We think it’s safe to say that Libby and Seth learned a lot from planning their wedding. Despite always hearing ‘just enjoy the planning process’ or ‘not everything will be perfect, so just don’t stress’, these newlyweds aren’t afraid to lay their cards on the table. “You’re going to worry and stress and plan and fixate. So just let those moments happen, but always remind yourself when things get too much that this is about you and the love of your life spending the rest of your lives together and throwing an awesome party!”
Throwing quite the shin-dig themselves, Libby and Seth tied the knot in picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand. With a clear view in mind of the type of venue they wanted (either a glass house or a clear marquee in a beautiful, natural setting), the pair spent hours and hours on the Internet searching for the right venue. It wasn’t until they stumbled upon lens lady Dawn Thomson’s portfolio and seeing NZ High Country that they’d secure their photographer and venue all in one go. “After a quick trip down to check it out, we were sold. The view were like nothing we had seen before and we knew that this was the place we wanted to start our forever at,” explains Libby, who found her perfect match (fashion-wise, we mean) in Rue De Seine.
“I asked spur of the moment to try the ‘Cleo’ gown. It was the opposite of what I thought I wanted. It was loose and not backless and had sleeves. But the moment I put it on I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and butterflies in my stomach I knew from then that this was the dress. My troop of ladies with me all agreed it was just ‘me’ and we bought it right on the spot.”
Telling us that “marriage is really unique and special in a way you can’t explain until you experience it”, it’s clear that Libby and Seth’s celebration was overflowing with amazing memories – from popping champagne and laughing until their cheeks hurt to standing on what “felt like the edge of the world” to say their I Do’s. One of the funniest moments, however, has got to be Seth’s grandma’s input on the speeches. “She had had enough and yelled ‘boring!’ and then began to critique them with things like ‘too many um’s’. We still, to this day get the giggled every time we think about it.”
When it came to one of the stand out vendors of the day, Libby tells us it was their wonderful photographer who kept everyone feeling cool, calm and collected! “Dawn Thomson, she was the voice of reason and calm that anchored the day! She was so relaxed and reassuring and we really felt like we were all old friends. We felt so comfortable with her and I really think it shows in the pictures.”
Another hilarious recollection? The presence of a somewhat nontraditional Bridezilla. No, it wasn’t the bride or groom. It was Libby’s father! “My otherwise ‘blokey’ and ‘she’ll be right’ dad developed quite a reputation amongst the family for being a Bridezilla about the wedding. He really wanted everything to be perfect which, although embarrassing at times, was very, very sweet.” Good on him!
Loving the photographic work from Dawn Thomson? Check out this epic NZ wedding Dawn shot earlier this year!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Dawn Thomson Photography // Cinematographer Joel Tronoff // Florist The Flower Room, Queenstown // Ceremony Venue Tussock Point, NZ High Country // Reception Venue Lake June, NZ High Country // Catering Flying Trestles // Wedding Favours Lewis Road Creamery and Cookie Bar Queenstown // Prop and Furniture Hire One Fine Day wedding Hire and The Little Hire Company // Lighting and Sound Hire The Little hire Company // Signage Printing Mobile Signs and Graphics // Engagement Ring Mociun // Grooms Wedding Band Tom Wood // Transport Remarkable Experience // THE BRIDE // Bridal Gown Designer Rue De Seine // Robes Peter Alexander and Showmeyourmumu // Shoes Jeffery Campbell // Accessories Monseuir Blonde Jewels // Hair Beautiful Bridal Hair // Makeup J.E.T Make Up // Bridesmaid Dresses ASOS // THE GROOM // Groom and Groomsmen Suits Barkers // Tie The Department Store // Socks Happy Socks // Watch Brathwait.