We love hearing wedding stories, and as many as we’ve heard, we’re always blown away by the unique additions couples manage to incorporate into their wedding plans. 

bride and groom with waitakere ranges forest in the background

Take Joanne and Matthew for example who decided to leave some precious items and memories in a time capsule. What a fabulous way to make time stand still for this gorgeous couple. The experience was made extra special by the fact the capsule was created for them by a family member. Joanne tells you all about this fantastic idea in her own words below.

We were really impressed with Joanne and Matthews decision to use a lot of Auckland-based businesses for their wedding, ourselves included. They chose a fantastic West Auckland wedding venue making their photographs taken by Chris Turner an adventure not to be forgotten! 

wedding party stood on balcony of tui hills wedding venue

wedding reception set up at cassels wedding venue

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme? 

I went with a rustic, vintage theme. The final look ended up looking very romantic and awesome. I went with purples/pinks/cream for my colours which complimented each other really well.

wedding party with greenery backdrop in the waitakere ranges

bridesmaids in purple dresses looking over balcony at wedding venue

white vintage wedding car with ribbons

vintage wedding car wheel detail

two tier wedding cake with flower topper in pink purple and cream

 

What did you love about your venue?

Our venue - Cassels on Scenic Drive North was absolutely amazing! Leigh and her amazing staff for made our day truly amazing! 

From the setting of the date, our consult 6 weeks prior, the rehearsal and the day of the wedding, it was all stress-free and a breeze. Leigh's organisation is exceptional and our wedding day flowed smoothly and without a hitch.  The food was amazing (so many compliments on this) and the set up was beautiful - Leigh was really accommodating of our needs and wants for our special day which we loved. The staff and service were also exceptional.

wedding function room set up at cassells

How did you display your wedding guestbook on the day?

We popped our guest book on a table in the marquee area while the bridal party were out for photos. We framed a note saying "leaf a print and sign your name". Once we were back, we moved it inside for guests to look at and sign during the night. 

What was feedback from your guests on your guestbook?

Our guests loved the guestbook - we got so many compliments on it and they loved the touch of it - it definitely added to our day. 

framed fingerprint tree guestbook hanging on a wall

Did your wedding have any DIY elements? 

I made all of the menu cards, name labels and guest favours myself. 

Favourite moment from the day?

My favourite moment of the day was the sense of serene calm as I reached the altar and my husband-to-be and I held hands after I nearly cried my eyes out walking down the aisle. Another favourite memory is heading off to our photos - the location was definitely off the beaten track and it was very funny getting there! 

cassells wedding set up with aisle and pergola in the centre

wedding ailse white flower decorations at a cassels wedding

white ornate pergola styled for a wedding

stunning bride in white wedding dress holding wedding bouquet

bride and groom with new zealand greenery backdrop

Ooh, I forgot to add that we had a time capsule box which was made by my husband’s grandfather. We popped some good red wine in it along with letters from our parents, each other and our bridal party for us to read in 20 years. I popped in my sash from my hens do and Matt popped in some newspapers from the day we were married. Our celebrant put in a copy of our ceremony and our vows. It is padlocked and will be opened on the 8/1/2037

wedding party dancing on the dancefloor

bride dancing on the dancefloor at wedding

Thanks so much to Joanne and to Matthew for taking the time to tell us all about their wedding day. We love hearing real life stories so don’t be shy! Your stories help inspire couples planning their own story and gives you a chance to re-live your wedding day.

Vendor Love:

Venue: Cassels
Celebrant: Melanie Stuart
Flowers: Aleisha Renee Everlasting flowers
Make up & Hair: FaceMe Makeup
Photography: Chris Turner Photography
Signs: Mazatash Signs 
Brides dress: Astra Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Suits: Munns
Cake: Temptation Cakes
Guestbook Framing:  The Frame Workshop, Onehunga

    Just in case you didn’t know, any stories we feature receive a free 8 x 10 fine art photo print. What are you waiting for? Submit your story here  

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