Elegant simplicity was what gorgeous bride Kate wanted her wedding day to Matthew to be remembered as. The barn that they held the reception in was inspiration enough and didn’t need a whole lot of ééòdressing’, so it was all rather organic. ééòWe allowed our friends, family, venues, and food to be the decorations.ééò Toni Larsen captured all the days festivities.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I knew what I wanted from the beginning, although everyone told me to be open minded when it came to trying on, it took a little while to find The One. Once I came across Sally Eagle, and saw her boutique in Wellington I knew she was perfect! Sally was such a delight to work with. She was very patient with me, as we took one of the dresses from her current collection and made the adjustments to match what had been in my mind for months.
Any DIY/Budget elements? With help from some truly special people, we created the entire day ourselves. We had friends of the family creating the bouquets, and doing the catering. I created all the stationery, blackboards, signs and the styling for both the ceremony and the barn reception. My Grandmothers, Aunties and Friends each baked a cake, which was our dessert. My Mum baked our Wedding cake and I hand painted our wooden cake toppers.
Describe your wedding flowers: Our wedding flowers were so beautiful. I wanted them to look as though we had walked through my Mums cottage garden on the way to the church and gathered them up. But they also had to be bright as my girls where all dressed in cream dresses. We had beautiful pink roses and berries, orange gerberas, billy balls and Queen Anne’s lace, which was grown in Mums garden.
Favourite detail of the day: There were so many… The most special would be the 5 origami cranes hanging above us from the Oak Tree during our wedding ceremony. They represented those close to us be couldn’t be there on the day.
Most memorable moment? Watching my gorgeous sister (the girl without tear ducts), cry throughout her maid of honour speech.
Anything other details that help tell the story of your day: This day was truly about us. We were surrounded by our family and friends and they made it what it was. We were so fortunate to be supported by those who respected our vision, and let me go off on my creative tangents!
Photographer | Toni Larsen Photography, Videographer | Ryan Meta, Cake | Brides Mum, Cake Toppers, Florist | Family Friend, Stationery | Make Hey, Ceremony Venue | St Margaret’s Church, Reception Venue | Privat
e Barn, Otaki, Dress Designer | Sally Eagle, Shoes | Verali, Jewellery | Partridge Jewellers, Hair | Pouaru Elements, Make-up | Tania Hooper Bishop, Bridesmaids Dresses | Moochi, Dotti, Forever New, Planner & Stylist | Make Hey, Caterer | Sweet Apple, Karen