Kaylin and Bas celebrated their love surrounded by their nearest and dearest at the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens. Their wedding day was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments, with photographs capturing the couple’s radiant smiles and the sheer fun they shared together.
Kaylin charmed in Kingston by Forget Me Knot, a brushed satin A-line gown featuring a romantic corset style bodice with a lace up back. The sweeping off the shoulder sleeves add an elegant timeless touch, while the full skirt creates a sense of effortless drama and movement.
Keep reading to discover more about Kaylin’s dress shopping journey and find inspiration for your own wedding day.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I never actually saw my gown until Lara pulled it out. My dress had just been delivered earlier and hadn’t even been steamed yet, but she knew I would love it. When I put the dress on, I immediately started crying, as I could see myself walking down the aisle and getting married. I absolutely loved that it made me feel like a princess while still being modern enough that it didn’t feel like I was wearing a dress-up princess dress.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I had no idea what I wanted in a dress and was a little overwhelmed by it all. However, my amazing stylist Lara helped me feel at ease and helped me try on different styles and colours until I figured out what I wanted, what looked best on me, and what I was comfortable in.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Well, Bas and I met on a dating site during the second lockdown in Auckland in 2021. We matched in the first week and started texting, and soon we moved our online dates over to Discord to watch anime and movies together during quarantine.
As soon as we got the go ahead for outside picnics, we made a date for the very next day. Our first date was a picnic at Mt Wellington and lasted over six hours, as we wanted to get to know each other better in person. It was definitely love at first sight.
We moved in together within three months and fell deeper and deeper in love with every passing day. Bas proposed to me on our two year anniversary at my favourite beach during sunset. Side note: my family plays a game where, whenever we see a ship, we have to say, “S for surprise, a very special surprise, when can I have it?” Whoever says this first receives a surprise. So Bas saw a ship and said, “Surprise, surprise.” I turned around to say the whole phrase and then turned back to see him on one knee.
What was your favourite part of the day?
Definitely walking down the aisle to see my best friend and soon to be husband waiting for me at the end.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The weather was a bit touch and go while I was getting ready, going from pouring rain to dazzling sunshine. I didn’t know what to expect during the day, but luckily we ended up with the perfect cloudy day, not too hot and not too dark with rain clouds.
Our wedding was a very low-key picnic, as we only wanted our closest friends and family there, but it ended up being the perfect day surrounded by our loved ones.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Enjoy it! Soak it all in! The day goes by so fast, so make sure you stop to eat and have a minute alone with your new husband. It will really make a difference.
