Names:
Courtney Webb & Carl Middleton
Wedding date:
08.03.19
Ceremony & Reception Venue:
Goldie Estate, Waiheke Island New Zealand
How we met and the marriage proposal:
We met in London where we were both living. Carl sought me out at a house party as he’d heard I was having my birthday party on the same day as his housewarming and he wanted me to move it.. He must have worked his charm because I was kind enough to compromise and change to lunch so everyone could go to his party that evening! We ended up becoming really good friends and were mates first for nearly a year before we started dating.
He proposed 4 years later while we were home in NZ for the Christmas holidays. It was super simple yet incredibly romantic. We were up north in the Bay of Islands at my dad’s place, we woke up and said he wanted to go for a swim, so we headed down to the beach where he made me walk all the way to the end (so we could be on our own!) before he proposed. I was over the moon and so happy he had done it at home so we could celebrate with family.
About our wedding day:
Our entire wedding was meant to be outside (from the ceremony to reception) but in the week leading up the weather turned, and we could see it was going to rain. We didn’t have a wet weather plan so last minute we organised a marquee from Auckland to come over to Waiheke Island. In the lead up I was devastated that it was going to rain but can honestly say it did not ruin the day, in fact it made it more romantic and intimate if anything.
Our ceremony took place when the rain was at its heaviest but we had the clear marquee lit up with lots of candles and flowers and it was really beautiful. We were lucky that after the ceremony the rain cleared and left us with the most amazing light for our photos and reception. The marquee was glowing the most beautiful golden colours and one of my favourite memories is looking out at all of our friends and families in the most magical light.
It was important for us to have a sit-down dinner and we loved our long banquet style tables where everyone shared a feast of mezze platters, salmon, lamb, salads and vegetables over far too many bottles of Goldie Estate wine.
Our friends and family are much like us, they love to party! Following dinner, we opened the Gelato cart for dessert with personalised Mr & Mrs Middleton cups for everyone to enjoy – the cart was a huge hit. We also had an amazing live band who had everyone on the dance floor and partying the night away.. We also had a late-night snack (fries of course) that were also in our personalised chip cups – I love a bit of personalisation! Last minute I organised a decal for the wall that had Mr & Mrs Middleton
Our wedding style:
Relaxed, fun and romantic.
Finding my wedding gown and couture experience at Suzanne Harward:
I’m still so obsessed with my dress and wish I could wear it again! I think I tried on every dress in Melbourne and was starting to lose hope as I was not enjoying the experience at all. Suzanne Harward was the last place on my list and my dress was the last one I tried on. I immediately knew it was the one, I loved everything about it and it was so comfortable to wear all day and dance the night away. The team there are also the best, Carly in particular is a sweetheart and loved working with her throughout the whole experience.
First dance song:
Luther Vandross - Never Too Much. The first dance is one of my favourite memories as our MC was introducing us and we thought our song was about to start but Scribe came on and he rapped Not Many. It was SO funny! We’re both kiwis with a huge group of Aussie mates so they all thought it was hilarious.
Advice for future couples:
Don’t get too caught up in the tiny details as only you will notice them and they won’t matter on the day! And make a wet weather plan because hiring a marquee and shipping it to an island in the days leading up is expensive.
Honeymoon destination:
New York and Italy for three incredibly blissful weeks!
Vendors:
Photographer; Libby Robinson
Videographer; Sink or Surface
Groom’s attire: Jack London
Bridal party attire; Isabelle Quinn
Brides shoes; ASOS
Bride’s accessories; The dress was the star of the show so I kept it simple with Sarah & Sebastian fine gold jewellery, my grandmothers engagement ring and my engagement ring.
Hair: M11 Studio
Makeup artists; Chay Roberts
Florist; Wildflower Waiheke
Venue; Goldie Estate, Waiheke Island
Catering; Goldie Estate
Coordinator; Michelle Gras
Stylist and planner: Me J
Stationary; Hannah Lidbury
Entertainment; Coachella Folk Band