Wedding | Emily & Simon

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We're Emily and Simon, and we live in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Simon is a Barrister and Mediator, and Emily owns a photography agency and production company—our careers couldn’t be more different. We've been together for eight years, our beloved doggo, Marlow joined us just two months in. Simon proposed one quiet morning over coffee at home, just two weeks before our daughter Nova was born.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We wanted somewhere unique that didn’t feel like a wedding venue. A place where we could host an intimate ceremony and a big party all in the same place. As soon as we visited the space and stood on the sun drenched rooftop we knew it was perfect for us. Because we have a young daughter and had a lot of family and friends travelling from overseas, the thought of a city wedding was very attractive. 

How many guests did you have?

95 guests. 

What was your budget? 

We had a relatively modest figure in mind, which we of course went (way) over. But it was worth it. 

Tell us about your outfits.

(Emily) I decided to go custom with a set by Brooke Tyson. I was still breastfeeding when we started making my dress so my body was changing a lot. Brooke was amazing at adjusting the shape as we went, even making some last-minute tweaks just days before the wedding. I wore a tailored bodice with an exaggerated hip, and a matching pencil skirt with a subtle train. Worn with my mum’s wedding veil, which meant so much to me.

(Simon) I wear suits most days for work, so I wanted something with a different vibe. I went for a relaxed fit grey suit, cropped white shirt with a 70s collar, and chunky derby shoes.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

The most important thing was that the day felt like us, relaxed, meaningful and real. We wanted to honour the parts of a wedding that felt significant, like the ceremony, speeches, and family. Our beautiful friend, Megan got ordained so she could be our celebrant which was just so special. Once the formalities were done, it was all about letting loose and throwing a proper party. Lots of dancing, great music, good food. Em ended up with her shoes off, dancing all night — which pretty much sums up the vibe we were going for.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

It was really important to us that our daughter and dog were part of the ceremony. Nova had just turned one and was the cutest little flower girl, carried down the aisle by Emily’s mum. And Marlow wore the rings on her collar.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Don’t lose sight. The day is about the two of you and what is important and meaningful to you both. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your own wedding day. But mostly, enjoy yourself, it will probably be the most expensive party you will ever throw.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Yes!

Butter Butter - Petra created the absolute cake of our dreams. About a metre wide, it was so big she had to construct it on site. Covered in berries and figs, just perfect.

Sarah Jayne Kavali - Her creative eye and the little details made the space feel special, and just like us.

Keryn Sweeney – She captured our day so beautifully and authentically.

Oh Boy Agency – They made the chicest wedding invites, website and menus.

Photographer: Keryn Sweeney @kerynsweeneyphotographer | Day Of Co-Ordinator: KL Weddings and Events @klweddingsandevents | Styling: Sarah Jayne Kavali @sarahjaynekavali | Bridal Flowers:

Greenpoint @greenpoint.florist | Videographer: Oliver Crawford @ olivercrawford.nz | Ceremony & Reception Location: The Northern Club @thenorthernclub | Hire: Flock Events @flockevents | Makeup: Liz Hyun @liz_hyun & Blair Gamblin @beautybyblairgamblin | Hair: Zoe Clark @zoe.clark.inco | Cake: Butter Butter @butterbutternz | Invites, Stationery & Website: Oh Boy Agency @ohboyagency | Entertainment: Sweet Mix Kids @sweetmixkids | Dress: Brooke Tyson @brooketysonritual | Veil: Family heirloom, Brides mothers’ veil | Engagement Ring: The Diamond Shop @thediamondshop | Wedding Rings: Meadowlark @meadowlarkjewellery | Shoes: Nodaleto @nodaleto | Brides Jewellery: Jasmin Sparrow @jasminsparrowjewellery | Wedding Party Attire: (Bridesmaids) Paris Georgia @paris__georgia