Saige and Michael said "I Do" at the stylish Prefab Hall, surrounded by their loved ones. Their big day was full of joy and celebration as they enjoyed every moment with friends and family.
Saige wowed in a Coventry by Forget Me Knot, a classic stretch Mikado gown with a ruched sweetheart bodice and a full pleated skirt that blends elegance with a touch of drama. She added a modern twist with voluminous puff sleeves, making her look both timeless and modern.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their special day and getting a glimpse of Saige’s experience with Astra Bridal and how she found her perfect wedding dress.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I fell in love with the top half of the dress. Although it was a strapless dress, it had a "pointy" neckline that I thought was fun. Everything about the dress flowed together - the side split, the material and structure of the dress, and the pleats. I paired the dress with puff sleeves and a very simple veil.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
Honestly, I couldn't have had a better experience with the team at Astra Bridal. It was the first and last place I went when dress shopping. I had no clue what I wanted but knew I wanted to try on everything and anything. I tried SOO many different styles, from a blush pink sparkly princess-like dress to a modern low neck A-line dress.
The first time I went in, I was overwhelmed - not only by how many dresses there were but I also wasn't prepared for the fact that I would have to be in very little clothing while trying on dresses (honestly, I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't being half naked). I'm a big gal with rather large breasts, and the team made me feel comfortable instantly. Not once did they discourage me from trying on a dress that wasn't my size or that might not suit my body shape.
Unfortunately, I didn't find anything the first time. I continued looking around and even went to Auckland. By this stage, I knew exactly what I wanted: a modern strapless dress with separate puff sleeves. I started to give up as I couldn't find anything until a friend sent me a link with MY DREAM DRESS! I made an appointment straight away and went in that week to try it on. It wasn't in my size, so it was a little risky, but Kryslin reassured me that the dress was THE one.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Michael and I met through Snapchat - 2013's version of Tinder, I guess. I was still in college, finishing my last year, and Michael was in his first year at Weltec. We had light banter and little flirty comments here and there, and within a week, we were going on our first date. It was a typical first date: movies and dinner. We ended the night walking along the waterfront, and we stopped on this floating platform on the water.
On the day we got engaged, I was in a MOOD all day (I'm surprised he still asked me that day). We were going out for dinner with two of our friends before heading to a farewell. It was Matariki, and Michael had planned to propose when the fireworks went off, but we were still in the restaurant at the time. As we walked along the waterfront heading to the farewell, he led me down to the same floating platform from our first date. He was full of nerves (I could tell it was happening), and I don't think I even let him get the words out before I said YES!
What was your favourite part of the day?
It's hard to say, as there were special moments throughout the day, but I would have to say when I performed my Siva (Samoan dance) and when Michael joined my family in a Haka.
My husband is a very proud Samoan man, so I knew from the start that doing a Siva would mean the world to him. Watching not only his reaction but also the reactions of both family and friends was something else. I was so far out of my comfort zone, but it was a beautiful moment, and I could see how emotional and proud he was of me. My family would say that Michael is very reserved, so watching him join my family in the Haka is something I won't forget. Supporting each other's cultures seems so minor, but rewatching videos of those moments still makes me smile to this day.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
From the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep, it was STRESS FREE! Getting ready was so relaxing - I had my mums, my girls, and a mimosa in hand. We couldn't have asked for better weather; there wasn't a single cloud in the sky that day, which automatically put everyone in a good mood.
Our ceremony was very "us." We forgot words, made up words, stuttered, laughed, and cried. It was very short and sweet, just how we wanted it.
Our reception was beautiful. The team at Nosh and Prefab outdid themselves - everything was exactly how we wanted it. The room was filled with nothing but happiness and joy as we looked over and saw our family and friends enjoying the night.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
It's going to sound blunt, but do what you and your husband-to-be want. Its very easy to get caught up in what you think you should do, but at the end of the day, this is YOUR day, and you need to look back and think, "There is nothing I would change." Stick to your guns!
