Emma & David

Family, friends, travel, live music, good food and great wine. Those ideas pretty well sum up what is important to us as a couple – and so exactly what we wanted to achieve on our wedding day. 

In our first year of dating, David surprised me with a trip to Europe (he was pulling out the big guns). The two of us spent four weeks visiting sights and friends, starting the trip with a bang in Munich for the end of Oktoberfest. As two extroverted theatre nerds who love to sing, dress up, drink beer, and talk to strangers, this was heaven on earth. We spent the better part of three days attending the festival – riding roller coasters, tasting the local cuisine and sampling as much beer as two twenty-somethings could handle. And though we have travelled to many places since then, this trip was the start of realising that everything we loved was so much more fun when we were together. So, the Oktoberfest theme was born from the desire to create a fun atmosphere for our family and friends based on the best trip of our relationship! 

My parents own a beautiful six-bedroom home that they have restored and renovated over the last 20 years. With a large garden, tennis court and lots of inside space, it was always a dream venue for our summer wedding. With friends and family all wanting to help, the wedding became a family and community affair. 

The year-and-a-half of planning was done almost exclusively from our home in Australia via email, with one quick trip six months out to meet all the vendors and discuss general ideas. Decor was almost exclusively either made or sourced by us. Bunting was handmade by mum, table numbers and name cards were made and designed by my work colleague, the wooden archway was made by a family friend. 

After a week or two of worrying about rain, we were gifted with a clear blue sky and a gorgeous 24 degree summer day. The ceremony was held at St Michaels Catholic Parish, overlooking Lake Rotorua; perched on a hill in Ohinemutu. 

After photos in the Redwood Forest, the reception followed at mum and dad’s home. Our 150 guests were greeted with steins of beer and fresh pretzels, with traditional oompah music ringing out from garden speakers. 

As the property is quite large there was a challenge to utilise the space and create multiple interest points for guests – we definitely didn’t want anyone being bored! These ‘destinations’ included: the gin and tonic bar (complete with over 30 types of gin); a s’mores station with white cape cod chairs around an open fire; lawn games; a ‘sports bar’ complete with NZ and AUS sports memorabilia; and a coffee caravan. 

The marquee was set up on the tennis court, nestled amongst the garden that my parents have so lovingly hand-planted and worked on for well over a decade. In the tent we really wanted that ‘beer hall’ feeling, with long rows of tables, antlers, candles, and greenery, flowers and herbs picked from the garden. Dinner was a German-style buffet, and serving staff even dressed in traditional Dirndls and Lederhosen!

After dinner, we enjoyed speeches and entertainment from a live band – with a surprise number by the newlywed couple (we couldn’t help ourselves!). 

The most magical part of the day was being surrounded by friends and family from all over the world. With no knowledge of what was to come in 2020, many of the guests have been so thankful they travelled to NZ for their last overseas trip in what maybe years.

Photos by Thomas Falconer, INTHEFRAME

Luv Bridal / Ted Baker / Makeup by Anita Maree / Jorja Rose Hair Design / Bloom Art / Taupo Hire / Terrace Kitchen / Wolves and Ravens