UK couple Holly & John chose to tie the knot on Waiheke Island with 40 of their closest friends and family in a picnic style ceremony (love this idea!). Holly wore a stunning Grace Loves Lace dress, and made 100 paper flowers for her own bouquet and ceremony arch. The day looked like a super fun shindig (how cool is the 'YAY' sign and giant Connect 4 from When Squirrel Met Bear!), and was of course captured perfectly by cool cat Nita Meyer Photography. Enjoy xox
How did you meet? 
What did you do for your hens/stag nights? 
What music did you play for those special moments? 
What were your save and splurge items for your wedding? 
Did you DIY? If so, what did you do? 
What was the most difficult part of planning your wedding? And the most fun? 
Do you have any money saving tips for engaged couples? 
Where will you go for your honeymoon? 
Who Holly & John
Where Fairgrounds Estate, Waiheke Island
Guests 40
Back in the UK, (where we are both from), 8 years ago in a nightclub of all places.
In three words describe your wedding style... Fun, Intimate, Laid Back
We both had a long weekend away with our closest friends, neither were mental nights out as such, more just hanging out with our faves....though heavy drinking was involved.
Down the aisle - the band sang "Wonderwall" which has always been one of our songs. Our first dance was "I bet you look good on the dancefloor" by the Artic monkeys, also performed by the band which was awesome!
We wanted to save on everything (who doesn't!) but in reality is just doesn't happen. Our main save items were the decorations as I DIY'd a lot, the bar as we bought it all in ourselves and the rings, just because we haggled with the jeweler...hey you don't ask you don't get. We splurged on the delicious food and an awesome band, very pleased we did!
YES....I handmade approx 100 or so paper flowers in varying sizes which were used throughout the wedding. I also glittered a load of jars for the tables, messy work but loved the effect. A close friend also made the colourful cushions used for the ceremony and the marquee.
The most difficult part was dealing with some unfavorable suppliers, but we decided not to let it affect our day. The most fun was making all of the decisions together!
Probably the wrong couple to ask, haha....but I guess if you can DIY some things, then do it! It takes time, but not only does it save money, it adds a personal touch that you can't buy. Also, if you are working to a budget, make sure you think about where you want the money to go and forego the things that aren't really "you".
We haven't had one just yet, with all of our family over from the UK, we wanted to spend the time with them, we were given a honeymoon fund as wedding gifts which we will use to take a trip hopefully later this year, we are thinking maybe Tahiti, Hawaii or Bali.
CREDITS
Photographer Nita Meyer Photography
Venue Fairgrounds Estate, Waiheke Island
Flowers The Bride Holly (made from paper)
Venue/Catering Indulgence Catering, Dave Roast
Furniture Raj Tent Club
YAY Sign & Games When Squirrel Met Bear
Stationery Invites & Programs from 29&September
Hair Terry Whaitiri Hair & Makeup
Makeup Josie Wignall Professional Makeup Artist
Cake Cheese from Kapiti
Celebrant Jeanette Lask
Brides Dress Grace Loves Lace
Grooms Suit & Accessories Barkers
Rings Walker & Hall
Photobooth Amazing Travelling Photo Booth, Waiheke
Music Looking for Alaska
