Laura and Samuel celebrated their love, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, at the beautiful Raglan Golf Club. Their day was filled with pure joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Laura looked breathtaking in Warsaw by Forget Me Knot—a textured satin gown featuring a draped off shoulder detail, a flowing A-line skirt, and a daring thigh high split. The gown also features pockets, a lovely modern touch. Laura made it her own by transforming it into a two piece and shortening the train, creating a look that was uniquely hers.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through the highlights of their special day and getting a glimpse into Laura’s journey with Astra Bridal as she found her dream dress.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
It was styled on a mannequin, and I said to Khym, "Oooo, I like that one!" I was drawn to the off shoulder style, the fabric, the split, and the pockets! When I asked if there were any two pieces in a similar style, Khym said she'd ask the designers. It was a no brainer to go with this dress—it was within budget, unique, made me feel like a confident queen, and at the end of the day, my priority was to feel beautiful—and that, I did!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
It was the most incredible experience! From a girl who never had a relationship and never thought she'd get married, to then falling in love and getting engaged—the whole idea of a wedding dress was quite overwhelming. But once we were engaged, I started to envision what I wanted for my dress: comfort, confidence, and something that fit me, not me trying to fit into the dress.
Astra was my first stop, as I'd heard great reviews and wanted to support local. My wedding dress was the first one I ever tried on—and I was so thrilled that the designers were able to turn it into a two piece to feel more like me.
Khym took care of me from the moment I walked into the store to the very last moment of picking up my dress the day before the wedding. I'm so proud of and in love with my dress. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
We met in May 2018 in London. We had both been living there since 2016—single, traveling Europe, and enjoying our OEs. Sam reached out and asked me out for a drink, and the rest is history! Coincidentally, we're from the same hometown, but we didn’t know each other. That made it so easy to transition into each other’s lives and families. We were both raised with similar upbringings, morals, and values, so our whole relationship has felt seamless.
Sam proposed in June 2023 in Raglan, at our ‘special spot’ overlooking Ngaranui Beach. We had a dinner booked to celebrate our five year anniversary, but we went to look at the ocean beforehand. He asked me to get out of the car so he could read me something—which isn’t unusual for Sam, as he’s a writer—but little did I know, it was a handwritten poem, and then he got down on one knee! It was perfect.
What was your favourite part of the day?
First look! Nothing will ever top that moment—it lives rent free in my head. Walking up to your special person, about to show them your love, your dress, and see them in their suit... it's such a magical moment. There was a lot of emotion, so many "holy shit" moments, and just an overall beautiful, grounding energy.
Second would be our ceremony—it was just perfect. The weather, our own vows, my oldest friend marrying us, our personalised aisle song, my sister-in-law doing a reading, and Sam’s sister as our ring bearer.
I took the advice to look out at our guests during the ceremony to really soak in all the hand picked, special friends and family. The rest was a love bubble with Sammy—the ultimate example of heart eyes emoji love for each other.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
We were blessed with the most beautiful weather! My bridesmaids and I got ready at our bridal BnB with our hair and makeup artist, then headed to our first look and bridal photos—which I highly recommend! We had champagne, music, and so much fun just hanging out together.
Then it was time for the ceremony, followed by group photos, bubbly hour, speeches, and dinner. We added lots of unique touches that really shone throughout the day. The dance floor was so much fun, and we partied the night away!
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Be really empowered when creating your guest list, and remember—it’s YOUR WEDDING! Not a school reunion, birthday party, or your aunty’s 80th. Invite your special people. It’s the most intimate day, and you want to be surrounded by the friends and family who’ve truly been part of your love story.
If you love dancing, I highly recommend having a reception dress! I didn’t do this, and it’s my only regret. I couldn’t drop it low because my dress was obviously heavier than your standard skirt, and it got really hot on the dance floor. So, I’d say a little mini dress is a must!
