Cerys and Alex vowed forever surrounded by their friends and family at the beautiful Markovina Vineyard Estate. Their wedding day was a true celebration of their love, with these photos capturing the joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments that made their day so special.
Cerys looked stunning in Andora by Forget Me Knot, a Mikado satin A-line gown featuring an exposed boning bodice, a soft Basque waist, and a striking split in the box-pleated skirt. She paired her ceremony gown with our Camille veil, a soft glitter tulle veil that added a beautiful touch of shimmer. For the reception, Cerys changed into our Marrakesh Italian Mini dress, an Italian satin fitted gown featuring a straight ruched bodice, and completed the look with our Darla veil, a horsehair bow veil that added the perfect touch of fun.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through the highlights of their special day, learning more about Cerys' wedding dress journey, and discovering her advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I actually ended up buying two gowns and two veils from Astra Bridal for my wedding. My ceremony gown was incredibly flattering, and from the moment I put it on, I had a feeling it was the one. Paired with my sparkling veil, which looked absolutely stunning in the light, it gave me the ultimate princess moment. It was a style I never expected to choose, but I honestly wouldn’t have changed a thing.
My reception dress started as a fun little addition to the appointment, just something extra to try on, but the second I stepped into it, we all knew it was far too fun not to get. The bow veil completed the whole look perfectly and matched the vibe so well.
I felt so lucky to find not just one, but two dresses I absolutely loved at Astra Bridal. Most importantly, I truly felt beautiful in both of them.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I started my dress search with no real idea of what I wanted. I was completely open-minded and had heard wonderful things about Astra Bridal, so I decided to give it a try. From the moment I walked in with my friends and family, I immediately felt comfortable and welcomed.
The staff were so friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer every question we had, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and exciting. My entourage and I picked out a variety of gowns, and we had the best time trying them all on. There was so much laughter, a few happy tears, and we learnt so much throughout the process.
By the end of the appointment, I knew Astra Bridal was where I would find my dress.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
We met in high school during maths class when we were just 15 years old, and we’ve been together ever since. What started as a friendship quickly became something more, and we were lucky enough to grow up side by side as best friends and partners.
At 20, Alex joined the Defence Force, which meant spending a few years in a long-distance relationship before he was eventually able to move back to Auckland. No matter the distance, we always knew we were meant for each other.
After nine years together, Alex proposed in Osaka, Japan, surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was the most special moment, made even more memorable by the fact that the ring had accidentally been left on a bullet train travelling in the opposite direction just two days earlier! Thankfully, we managed to get it back in time.
For us, getting engaged wasn’t about changing what we already had. It was about celebrating and sealing the love, commitment, and life we had built together over the years.
What was your favourite part of the day?
It's hard to pinpoint just one moment, but I think we can both agree that seeing each other as I walked down the aisle and finally being announced as husband and wife were moments that can't be replaced.
4:44 pm on 26 March 2026 will always hold a special place in both our hearts as the moment we became one team forever.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
Our wedding day was pure fun from the moment we woke up right through to the final dance of the night. The weather, however, had other plans: torrential rain from start to finish. It definitely wasn’t what we had imagined or planned for, but our guests, vendors, and wedding party made it feel like the weather didn’t matter at all. Everyone brought such amazing energy and was genuinely just excited to celebrate with us and be part of our special day.
Getting ready with my mum and bridesmaids was such a calm, wholesome experience, and it really set the tone for the entire day. From that moment on, I just embraced everything as it came and enjoyed every second.
Our ceremony reflected us perfectly. There were games, jokes, heartfelt moments, and so much laughter. We really wanted it to feel personal and true to who we are as a couple, and it absolutely did. Marrying my husband was the most special moment of my life, one I would relive over and over again if I could.
The reception was everything we had hoped for and more. Our guests made the night so memorable, and after the speeches and dinner, the dance floor stayed packed until the very last song. We truly had the best time, and so many of our guests still tell us it was one of the best weddings they’ve ever attended.
Despite the weather and the last-minute changes, our wedding day exceeded every expectation we had. It was more perfect than we ever could have put into words.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Enjoy every moment of it. There will always be things you can’t control, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life. Some of the best memories won’t be the ones shared online; they’ll be the quiet, meaningful moments you carry with you forever in your heart.
