Today’s wedding is a fab fusion of rustic, glam, boho and vintage with an absolute killer dress. Do I really need to say more? A big thank you to Photography by Nami & Pascale for sharing this romantic love story with P+L! xox
Who Zoe + Gene Merrylees
Where Markovina Vineyard, Kumeu
Guests 90
Swooning over this ‘getting ready’ venue Honeysuckle Cottage!
“I absolutely loved my dress!! I want something very different to all the dresses I have seen at other weddings. It is an Anna Campbell design which I bought from Secret Lace Bridal. Secret Lace Bridal was the only shop I went to. It was the last dress I tried on out of about 10 and absolutely had to have it. I went with my two sisters and two friends to try on the dresses. The ladies at Secret Lace Bridal were amazing and made me feel so welcome and comfortable.”
The proposal…
Gene had to sneak over to my dad’s house to ask for his blessing. Gene used the excuse of he was “fixing an oven”. Gene tricked me into thinking that he was taking me to Waiheke Island to celebrate my recent uni graduation. We had lunch at Mudbrick followed by a walk to the trig station overlooking the Island where Gene got down on one knee to ask me to marry him.
What was your theme inspiration?
Our theme was a mix of romantic and rustic. We wanted our wedding to be timeless so went with a lot of white and greenery and minimal color (a bit of blush pink).
Did you DIY?
We actually did all of the DIY together!
Wood rounds – love the rustic look of wood rounds but we wanted them to be personal and meaningful. We cut down a tree at our first home in Wellington then engraved each one with “with love from our first home”.
Favours – We really wanted edible favours that also doubled as place cards. We made milk chocolate moustache lollipops for the guys and white chocolate with pink food colouring lip lollipops for the ladies.
Signs – Gene cut the ply wood and I painted them.
Wishing well – Gene built the ply letter box and I painted it.
“We had always wanted an outdoor wedding in a garden. We fell in love with Markovina as soon as we went there to have a look. The gardens are amazing and the staff are very helpful. I also loved the pond and the idea of having a wedding photo in the boat in the pond. It was the only venue we looked at and needed to look at.”
Advice to engaged couples?
Do want is important to you as a couple as it is about your love and commitment to each other. There is no right or wrong way to do things only what is right for you two.
VENDORS
Photographer Photography by Nami & Pascale
Flowers Vidabela
Stationery DIY by Zoe Merrylees (bride) with paper for invitations bought from Gordon Harris
Venue + Catering Markovina Vineyard Estate
Getting Ready Venue Honeysuckle Cottage
Music (ceremony + mingling) Avya Trotter (acoustic artist)
Reception Music DJ4YOU
Ice Cream Cart Tip Top
Cake Bluebells Cakery Top tier – chocolate with chocolate ganache. Bottom tier – lemon with lemon curd and cream cheese icing.
Lace Lanterns Paper Lantern Store
Celebrant Chris Mullane
Engagement Ring Diamond & Time
Wedding Bands Bride custom made by Laurie Kearns Jewellery + Groom Walker & Hall
First Dance Choreographer Perry Exeter
Dress + Hairpiece Anna Campbell from Secret Lace Bridal
Robes Homebodii + Cotton on Body
Hair Becs from Coiffure Chic
Makeup Lauren from Fresh & Flawless
Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy
Groom + Groomsmen Hallenstein Brothers
Pre Wedding Grooming Boar & Blade Ponsonby
Flower Girl Outfits Li’nakahli Collections
Page Boy Outfits H&M
P+L SUPERSTARS FEATURED IN THIS WEDDING
DJ4YOU
