Caroline & Brent
Caroline and Brent traveled from Australia to be married surrounded by the beauty of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf in a classic wedding with a nod to the bride’s Scottish heritage. Caroline shares details from their day…
The pure serenity, gorgeous views and amazing food and wine that makes up Waiheke Island is really what drew us to hold our wedding there, away from our current hometown of Brisbane, Australia. It also gave me a chance to show off how amazing my home of New Zealand is, to all the Australian family and friends traveling to our wedding. Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant provided the perfect backdrop with it’s 360-degree views back to Auckland City and then across to the Coromandel.
On the morning of our wedding I took the time on my own to go for a jog down to the local beach at Oneroa, and take a few moments to ‘breathe’. The weather was just stunning and the most perfect way to start the day. Little did I know, husband-to-be had done the exact same thing just a few bays along!
Our morning was spent at separate holiday homes in Oneroa, getting ready with our bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as very excited pageboy and flowergirl. My Uncle kindly brought over to the island a burly seven-seater SUV, decorated with a mixture of Scottish, Australian and Kiwi themed interior decorations – a nod to all the family backgrounds, and transported us up to Mudbrick when it was time. A sole Scottish piper directed the guests with his eerie and passionate tunes to the ceremony area at Mudbrick’s Lodge.
The bridal party walked down the aisle to a string duo consisting of guitar and cello, who further played throughout the cocktails and canapés, post ceremony.
One of our favourite moments of the day was after the ceremony and formal photographs, where the bridal party just sat on the side of the hill, snacks and beverages in hand and were able to celebrate together. It was a moment of reflection and festivity that came at the most unexpected time.
Guests were served a three-course seated meal for which they were able to select from a number of options, sampling some of the best of New Zealand’s cuisine. We also surprised everyone with the unannounced entrance of a full Scottish pipe band after dinner – some of the photos we had come from this performance were hilarious!. Mike Steffans our DJ, made sure we partied hard for the rest of the night.
Without our amazing family and friends support this day would not have been what it was – we are so grateful to have had the most perfect day. We cannot thank our photographer enough also for the stunning photos and video we will be able to cherish for life.
Photographer: Chris Turner Photo + Video
Bride’s gown: Essense of Australia
Cake: Send A Chocolate Cake
DJ: Mike Steffens
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant / Gibson Suiting / Tania Olsen Designs / Lipstick & Co / Waiheke Flower Company / Deciduous Press / Waiheke Shuttles / Michel Tent