So these two created their own business together (candles, if you’re interested) and work together on it from home. You’ve gotta be truly, madly, deeply in love to do that, right?! And we can confirm this is the case, friends. But don’t just take our word for it. You only have to take one look at the chemistry leaping from the candid shots by Nicole Gourley to see it. Oh and they also met on Tinder – always a fun fact! Scroll on for all their big day deets, peeps…
THE VENUE “We are both major family people, and we love smaller intimate weddings. Ellie’s parents live on a beautiful rural section in Christchurch, which is perfect for weddings and they said yes [to us getting married there]. We live on Ellie’s parents’ section, so it is very special to look out our window to look at where we got married.”
THE INSPO “Brett wanted a black and white-themed wedding, but once I showed him the pink and red combo, he loved it. Brett’s faith played a huge part in our theme, so having the celebrant from his church was special, and the back wall decal, ‘Forever & Ever, Amen.’ I LOVE flowers and we are big cocktail drinkers, so we had cocktail hour and oh the FOOD! We wanted food that was ‘hearty’ and things you crave after having a few bevies, so we had Brett’s famous macaroni cheese, cheese rolls, and a big BBQ full of beautiful meats, salads, fries and sliders. Then for dessert, we had mini cupcakes and ice creams on a stick!”
THE DRESS “I was very worried about how I would look in a dress since I am plus size. I struggled to find inspiration online as often the brides used for dress websites etc were smaller. I ended up making the decision to get a dress made to suit me and my beautiful curves. Working with brides of merivale was so much fun. The design process was fun, and getting to change things up along the way etc. My party dress was dream! I really wanted a classic, elegant day dress, and then a fun, out-going party dress. This was the best decision.”
REFERENCES “This was where our incredible wedding planners came in. The BEST investment! Kate and Jon from Soirée made everything an absolute breeze. Having them ensured our family got to relax throughout the entire wedding day. They mainly organized our key vendors. I would show some inspiration from Pinterest / Instagram and Kate would find a vendor who was able to do it.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Our ceremony felt like we were the only ones in the room. It was such a raw, special, intimate moment. Also, our bridal party walking into the reception! We asked them each for their life theme song, wrote a little speel about them that the MC read out, and they danced one by one into the reception. Everyone was swinging the napkins going crazy, it was such a fun vibe!”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Don’t stress over the small details, choose things that represent you both and try not to take on others people’s opinions. You will remember your wedding for the rest of your life, others don’t, so do what is right for you both.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “Kate and Jon most definitely went above and beyond to ensure our day had absolutely no issues and ran smoothly so we truly believe if it wasn’t for them – the day wouldn’t have gone how it did!”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Nicole Gourley Event Planner & Stylist Soirée Florist Eden Florist Ceremony & Reception Private Property Catering Moveable Feasts Cake & Desserts Full Time Tart Marquee & Furniture Loula Wedding & Event Hire Small Hire The Little Hire Company DJ Boogie Beats Signage With This Sign Celebrant Brad Anderson Rings The Diamond Shop THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Brides of Merivale Veil Natalie Rose Bridal Robes Bendon Lingerie Shoes Mi Piaci Hair Monique Woods Makeup Kasia Stanicich Fragrance Carolina Herrera Bridesmaid Dresses Peppermayo Bridesmaid Gifts Abeille (Candles) THE GROOM Jacket, Shirt, Pants Barkers Shoes R.M. Williams Watch Breitling Grooming ManUp Barbershop Groomsmen Suits Barkers