Katie and Chris said "I do" in front of their loved ones at the picturesque Montrose Estate. Photos from the day capture the couple utterly in love and enjoying every moment together.
Katie looked absolutely mesmerising in Rosabelle by Rebecca Ingram, a strapless crepe fit and flare gown featuring ruched detailing, delicate buttons running all the way to the train, and a stylish split. She paired her gown with our cut edge pearl veil, an elegant accessory that perfectly complemented her dress.
We hope you enjoy taking a peek at their beautiful day and hearing from Katie about her experience with Astra Bridal and the journey to finding her perfect wedding dress!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
Rosabelle by Rebecca Ingram was simple and elegant, just how we wanted our wedding to be too. It was the second dress I tried on, and it fit perfectly with my body shape and flowed beautifully. I tried on another similar one, but I went back to the Rosabelle and soon realised it just felt different. It certainly was the dress for me.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I had looked online and all the dresses I loved were at Astra Bridal, however, we were in Christchurch. Thankfully, we had a trip planned to visit Wellington for the Firefighter Combat Challenge, so I emailed to ask if this would allow enough time and we booked an appointment. I had a friend fly up to come with me, and after watching my fiancé compete, we quickly raced to Astra for our appointment.
We were welcomed warmly with a mimosa, and the five dresses I had shared I liked were all ready for me to try on upon arrival. Astra was a beautiful location, and we were encouraged to look around and share any thoughts, likes, or dislikes along the way. We added an extra couple of dresses to the list, however, there was a clear dress that stood out. We then looked at accessories and decided upon a veil too.
The dress off the rack was in my size, so we were able to walk out with the dress and veil and meet everyone back at the bar two hours later.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Chris and I met in 2019 through a mutual connection and found we had a lot in common. He asked me out a few times but I was a little oblivious to his intentions. He eventually sweet talked me into a date and picked me up in a Ford Mustang and took me out to Amberley for a coffee. It was just easy. We had an instant connection, like two good friends right from the start, and we are very grateful it is still just the same now.
Our proposal was much the same. He had attempted a few times but it just didn't quite go to plan lol. So he decided to keep it simple and sweet, and when we went to the top of the Port Hills for a wee date, as we were overlooking Christchurch watching two birds flit around in front of us, he said, "The only thing that would make this more perfect would be if you said yes," to which I did.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Honestly, the favourite part of the day was just how relaxed it was. We wanted a small, relaxed wedding, simple and elegant and none of the fuss. Even before the ceremony, we were all just together, wandering around, having a drink with any guests who had come early, chatting and laughing, and getting some photos in. It was really so amazing to just enjoy the moment and each other and not feel stressed at all.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
After weather watching for the week before, we were grateful that the sun was shining and the wind was the only thing keeping us on our toes. We decided upon getting married on the large deck overlooking the Rakaia Gorge and lake below due to the wind and so we would get the protection of Hoturoa Owners Retreat behind us.
We had the most amazing, relaxing time leading up to our ceremony, as we had photos and bubbles and lots of laughs with friends who were there early.
When it was finally time, I began to walk out to "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Kina Grannis, and I felt my veil lift away into the wind. Trying not to laugh, I kept walking to meet my soon to be husband as he took my hand and led me to our celebrant. We shared our vows and signed our lives away before walking out to "Forever After All" by Luke Combs.
We loved Montrose for its variety of photo locations and not needing to go far. The southerly hit just as we were finishing up down by the lake, and we made it back inside to a roaring fire and friends and family to greet us before cutting our cake.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Your wedding day can be as relaxed or as stressful as you let it be. It is a day that should be created by the two of you, not about what you think you should have or to please others. At the end of the day, it is you and him, and that's all that really matters in life.
