If I was to meet today's couple I would hug them so tight it might come off a little creepy. David & Michelle did what I wish every couple would do by replacing their favors with donations to charitable causes they care about, BUT these two did it in the coolest way I have seen yet!...
"We are both conservationists and so it was really important for us that we incorporated that into the day. Our entire wedding was palm oil free and for our favors, instead of buying people something, we gave them a token (small wood round) which represented $5 that we would donate from our own money to one of 2 conservation projects close to our hearts. David's was Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary and mine was The Rangers of Tangkahan. They had to pop their token into the glass jar they wished us to donate to. Everyone loved it!This gorgeous woodland wedding followed by a barn reception is filled with diy ideas, beautiful simple greenery, a whole lot of love, and stunning images from Stories by Bianca that will leave you with warm fuzzies. Enjoy!
P.S I have never seen such a fancy corvette turn up at a woodland wedding! haha love it!
Who David Crimp and Michelle Mudford
Where The Barn, Waimauku (word of mouth venue, not advertised)
Guests 60
Our love story began... in 2008. I (Michelle) was a young primate keeper and David was a student studying to become one. We didn't have much to do with each other for a while, then I asked him to my 21st birthday and he was apparently too nervous so said he was busy. Nothing happened for a long while and then he cut his hand at work. I text him to see if he was ok and we talked for hours and hours. Then we went on our first date on May 25th 2009 and the rest is history!
I said yes... OF COURSE! I came home from a long day at work and had acquired a new chicken (as you do). He had flowers and candles all over the lounge, our song playing and he was dressed all smart. When I walked in and realized what was happening the only thing I could think to say was "but I have a chicken". He got down on one knee and said lovely things and asked me to marry him. He is amazing, there's no way I would have said no!
Our wedding style & inspiration was...US! We wanted our wedding day to represent us and the people who had been a part of our world and our relationship and to be unique for our guests. We wanted a relaxed, fun atmosphere where our families and friends could get to know each other.
We don't take life or ourselves too seriously and a huge part of our relationship is laughter and not forgetting to be fun and silly sometimes so it was important that we created an atmosphere where people could laugh.
We are both conservationists and so it was really important for us that we incorporated that into the day. Our entire wedding was palm oil free and for our favors, instead of buying people something, we gave them a token (small wood round) which represented $5 that we would donate from our own money to one of 2 conservation projects close to our hearts. David's was Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary and mine was The Rangers of Tangkahan. They had to pop their token into the glass jar they wished us to donate to. Everyone loved it!
We saved by... by using the skills of the people around us. My mum made the cake, we used my dad's corvette as the bridal car. David's dad built us a dance floor which was amazing! There were a lot of things like that and we loved that everywhere we looked there was something that someone had put effort and love into.
We did the cheeseboard ourselves which saved quite a bit of money and looked fantastic with a bit of help with set up from our caterers.
We made all of our signs, bunting, decorations and centerpieces with stuff we bought from the $2 type stores. We got furniture and other bits and pieces from second hand stores. We did a lot of painting and drawing and printing and cutting out letters etc. We did put A LOT of effort into the day and we are so glad we did because it was perfect!
We were incredibly lucky to have won a competition through 'Commit to You' for a free wedding video package. I can't wait to see the video!
We splurged on...We had a few things that were important to us that we decided right from the start we were happy to get professionals for such as our Caterers and Photographer. When we look back on our amazing photos it took us right back there. Bianca captured the emotion perfectly and we could not have been happier with her work and her genuine care and enthusiasm for our big day And we are so happy with the outcomes from both.
Our advice to engaged couples...The effort will pay off in the end. Make it what YOU want! Make sure you look at all of your options and communicate with each other right throughout the process. Invest in professionals - we are so happy with the vendors we went with. Our caterers were happy to make sure our wedding menu was exactly what we wanted. Our photographer Bianca was incredible. She was helpful right from the first enquiry up to the day and even after the wedding was done. There are so many decisions you will have to make and you have to ask yourself A) Will it make the day better, B) Is it really worth the stress or the money.
Also, take time after the wedding to celebrate just the two of you. The hype of the day is so intense and the day goes so quickly, take a few days afterwards to keep that feeling going because it is such an amazing feeling!
CREDITS
Photographer Bianca Patrick of Stories by Bianca
Flowers Chloe at Ruby Rose Flower Studio
Venue The Barn, Waimauku
Catering The Home Grown Food Truck
Hire Company Bells & Wolf (chairs only)
Hair Michaela Kaye Makeup
Makeup Deb Tremayne Makeup Artist
Cake Carole Mudford (mum)
Celebrant Peter Duncan from The Wedding Guy
Brides Dress Xian Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses Glittzi Ball Gowns
Grooms Suit & Accessories Hallenstines
Rings Michael Hill
Transport Corvette owned by Michelle's Dad
Music Cam Mariu ( live acoustic musician - incredible!)