By 
Cameron and I are incredibly traditional. I know, we’ve been together seven years and had kids before we got married, but when it came to our wedding day, we were both after something a little more formal than most. One of the things that first attracted me to Cameron was how he was so true to himself and the things that he wanted. Our common goals brought us together and they were a big factor in creating a wedding that was the truest representation of us and our style that it could be.
As we were after a formal feel, the boys were always going to be in tuxedos. The look is classic, and it’s so good to know we’ll be able to look back on the photos 20 years from now and they’ll still look amazing. The suits were made by Sergios, right here in Christchurch. From top to toe they decked the men out with what they needed. It took a little longer to find a suit for our boy, Archer, but I found an exact replica of the men’s tuxedos from Next. Every item matched, including the shiny black shoes. He looked adorable!
Finding my wedding dress was an ordeal to say the least. I dragged my pregnant sister-in-law and my five-month-old daughter to Sydney for a day trip to try dresses on. I was convinced I wanted a Berta dress, and there was a one-day trunk sale on, but none of them were right. Don’t get me wrong, they were beautiful, but not formal enough for what I wanted. I booked a trip up to Auckland to try dresses on there and, although I was initially very wary of getting a dress made, also booked an appointment to meet with Anita from Vinka Design. I was worried that what I had in mind might not look so great in reality but, as soon as I met Anita, I knew that I could trust her with making my vision come to life. I love the juxtaposition of a long-sleeved wedding dress but with a hint of sexiness with a low front and illusion back. Just the right mix of formality and femininity. In the end, the dress was a perfect reflection of me and my style.
Having the ceremony at the chapel at St Andrew’s College (Cameron’s old school) helped frame the traditional wedding we were after. One of his teachers, Reverend Paul Morrow, presided over the service. It was extra special as he’d christened our daughter Emilie a year before. Mona Vale is an iconic venue known to most Cantabrians and we snapped up our reception booking as soon as they reopened after the quakes. After the service, our guests enjoyed champagne, Pimm’s, canapes and games on the lawn while we had our photos taken in the gardens.
Every little detail was just right. Everything on the menu was delicious, although the baked salmon was a standout for me. We kept the speeches to each of our fathers, the best man and Cameron. Partly for tradition, but also to get on with enjoying the night. Having a great party was really important to both of us. With dinner, speeches and our delicious four-tiered, four-flavoured cake out of the way, it was over to White Chapel Jack to keep us on the dance-floor. They did not disappoint. We’d seen them at a friend’s wedding in Auckland and booked them on the spot. Best impulse buy I’ve ever made.
THE DETAILS
BRIDE’S GOWN Vinka Design. BRIDE’S SHOES Gianvito Rossi. HAIR Monique Cadigan from Graceful Hairart. MAKEUP Chrystal O’Brien. RINGS Partridge Jewellers. GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Sergio’s. BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE Zimmermann, Mi Piaci. CEREMONY Centennial Chapel at St Andrews College, Christchurch. RECEPTION Mona Vale. CATERING Continental Catering. PRIEST The St Andrew’s College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow. FLORIST Flowerhead. CAKE Hello Gateau. MUSIC Whitechapel Jack, Taylor & Song. STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Jacqui Loves Mickey.
