Hailey and Nate said “I do” surrounded by their loved ones at the beautiful grounds of Brackenridge Retreat & Spa. Their day was filled with happiness and love, with photos capturing the couple making the most of their special day and celebrating in style.
Hailey looked beautiful in the Adelaide Mae by Forget Me Knot, a ballgown featuring a ruched satin bodice and a full layered tulle skirt with a horsehair hem. She added our Italian satin cap sleeves for a romantic touch and completed her look with our Kendra veil, a two tier scattered pearl veil. An accessory that perfectly complemented her overall look.
Keep scrolling to explore more breathtaking images, get a glimpse into Hailey’s wedding dress shopping journey, and read her advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I think what made me fall for the dress was the surprise it took me by and how I felt wearing it. I felt confident, strutting around the shop, and couldn’t stop smiling or imagining myself on the day and the look on Nate’s face. I couldn’t tell you exactly what specifically made me fall for it it was one of those “when you know, you know” moments and everyone could see it on my face and agreed.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
When I started looking for a dress, I won’t lie, I had thought about just getting something cheaper online as I didn’t think I could justify the cost for a one day event, and I wasn’t entirely happy with what I got but thought “it’ll do.” A month later, I organised a trip to Astra Bridal in Wellington with my MOH at the time, Nate’s mum, my mum, and my soon to be sister in law. The moment I got there, I knew I was going to be walking away with a dress. I could just tell.
We had Lisa helping us and giving us the most magical dress shopping experience. It was so much fun and so welcoming. I cannot recommend the Wellington team enough. I tried on a few different designs and styles, and then I tried on some ball gowns, thinking it was just going to be a joke as I went in thinking fitted for sure.
Well, I tried the Adelaide Mae by Forget Me Knot and it was game over. I felt so confident, with main character vibes in that dress. I knew it was made for me. I honestly didn’t think it could get better, but then Lisa got me to try on the Kendra veil, and it just completed the look and tied in so well with the pearls and everything.
It was a perfect day, and the team was so good with communication and keeping me updated on the stages of the dress, etc.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Nate and I are high school sweethearts who met at the local football field and haven’t looked back since. We have been together since we were 16 and are now both 22, married, and have just bought our first house as of this week.
When Nate proposed, it was on our first overseas holiday to Rarotonga at sunset as we were watching the whales out on the water, which was so magical and special.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Favourite part of the day was getting to dance the night away with Nate and all our favourite people, celebrating love and our journey.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
Getting married teaches you so much, not just about yourself but about the people you surround yourself with. I was so surprised, as when it comes to organisation I am very much a type A person and was fully expecting to go bridezilla at some point; however it never happened. I was very relaxed the whole planning process and everything seemed to fall into place how we wanted.
A few bumps along the way included my MOH backing out two weeks before the wedding and not coming at all. You would’ve thought that would send me spiralling, however I had grace and understanding and took a very “it is what it is” approach, knowing this isn’t something you can control. One of my other friends stepped into the role and we are now closer than ever and speak every day. I am so grateful to have had this blossom out of the experience.
We also went on a pre wedding trip to the Coromandel and got stuck in that horrible storm, but again we were just happy to be together and away. We were actually meant to be staying at the Mt Campground when the storm hit and decided to stay put in Hahei instead. The few days leading up to the wedding, the weather was very choppy and changing, and I had always imagined a sunny wedding, so I was very emotional two days before the wedding. However, we buried a sausage the night before and alas, the wedding day was perfect, maybe too perfect (27 degrees and sunny).
Me and my three bridesmaids made many TikToks the night before and the morning of the wedding, and they surprised me with a letters to the bride book from all my favourite people, which definitely had me in tears. The morning of was perfect, with favourite music playing, snacks and drinks, and dancing. The ceremony was perfect. I walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis, and safe to say Nate buckled a little when I came down the aisle, which is what every girl wants. It all goes so much faster than you think. It was funny, wholesome, and perfect in every way.
The reception was equally as perfect, however no one tells you how much you lose your appetite with all the adrenaline going through you. The food was so, so yummy, but I had no appetite, which sucked. We had a curated Spotify playlist running with songs we knew everyone would like, and everyone had a go at dancing, including the grandparents. Me and Nate definitely took a few moments for just us to take it all in, which was perfect.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
My biggest piece of advice for brides to be is to just enjoy it, all of it, while it lasts, because it goes by sooo quickly. Also, don’t stress about the things we can’t control. I know it’s a cliché thing to say and everyone says it (I thought the same), but honestly your day will be what you make of it. It’s your day. You are that girl. You are beautiful, strong, and a wifey to be, and no one or nothing can take that away, so just be happyyyy!
I also highly recommend a pre ceremony dance party to get those nerves out!
