Bride & groom: Jack + Kelita
Wedding date: 6/12/2021
Key details:
Dress from The Journey NZ
Bridesmaid dresses from BLAK
Suit from Connors
Cake was a made by Sweet Bites NZ
Flowers by Bride’s mother
Makeup by Lisette @ The Beauty Hub
Photographer: Three Twenty Three Photography
What song did you walk up the aisle to? Can’t Help Falling In Love – Kina Grannis
Q. Why did you choose Allely Estate as your Wedding venue?
Allely Estate took us by surprise when we came in for a tour. Our jaw dropped when we saw the full draped marquee against the beautiful garden backdrop. It all looked luxurious but still felt really homey with how close everything was. We then met the lovely Athina who gave us hugs straight a way and we felt like we were home and that this was the place for us to take our vows to one another.
Q. Did you have a theme or vibe?
Just a clean black and white vibe with pops of dusty rose in the flowers.
Q. Did you incorporate any tradition?
We had some awesome performances from both cultures and were able to balance the two cultures to a point where it didn’t seem like any had overpowered the other. Haka to tautoko the wedding couple and cultural dances from our nieces & bridal party.
Q. What special touches were important to you?
Drapery was beautiful. Livestream option for those overseas and at home.
Q. Any further comments?
From the first time, we stepped through the doors at Allely Estate, we felt welcomed. Athina is an absolute treasure with a heart of gold who genuinely desires to see people’s dreams come to life. The venue is outstanding and fulfilled its purpose to give us the best day of our lives. Throughout lockdowns, we were able to meet via video chat and continue to work toward the Big Day with Athina’s support and quirky humour. We had an intimate ceremony in the open fields followed by a festive reception in the marquee which was decorated perfectly. The chef and food selection were immaculate and we continued to hear praises from our guests in the weeks and months following. And in the hot summer, Athina continued to spoil me and allow me to cool down in one of the fridges(for safety reasons, I was in there to grab some non-alcoholic bevs). We enjoyed celebrating late into the night and then were joined by the owners who were helping their staff during pack down and it just seemed to be run by a group of genuine folk. Kelita & I are overwhelmed by the service we got and will continue to be proud of the opportunity to be married at The Great Alley Estate. Much love to the crew and to Athina, the best in the West(because technically Kumeu is in the West).
Q. How did you both meet? What is your personal 'love story'?
God weaved our story together many years before we even knew each other and through the different events and life changes we experienced we eventually met at our home church Cornerstone Baptist Church. We became friends and then best friends until we could no longer deny that being with each other was not only just easy but felt right. We loved each other and wanted to spend our lives together. A couple of years later, Jack proposed at the place where we had our first date and we got married at Allely Estate one year and 1 day after our proposal.
Q. Tell us about your favourite wedding moment?
So many moments as the entire day was such an enjoyable time for both us & the guests. Having the ceremony & reception in the same place made it easier for us all. I think our entire wedding day was an amazing moment. From the beginning to the end, we were able to just enjoy our day and celebrate with people we love. We shared tears, laughter and every aspect from decorations to programme ran as scheduled with the support of the best wedding coordinator in the World, Athina. Just grateful to have come out of COVID lockdowns and to have been able to share this moment with others.
Q. What was your best decision about the wedding?
Our best decision was to continue to get married despite the difficulties COVID lockdowns presented. Even with the delays and reschedules, we were able to celebrate and enjoy our day and it still felt like everything was meant to go the way it did. We ended up saving the rest of the budget to go toward life after the Wedding Day.
Q. What advice do you have for other couples?
Don’t forget to enjoy your day. All the effort you put into it beforehand shouldn’t go to waste because of things outside of your control. Trust each other and remember that you are a team – you win together and you lose together. Don’t blow your budget to please other people because, at the end of the day, you two are all you need to get married. Trust Athina when it comes to logistics and how things go and if you are unsure, speak up – it’s okay to disagree but in saying that, the wife is probably right LOL.
Draping, lighting & styling by Allely Estate
