Stephanie & Nicholas

My mother found Nick on Tinder and swiped right. She talked me into going on a first date as she had a feeling he would be “the one”. Mums know best!

We knew from the start that we have a similar outlook on life; our families come first, we enjoy being active, and we’re often the last people on the dancefloor! Even our friends hit it off. Nick taught me how to snowboard and we picked up a few new hobbies together; ballroom dancing and surfing. We travelled Europe too as I’m from the UK and Nick is half Danish.

Nick took me to Queenstown in 2018 for a surprise birthday trip and proposed on a wine and bike trail by the Kawarau River. We planned to marry in August 2020, but Covid had other ideas. We spent the extra time renovating our new home.

I always dreamed of a winter wonderland wedding and we’re from Europe so we both love the snow. I ended up wading through all sorts of soggy terrain on the day and I was so happy I wore my sparkly Doc Martins. No stilettos for me!

We wanted somewhere close to Auckland and found our venue on Instagram. Our Cathedral ceremony was traditional but the priest, Father Tipene, who I know well, made it fun and entertaining for our 140 guests.

Every time the wedding was postponed (thanks Covid), we added more detail: fairy lights, glass reindeer, a candy bar, Christmas trees! I choreographed a flash mob of all the ladies as a surprise for my new husband. It’s no wonder Nick describes me as “extra”.

We handpicked our flowers with our florist, my mother’s friend Becky. I wanted blooms that would pop against the winter backdrop and the neutrals worn by our bridal party.

I am dairy-free, vegetarian and a Type 1 diabetic, and we had guests with dietary requirements, so a buffet worked for everyone. We offered a lolly station too. Our traditional cone-shaped Danish cake, called a Kransekake, was made from almond biscotti and decorated with icing and Danish flags. Nick’s uncle David (also our MC) owns a gourmet cheese company and he also gifted us a cheese stack cake.

We both got lifted by the groomsmen during our photoshoot, which was hilarious. Another fave photo moment was bouncing on the bed with my sister. My whole bridal squad got up on the bed in the end; it was such a laugh.

We stayed on the dancefloor all night. I used to be a professional dancer, and I surprised Nick with a flash mob. My bridesmaids and I did a costume change, and we went all in.

For my gown, I wanted something “extra”. I fell in love with the first dress I tried on. I felt like the best version of myself, and it passed the crucial “drop it low” dancefloor test! It had a fitted silhouette, a sweetheart neckline and a fishtail tule trail. We created a pocket for my insulin pump at the front that was covered by a tulle flower, I loved it!

I accessorised with a veil and hair vine, earrings, a faux fur shawl and a sparkly bag. I wanted my six bridesmaids to feel glamorous and sexy, Pippa Middleton’ vibes. I’m also a sequin queen so their Forever New dresses ticked every box.

Nick wore a tailored blue suit with a watch and engraved cufflinks that I bought him as a gift. We bought the groomsmen Viking horns and beer to calm their nerves.

My highlights were seeing my dad tear up when he saw me in my dress, walking down the aisle, and saying, “I do”.

For our honeymoon, we headed north to Nick’s parents’ bach in Mangawhai, and we hope to travel overseas when the world is a bit safer, hopefully to Bali for surf and sun.

One piece of advice: We’re living in a new world so stay open-minded and adaptable.

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