Bride & groom: Adeline & Joseph
Wedding date: 31 March 2022
Key details:
Dress from Felicity Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses from Showpo
Suit from Rembrandt
Cake was a made by Sweet Bites
Flowers by Branch & Bloom
Hair & Makeup by Made Up By Ruth
Photographer: Esme & Logan (Photography)
What song did you walk up the aisle to? This I Promise You – Ronan Keating
Q. Why did you choose Allely Estate as your venue?
We chose Allely Estate as it was the last venue we visited and it was the only one that gave us a lasting impression. We fell in love with the beautiful gardens and could envision ourselves getting married there and celebrating in the marquee. After our perfect wedding at Allely, we were so happy we went with our gut feeling 1.5 years ago.
Q. Did you have a theme or vibe?
There wasn’t a set theme, though we did want rustic, autumn-coloured floral decorations to contrast against the lush greenery of Allely Estate. The vibe was a relaxed, fun mood where guests could watch and be entertained.
Q. How did you both meet? What is your personal 'love story'?
My letter of resignation was given and I was due to finish before Adeline was to begin at work. Changing circumstances meant my finish date kept being delayed until the 3rd time, I was unable to leave for my new job due to an injury so I stayed. This injury was a blessing as I was able to get to know Adeline and the amazing person she is. Fast forward 2 and a half years, I booked tickets and got the ring ready for a proposal under a cherry blossom tree in Japan. Our day to fly out happened to be the very first day of lockdown 2020. So, unable to fly out I was stuck with the secret and ring for 6 months by the time it was level 3. I brought Japan to her by going to dinner at a Japanese restaurant at Skycity and proposing at Mission Bay, where we had our first date. It wasn’t the dream proposal I planned for her but she told me she would have said yes no matter where I asked her.
Q. Did you incorporate any tradition?
We are mixed couple, I am a mix of Cook Island/Māori/Italian and my wife is Chinese Malaysian. We did certain ceremonies and traditional items to show each side of the family the parts that make up who we are; from the Chinese tea ceremony, to having a Cook Island dance group perform. Main purpose was to show the fusion of our cultures and help each of our sides understand and experience the other side due to being contrasting cultures.
We wanted to incorporate both sides of our cultures. So we did the tea ceremony and gate crashing games for Adeline’s side and we had the Cook Island Drum group for my side. That’s something that was very special for both of us to showcase both of our cultures. Allely Estate was very accommodating and helped us bring our two cultures together for our special day.
Q. What advice do you have for other couples?
The little details and nitpicky parts of the day are not worth worrying about. Main thing you and your guests will always remember is how they felt that day and the joy the day brought to them. That is what is important to keep in mind. And also the food, very important (our guests were super full and very happy!)
Q. Tell us about your favourite wedding moment?
Too many to say but being a hopeless romantic, it would be seeing my beautiful wife walk down the aisle and having our first dance as a married couple.
Q. What special touches were important to you?
Having a relaxed vibe for our guests and really subtle touches like flower scheme. Not having too much going on in terms of the venue as it was already a perfect canvas that didn’t need any changes.
Q. What was your best decision about the wedding?
We were happy with all the guests that we chose to attend, they made our day, just having them there and of course, getting married at Allely Estate. The day could not have been more perfect.
Draping, lighting & styling by Allely Estate.
