MADELINE & SHAMUS' NEW ZEALAND WEDDING
Photography by Jackson Bright Photography
Wedding Date: 13th February 2021
Maddy wears our Tyler gown
What was your wedding venue and why did you choose there?
Shamus and I married at Hahei Beach in the Coromandel, New Zealand and held our reception at the local beach front, Holiday Resort. Shamus’s family have had a bach here for 30 years so Hahei is where we have spent many summers and got engaged!
Did you have a wedding theme/style?
We wanted to achieve a chic coastal theme mixing both modern style and sophistication with the relaxed seaside setting we were in. We really did not want to take away from the natural beauty of our location, our surroundings spoke for themselves with a few extra design elements thrown in.
How did you and your now Husband meet?
We met through Surf Lifesaving, we both competed in the same sport and met socially through our respective clubs. I was 16 and Shamus was 17!
What is your proposal story?
It had been a long and busy first half of the year for the both of us and Shamus suggested we take a long weekend stay at Hahei as we hadn’t had the chance to head down in over 6 months. I didn’t suspect a thing even when I saw a bottle of Moet chilling in the fridge. One morning we woke up and walked our usual path along the beach and up the hill to our favourite view. There up above the coastal views Shamus proposed and I laughed with surprise and of course said YES!
How did you hear about Prea James Bridal?
I found Prea James Bridal on Instagram.
What do you love most about the gown?
I was drawn to this design from Prea because it was so simple yet offered something different and modern. I wanted a slip dress but knew I wanted it to be set apart from anything I had seen. I found my answer in the Tyler gown and the fact that it was a two-piece made me love it even more. The fabric was beautifully luxe and felt comfortable and oh so bridal!
Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share?
I surprised my husband by stitching the words “Every Dog Has His Day” under the arm of his shirt. His best friend who has passed had a tattoo of this phrase and so this was our way of honouring him and having him with us on our big day.
I also wore my lovely late Grandmothers diamond bracelet as “something borrowed” which was made extra special as my sister also wore this when she married her husband. Our wedding “vehicle” was Shamus’s family tactor, The Whistling Lemon which has been in his family for many years. Tractors are like Ferraris in Hahei so it was super important to have this as our “wedding whip”.
Were there any details that you made yourselves?
My incredible friends made our beautiful toi toi arch, we took this back to our reception for guests to have photos with.
My gorgeous sister in law is a potter and threw the ceramic flower vases that sat on our tables, the flowers inside these were arranged by my bridesmaids and celebrant the night before.
Finally, Do you have any words of wisdom for couples planning their big day?
We absolutely recommend mapping out a clear vision of what you want, take your time and draw inspiration from whatever gets you excited and feels like you as a couple. Remember its your wedding so try not to compare or lose sight that this day will be so unique to you and the best day of your lives. We also highly suggest hiring a co-ordinator for the day of and days surrounding the wedding so you can relax and enjoy the moment, you will thank yourself for it!
Wedding Vendors
Wedding Coordinator Coromandel Weddings
Venue Hahei Holiday Resort
Marquee & Furniture Twelve Tables
Lounge Setting Anchor & Antler
Catering The Free-Range Chef
Makeup Beauty By Blair
Photography Jackson Bright Photography
Florals Wonder Florals
Veil Hera Couture
Bridesmaids Dresses Blak the Label
Rings Naveya & Sloane Jewellery
Brides Earrings La Tribe
Groom & Groomsman Attire Barkers Clothing
Cake Deborah Hanham
Arch Rashidah & Jamilah Hudson
Ceramic Flower Vases Karlene O’Halloran
Celebrant - Katrina Gouldstone
