Bride & Groom: Simone and Praneesh Chan
Wedding date: 30/03/2024
Key details:
Wedding Dress: Bridal Brilliance
Bridesmaid dresses: Chinatown (East Tamaki, Auckland)
Suits: YD
Draping, lighting and styling: We went with the package provided by Allely Estate
Cake: Sweet Bites
Flowers: The Florist NZ (Jo is amazing and so passionate about her role in the wedding)
Hair & Makeup:
Photographer: Pia Photography & Film
What song did you walk up the aisle to? I get to love you – Ruelle
Wedding dance song: Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Q. Why did you choose Allely Estate as your Wedding venue?
Allely Estate was the first venue we found online where it was evident they had years of experience hosting weddings of all cultures. Although we were both born in New Zealand, we wanted to make sure our wedding embraced both our cultures and we both knew Allely was the place to do just that.
Q. Did you have a theme or vibe?
Our theme/vibe was around inclusion of our culture, friends and family. We wanted the wedding to feel personal to everyone so we made sure we had personalised touches incorporated into our wedding, whether it was through the wedding favours, food, games and props etc.
Q. Did you incorporate any tradition?
We had a lion dance performance at our wedding. We also played a few games with the guests which included them winning some red packets (money).
Q. What advice do you have for other couples?
1. Eat everything and drink till your heart’s content! You paid for it so enjoy it!
2. The day goes by so fast, so be present and enjoy every moment because they’re priceless.
Q. What was your best decision about the wedding?
Playing wedding games with our friends and family. It was a way for us to interact and enjoy the day with them (games included; custom scratch cards – find the bride’s groom, guess the bride’s voice, guess the grooms hand, dance prank on groom and scavenger hunt for bridal party).
Q. How did you both meet? What is your personal 'love story'?
Our paths crossed in Uni back in 2013. While we both studied business and had the same classes, neither of us really pursued a friendship. Fast forward to 2017, Praneesh took a shot and messaged me. Initially I was planning on not responding as I haven’t spoken to him in a few years. But I’m glad I did (even if it was a pity response at first!), because who would have guessed we’d end up tying the knot!
Q. Tell us about your favourite wedding moment?
Praneesh – Bride’s entrance. Watching Simone walk down the aisle in her beautiful white dress with her dad by her side made everything feel so real and our years of dating all led to this moment. All the moments we shared over the years overwhelmed me with emotions and as she walked down, I couldn’t hide my tears.
Simone – Definitely the lion dance as it was a surprise for my parents. As majority of my overseas family were unable to come to the wedding, it was important to us that we still embraced my culture and pay tribute to my parents.
Q. What special touches were important to you?
Making sure there were different ways our guests could take pictures to remember the wedding (photobooth, welcome selfie mirror sign, polaroid camera). Personalising our wedding favours and games for our family and friends. Doing this made our family and friends feel as if they were part of our day instead of being another guest at another wedding.
Q. Any further comments?
Huge thanks to everyone in the Allely Estate Team. From Mariana, to the team working on the day, after and even Peter and Catherine! Everyone we have interacted with has been amazing and super friendly which made it even more heartbreaking when our night was over. If we could do it again we’d do it all again at Allely just for the team behind the Estate. Thanks so much for making our special day one to remember.
