A Stunning Taupo Tipi Wedding by Bespoke Photography

Carl wanted a big party in a paddock, Becs wanted something a tad more traditional. Together, they totally nailed it! Today's wedding flows beautifully from classic chic to rustic fun, and the only thing that disappoints me is the fact I wasnt there!. The food, the signage, THAT Tipi, the inspiration is endless, and it was all perfectly captured by Krystle from BESPOKE PHOTOGRAPHY. Enjoy xox

7 Ideas To Steal 1. Wood fired pizzas and salads are a cost-effective dinner option that will keep all your guests happy (who doesn't like wood fired pizza or salad!) 2. Fruju ice blocks and paper bags filled with strawberries is a seriously fun and tasty dessert idea. 3. Ivy hanging through the tipi brings the outdoors in and looks fab! 4. The well wishes jar with the ticket tape allows guests to write a little something and makes a beautiful keepsake. 5. The paper roll menu and seating plan signage by Kate from Make Hey is the shiz! 6. Balloons were let go for absent family members and the gold one was a special one for Becs' dad. 7. The Tipi... enough said.

How did you meet? In three words describe your wedding style... What were your save and splurge items for your wedding? We managed to save on the following: What was the most difficult part of planning your wedding? And the most fun? Did you have hens/stag nights? Did you DIY? If so, what did you do? What music did you play for those special moments? Do you have any money saving tips for engaged couples? Where will you go for your honeymoon?

Carl and I met at the University of Canterbury in 2006. Carl was rooming next to some close friends of mine so our initial relationship involved watching episodes of tele, going to sports games around Canterbury and he was so kind to lend me some of his mix CDs. After uni we parted ways. But on one September evening in 2010 that we caught up again at a friend's birthday party. That evening we lay under the stars and talked about all of our recent adventures and we have been together ever since. Our first date was to Raglan beach and we were engaged in that exact spot in September 2014.

Romantic, woodland, rustic.

I am so lucky to be surrounded by such talented people who helped a lot to make our wedding so perfect.

Becs' Aunty Chris made our cake.
Wood fired pizzas and salads for dinner was cost effective.
Fruju iceblocks and paper bags filled with strawberries for dessert.
Our band were close friends of mine.
Table settings: Flower market and my aunt's garden.

Splurge: The Tipi- even though this was still very reasonable this is where we spent most of our money.

The most fun: All of it- I adored every second of it!
Most difficult: The guest list.

Yes, I went to the Hawkes Bay and went glamping in my bestie's back yard. We went on a bicycle wine tour, played some fun games and then had a Mexican themed dinner out- I was presented with a beautiful white floral crown. Stunning! We also had a delicious brunch the next day.

Carl went to Tairua with a big group of mates. They ventured over there in a bus and played golf, went surfing and there was a lot of drinking and laughing.

Grazing table all sourced by Becs and Carl.
Menu boards and seating plan were made by Carl's dad and the print was hand written by Kate (Maid of Honour).
Tipi ivy sourced by Carl and Becs.
Dessert Strawberry filled paper bags and frujus.
Homemade favours pots with vegetables.
Festoon lights supplied by Kate from Make Hey set up through the trees.
Polaroid guest book Frames made by Carl and his Dad.
Wooden trivia games on tables for guests to attempt.

Aisle Lucky by Kat Edmonson
Register Sinking Sun by Mt Warning
Exit Aisle Booty Swing by Parov Stellar
First Dance Mess is Mine by Vance Joy

We also sent a 'Play my Jam' request out to our guests so they created a playlist which was played between the ceremony and reception over nibbles and games while we were out getting photos.

Prioritize what's important to you both and put your money into the things that reflect both of you. No matter what, you will be married at the end of the day and that's the most beautiful thing of all - don't lose focus of that.

We are off to Bali and the 'Gilly' Islands in April (Car's nickname is Gilly) - thanks to the generosity of our guests.

CREDITS

Photographer Krystle from Bespoke Photography
Planner/Stylist Becs, and Kate from Make Hey
Flowers Daisy Chains & Paperplanes
Venue/Catering The Bay, Taupo
Hire Company Taupo Hire
Stationery & Signage Kate from Make Hey
Hair & Makeup Crème Brulee, Taupo.
Cake Aunty Chrissy
Celebrant Belinda DeLautour, The Wedding Angel
Brides Dress, Accessories & Shoes Hera Bridal & Etsy
Grooms Suit & Accessories Farmers & The Iconic
Rings Midas Jewelry, Hamilton
Transport Flash (The Kombi), Uncle Kerry and Uncle Brian for the black and white BMWs
Music The Mixtape Brothers, Matt and Chris

Founder and editor of P&L. Self-proclaimed shoe guru and lover of bogan chic (wtf!) Wife of a butcher, mother of 7 dogs and a cat. Bonkers.