Paige and Zade vowed to spend the rest of their lives together at the rustic Red Barn in Waikato. Their day was filled with love and joy, and the photos show the happy couple looking utterly in love with each other.
Paige captivated in Fernanda by Maggie Sottero, a striking minimalist crepe fit-and-flare gown with a deep V neckline and V-back. The covered buttons at the back trailing down to the train are a beautiful detail, making it a truly classic gown. She accessorised with pleated tulle sleeves, a unique touch to a timeless look.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their day as much as we do
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I went into dress shopping with a semi idea of what I wanted but also having no clue at all. I knew I wanted something simple but still wow enough to give you that one and only feeling you get when you are a bride. When I tried on the Fernanda dress by Maggie Sottero, I could actually see myself walking down the aisle in it and seeing my husband's reaction. The dress was so simple, timeless, and elegant, and the long train with buttons running all the way down was exactly the wow factor I was searching for. Adding the sleeves and lowering the back was the cherry on top, and I wouldn't change a thing about my dress. I felt so beautiful in it and wish I could wear it every day!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I had been to a few other appointments before going to Astra Bridal, but nothing felt like me. The stylists at other stores weren't very friendly, which also didn't help. Coming into Astra and already knowing Khym (she was my boss at my first ever job) made my experience that much more exciting and special. Khym is one of the loveliest people I have ever met; you can just tell she absolutely loves her job and loves helping brides find their perfect dress. I tried on about 6-8 different dresses, and although I didn't have the typical movie reaction with my dress, it was undeniably me and so perfect! I made a few alterations to my dress, including adding pleated tulle sleeves, and I felt so incredible in it! I can’t thank the team, especially Khym, at Astra Hamilton enough!
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Zade and I met in early 2019 on a dating app and had our first date at the movies, where I also worked, so free tickets were a good seller. We started officially dating very shortly after, and eventually, I moved in with his parents shortly after the first Covid lockdown, and we began saving for our first house. We got our first fur baby that same year, and in March of 2021, we settled on our first home. Shortly after, we got our second puppy. A couple of years later, in September of 2022, Zade set up a proposal in our home while I was out for the day with my mum to surprise me and pop the question. Unfortunately, he accidentally sent me a photo of the whole setup that was meant for our neighbour, but I opened it too quickly, and it was too late. Luckily for him, I was beyond excited and rushed home as soon as I could to say yes!
What was your favourite part of the day?
Honestly, I loved it all!! Everyone made it so special, and I would do it all again a million times over if I could. The moment that sticks out to me the most was walking down the aisle and seeing him for the first time that day. The anticipation was so strong, and I was just so excited to see him. The day went so quickly, but I cherish all the time spent with our closest friends and family - and of course, my new husband!
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
Getting married in April can be risky since the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Luckily for us, the weather was perfect the whole day - not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny and not too cloudy. I got ready with my best friends, my parents, and my niece at a gorgeous Airbnb in Whitehall, about 15 minutes from the Red Barn. It was such a relaxing and pleasantly calm morning.
There was an accident on the main road right before the wedding, so we had to delay our arrival to ensure that we wouldn't get there before our guests, but once we arrived, the rest of the day went smoothly! The boys played golf in the morning and then got ready at the Red Barn before our guests arrived. Our ceremony was quick, romantic, and had the perfect amount of humour to have everyone laughing with us. It was exactly what we had envisioned.
The food at the Red Barn was incredible and half the reason we booked the venue in the first place, along with the dedication and care that the team put into each wedding. They made us feel so special and put in the hard yards behind the scenes to make the day flow seamlessly. We had our first dance to "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers and then boogied the night away with our closest people!
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Just soak it all in! It goes by so so fast, and you'll be sitting on your bed at the end of the night thinking, 'Where did the day go?' Enjoy it - don't worry too much on the day if some things go wrong because you have put so much time and energy into planning. Now it's time for you to enjoy the rewards!
