Can you believe we’re into September already?! Just where has the year gone I wonder? We’re might be nearing the end of the summer wedding season here in the UK, but that doesn’t mean we’re nearing the end of gorgeous weddings to report on.
Take today’s for example, set in a gorgeous country estate in Auckland, it’s one you’ll be sure to be swooning over for a long time to come. Newlyweds Dani and Dylan said their I Do’s on 2nd March 2018 at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand.
“We really wanted to keep our day very low stress and we didn’t want too much structure. Our main aim was that our guests had the best time; lots of good food and wine and any dress code was permitted. We had a marquee on the grass at the venue so people were quick to kick of their shoes in there. We didn’t want any of the formalities of a traditional wedding.”
Images by Diana V Photography
Though a day of love, fun and laughter was the main focus for the couple, the fabulous photography by London-based photographer Diana V captures the boho vibes and ethereal ambiance the couple created through their setting, decor and the brides wedding dress beautifully.
“My dress was ordered online from Spell and The Gyspy. I kind of knew the style I wanted for the day, I guess you could call it boho. I looked at a lot of different designers but the moment I saw my dress, I just knew. It was nerve-wracking ordering it online but it arrived and it was perfect. Everyone commented that it was so ‘me’.”
Dani’s gorgeously bohemian dress featured long bell sleeves, lace details and a flattering wrap front. She paired it with a delicately beautiful vintage silk and beaded finger tip-length veil sourced from Etsy and a pair of Mi Piachi shoes.
“Dylan and I did things a little bit backwards. We had our babies (now 3 and 5 years old), bought our home and then decided, after 7 years together, that it was time to get married.”
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“Dylan proposed on our freshly built deck on a sunny Valentine’s day with the kids and a bottle of bubbles.”
Keeping her jewellery simple, the bride wore just her grandmothers citrine pendant and matching ring.
The brides maids followed suit with the bridal theme in angelic looking sleeveless silk ivory coloured gowns from Lonely Label, paired with their own choice of shoes.
Their hair was styled to perfection by hair stylist Bex from Killer Hair and make up by Caitlin at Mac, and they finished off their look with a dried flower crown made the night before the wedding.
Dani’s father walked her down the aisle to meet her groom, looking dapper in a 3-piece suit from Hallensteins, to the sounds of another extremely talented friend, Courtnay Low. Courtnay sang an acoustic version of ‘their’ song, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder. The couple also wrote their own short yet sweet vows before swapping wedding rings made by Melbourne-based jewellery designer Soph Laurs.
The couple said their I Do’s in the unique wood clad Old St Michael’s Church at the Corban Estate Arts Centre, officiated by a family friend from Celebrant Karen.
“We were lucky to have a dear family friend, one of my mums oldest school friends Karen Cramer, officiate our wedding.”
In keeping with the boho vibe, the couple decorated the church in lush green foliage arrangements hanging from the beams to create an incredible and extremely Pinterest-worthy backdrop for the altar photos.
Complimenting the wedding party style beautifully were the bridal and bridesmaids bouquets made from plump white blooms and greenery, and the mens white and green buttonholes, all lovingly created by Isabel at The Forager.
“I knew I wanted white flowers and a lot of greenery and Isabel executed my ideas to perfection. My flowers were absolutely fantastic and I really loved them.”
After a group photo outside of the quaint wooden church with their wedding guests, the party then moved on to the marquee to continue the celebrations with a drinks reception on the lawn. Drinks were served from a vintage caravan and guests kept entertained with vintage lawn games and the gorgeous Auckland weather.
“I had been collecting cushions, vintage blankets and brass vases for about a year before the wedding. Our marquee was hired from the Raj Tent Club and that, as well as all of the decor I’d collected, really set the scene for the day.”
Catering was provided by Puha & Pakeha food truck and eaten inside the marquee or on the lawn – wherever the guests wanted, and the wedding cake was created by Dani’s own mum.
“My mother assembled a cheese cake which was about 10kg of cheese. We had layers of Whitestone brie, a French washed rind, puhoi gorgonzola, a puhoi gouda, a kapiti kahurangi and all topped with honeycomb and two ornamental doves that were used on Dylan’s great grandparents wedding cake.”
An ice cream van followed the main event with a vintage style van pulling up outside the marquee for the guests to help themselves to and enjoy under the outdoor festoon lighting. A perfect end to a perfect day I would say!
“I know it must sound cliché, but everything about the day was just perfect! I couldn’t have imagined it being any different, or better. It was exactly what we wanted and had imagined.”
Words Of Wedded Wisdom
“Be prepared to spend more than you first though. We had hoped to do the wedding on a budget but let’s just say it far exceeded the number we first came up with. Even with us pulling favours in and doing everything we could ourselves, the costs still soared. A huge chunk went to food and drink, something we didn’t want to scrimp on.”
“Also, take it easy. Get your major things booked in as soon as possible (e.g. photographer, caterer and venue) then just enjoy the process – it should be fun!”
Boho inspired weddings never get old and seemingly just get more and more beautiful the more I see, as Dani and Dylan’s day just goes to show. A big thank you to the happy couple for sharing the day with us and to Diana V Photography for the gorgeous shots.
Until next time…
Much love,
Holly x
Credits & Thanks
- Photographer - Diana V Photography
- Venue - Corban Estate Arts Centre
- Wedding dress - Spell and The Gyspy
- Veil - Etsy
- Shoes - Mi Piachi
- Bridesmaids - Lonely Label
- Groom - Hallensteins
- Catering - Puha & Pakeha
- Florist - Isabel at The Forager
- Officiant - Celebrant Karen
- Entertainment - Courtnay Low
- Decor - Raj Tent Club
- Rings - Soph Laurs
- Hair stylist - Bex via Killer Hair
- Make up artist - Caitlin via Mac
Holly Grocott View all Holly's articles
Holly loves nothing more than getting her fill of beautifully styled weddings and couple's individual stories. After living in London for 6 years, she's now moved back North and settled in the leafy suburbs of South Manchester with her husband and much-loved pet pooch. You'll mostly find her reading in a corner, writing or creating a moodboard (or five).
