Kyoto, Japan • 8 November 2018
Josiah and I had been going to the same youth group for a while but never seemed to have crossed paths, until a family friend suggested we have my mother's birthday on their farm, clay bird shooting. He taught me how to shoot a clay bird, and that was the first time we officially met. I was drawn to him ever since and we naturally became very good friends, and then fell in love!
THE PROPOSAL
After weeks of working crazy hours and not being able to spend a lot of quality time with each other, we decided to go on a short getaway to beautiful Wairarapa. With our morning coffee and a pastry in hand, we made our way to the most amazing property, owned by leading New Zealand potter Paul Melser. We watched the sun stream through the enormous aged trees in Paul's beautiful garden over a hot pot of tea, before venturing back to Wellington.
On our way back, we found ourselves around the bay where Josiah had planned the next part of the proposal. I hopped out of the car and headed for the water with Josiah behind me, a picnic basket in one hand and his beloved coffee maker in the other. He smiled and asked me to take a seat so he could make me our special beachside affogato, which we used to make all the time when we first started dating. As he turned to hand me my treat, he got on one knee to propose. I was speechless and so overwhelmed that I couldn't put the ring on. It was all so beautiful!
We spent the rest of the night watching the city's Fireworks display from his parents' boat in the harbour. It was perfect.
THE DAY
Our wedding was held in the picture-perfect city of Kyoto, Japan. We stayed and celebrated at the most heavenly property which was built over 100 years ago on the hills of northern Kyoto.
On the morning of the wedding, I woke up early and went for a stroll around the neighborhood with my younger brother, buying bizarre snacks from 7 Eleven. I then started to get ready with the girls helping me with final touch-ups. We had so much fun getting ready I ended up being half an hour late to my own wedding!
Although forecasted to pour with rain, we had the perfect weather with the sun beaming all day. I walked through the garden, down the paved stone pathway to the song Perfect Day by Harry Nilsson. At the end of the aisle, I finally met Josiah’s eyes and we said our I do's.
After having our photos taken by our dear friends Jeremy Hooper and Sam David Smith, we did a quick outfit change and made our way to dinner with our closest friends and family. Then, nearing the end of the night, our beautiful Japanese hosts sang us a traditional Japanese wedding song.
It was small, intimate and so so special, I didn’t want the day to end!
THE OUTFIT AND ACCESSORIES
I've always loved simple and classic elements that never go out of style in this fast-fashion world we live in. I searched the web and shops for months to find the perfect dress and accessories and found Sophie Buhai's classic double pearl earrings. I wore Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s low white mules which I know I will wear again with jeans and a T-Shirt. Now the most important part of the look, I wore the Amalfi gown by OUI The Label with its simple, classic lines and a touch of femme.
For the reception, I changed into a beautiful vintage black Céline dress from Olivia Lila Hood, paired with black heels, and my grandmother's diamond hoop earrings.
I wanted to feel myself in a fresh new way, and I did!
DEAR JOSIAH
“I promise to love you in the highs and the lows, to stand with you, to encourage you and fulfill our dreams together. I promise to be your best friend, to make you laugh, always.”
DEAR GRACE
“I promise to cultivate an environment of creativity and generosity in our relationship, one that serves others over ourselves, as we pursue beauty in all its forms.”
