Laura & Ryan

Laura & Ryan decided to have a non-traditional wedding party with bridesmen instead of bridesmaids! Keeping it in the family, Laura's brother and four cousins stood by her side as she said 'I do' to Ryan, and they looked dashing as they did so!…

‘We are high school sweet hearts and have travelled the world to 33 different countries together. We had a big wedding of around 160 guests on the family farm in Paparimu. Many friends and family from all over the world joined us in celebrating our big day. Those who travelled the furthest were from Norway and the Netherlands.’

‘Rather than the traditional way of doing things, we had Bridesmen instead of bridesmaids (Laura's brother was the best man on her side and Laura's cousins were the other 4 Bridesmen). Ryan had five of his closest friends as his groomsmen with Ryan's brother as our ring bearer. Our mums were our two witnesses.’

‘The Paparimu farm has been in Ryan’s family for six generations (since 1869) and is a very special place for us. We decided to have our whole wedding held there, where I grew up. We had the Paparimu community involved in the prepping, set up, mowing and clean up. Neighbours and friends came out on ride on mowers and tractors a week before the wedding to give us a hand. Without everyone involved, the day wouldn't have been possible.’

‘Our wedding day was spectacular and ran very smoothly. Team Bride were getting ready down the road at Aunty Netty's house, whilst Team Groom got ready at the house on the farm. The ceremony started at 2pm, followed by cocktail hour, including cheese platters. The bridal party went off for photos at the back of the farm, piling into farm utes where the cows decided to make an appearance during our photoshoot.’

‘Our celebrant Tania Jeffs-Maindonald was amazing, making us feel so comfortable it felt like we had known her for years! She wore the most beautiful Kakahu (short feathered cloak) tying in with our true NZ details, such as Laura’s flax woven bouquet.’

‘The reception began at 4pm, with formalities including the cutting of the cake, the first dance & father daughter dance, which were choreographed by Laura's dance teacher. Our nearest and dearest said speeches, including Uncle Alan doing a themed flight attendant speech as that is what he does as his profession.’

‘We had a beautiful feature wall with all the families’ wedding photos over the generations, as well as a feature of photos of those who have passed away.’

‘Laura had an outfit change later in the night to a shorter dress suitable for busting some dance moves and taking amazing sunset photos.

Some guests headed home after a massive day around midnight, but us party goers kept partying till 5am! A day we will never forget, memories for life!’

Photographer: Photography by Kushla

Videographer: Perspectives

Groom/groomsmen/bridesman attire: Frank Casey Suit Hire

Flax flowers: (bouquet, buttonholes and cake flowers): Harakeke Flowers

Decor flowers: Catherine Rawnsley

Cheeseplatters: Little Wolf

Dinner (burgers/fries): - Urban Flair

Ceremony music - The Black Quartet

Dance teacher Natasha Doherty

Marquee and furniture: Silver fern marquees

Celebrant: Your NZ Celebrant - Tania Maindonald

Sar Jewellers / Swarovski / Pascoe Jewellers / Madie Cotter / Hair by Yujin / Julie Dallas / Mr Whippy / DJ Kayde / Luna / Findaband / Auckland Sound Hire / It’s Party Time Event Hire / Beverage Smart / Outback Bathrooms