Ashleigh and Gerald said "I Do" in front of their nearest and dearest at the scenic Turanga Creek. Their day was filled with lots of happiness and photos show the couple utterly in love and celebrating their special day.
Ashleigh mesmerised in Lagos by Forget Me Knot, an elegant fit and flare crepe gown with a stunning cross over cuff detail on the bodice and covered buttons cascading down to the bottom of the train. This gown is the perfect balance of classic and modern. She paired her gown with a pearl veil, an accessory that compliments her gown perfectly.
Continue scrolling for beautiful images, insight into Ashleigh's wedding dress shopping journey, and her advice for brides planning their big day. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I knew I wanted something that was simple and classic, and I was open to what styles this could be. When I arrived at the store, the lovely Ilyese helped me choose various styles and ones that I didn’t even consider before such as off the shoulder dresses. When I tried on the Lagos dress it felt so comfortable, elegant and classic - all the things I was looking for and more. The details in the bust and around the waist, the beautiful long train, and buttons all got me! My sister and niece who were with me knew instantly that this was the right one. I was so confident that I said Yes to the Dress on the day! I am so pleased with my dress and wish I could wear it all the time!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
We both knew that we wanted to have a shorter engagement and get married in the same year, so a couple months after our engagement, I excitedly started looking for a dress. I did lots of internet searching and found Astra Bridal. I am so pleased that I found Astra Bridal. From the beginning, the team were so lovely, kind, and made me feel welcomed in their store.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Gerald and I are both health professionals and have been together nearly 3 years. We were working together at the time. Our friendship naturally progressed into a lovely relationship as we shared lots of similarities around faith, family and life goals. Being work colleagues gave me a glimpse into his kind and cheeky personality, and I was lucky to get to experience that, lots of laughs, memories and great stories to tell our future children!
We got engaged in February 2023. It was a rainy evening in Auckland, following the crazy weather/stormy season we were experiencing. I had no idea that on this particular Friday, it would be the night! It started off with a lovely dinner at one of our favourite spots in Parnell- Mr and Mrs Bistro (should’ve taken that as a hint- it's all in the name haha). Gerald, poor guy, was very nervous and proposed to me on the way back to the car!! No this was not his plan, in fact, this proposal was Plan C. The original idea was to do a beautiful sunset proposal, which unfortunately did not prevail. We then had a surprise party afterward with our families to celebrate on the night, which made it even more special. To me, it didn't really matter what the proposal looked like or where, I was just so excited that this day had come and on the plus side we now have many many more years to experience beautiful sunsets!
What was your favourite part of the day?
Gerald and I both agreed that the ceremony was one of our favourite parts and the vows we were making to each other. Prior to the wedding day, we tossed between doing a first look or not, but in the end, we decided to see each other for the first time down the aisle. We are both really pleased with our choice as I think it was very special for us to be united in that space for the first time. The anticipation, excitement, and for our closest friends and family to witness this was wonderful.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
Our day was truly special from start to finish. We had the most perfect weather, and all our closest friends and family were there to celebrate. We enjoyed having our ceremony and reception in one venue, and having the beautiful natural scenery for us and the guests to enjoy. The day was peaceful, all went to plan and looking back, I wouldn't change anything about the day. It was such a surreal moment to see all the little details come to life after months of planning.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
I would like to firstly acknowledge all the brides who are currently planning, I know that it can be a mix of stressors and emotions. The great thing is that there is a beautiful day to be had on the other side of all your hard planning! It will be so worth it to see all the ideas and months of planning come to life and even if you are worried about all the "what ifs", everything will fall into place as it is meant to be. Some things will be out of your control and that is okay. Your friends and family will love it all because they are there for you, not your seating plan or your table decor.
