Renee and Tyrone celebrated their love at the stunning Black Walnut in front of their loved ones. Their day was filled with fun and happiness, and the photos capture the couple fully immersed in their joy and utterly in love.
Renee looked enchanting in the Lola by Jenny Yoo, an empire waisted fit and flare gown featuring a crisscross draped sweetheart bodice. The sheer illusion corset detail at the back and the side split add a sexy edge, while the dramatic bow and tails create a showstopping and unforgettable look.
Keep scrolling for a glimpse into their special day!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
As I was perusing the other hangers filled with endless gowns while trying on my chosen dresses, this one caught my eye! I chose my gown because it perfectly fits our contemporary black and white themed wedding. The modern cut and fabric, along with the asymmetrical bow on the back, were winners from the get go. As soon as I had the gown on and walked out from behind the dressing room curtains, it felt like me! The way the dress moved, how confident I felt in it, and the reactions from my family and bridesmaids cemented my decision.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
From the get-go, even when emailing the team at Astra Bridal Hamilton, I felt like every bride was treated with the utmost care. When I walked through the doors of the Hamilton branch, I knew I had come to the right place to find my dress. A warm welcome and smile greeted us all upon arrival, making me feel at ease. I had saved a few dresses to my favourites on the Astra Bridal website—another great feature you’ve implemented—so that when the months passed before my appointment, I could reassess and take gowns in and out of my favourites, knowing exactly what awaited me for my appointment.
I had an eclectic mix of dresses to try on, as I was still postpartum and wasn't sure what would suit me or what I would feel comfortable in. All my dresses were neatly hung in the changing room, and my stylist made me feel extremely comfortable as we navigated how to put on the dresses. Even before stepping out to showcase what I had on, she ensured I looked 100% put together, just as I would on the day. I was able to walk around the store in the gowns, and my stylist asked me precise questions about how I felt, which truly helped me narrow my choices down to two.
The dress I ended up purchasing wasn’t even on my favourites list; however, I spotted it, and my stylist was quick to help me into the gown. As soon as I slipped it on and walked out, the tears flowed from my family and bridesmaids, and I knew with my whole heart that this was the dress.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Tyrone and I met at our old workplace, and we have been together for over nine years. Tyrone went to a lovely gentleman at Diamond Design in Tauranga to have my ring made. We were traveling back from a few days away in Ohakune when Tyrone received a very hushed phone call. It turns out the jeweler, John, called to say that the ring was ready. This was on a Friday, and my birthday was that Sunday, just two days later.
As soon as we got home, Tyrone said he had errands to run and rushed off without another word. He then came back while I was in a tracksuit, folding laundry—very luxurious! He got down on one knee and opened a little box with the most gorgeous ring sparkling in the light coming into the bedroom. He didn't say much that I could understand, as he was quite emotional. I just stood there, transfixed, for a good minute. Then all I heard was, “SOOO??” and I replied, “Oh yes, of course I will marry you!” It was the most random, funny, unforgettable proposal—very us.
Tyrone had planned to propose on my birthday, but with the ring burning a hole in his pocket, he couldn't help himself when he got home. We still laugh about it to this day, which I think is very special.
What was your favourite part of the day?
My favourite part of our day was when my husband and I exchanged our rings. We also exchanged a bracelet with our then 10-month-old son, Hektor. It was the perfect symbol to solidify the unity of our family coming together as one.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
I always felt our day was going to be a bluebird day. I woke up on the Saturday at the venue's accommodation, and I wasn’t wrong—the weather gods were truly out in force. Not a cloud in the sky! I had made gift bags for my two bridesmaids, so I made some hot cuppas, and we all sat on one bed while they opened them, drank our hot drinks, and talked about the upcoming day, to which we all had excited butterflies.
Our makeup artist/hair stylist arrived onsite quite early. After having an early glass of bubbles and a snack platter, we were surprised by how fast the day was going. Once our hair and makeup were completed, we walked in our heels to practice over to the venue and ceremony area. The florists were working hard, and I was absolutely in awe of how the venue had been transformed by the floral arrangements. The black and white theme was all coming together, and my vision was coming to life. We meandered back to the accommodation, and before long, my amazing photographer Rochelle and videographer Tashina had arrived onsite. Their energy was boundless and contagious. While we started playing some uplifting music, it wasn't long before it was time to put on our dresses.
We all heard a faint rumble of a V6 engine that grew louder as it approached the driveway, passing where we were staying, and we knew that Tyrone had arrived with his entourage. It was getting real. Then our buses arrived, and the excited chatter of guests could be heard as they made their way to the glasshouse where we would be getting married. I felt like I had just caught my breath, and then suddenly there I was, walking down the aisle arm in arm with my father. Our ceremony was perfect. All the guests looked fantastic in the sea of black that was the dress code, which truly made the white flowers and foliage pop!
After our photos, we were welcomed into the black barn where the reception was taking place, greeted by eruptions of glee from our guests. With hungry bellies, we couldn’t wait to dive into the drool-inducing food made onsite by our caterers. We opted for the three course alternate dish placement, and we were so pleased we did. Each dish was meticulously created, and we still hear to this day how delectable the food was from start to finish. After dessert, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and our photographer and videographer approached Tyrone and me to ask if we would venture with them to chase a photo opportunity of the aurora showcasing itself over the hills. With excitement, we agreed and jumped in the back of Rochelle’s car to chase the lights. In the pitch black darkness, standing in the middle of a country road, they got their shot—a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I have always loved the aurora, so it felt like everything had come full circle. With sore feet and happy hearts, we bid adieu to our guests after an unforgettable day and night, ready to start our life together as husband and wife.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
I have three pieces of advice for a bride to be. First, savor the moment. Take time in the morning to relax; remember this day will be fleeting, so take your time and relish each activity throughout the day. This is your day, so you can choose the pace.
Secondly, I would highly recommend having a videographer capture the day. It all becomes a blur, so having the actual footage to see yourself going through the motions is very different from having only images to look at.
Thirdly, make time for a quiet moment with your new husband. You will be surprised at how little time you two lovebirds actually have to yourselves on the day.
