For this cute-as-pie couple, it was a hand-carved, wooden box that Jono made for Tess that “sealed the deal.” The bride adds, “I decided that if someone cared about me enough to hand carve me a beautiful wooden box, then they must be worth investing in. So I trusted my instincts and seven years later we were married.” She wore one of our faves, Grace Loves Lace and Tim Williams Photography captured it all. For more GLL brides, head here… and scroll down of course!
THE PROPOSAL Jono proposed in the most beautiful location in the woods. He nailed signs to the trees saying ‘will you marry me?’ and organised for a friend to hide and take photos of the whole event. It was pouring with rain, so off we went, me in my gumboots with my umbrella, and Jono in his big coat. Jono asked me to turn around at one point and there were the signs in the trees and Jono was on one knee trying to fumble out the engagement ring. I threw the umbrella and threw my arms around him and we got soaked in the rain. I’m an outdoors person- I just love the serene beauty of nature- so I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect proposal!
THE THEME I wanted it to be a really natural and simple wedding reflective of our beautiful surroundings in Nelson. I had seen a few of the woodland-themed weddings on Pinterest and immediately fell in love with this idea and how simple, but effective it looked. With Jono’s proposal in the woods, this theme worked well. It was also cost effective, as we relied on the surroundings rather than big props.
FAVOURITE DETAIL Jono’s mum had created our aisle for us by pulling out all the grass that was covering the area and adding bits of wood and pinecones from the woods. It was so magical when I arrived at the ceremony and saw it all set up. It was exactly what I had imagined in my head and more.
DIY We were all about the DIY! Jono made our beautiful archway at the ceremony, which was just made out of two bits of timber with a bit of stain on it. Very simple! My sister and I also hand picked all the pine branches on our reception tables from the woods where we had our ceremony. I spent a good few weeks slowly collecting 80 crystal wine glasses from the second hand shops for our tables, which also acted as our wedding favours for our guests.
THE DRESS My dress was from Grace Loves Lace. I was always drawn to the style of the dresses at that store, so really only looked there. The store is located in Australia though, so I had to rely on pictures from their website to make my decision. I absolutely fell in love with the ‘Rosa’ gown. I was a bit nervous because I couldn’t try it on, but it fit perfectly and looked exactly like the photos! The people at Grace Loves Lace were helpful and the whole process was a breeze. The dress also arrived in a beautiful white box, with notes inside, so it was fun even unboxing it!
STANDOUT VENDORS Our photographer, Tim Williams was just amazing! Both Jono and I can get a bit awkward in front of a camera, but Tim put us perfectly at ease. He was so helpful answering questions leading up to the wedding and was great on the day, lightening the mood with a great sense of humour. Would definitely recommend him as a wedding photographer!
Loving on this gown and want to check out the brand new collection from Grace Loves Lace . Click here for a look at every gown from the ‘Icon’ 2018 collection
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Tim Williams Photography Florist Willow Floral & Design Stationery Volta Design Table Numbers StudioInBudapest Ceremony & Reception Private Property Catering Succulent Spit Roasters Cake Blackbird Cakery Other Desserts Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery Decor, Hire Items & Lighting O’Fee Wedding & Events & Got It Covered Celebrant Living Legacies Rings Michael Hill BRIDES Bridal Gown & Earrings Grace Loves Lace Robe Sage and Ivy Bridesmaid Robes Cotton On Shoes Lipstik Hair Cardells Hair Makeup KO Cosmetics Bridesmaid Dresses Glassons Bridesmaid Shoes ASOS GROOM Suit, Shirt & Bow Tie Barkers Shoes Merchant Overland Grooming Chop City Barbers Groomsmen Suits Hallenstein Brothers