Holly and Danyon promised to spend the rest of their lives together in front of friends and family. Their day was filled with love and happiness, beautifully captured in their photos as they explored various spots around Wellington.
Holly stunned in Abernathy by Jenny Yoo, a romantic A-line dress with a flattering scoop neck, a fitted bodice, and oversized floral appliqués that cover the bodice and cascade down into the skirt. The full organza skirt strikes the perfect balance between dreamy airiness and drama.
We hope you enjoy seeing their photos and reading about their wedding day as much as we did! Congratulations to them both!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
It was actually the last one I tried on that day. I was looking for something fairly unadorned with a full skirt and a nice neckline. I had just tried on a lovely dress that was great but didn’t feel 100% right. Kryslin said she had an idea for one more dress to try, and she brought out Abernathy by Jenny Yoo. I’d already really liked the style of Jenny Yoo's dresses when I’d seen them online, but this one was gorgeous! As soon as I had it on, my mum, sister, and two of my bridesmaids started crying, which I thought was a good sign.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I was very nervous about trying to find a wedding dress, as I can be quite indecisive! I went to Astra Bridal first, with my mum and bridal party. The stylist I worked with, Kryslin, was so great and very reassuring. She was able to translate my uncertain description of what I was looking for into some really beautiful gowns to try on.
I also came back to Astra Bridal after getting my dress to buy my wedding shoes, which I dyed green to match our wedding party.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Danyon and I met at church and clicked really easily. We bonded over football and reading, and just enjoyed each other’s company. We were best friends for about a year before finally admitting our feelings to each other.
Danyon organised a lovely day trip for our first date, visiting all the bookstores in the Wairarapa, where we later got engaged. We had discussed when we would get engaged and commissioned our rings together, but Dan wanted to plan a surprise, so I knew when it was going to happen, but not what was involved.
We had a weekend trip out at a little rental in the wops of Martinborough, which included some delicious meals, visits to bookshops, and a visit to a winery. On Saturday evening, Dan surprised me with a private stargazing tour arranged by a wonderful woman called Becky! We spent a couple of hours learning about and looking at the stars, and as I was looking through the telescope at the diamond-like star Sirius, Danyon got down on one knee.
What was your favourite part of the day?
The whole day was so wonderful, and there were so many little parts that made it special. Having our first look in Good Books, this gorgeous book shop we love, was awesome! The staff were so excited to have us, and it felt like such an intimate moment for Dan and I to see each other and take a breath before the ceremony. We even had time afterwards to get a coffee at Prefab before heading to St Peter’s, which was such a fun moment with our family and wedding party, and it really set the tone for the day.
Another highlight serving communion to our 300 guests at the ceremony! That felt so cool for us as our first action as a married couple, and it meant we got a lot of hugs from our friends as we served them.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
We had a bit of drizzle on the day, which was unfortunate for a January wedding, but we made it work! My bridesmaids and I got ready in the usual flurry of steaming dresses, waiting in line to get our makeup done, and jumping in and out of photos while we tried to eat some breakfast. Once we were ready, I had a first look with my dad, which was really special.
We all hurried to Good Books for Dan and I to do our first look, which was so nerve-wracking! There were a few tears when we saw each other (from Dan), but it felt like all the nerves just disappeared, and we were able to enjoy taking some family and wedding party photos. Good Books was also a stunning place to do some shots of the two of us.
We ended up having some time to spare, so our whole crew popped into Prefab for a coffee, which caused a bit of a stir in the café, but it was really fun to do something normal and relaxing right before we walked up the aisle!
The ceremony itself was so wonderful; Dan’s party did a walk in as well and all our guests cheered so loudly it sounded like a concert! St Peter’s is such a beautiful church, and one that has been really special to Dan and I. The service had a really joyful atmosphere, and it felt significant to worship and share communion with all our friends and loved ones.
The party at the reception was awesome! So much laughter, dancing, and great food! Dan and I did our first dance in the outfits my mum has sewn for our traditional tea ceremony a couple of days before, which is an important part of Dan’s Malaysian–Chinese heritage.
The whole day felt so celebratory, and it was amazing to feel truly present throughout the whole thing.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
I think it’s so important to do what will make you happiest on the day! Talk with your partner and decide what works for you as a couple, even if it may not be the norm. Maybe you both want to walk down the aisle, or maybe you want fireworks and a champagne tower—spend your energy on what will bring you joy.
