Alice & Jack

Tell us a little about you and your partner, what you do, how did you meet, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

Jack and I met in our hall at Otago Uni in 2012. We clicked straight away, admiring each other's similarities. We both love to get outside, go for a walk, explore a new place or go camping. Some of our favourite experiences where trips to the ski mountains, a camping trip around the Catlins or exploring local beaches and cafes in Dunedin. We also both love food, which is ironic considering I am lactose intolerant, and he is coeliac. We made it work! 

10 years later and I am a Health and Physical Education teacher and Jack is working as a House Officer at Auckland Hospital. Life is busy but we make time for each other, our friends, and the simple pleasures, like a cup of team, or me beating him in cards. Life is easy when we are together.

What was the theme/aesthetic of your big day?

Our big day was centered around my parent's beautiful home in Matakana. We utilised it features and created a wonderful garden ceremony, with live music, lush green willow trees and large garden games. The reception was inside a massive tipi with views of the garden providing pops of green and pastel florals.

Tell us about your special day, how did you choose the location? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

Choosing the location was easy for us. Luckily my parents live in a beautiful property in Matakana and it felt so special to be able to get married there. My mother was chief gardener and spent many hours creating a beautiful and colourful garden surrounded by bushy green trees and shrubs. It was a garden wonderland! This meant that we could create a softer style with florals, going for a pastel colour palette. Bridesmaids and groomsmen looking stunning in navy. The table styling, stationery and table flowers were created by me and my bridesmaids, and Jack's father made homemade wooden menu stands and coasters for a beautiful finish.

Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details...

So many favourites about my day! I loved all the food. Source Kitchen Matakana did such an incredible job! I loved how Wildly Madly Deeply added a silk ribbon to my unstructured bouquet - swaying in the wind. My mother made homemade lemonade which brought me right back to my childhood in England, and although it may not be a 'detail', I loved how my sister compilated video messages from overseas guests, including my Granny and brother. It was a very special moment I will never forget.

Tell us about your wedding dress and any tips you have for future brides….

For all you tall, beautiful brides out there, I found dress shopping really fun! All the sample dresses are long as most people get them hemmed, so almost all the dresses where the perfect length! A line suited me best, and after doing a lot of research into different styles, it was also my favourite. However, I highly recommend trying on heaps of different styles as you just never know!