Magan & Sophie – An Intimate New Zealand Wedding Day
Because of circumstance, Magan and Sophie held a small, intimate ceremony in New Zealand instead of the big celebration they’d originally planned.
Tell Us About The Proposal.
S: I proposed on the third day of a four-day hike around Lake Waikaremoana. Our flatmate, who was on the hike, carried the ring for me. I dropped down on one knee and proposed at the top of Panekire Bluff overlooking Lake Waikaremoana.
Tell Us About The Stress Of A Last-Minute Wedding Dress.
Magan had a couple of incidences of bad luck with her wedding dress, and with three days until the wedding, she still didn’t have a dress. However, Magan worked with a lovely group of women and nurses – who all were amazingly supportive to help through the stress. All were prepared to bring their wedding dresses to work for a dress fitting and have a “something borrowed” wedding dress.
Thankfully, on Wednesday night Magan managed a thrifted Sophie Voon dress that fit perfectly, even in length, despite her being very short!
Talk Us Through Your Wedding Day.
It was so easy! The day was largely all organized by Perfect Little Weddings and dinner by Thistle Inn. We had rented an apartment in the city center for a couple of nights. Close to where we got our hair and make-up done and close to a friend’s house where Sophie got ready, and then they drove her to the venue.
Magan had some friends who lived further away come to the apartment and help her get ready and was driven by the neighbor who they consider their “New Zealand Dad” to the venue.
Sophie was walked down the aisle by her host mum when she moved to New Zealand. Magan was walked down the aisle by their NZ dad. The ceremony was sweet and simple, with a small celebration in The Glass Chapel and then onto dinner at The Thistle Inn. Our families were watching remotely through the support of Traveller Audio and Visual. The only thing we would have changed was the physical presence of our parents.
Advice For Other Couples Planning A Smaller Wedding?
Do it! If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, we would have ended up with a much larger, costly, and stressful wedding. Our small wedding was about us, and having wedding planners made it so we could relax and enjoy it. A small guest list meant that everyone had an intimate part in the wedding itself through doing readings, being a witness, being a ring bearer, etc. We had the opportunity to interact with all our guests and really share the experience together.
What Does The Future Hold For You Both?
Because of the pandemic, our parents couldn’t make the wedding, so we are looking forward to celebrating our newlywed status. Also, where we are both from different countries (Canada and New Caledonia), our parents haven’t met yet, so it would be great to have a big family gathering.
After that, we are both looking forward to more outdoor adventures and overseas travels as soon as the borders re-open.
Photography by Andie Noon
Cake That Little Cake Shop
Cake Topper Wooden Heart Buttons
Catering Blue Carrot Catering
Celebrant Karen Rogers Sinclair
Ceremony Venue The Glass Chapel
Cinematographer Traveller Audio & Visual
Dress Designer Sophie Voon
Engagement & Wedding Rings Rhea Jewellery
Florist Flowers by Carol
H&MU Jarna Alexander
Planner | Stylist Perfect Little Weddings
Reception Venue Thistle Inn
Stationery Optimal Print