It’s no secret that New Zealand is one of the most incredible destinations in the world, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still hidden gems in the countries epic landscape. Melissa and Joshua’s hiking engagement captured by Nisha Ravji Photography took the pair exploring through the wilderness, looking out over the rocky shore, and cuddling in a field of overgrown greenery.
A nautical wedding conjures certain imagery: blue and white stripes, seashells, and sailor’s knots to name a few. Emily and Stephen’s seaside celebration took a sophisticated styling alternative using white and gold and relying on the beauty of their uniquely modern venue De La Warr Pavilion. Ann-Kathrin Koch photographed the understated and classic details beautifully, and we especially love how the bridal portraits show off Emily’s stunning gold Lila headpiece!
The De La Warr is a modernist building. I wanted to reflect its clean lines and keep aspects like the flowers all white. The venue was built in the 1930s and I suppose there was a hint of that in the styling — we included some embellishment in the bridesmaid’s dresses and added a period touch by hiring champagne coupes and jazz/swing band.
I wanted a seaside feel but didn’t feel like doing the blue / white nautical thing. Instead we had gold-sprayed plastic sea creatures as escort cards (I did start to doubt my sanity whilst DIYing these) and origami boats as place names on the tables (my sister doubted my sanity as she spent HOURS making these). Strings of festoon lights gave everything a bit of a pier/cruise liner feel (at least that was my intention, they may have just created a lovely glow).
Stephen‘s uncle made us a moon which we hung as a backdrop during the ceremony, it then transformed into a Paper Moon Photo Booth in the evening.
The Moments:
I loved being announced as husband and wife before we took our seats in the reception room. It was overwhelming (and actually kind of surreal) to see everyone we loved in one room.
The Couple Recommends:
Our suppliers were a standout bunch who made our day better than we could have imagined. Our photographer, Ann Kathrin Koch was a huge part of our day. We felt as though we had a close friend with us. Her work is beautiful – our photographs are now some of our most treasured possessions. We also love our wedding video – created by the lovely boys at Tuff Yak. Finally, planning our wedding with Lucy at the De La Warr Pavilion was fun, creative and very relaxed. I can’t recommend her or the venue highly enough.
After a simply elegant ceremony at Linton & Kay Art Gallery, Linzy and Matt turned their reception at Mt Eliza House into a dance party! The couple left messages for their guests including, “You can find your seat here, but your place is on the dance floor,” which added such a fun vibe to the celebration. White linen table cloths, colorful unique florals, and chalkboard signs came together to create the beautiful detail at the outdoor reception. The couple even included a cheese wheel cake, yum! And, best of all, Samuel Goh Photography expertly captured this wonderful wedding!
We had a lot of people travelling to Perth from very far away with people who had not seen each other in 10 years so we just wanted one big party. We wanted minimum formalities so everyone could mingle and also this allowed for more time on the dance floor. We wanted everyone on that dance floor.
The Moments:
At the end of the night the band asked everyone to form a circle to say goodbye to the bride and groom so everyone stood around the dance floor in one giant circle and it ended up turning into a dance off and we had to wait about 20 minutes to get in the circle to actually say goodbye.
The Couple Recommends:
Jess Butcher from Butcher Baker Stylist Creator is AMAZING!!!! The most talented creative down to earth person we have ever met. She is full of ideas and there is no such thing as ‘can’t’ or ‘problem’. So easy going and would now consider her a good friend. The wedding would not have come together without her!
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