On a picturesque spring day in Arrowtown, Rebecca and Marc said "I Do" on the grounds of Millbrook Resort with their closest friends and family. Their photos feature stunning greenery from the rolling hills surrounding the venue and beautiful spring flowers in bloom, perfectly complimenting the floral lace on Rebecca's dress - the Julian dress by Jenny Yoo. With its delicate illusion long sleeves, open scoop back, and sleek fit and flare crepe skirt, it shines with elegance.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their day and reading some insight from Rebecca 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 chose this gown as I knew I wanted sleeves. The lace detail is what caught my eye and I loved how it was classic yet stylish but also refined and sophisticated.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I have had a long time to decide on the style of dress for my wedding day. Throughout that time I had chopped and changed, however, when I was researching long sleeved wedding gowns I saw the picture of the Julian online - it was exactly what I had been searching for. A few days later, I saw on Instagram that Astra Bridal had the dress available in store to try on..it felt like fate as it was also the same day as our engagement anniversary. The team at Astra Bridal responded promptly to my enquiry and within a couple of weeks I was trying on the dress. The team were so helpful, made me feel comfortable and gave great advise. I was dress shopping by myself and with my 2 year old daughter as my family and maid of honour were back in Australia...and at this point of time the border was still shut. However, the ladies accommodated all my needs and helped out with my daughter which was great.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Marc and I met in 2010 in Darwin, Australia. I was there visiting my brother who was in the army at the time and Marc was his neighbour but also serving together. We hit it off instantly and the rest was history. We initially had a long distance relationship for over two years before eventually moving in together at the end of 2012.
Marc proposed on the 16 October 2015 with an intimate seafood dinner he had prepared for me. I returned home from work that evening surprised with oysters Kilpatrick, prawns, flowers and a bottle of champagne. Plus, our two border collie dogs dressed up with bow ties for the occasion. We had a very long 7 year engagement but in that time frame we bought a house, brought two beautiful daughters into the world, Covid19 and also sold our house in Australia and moved to NZ in December of 2020.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Walking down the aisle with my daughters. It was magical to have them with me and to have Marc waiting for us, and also saying I DO and being able to kiss my husband for the first time.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The wedding day went perfectly. I spent the morning with my maid of honour getting our hair and make up done. It was such a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The weather was overall really good for October, a slight breeze and a little overcast but still comfortable. My Dad, arrived shortly after the photographer and my daughters and I did a first look on the balcony with him which was very special.
The ceremony was a small intimate affair with our immediate family and close friends. We had a total of 40 guests. We held the ceremony in the "secret garden" just off the Millbrook Club House. After the I do's and making it all official we celebrated with a champagne toast before we ventured out on the grounds of Millbrook for more photos. We ended up on a hill at the back of the estate with snow capped mountains and a rainbow in the backdrop, it was magic.
The reception was a blast! Amazing food, great drinks and the best company to share our day with. One of Marcs army mates Ronald was the MC and he was fantastic. The speeches were wonderful and heartfelt and our first dance was perfect, Home by Philip Philips which couldn't be more appropriate now we are living over here in NZ. After all the formalities, the dance floor was the best place to be for the rest of the night! We only had our photographer for a limited time, so the "party" was captured on polaroids and we have the most amazing photos from our guests.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Be present in the moment and enjoy it. It goes so quickly. There is such a build up and then its done. Savour the moment and take a moment to soak it all in.
