Every now and again we like to mix things up a bit ééò just to keep you on your toes ééò and feature weddings that are more documentary in style. It keeps things interesting and offers those of you searching for the perfect photographer different styles to compare. This New Zealand wedding by PETAR JURICA was held at THE LODGE AT THE FRENCH VILLAGE which whilst accessible to towns, makes you feel like you’re a million miles away from everything. Being reasonably private people, Abigail & Tim wanted to keep their wedding very simple and it was important that the venue offered up accommodation and had a remote and cosy feeling to it. The final choice definitely dictated the style of the wedding.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: I was looking for a not-too-weddingy wedding dress. I knew the general style I wanted and happened to see the Bo & Luca dresses at the Department Store in Auckland ééò they didn’t have quite the one I wanted so I ended up ordering it online. I liked it because it was simple but beautifully detailed, with silk and hand-beading, made to order.
ANY DIY ELEMENTS? Tim is a graphic designer so he did all the invites and stationery ééò the save-the-date was a lenticular print that moves as you turn it. The tablecloths and linen napkins were all made for the event by Abigail and some friends, and the oldest flower girl (Flower Lord)’s dress was made by Tim’s sister. The brass vases are all second-hand, the candle-holders are simply driftwood that we gathered up and drilled candle-sized holes in, and the green foliage for the tables was cut from a friend’s garden.
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: The idea was wild-looking but with just enough special touches to make it romantic. Feathery and whimsical, with some boysenberries and unripe citrus fruit giving it an earthy quality.
FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY? The flower girl nieces did really well ééò a three year old and a four year old guided by a eleven year old (who we called the Flower Lord). We were quite prepared that they might be too shy to come out, in the end, but they were perfect. And so cute and touching. A really special detail.
WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Try not to worry too much about expectations ééò just do what feels right to you. Like any creative expression, people it will enjoy it more if it feels true to who you are. It should have sincerity.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? We had meant to eat outside and had set up all the tables downstairs, ready to be carried outside after the afternoon drinks. The weather turned really windy which scotched that plan, but while we were out getting photos everyone back at the lodge worked together to carry all the tables upstairs to the hall, set them up how we wanted, even lit their own candles at their tables ééò a real group effort. It worked out perfectly, and it’s funny how the wrinkles in the plan become the fun things you remember.
ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT HELP TELL THE STORY OF YOUR DAY? Tim’s mother is a minister and a celebrant, and so it was lovely to be able to have her perform the ceremony. His father is also a folk singer from way back, so he and his partner sang me down the aisle (“Bright Morning Stars”) and then sang us both back up the aisle at the finish.
Photographer PETAR JURICA / Cake MOORE WILSON’S / Florist FLOWERS MANUELA / Stationery TIM DENEE / Venue LODGE AT THE FRENCH VILLAGE / Bride’s gown BO & LUCA / Veil SALLY EAGLE / Bride’s shoes FUNKIS / Groom’s shoes MEERMIN MALLORCA / Jewellery VILDERS JEWELLERY / Hair & make-up NATALIE HENDERSON / Groom’s attire CRANE BROTHERS / Catering LODGE AT THE FRENCH VILLAGE
