REAL WEDDINGS
BLAK BRIDESMAIDS - REAL WEDDINGS
A Love Story
Paige & Chris
WRITTEN IN THE SKIES
Marry Me.
It was Sunday the 20th of November 2016. Chris had told me his grandparents were travelling up from Geraldton to spend the day with us. Chris had organised for us to have lunch together and then after decided it would be nice to spend the afternoon on the Rockingham foreshore having some drinks. It was such a beautiful day therefore the beach and restaurants were full of people. After we had arrived we walked along the foreshore and stopped to decide where to go to first. As we were discussing where to go I had noticed Chris’s pop was filming us and in that moment I thought it was strange but didn’t think to much into it. Soon after Chris’s nan came up to me and told me to look up into the sky. It was then I saw a little plane and behind it was a banner which said “ Will you be my Mrs Agnew”? In that moment I thought to myself this couldn’t be me as I looked around to see if anyone else was getting engaged! It wasn’t until I saw Chris down on one knee with a ring and say “Lets do this babe” I knew that it was us. There were people screaming and cheering us all over the beach, it was a pretty amazing moment and one I will never forget.
The Day.
Chris and I were Married on the 24th of March 2018 and we were married on my parents private property. Our wedding date was the exact date that we celebrated our engagement with our friends and family the year prior. Our decision to get married on my parents property was simply because it was a sentimental, special place that Chris and I both loved.
Inspiration.
I did all the planning and organising of our wedding day. We knew from the beginning how we wanted it to be. It was an intimate, relaxed bohemian style celebration with our closest friends and family members. It was important that our day was exactly about who we were.
I couldn’t help but be inspired by wedding magazines such as Hello May and Together Journal.
Expectation and Reality.
We knew our wedding day would be one of the best days of our lives. It was filled with so much laughter and love. Having all of our closest friends and family members there to celebrate with us was so special and made our day so memorable. I think what surprised me the most is how quickly the day went by. There is so much happening throughout the whole day it really is so important to stop and soak it all in.
From One Bride to Another.
It can be challenging at times but try not forget what the day is all about. Weddings are about you and your love so remind yourself of that and most importantly have fun throughout the planning process. It is such a magical day that goes by way to quickly, live in the moment and cherish every second.
Best Bit.
This is a hard one as there were so many moments throughout the day that were so special but if I could go back to just one it would be our ceremony and the moment my dad walked me down the aisle to my soon to be husband. Chris and I hadn’t seen each other for the week leading up to the wedding so it was a super special moment for us to see one another, one moment that I could live over and over again.
Photographer: Lucy Sheedy Photographer
Florist: The Little Flower Stall
Grazing table: Sage on Hickey
Furniture: Tables & Chairs from Vintage Gray Hire
Marquee/ Teepee: Gold Coast Tipi
Celebrant: Benjamin Breitenstein
Bridal Gown Designer: Grace Loves Lace
xxx
Gemma & Alex
LOVE GROWS ON
Marry Me.
We were on a month long road trip around the West Coast of the U.S after living there for a year. We were travelling in a van and the whole trip was centered around exploring as many national parks as we could cram into 30 days. We got up early one morning to hike up Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, which is known as one of America’s deadliest hikes because of the sheer drop-offs either side of the walking track. The views are magnificent from the top and it was here that Alex asked me to marry him.
It took me by complete surprise! He had told me to turn around to look out from a rock - we were making short videos of the trip, so I was focused on what he was asking me to do, while taking in the views. Then all of a sudden I heard, “Jemzie!” and turned around to find Alex on one knee. He secretly organised friends to video and take photos which I couldn’t be more grateful for, it was one of the best moments ever.
The Day.
We got married on 17 March 2018 in a small farming community called Rangiwahia in northern Manawatu, on Alex’s family farm which was established more than 100 years ago. We had our ceremony in the Ian McKean Pinetum, a beautiful, unique and sentimental place that is a collection of more than 300 different types of conifer trees that were planted by his grandfather. We knew from the moment we were engaged that we would get married on the farm and it was so special to have our friends and family experience the pinetum. We held our reception in the cosy, vintage Rangiwahia Hall.
The Details.
I ended up sourcing different kinds of flowers from four different locations, including friends and families’ gardens. My mother-in-law had the most amazing collection of vases, antique candle holders and decorations that I just chose what I liked and with the help of very talented friends, and locally foraged greenery, we transformed the hall into a wildly colourful, natural space that felt very in tune with who Alex and I are. The tables were rustic slabs of timber from under the hall’s stage and the seats were old pews from a nearby town hall. I had a friend make hand-poured soy wax candles in mix-matched glass jars that I’d spent months searching for in different second hand shops. Festoon lights adorned the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the hall and when the candles were lit it felt like a magical, cosy and vintage dinner party. It all came together perfectly and looked even better than I could have ever imagined!
Inspiration.
I was never keen on having a set theme as there were so many different decorations, colours and flowers I wanted to use. I made a decision to just include what ever I liked and wanted, hoping it would all tie in together as a rustic, eclectic mix.
Expectation and Reality.
I knew it was going to be one of the best days of our lives, having all of our family and friends come to Rangiwahia, a significant and important place for us both. It’s hard to put the day into words, it was so filled with love, laughter and positive vibes as the most important people in our lives came together and met one another as we celebrated our marriage. It felt so wholesome.
I was surprised by the large flock of sheep we stumbled across as we were driving to have a sunset photo shoot, but Alex and I looked at each other, cracked up laughing and knew this serendipitous moment was not one to pass up. The photo of us with the sheep is one of my favourite photos because it is so unique and was not planned.
From One Bride to Another.
It’s easy to say in hindsight, but try to not to stress! We organised almost every element of the wedding, which had its ups and downs, but if you’re taking on a DIY wedding, try to enjoy every moment! Involve friends and family, but don’t let their opinions put you off if they don’t see what you’re envisioning - it’s your day after all and almost anything is possible (within reason, and budget, in most cases).
Best Bit.
That’s a tough one - I think I would pause time during the ceremony so I could soak in seeing everyone there before us, sitting on picnic blankets and hay bales in the pinetum. I remember walking down the aisle with dad saying hello to everyone as I hadn’t seen some of our guests in months if not years. There are so many moments like that during the day and evening that I would love to relive them all.
xxx
Lauren & Shailan
GOLDEN LOVE
Marry Me.
Shailan and I were heading to London for Xmas with his family. For me this was my first time meeting them face to face. We had of course been on face time a lot. It was a freeing Boxing Day in London and Shailan and I had already planned to go into London for a nice dinner just the two of us. So off we went on the train. We got to the tower bridge and got a few photos, lucky for us it was a clear but cold evening. We wondered around looking for places to eat. Well at least that’s what I thought we were doing. Shailan was actually searching for somewhere to propose. I kept making suggestions and he was fob them off. We then found this wee arcade with a huge Xmas tree and lights everywhere. I then spotted a red phone box and I suggested we go take a selfie in there. We took a few photos and then next minute Shailan said he needed to tie is shoe lace so got out my phone and took another selfie. As you do. Then I turned around and Shailan was on one knee asking me to marry him. It was a very surreal moment. I think I was in shock. I said yes of course. Then he took me up to top of the Shard and we celebrated with bubbles and then headed to a beautiful restaurant looking over the Tower of London for dinner where we called our family with the news. It was so special to be able to share it with all our family and close friends. A holiday I will never forget.
The Day.
Shailan and I got married on April 4th 2018 at The officers Mess, Devonport. We fell in love with the venue and backdrop. Considering 95% of our guest were from out of Auckland we thought it would be an ideal place to show off Auckland. We were super lucky and had a beautiful warm sunny day and an even better sunset.
The Details.
I did all the planning and organising myself but wanted something classic, easy and timeless. We didn’t want a big fuss, but wanted people to just enjoy the day with us. I chose the white and gold theme with the greenery as I felt it was timeless and classic just how i wanted. We had fairy lights to help create a intimate/romantic setting.
Shailan and I had such a special day with our friends and family. It was intimate and beautiful. I wouldn’t change anything and I wish I could go back and do it all again.
Inspiration.
Shailan was bought up in the UK with both his parents moving to the UK from India.
Although we didn’t have a traditional Indian wedding we included a Hindu blessing into our ceremony. It was extra special to be able to share/mix a different culture into our day. Something that was so special and important to us and something we will also be grateful for.
Expectation and Reality.
Everyone told me the day would fly by and to make sure Shailan and I took 5mins to ourselves to just take the whole moment in. For me the day went at a great pace, I remember all the fun and laughter. Shailan and I did sit on the deck while our guests were seated for dinner and it was the first time we had both just stopped and taken in the day, we even shared a wee slow dance as our singer Josh Leys was just finishing for dinner.
From One Bride to Another.
Plan plan and plan. Be super organised and have a budget for everything. Shailan and I had a spreadsheet for every bit we spent and in the end our budget covered us for all 4days of events not just the wedding. Also shop around, don’t buy the first thing you see. Do online research, 98% of the time you’ll find it cheaper or something very similar for cheaper.
Best Bit.
I wish that we had videoed the speeches. They were incredible and I would love to go back to that moment often. I wish that we recorded the speeches so we could one day show our kids too. Also I would love to see myself walking up the aisle! I would love to see it from Shailan’s view. He was really struggling to hold himself together.
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xxx
Erin & Dan
BOHEMIAN BLISS
We got married at Old Forest School in the Bay Of Plenty. It was the only venue we looked at and we fell in love with it immediately!
It was such a beautiful setting within the forest, amongst gorgeous wild gardens and buildings full of history.
We were married three days before Christmas so to get in the spirit of it we asked our band to play the Pouges, Fairy Tale of New York, which had all of our guests up on the dance floor with a bit a festive flavour.
The Details.
Our venue fitted perfectly into what we imagined our wedding day to be, fun and relaxed with a vintage bohemian vibe. I knew I wanted beautiful wild colourful flowers for our bouquets against the gorgeous soft subtle colours of our Blak bridesmaid dresses. I loved the relaxed look of the bridesmaid’s hair, loose and softly curled. I also had flowers in my hair to match my bohemian style long sleeve dress. We wanted it to be great big celebration, where everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves
We wanted our bridal party and families to feel completely relaxed on the day and we wanted our ceremony to be relatively short yet still beautiful and meaningful! we were looking forward to the formalities such as the speeches that make it feel like a wedding just as much a letting loose on the dance floor. I absolutely loved our wedding; it was the best day ever marrying my greatest love in front of all my friends and family. I was only surprised about how fast the day went!!
From One Bride to Another.
I would just say to make sure you relax, take it all in and enjoy it! It is so true how fast the day will go so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in and appreciate how special the day really is! There are not that many opportunities in life for all your nearest and dearest to come together under one roof. Everyone wants to be there to celebrate you and your future and in the end that’s all that really matters.
Best Bit.
There are so many moments I would love to go back to! It was so much fun getting ready with my bridesmaids and family with all the nerves and excitement. One of my stand-out memories would have to be walking down the aisle with my parents and first spotting my future husband waiting for me that was pretty special. I couldn’t believe everyone had actually all turned up and it was such a lovely feeling, receiving all the congratulatory hugs from everyone special in your lives afterwards. And of course the party afterwards! That was so much fun and I loved having everyone up on the dance floor enjoying our amazing band, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
xxx
Rose Tinted
Marry Me.
On our five-year anniversary of ‘getting together’ - which happens to be Valentine’s Day - we always plan a night away and, usually, James surprises me. This year was no different; we pulled up to a beach just 30 minutes north of where we live, and over the cliff he had drawn ‘Marry Me?’ in the sand. Next moment, he is down on one knee with a ring! I was absolutely overjoyed, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with family and friends.
The Day.
10 March 2018 at Pihama Lavender Farm, located in the small rural town where I grew up and where my parents still live. The venue is an old converted dairy factory with lavender gardens and a stream running through the property. The cool thing is that my late Pop used to deliver milk to the factory on horse and cart back when he was a boy!
The Details.
It was a bit of this and a bit of that! You could say there was a boho/feminine/rustic ‘feel’ about the day. I am the biggest fan of everything pink, so I was incredibly excited about the colour of our gorgeous Blak bridesmaid dresses. The guys wore blue suits with open collars - a very relaxed and handsome look. The reception room (an old concrete factory) was dressed with long wooden tables, greenery, and hanging foliage wreaths.
Inspiration.
I absolutely love the bohemian, romantic, natural and ‘imperfect’ wedding styles around at the moment! I couldn’t help but be inspired on Instagram and Pinterest. Rue De Seine and Together Journal were great to follow, and they totally embodied my wedding flavour! I loved my wild cascading bouquets, bohemian-styled wedding gown, and hanging macrame in the old Pohutukawa tree where we were married.
Expectation and Reality.
I was expecting it to be an emotional and immense day - and it was! There were moments of absolute gratitude where I’d be looking up at the sun, and basking in all the love and joy. The best part about the day had to be the people! It was quite overwhelming to think all our guests were there to celebrate with us. I was also surprised at how amazing the weather was after battling rain and gale-force winds all week!!
From One Bride To Another.
Just enjoy the ride! There will be highs and lows, stressful, and testing times. The lead up, the appointments and the wedding chat are all part of the experience. Accept that not everything will be perfect or go 100% to plan. Don’t lose sight of the real reason for your wedding – to marry that special someone!
Best Bit.
Just after the ceremony, in the sun, on my own - but with my new husband and amazing bridal party in sight - and just thinking... Man could life get any better?! It was a moment of absolute euphoria and gratitude
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Thank you for including BLAK in your day.
Chloe chose the Cairo Dress, Florence Dress, Ivy Dress & Daisy Dress
xxx
Love Under The Branches
Marry Me.
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The Day.
We were married in the 2nd of December 2017 at Woodlands Historic homestead. When looking for a venue we wanted somewhere that had a spot for the ceremony and and reception all in one! Woodlands was the first venue we looked at and boy did it deliver. The gardens are stunning and huge, we knew that we would have lots of kids at the wedding so wanted room for them to run and play. They had at least 3 or 4 places to have the ceremony. We fell in love with the oaks and ended up saying I do amongst the beautiful trees.
The Details.
I was really unsure about having a veil, it had seemed that many brides had either stopped wearing one or had a really long one. While trying on my dress I said to my mum that I was really indifferent to it, mum never pushed me into doing or wearing anything for the wedding but she did say that she likes the look of a veil. Since I didn’t really mind and mum suggested it would be nice I went for a long veil the same length as my dress. I am so glad I had one! It made me feel incredible and the photos were beautiful.
Expectation and Reality.
Everyone tells you that the day goes by so quickly, ours was no exception. I expected to be really anxious and worried about my hair and makeup, worried that it wouldn’t turn out how I’d hoped, even though I had seen and had trials done be by both my amazing artists. On the morning of my wedding I had not one shred of fear that it wouldn’t be perfect, and it was!
Also, I would suggest if you have the time to have a lunch the next day, where anyone who was invited to the wedding could come. This was a more relaxed day, we had catered finger food and it gave us the opportunity to really talk to people, especially those who had travelled such a long way!
From One Bride To Another.
If I could give other brides any tips it would be to savour ever moment you can. The night before my wedding my bridal party, my mum and I all went and got our nails done, went to the oh so glamours food court for dinner and flooded the supermarket for chocolate and cheese before heading to our accommodation. It was amazing to spend a night like that with all of my best friends, sister and mum.
Best Bit.
If I could pick any moment in the day to go back to it would be walking down the isle with both my parents and seeing my soon to be husband. I could live that moment over and over.
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Becca chose the Haven Dress
Woodland Historic Homestead
Diana Marie Flowers
Marque Brand Studios
Jessica Bridal
Hallenstines Brothers
Leahloves Makeup
Rachel Mackwood Beauty
Seaside Sweethearts
Marry Me.
We were on holiday in Sydney and Ricky surprised me with a picnic breakfast on a pier overlooking Sydney harbour in a beautiful cove in Watsons bay.
He had asked the hotel to organised a picnic for us and at the end of breakfast he asked me to marry him. We spent the rest of the morning drinking champagne and celebrating with friends, it was the best!
The Day.
We got married in Pauanui in the Coromandel, which is Ricky's hometown.
His family has a lot of history there and we have spent many holidays, and weekends there over the years so its a special place for us with lots of memories.
The Details.
Our wedding was a mixture of relaxed beach and romantic whimsical with lots of fresh flowers, greenery and a big clear marquee so you could feel at one with the surroundings (farmland, trees etc ) and were able to see the starry sky at night.
Inspiration.
I love the minimal theme so I didn't have too many decorations, just fresh flowers and greenery. Pinterest, Instagram, other friends weddings, together journal and other bridal magazines
Expectation and Reality.
All we expected, and received, was big celebration with everyone we love.
Everyone says how fast it goes and I don't think you can appreciate it until its your turn but we made sure there were a few slow moments where we could just step back and feel so grateful for all the amazing people in our lives who were there just for us.
From One Bride To Another.
Delegate jobs leading up to the day and on the day of the wedding so you can relax and enjoy every moment, have a run sheet and a plan B, especially if its a wet weather option and on the day, just embrace anything that happens especially the things that 'go wrong' they make great stories later!
Best Bit.
Our Vows, its like the whole world stops and in that moment nothing else matters except from the person standing in front of you. I loved that.
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Thank you for including BLAK in your day.
Kali chose the Calm Dress
xxx
A Family Affair