Ada and Billy promised to spend the rest of their lives together in front of their nearest and dearest at the gorgeous Moke Lake in Queenstown. Photos of the day show the happy couple brimming with joy and love as they celebrated their big day with their loved ones.
Ada looked breathtaking in Emerald by Rebecca Ingram, a stunning minimalistic crepe fit and flare gown with a deep square back. The sequin decorated lace and chiffon tie detail at the back of this gown is absolutely show stopping. She paired her gown with our cut edge pearl veil, a lovely addition that completed her look. Ada also had a separate outfit for her tea ceremony, but we will primarily feature her gown from Astra Bridal.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their day and get some insight from Ada about her experience with us at Astra Bridal and the process of finding her wedding dress.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I have always wanted a minimalist dress with a touch of feminine elegance. When I saw Emerald on the website, it just ticked all the boxes! The neckline, the silhouette, backless design, the small lace details and a small bow on the back were just… (chef’s kiss) It’s everything I wanted!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
At first, I felt overwhelmed about looking for the dress with all the information online and opinions given by people around me. And my indecisive personality did not making this process any easier either! I had been to two bridal shops before Astra Bridal. I couldn’t find THE DRESS that gave me butterflies until I saw Emerald on the Astra Bridal website. As soon as I walked into Astra Bridal Hamilton, I was warmly welcomed by the staff. The girls were all very lovely, supportive, and patient. I got nervous and anxious at times. I loved the fact that they seemed more excited than myself when I tried the dresses on!
I know that it is a tradition for the mother of the bride to go dress shopping with the bride. Yet with mum being overseas, as soon as I tried Emerald on, I knew that was IT. I instantly became emotional and wished that my mum was there. Special thanks to my stylist who helped me all the way and supported me through. The simple cuddle and pure genuineness were everything I needed at that time. I can’t thank you enough for that.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
We were friends in Auckland, having met on a foundation course. In 2016, we were both single on Valentine’s Day and we both kind of shared the same feelings for each other, so we went on a “dinner date” (which ended up being one of the worst meals ever!). Our relationship grew from there. We were long distance for some time and, to be honest, it wasn’t always easy, but we worked our way through the obstacles and challenges. When I moved back to Auckland and Billy was in Hamilton, Billy drove up to Auckland every weekend after work, and once I graduated, I moved to Hamilton to be with Billy and start our life together.
As for the proposal… there was no proposal. One night we were casually strolling through the mall and wandered past a jewellery shop. Billy said, “let’s go in and have a look”, and told the assistant that we were looking for “just a ring.” We chose one together and that was it. It’s not quite the romantic proposal, but that’s okay, because we both just knew. Haha!
What was your favourite part of the day?
Our favourite part of the day was the intimate tea ceremony in the morning. In our culture, the tea ceremony symbolises that you are leaving home to another and starting a family of your own. It was really special for us and both of our families.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
We were blessed to have a fine weather on our wedding day, especially since the day before and after were rainy and stormy. It was a relaxing day spent with our families and a few of our close friends. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Having a bag of snacks with you on the day would totally save your life! xx
