Katie and David said "I Do" in front of their loved ones at the scenic Wellington Botanical Gardens. Photos of the day show the happy couple enjoying their special day and walking around the picturesque grounds of their venue.
Katie charmed in Magenta by Theia Bridal, a stunning draped satin fit and flare gown. The exaggerated winged bow at the back of the gown adds a touch of drama and captures attention. She paired her gown with our Pearl and Gold earrings, a charming touch that perfectly matches the ambience of her wedding day.
Continue scrolling for Katie's insight and experience into the wedding dress process, and details about their special day.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I saw it on the website and had never seen another like it or anyone else wear it! I just loved the simplicity of it, but also that bow is a great statement piece. I wanted something modern and classic.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
Astra Bridal was the second dress shop I went too. The first place wasn’t a great experience, but I’d heard amazing things about Astra so gave it a go! I’m so glad I did. Lisa, my consultant, was so lovely, reassuring and put me in dresses I’d never try on that I loved! The team were so welcoming too.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
I read an article about how the best time to go on dating apps was just after Valentine’s Day, so after many failed attempts at online dating, I gave it one last go on Feb 16th and met David. I actually had 2 dates lined up after him and cancelled them because I was having such a great time.
David proposed about 2 years later on a very gloomy Wellington day. He bought the ring and proposed 4 hours later very nervously on the side of the road, while a woman with a walker just casually strolled past. Not his most romantic move.
What was your favourite part of the day?
The dancefloor was amazing, our DJ - DJ Hurricane was so good and knew exactly what to play next. It was such a fun fun night! The sparkler exit was also hilarious and fun to do, love those photos.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
We had amazing gorgeous weather! Not too hot and not too cold, perfect 19 degrees with no wind! The morning was a bit hectic as I’m sure all mornings are, but once I was there it was a great day. I was far more nervous than I thought I would be. Our ceremony was outside at The Dell just behind the Begonia House. My “flower dogs” walked down the aisle to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and I walked down the aisle to the version of “Simply the Best” from Schitt's Creek. Both of our vows were quite silly, mine were in the style of the poem from “10 Things I Hate About You” and my husband ended his with “Yes, I’d still love you as a worm”.
We only disappeared for 45 minutes for our photos. Wes was so amazing at listening to exactly what we wanted. We really wanted to hang out with our guest and get endless candid shots of everyone having fun. Our reception was where the fun really began. The food and drinks were flowing freely and everyone was mingling. We had a cocktail style reception and I highly recommend it! No seating chart was great. Everyone got to meet new people and it made it easier for us to see everyone we invited. Our first dance was to “Ice Dance” from Edward Scissor hands and again was quite silly, involving spirit fingers and ballerina twirls. Then the party started! It was so much fun having everyone on the dance floor and I wish I could do it all again!! Our final song of the night was “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. Great final song! Everyone was singing/screaming hahaha.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Marry a man who spends the entire day making sure you’re having a great time! My husband would run to the DJ booth if I wanted the song changed. There was never a second I didn’t have a drink in my hand. He arrived early to ensure the set up was what I wanted, and if anything went wrong (which it did and it always will) he sorted it immediately without me even knowing. Things go wrong but honestly nobody cares and you shouldn’t either, have fun!!
