• Real Weddings

We love seeing weddings from all over, especially from New Zealand. An island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Known for it's rugged natural beauty and prestigious wines. We sure hope to visit  this beautiful place someday, but in the meantime let's enjoy Sarah and Kayn's modern chic wedding. Filled to the brim with details mostly made by Sarah.
From the save the dates to the favors, Sarah handcrafted the entire event. Bonus! She shares her budget breakdown. As always be sure to grab a closer look all the photos in the full gallery here, all captured by New Zealand wedding photographer  Meredith Lord.

From the Bride:I probably should have asked for more help! I find it hard to ask for help but having someone who understood my ‘vision’ to help me be decisive during those stressful times, would have saved me hours. It was the most calm and fun day getting ready but I wish I had left myself an extra 10minutes to just sit and be with my ladies and just soak in the moment with them before leaving.

We got married and held the reception at The Old Church in the Hawke’s Bay which has a historic charm, but with a modern and chic feel.

Our table settings were based around the renowned couples of our most favourite romantic films. Our table was Breakfast at Tiffany’s which featured a behind the scenes picture of Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard playing Holly and Paul. The settings also featured our favourite quote from the film shown.

It was the most perfect sunny day which illuminated the setting. Walking into the reception with the sun pouring in from the vineyards and hitting the gigantic chandeliers above all of our amazing friends and family, was just magical.

Our guests all received a French paper bag bound in twine, with a CD in it of our favorite songs from the day and that have significance to us, our family and friends; songs that represent us. Our guests loved listening to this on their journey back home!

I found getting married out of Auckland, saved us a lot of money plus we were very sure about what our priorities were and I did a lot of DIY to try and keep the costs down. With a $30,000 budget, we split the costs into the following (approximate only):
Reception: 10%
Guest gifts / Entertainment / Stationery and Table Settings / Flowers. A lot of DIY kept the cost down here.  Includes Soundtrack CD, CD cases, french market bags and doilies and pegs from @LittleInkNZ and frames for our tables from a discounted factory frame store.   Also includes our DJ which we flew down from one of our favorite hangout spots in Auckland @HallertauBeer.  I did all the stationery myself which all came in under $150 and we purchased our flowers from a wholesaler in Napier and had a florist arrange them all for us who works from home (huge saving!)
Attire: 25%
Bridal Party Attire (including Bride and Groom). Also includes the cost of hair and makeup on the day.
Photographer and Videographer: 10%
We probably would have got a lower cost had we got an ‘all-in-one’ photographer and videographer team but I loved Meredith Lord’s style of photos so I knew I wanted her!  Then we found Josh Neilson who put together an amazing wedding video for us.  We only booked him two weeks before the wedding as it took me up until then to convince Kayn that we should have one.  Once he saw the video, he couldn’t have been happier that we hired him!
Other: 15%
We live in Auckland and got married in the Hawkes Bay (approx 6 hours’ drive away for most), so the 'other' costs included accommodation, travel costs, food and drinks.  This also includes extra beauty expenses and all other costs such as marriage licenses and gifts etc.

• Cinematography: Josh Neilson
• Dress Designer: Hera Bridal
• Engagement Ring: David Keefe
• Groom's Attire: Debut
• Makeup: Embellish Me
• Photobooth: Photo Booth Fun
• Photographer: Meredith Lord Photography
• Prop or Furniture Rentals: Touch of Elegance
• Sash: Felicitys Bridal
• Shoe Designer: Verali
• Venue & Caterer: The Old Church
• Wedding Bands: Walker and Hall