An off the shoulder cut with ruching in all the the right places, it was magical seeing our bride Ashlea’s custom dress take the stage at her Auckland wedding this summer. Read all about Ashlea’s real wedding day experience, the lead up to her special day, and find some bride to bride tips.
What do you both do for work?
I work as a brand manager for a local fashion label and Leighton works as a product manager at the bank.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love going for long walks, cooking a meal for friends, and pottering away on creative projects.
Tell me about your love story – how did you meet / end up dating?
We met through a friend actually! I was going on a trip to the beach with Leighton’s flatmate – which he promptly invited himself along to. I thought he was smart and kind. Both very good things! We were friends for the next few months until it was clear we were each smitten by the other. Leit officially asked me out in a mall car park of all places – safe to say it was uphill from there. Our first date was full of jazz, wine and conversation that went on far past my usual bedtime. Many months and lockdowns later we were both sure it was forever.
How did the proposal go down?
It was beautiful and simple. We went out to dinner at Mezze on high st, and then leighton decided we should go to Devonport. We watched the sunset and then he went to the car and grabbed a beautiful book he’d made of words, pictures and shared moments. That’s when I knew it was happening! It was magic. And the ring! I love it. The whole night was full of love and ease.
What was most important to you when it came to celebrating your marriage?
Doing it in the company of our beautiful friends and family. We knew our married life would be shaped by those people, so wanted to really celebrate that on the day.
How did you find the planning process?
Busy and enjoyable. There were a lot of things to do but Leit and I had tasks we naturally wanted to do which made it a lot easier. I set myself the task of sourcing everything for the reception, which was actually so much fun – when else do you get to spend months planning a dinner party?!
How did you find getting a custom dress made?
I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Every second of the process was thoughtful and considered. Being able to talk through every detail before it got made was super valuable and kept me at ease. Seeing it come together piece by piece gave me such a huge appreciation for the construction and craftsmanship of it all too. It fit me like a glove which I think is so important on the day and is something that can truely only be achieved through getting it custom made.
“Seeing it come together piece by piece gave me such a huge appreciation for the construction and craftsmanship of it all too.”
Talk me through the day?
The day was relaxed and fun. My best friend in Sydney who couldn’t make it over had her beautiful parents deliver the most divine brunch for my wonderful bridesmaid Ellie and i. Moments like that blew me away. The ceremony passed by really quickly, but it felt reverent and expansive in a way we both dreamt of. We didn’t go anywhere special for photos, just back to where we’re staying with the bridal party. We were both so glad we did it that way. It meant we could relax and share wine and conversation with our most special people on the day. From then on it was just a big party at the reception!
What Special / Unique moments come to mind of the day?
The reception!. Sharing food, memories and laughs made it feel like one big family dinner – which it was really! I think it left us both feeling so grateful and humbled by all the amazing people we have in our lives.
Did anything stand out as totally not going to plan?
One thing – Mum and I didn’t get a photo together! It’s sad to think about! I can only put it down to being so in the moment we didn’t think of it.
What would your top pieces of advice be to pass on to couples?
Trust the process and enjoy it. Remember to thank everyone involved – it takes a lot of hands to make some thing so special come together.
Standout vendors and why?
Kensal our florist! Liv was amazing at helping with everything from table settings through to last minute bouquet decisions. I think the flowers truly made our venue come to life and it was so wonderful to work with someone who had the same vision for it all.
Vendors:
Florist – Kensal
Brides Dress: Fritz&Sarah
Photographer – Nicole Brannen & Loren Taylor
Videographer – Beka Hope
Hair – Virigina Carde
Makeup – Virginia Carde
Bridesmaid dress – Third form
Groomsman suits – their own ones they already had
Caterer – Ima cuisine
Venues – Bishop Selwyn Chapel & Elizabeth’s
Shoes – Made with Love
Rings – Alexandra Dodds
Cake – Janine Streeter
