Allely wedding: Alyssa and Amanaki
Bride & groom: Alyssa & Amanaki
Wedding date: November 7, 2020
Key details:
Dress from Parkland Bridal & UnufeDesigns
Bridesmaid dresses custom-made in different styles by Amelia, owner of UnufeDesigns
Suit from Taro Cash for the groomsmen and groom’s suit from Tommy
Cake by high school best friend, GabeyBakes and Temptationcakes.co.nz
Flowers by BelleBouquetnz
Makeup by Natasha Na’a
Hair by Joshah
Photographer: Charles from Digiliah Photography
What song did you walk up the aisle to? U.N.V – ‘So In Love With You’.
Q. Why did you choose Allely Estate as your venue?
We fell in love with the venue as soon as we entered the gates. When I walked outside and saw the garden it was breathtaking and I could clearly see our “happily ever after” happening at Allely Estate. It was just perfect to do both the ceremony and reception and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q. Did you have a theme or vibe?
Our theme was vintage. My husband is Tongan and I am Samoan and we didn’t want a traditional wedding. We wanted an easy and enjoyable wedding where our guests got to enjoy a different view/vibe, especially with having it out in the countryside in Kumeu. We wanted something different from the usual traditional weddings of our Pacific cultures. For our venue style, I was going for an elegant, vintage look, throwing in green leaves as well. The colour burgundy was one of our main colours, used in the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses.
Q. Tell us about your favorite moment
My favourite moment was my dad walking me down the aisle & crying while giving me away to my husband. Seeing my daughter as a flower girl made me emotional – it brought my husband to tears too!!! Other special moments were taking our gorgeous wedding photos in the beautiful vineyard and seeing both families come together to celebrate with us.
Q. Did you incorporate any tradition?
We used Tongan Tapa for our ceremony aisle. We also had a few Tongan performances from my husband’s family, Samoan dances from my family and myself, and family gifting. We also did a ceremony lighting – the candle tradition – with our vows and were blessed to have the lovely Valeria as our celebrant who guided us throughout the whole ceremony.
Q. What special touches were important to you?
The set-up for reception, making sure all name tags were placed as planned on each guest table. Our initials on the dance floor was a special touch, and it was important that all the decorations were done on time and all guests were looked after and well seated for the ceremony and reception.
Q. Advice for other couples?
Once you see the venue, you’ll realise it’s a must to get married at Allely Estate! Especially with the beautiful views and memories you get to share with your eternal love and family and friends. Take your time planning your wedding, don’t rush yourself and just have fun. The staff looked after us every time we would visit, making sure we had eaten or brought out coffee before our planning sessions with Athina. Make the most of it like it’s your last – they say you only get married once 😉
Images by Digiliah Photography