Seraphin & Jeremy

We met through a friend. I was helping my friend move into her new house and Jeremy was her flatmate. Jeremy tells people that I “showed up on his doorstep”. We had our first date at Godley Head and it felt as if I had known Jeremy forever. It was easy and peaceful but I still had butterflies! Feeling so assured was something that surprised me. It felt natural progressing the way it did.

Jeremy proposed in Singapore, on bended knee, in March 2019 and made a little speech, which was beautiful. We were there for my cousin’s wedding. It was his first visit there and I was born in Singapore so it was a special place to get engaged.

I always wanted to marry in a church. The one we chose was beautiful and quaint. The Great Hall is timeless and I have performed there on the piano several times! I love the stained glass windows. Jeremy and I value the history of a place; we love our hometown Christchurch. Both of us grew up there and Jeremy was born there.

We had a summer wedding. I incorporated baby’s breath flowers into our hair to reflect the greenery around us and also to soften the grandeur of both venues. We added shades of pink and tangerine for interest and depth and I chose lots of white flowers in keeping with our classic theme. We used orchids (the national flower of Singapore), roses, peonies, hydrangeas and lisianthus. I went with the ‘less is more’ approach and our overall theme was classic and timeless. We had 70 guests.

Our sit-down three-course meal started with Akaroa smoked salmon carpaccio; our main was chicken supreme stuffed with feta and Greek olives and Prime Angus Chateaubriand with black garlic and port wine jus. Our wedding cake was two-tiered: chocolate and raspberry with orange, poppy seed and blossom.

My favourite memory was when we were at the top of the Port Hills and the rain clouds were rolling in. It was hectic but there were a lot of laughs. Towards the end, the wind picked up and it started hailing! That’s when we got some amazing shots of my veil in the wind. Being showered with flower petals as we walked out of the church was lovely too. Jeremy’s Dad played the guitar and sang as I walked down the aisle, which was really special. I loved Jeremy’s vows; they were so heartfelt.

My dress was ivory and off the shoulder with a cowl neckline, fitted bodice and a slight flare at the bottom. It had a rounded train and the material was soft and flowing. I had it made for me as I wanted the style to be perfect for my body and I could choose the finer details, such as the buttons and draping sleeves. I kept my accessories simple; drop diamond earrings and a bracelet. I wore a long, ivory veil with small white flowers from Jeremy’s mothers garden placed in it.

My four bridesmaids wore silk, sage green dresses with thin straps, paired with gold earrings and nude heels. Jeremy and his groomsmen wore black suits, white shirts, black ties and white flower buttonholes; Jeremy’s tie was textured and ivory.

Covid has postponed our trip to Hawaii but in the meantime, we plan to take a road trip around the south island. My advice to other brides is to soak up every minute and be flexible! It’s highly unlikely every detail will be perfect. Remember why you are getting married and that the wedding day is just the beginning!

For more Real Weddings click here