, gypsophila and Alaska roses for my bouquet and they really complimented the beautiful space and view.

We had a bespoke three-course set menu featuring pork cheek croquets, wild venison, line-caught blue cod, merino lamb and eye fillet steak. Dessert was dark chocolate mousse, lemon tart and our two-tiered pistachio, white chocolate and raspberry cake served with espresso martinis.

My standout memory was taking a helicopter to the top of Cecil Peak. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a breath of wind. We could look down on Eichardt’s where we were about to get married.

We kept the music super simple and created our own wedding playlist from old school classics, country music, wedding singalongs and guest requests.

I had dreamed of a gown that was timeless and modern. My ‘Byron’ dress was sleek and sophisticated and suited my style perfectly. I felt so comfortable and relaxed in it. It had an hourglass design with an off-the-shoulder detail on one side. The fabric was bonded georgette with buttons at the back along with a corseted bodice and a fit and flare skirt.

I accessorized with my mother’s diamond earrings, my grandmother’s blue Topaz ring (something blue), a pearl single tier veil and my dream slingback pump shoes by Dior. Gerard went for a classic black suit with a bowtie and black suede monk shoes. Our ‘first look’ was such a special moment as we had no idea what the other was wearing. We were both nervous and excited.

It was just the two of us on the balcony in Queenstown with a fire going and a stunning snow-capped mountain view. I placed my hand in his and he turned around.

For guests, I think the location and mountain views were memorable, as was the intimate style of our wedding. We’re so happy we married in Queenstown and that we kept our wedding so small. We were able to talk to everyone, relax and enjoy the night.

For our honeymoon, we will wait until next year and hopefully travel but we continued our celebrations in Queenstown after the wedding.

One piece of advice: It is to have a big engagement party so you can have a small, intimate wedding. You don’t have to follow tradition; you can make your own.

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