Who Nicholas Cawte + Jolanta Lesniak-Newman
Where Surf & Sand, Ohope Beach, Bay of Plenty
Guests 85 guests - 42 whom travelled from Australia
Our love story began... We met the day Nick arrived in Perth (Australia) in search of warmer weather. Little did he know he would find love too. We met within hours of him landing through a mutual friend and let's just say it wasn't "love at first sight". After a few weeks of seeing me every single day he gave me a second chance and within weeks we had been through more than most couples experience in years. My mum was in her final weeks and passed away, Nick stayed by my side the entire time and I knew he was the one.
I said yes... It was 2 days before Christmas and we were spending the day on the lake fishing and camping. After dinner before the sun set we took the boat over to a secluded hot pool where Nick was giving me an early Christmas present. With my hands in his he asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes! We spent the evening lake side with a bottle of Champagne, it was magical.
Our wedding inspiration was... Rustic Beach Wedding - We both love the beach and wanted to incorporate that into our big day. Blue and white were our colours with a hint of rustic hessian.
We saved on/by... Although our bouquets were professionally made we saved on flowers by collecting our own for the tables, Nicks sister made our cake and our venue allowed for us to BYO alcohol. We collected decorations (sand, stones and driftwood) and created our own decorations.
We splurged on... The most expensive cost was our catering, making sure everyone was fed with delish food was one of our priorities. The venue hire and marquee were a very close second in cost, it was what we had always envisioned our day to look like and we were able to stay at this venue with all our family and friends.
Our advice to engaged couples... Sit back and relax, it is now time for you to enjoy yourselves. Take a step back throughout the day with your husband/wife and take it all in. The day goes so fast and remember it's all about you x
CREDITS
Photographer Michael Shultz PhotographyAccommodation Ohope Top 10 Holiday ParkFlowers Honey Bee Wild FlowersVenue Surf & Sand Conference CentreCatering KiwizineHire Company Absolute Party HireStationery & Signage Giant Invitations + Vista Print
Hair Bespoke Hair by ChloeMakeup Staci EdwardsCake DIY by Nicks sister
Celebrant Natalie SandiferBrides Dress Stella York Dress from Tuscany BridalBrides Accessories + Shoes Michael Hill Jewellers + Betts Shoes
Bridesmaid Dresses The Gown HouseGrooms Suit + Accessories Hallensteins + Number One ShoesRings Michael Hill Jewellers
Music Nick created playlists, we asked our guests to add a song request to their RSVP
