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Rustic Chic at Birkenhead Yacht Club

Today’s Birkenhead Yacht Club wedding is full of gorgeous rustic chic elements, with a drop dead gorgeous two piece wedding dress by Nelson’s Bobby-Lee Designs (I’m officially obsessed and Bride Lizzy looks phenomenal!). A big thank you to the couple and talented Nardia Buist Photography for sharing this special day with us! xox

Who Lizzy + Jarrod
Where Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club
Guests 60

Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0015

Our love story began…

We met at the boxing day racing in 2009 through mutual friends and can honestly say it was love at first sight. My initial thoughts of Jarrod was that he was incredibly good looking, charming, cheeky and hilarious. We spent the whole day laughing, talking and flirting, there was a definite spark! The day we met was one of the best days of our lives and we have been inseparable ever since. In recent years we welcomed our first child together, getting married and having our daughter apart of the wedding was so special and beautiful, our perfect happily ever after.

Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0031

I said yes…

On my 28th birthday Jarrod surprised me by arranging the day off work, preparing at gourmet picnic and taking me to Long Bay beach. As it was my birthday (and he always spoils me on my birthday) I had no idea what was about to happen. After a glass or two of Champagne, Jarrod asked me to stand up while he was down on one knee and presented the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. I was so surprised, it was the perfect proposal so of course I said yes! Later that day I then found out the night before Jarrod had even seen my Dad to ask for his blessing. Everything about the proposal was perfect, it was so well planned and I can’t stop smiling every time I tell the proposal story.

Our wedding style was… We went with a rustic theme as I am a big fan of soft colours, simple decorations and DIY. I would spend hours each day on Pinterest! At first I thought having a rustic theme inside a yacht club wouldn’t suit but we made it work. Rustic themes are perfect on a tight budget, you can go DIY crazy!

We saved by

We did absolutely everything ourselves. I would do a lot of research to find the most cost effective option and shopped around. I also found a lot of my vendors through a Facebook wedding discussion group, I would ask for vendor recommendations that were within a certain budget. Also local community Facebook pages are great too, that’s how I found my cake maker who lived just down the road. I collected glass jars from friends and family, bought lace along with other decorations from AliExpress to decorate the venue. We also saved by not having transportation, no one would have seen the car anyway and it wasn’t important to me.

We splurged on…

I think we did quite well in sticking to our tight budget. The one thing I did exceed the budget on was my wedding band but couldn’t resist the diamonds! My band is absolutely beautiful, I will wear it forever so I’m glad I went a little overboard and got my dream wedding band.

Our advice to engaged couples…

In wedding planning nothing ever goes 100% goes your way, vendors may cancel, the weather could be horrible but I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. Looking back on our wedding planning, when certain things happened that were out of our control we chose a different route and it all worked out even better than we had imagined. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help, delegate, delegate and delegate!

Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056
Chic Auckland Yacht Club Wedding - Nardia Buist Photography_0056

CREDITS

Photographer Nardia Buist Photography
Flowers Cartier For Flowers
Venues Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club
Catering The Original Spit Roast Catering Company
Hire Company Carlton Party Hire
Stationery + Signage Vistaprint
Hair + Makeup Charlie McLean
Cake The Frosted Crown
Celebrant Katie Berry
Brides Dress Bobby-Lee Designs
Brides Accessories + Shoes Hannahs
Bridesmaid Dresses Tops – Forever New, Skirts – Glassons, Flowergirl dresses – Dear Fawn
Grooms Suit + Accessories Hallensteins
Rings Michael Hill

Bohemian Bali Beach Wedding

When you have the words Bohemian Bali Beach Wedding in one title (a tongue twister I know!) you know it’s going to be a wedding to remember! Gorgeous couple Jake + Ani invited 45 of their loved ones to celebrate with them in beautiful Bali, and with a barefoot bride rocking a Grace Loves Lace gown, and a groom with sweet musical skills, you just know these lovebirds threw one heck of a party (yes, Im gutted you didn’t invite me!). A huge thank you to Jake + Ani, and photographers Iluminen for sharing this inspiring destination wedding with us xox

Who Jake + Ani Reid
Where Uluwatu Surf Villas
Guests 45
Budget 20k

Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration
Bali Wedding Elopement Inspiration - Iluminen Wedding Photography - Uluwatu Surf Villa Destination wedding inspiration

The love story began…

In 2010 when Jake caught site of Ani in a busy atmosphere and was drawn to her beauty and charisma from a distance. It wasn’t until several weeks later an encounter by chance brought them together where they chatted and danced together all night.

“We very rapidly fell head over heels in love and moved to Whitianga to begin a beautiful adventure together and create a beautiful family. In 2015 we planned the most amazing destination wedding in Uluwatu, surf villas in Bali. The venue, wedding planner, photographer and everyone involved provided us with a wedding we only ever dreamed of. Our love continues to grow stronger as we grow together.”

I said yes… February 2014 in Hahei, Coromanel NZ

Our wedding style was… Relaxed beach, boho.

We saved on… Music! Husband and friends played live music most of the night.

We splurged on… Location.

First dance song…

Bob Marley, Is this love.

Our advice to engaged couples… 

Don’t sweat the small stuff, keeping numbers down makes it so much more enjoyable and having a wedding planners was the best decision EVER!!

iluminen-bali-wedding-photographer-ani-jake-uluwatu-surf-villas-new-zealand destination wedding
iluminen-bali-wedding-photographer-ani-jake-uluwatu-surf-villas-new-zealand destination wedding
iluminen-bali-wedding-photographer-ani-jake-uluwatu-surf-villas-new-zealand destination wedding
iluminen-bali-wedding-photographer-ani-jake-uluwatu-surf-villas-new-zealand destination wedding
iluminen-bali-wedding-photographer-ani-jake-uluwatu-surf-villas-new-zealand destination wedding

CREDITS

Photographer Iluminen
Cinematographer I Love Bali Photography
Planner/Stylist Jessica Baron
Venue Uluwatu Surf Villas
Catering The Fabulous Food
Hair Lila’s Hair Boutique
Makeup Doll Face Darlings
Cake Butter Bali
Brides Dress Grace Loves Lace
Bridesmaid Dresses Frankii Clothing
Rings Michael Hill
Music Husband and friends playing tunes

A honeymoon registry to kick-start your adventure as newlyweds

With many couples now getting married later in life, and having lived together for a number of years, many couples would rather kick-start their adventure as newlyweds with a honeymoon registry than ask for traditional household niceties. Lots of couples now ask for money via a wedding wishing well (cash) or a deposit into a designated account., As some families and older generations prefer to contribute towards something specific, and a honeymoon fund is a great way of letting them do so.

The cash dilemma – asking for money for your wedding gift

If you don’t want to ask your wedding guests for traditional wedding gifts, you might choose to ask for money via a wishing well or giving out your bank account (yes, it’s totally okay to ask for cash for your wedding gift!). However, the idea of giving your bank account out can feel a bit awkward.

A honeymoon registry is your own personalised online registry that lets you pick anything from holiday accommodation to flights to skydiving to cocktails on the beach and ask for contributions towards them.

Guests can contribute as much or as little as they like towards any items, you will have the money transferred to your account after the wedding, and your guests still feel like they’re giving you a specific gift. Who wouldn’t rather help you get to Samoa than just get some cash out of an ATM?

After the wedding, it’s also easy to download a list of who has contributed what so you can send them thank you’s and even photos of you using their gift – much nicer than a simple note thanking them for cash!

See some wording ideas for asking for wedding gifts on your invitations. Our friends chose this wording for their honeymoon fund, and I just think it’s the nicest way of doing so:

“We are so thankful that you have all travelled to join us on our special day in one way or another, and we feel this is the best present you could gift us. However, should you wish to still give a gift and not have a small something in mind, please read on…. We think it would be special to have your gift linked to an experience or an item to make it that much more memorable. So, should you wish for your contribution to go towards any of our ideas, please write which one (or multiple) in a card and pop it on our designated box at the wedding, then we will make sure we send an appropriate selfie of us enjoying the experience with you!”

Do you have to spend it on your honeymoon?

Nope! Even if you don’t want money for your honeymoon, you can ask for monetary contributions towards anything from a lounge suite to dinner out as newlyweds to a home deposit. The sky’s the limit – you can just pick what’s important to you.

See 8 Top Pacific Island Destinations to consider for your Honeymoon
Wedding Gifts: How to Choose and How to Politely word your Invitations  

Inspo from a beautiful Destination Wedding in Samoa

Must-Haves for the Ultimate Hens Party!

Whether you’re heading to Waiheke for a weekend of wine, or to Vegas for a weekend of absolute debauchery fun, it’s the party all the gals are looking forward to! Once you’ve got one helluva hens do plan in action, these are the last few things to pick up before the final single girl’s send off.

1. In the swim of it

Hitting the pool or the beach together, get the girl gang these chic monochrome Bride Squad bikinis or pink Bridesmaid Swimsuits which would look equally chic with denim cut offs!


2. Ultimate Bride Tribe must-have!

These tees are the cutest, get one for all the team!

3. Treat me like a princess!

What bride can pass up the chance to look and feel like a total princess with a crown or headband!

4. Drink in Style

Penis sippers are so 2008, celebrate in style with Unicorn straws!

5. Get Snap-Happy! Wherever you are, ban snapchat for the evening (seriously!) and get nostalgic with instant photos instead!

6. Pool party! If you’re taking the hens party poolside, add this unicorn inflatable for the ‘gram worthy snaps!

7. Get inked! So long as the hens party isn’t a night or two before the wedding itself, have the bride tribe apply matching metallic tattoos.

8. Bridal Robes Ideal for wedding-morning preparations, gift the bride-to-be this gorgeous robe to get comfortable in and stay cute and comfortable yourselves.

9. Say cheese! Turn up the dial to full-on-festive starting with wedding specific or party-starting props photo props. Go hard or go home, right?


10. Slumber party! Sleepover ready in these too-cute bridal party PJ sets.

11. Outfit Goals Get your fave BTB (bride-to-be, ofc) psyched and prepped for her hens as she is for her trip down the aisle, courtesy of a cute outfit.

P.S. if you want to buy the bride a gift but know she’ll want to choose her own dress, buy her a copy of I still do wedding anniversary journal!

If you’re also helping your number one plan the wedding, check out the wedding planning index, and make sure you’re on track with the final countdown too.

take a look inside our best-selling wedding planner ​

explore the little white book​

download a sample of the little white book wedding planner to see examples of how to use the pages, and how it can help you plan your wedding.