Lucy and Gavin celebrated their love surrounded by their loved ones at the beautiful Jakama Lodge. Photos from their special day capture the couple making the most of every moment, with plenty of smiles as they embraced the love and joy of the day.
Lucy looked beautiful in Havana by Forget Me Knot, a luxe satin fit and flare gown featuring a subtle scoop neckline, romantic detachable off the shoulder sleeves, and a beautifully draped bodice that extends into the skirt to create an elegant shape. The gown was completed with a row of pearl buttons down the back, perfectly complementing the shimmering sheen of the fabric.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through their special day as much as we loved being a part of it.
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
I went into dress shopping with a specific vision, but this gown completely changed my mind. It was so elegant and flattering, yet totally unexpected for me. The material was stunning and sleek, which made me feel so bridal while still feeling like me. The second I stepped into it, the waterworks started! I got all emotional and had that undeniable “this is the one” feeling. It just made me feel like a bride in a way no other dress did.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I went dress shopping with some of the most important people in my life: my mum, my two sisters, my best friend, and my cousin, who joined us on FaceTime. Before my appointment, I had created a wishlist with a variety of different dress styles because, honestly, I had no idea what I was looking for. I wanted to keep an open mind and try on a range of options.
One of the dresses on my wishlist had actually been chosen by my best friend, and funnily enough, it ended up being the one. As soon as I put on the third dress, my favourite number, I got that feeling everyone talks about. The moment I looked in the mirror, I knew something was different. The emotions hit me straight away, and there were definitely a few tears.
The experience at Astra Bridal was everything I could have hoped for. The team made me feel comfortable, relaxed, and supported throughout the entire appointment. There was never any pressure, just genuine excitement as we worked through different styles and found what felt most like me. Sharing that moment with my bridal party and seeing their reactions made it even more special.
Finding my dress felt surprisingly easy once I put on “the one”, and it became a memory I’ll treasure forever. Astra Bridal helped make the experience feel magical from start to finish.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Like many modern love stories, ours began with a Tinder match. What started as a swipe turned into countless laughs, adventures, and eventually, the love of my life.
On Valentine’s Day 2025, Gav completely surprised me with the most unforgettable proposal. Earlier that week, he had received a speeding ticket that seemed a little suspicious. It turned out he had been in Pirongia on a night he told me he was working, which naturally raised a few questions! He laughed it off and assured me there was nothing to worry about.
On Valentine’s Day, we headed to Raglan for a sunset picnic. I had actually had a terrible day at school, the weather wasn’t great, and I almost stayed home. Thankfully, Gav convinced me to come along. Completely unaware of what he had planned, I spent most of the drive feeling tired and hungry while he quietly tried to keep his secret.
Once we arrived and set up our picnic, he asked me to pose for a few photos. When I turned around, there he was on one knee, holding a ring box.
The tears started immediately. In all the excitement, neither of us can remember him actually asking, “Will you marry me?” or me saying, “Yes!” We somehow just knew. The most special part was discovering that he had proposed with my mum’s engagement ring after asking my parents for their blessing. Suddenly, the mystery speeding ticket made perfect sense. It was from the trip to ask for permission.
It was thoughtful, heartfelt, and completely unexpected. From a Tinder match to a sunset proposal overlooking Raglan, it was the perfect beginning to our next chapter together.
What was your favourite part of the day?
It is so incredibly hard to choose just one moment, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be a top three.
First, our vows. Standing there making those promises to each other in front of all our favourite people was not only special but personal.
Second, looking out and seeing all of our favourite people in one room. Having everyone we love there to support us was an indescribable feeling.
And finally, the party to end the night! Letting our hair down and celebrating on the dance floor with everyone was the absolute perfect finish to the best day of our lives.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
If I could sum up our wedding day, I can honestly say I would change absolutely nothing. It started in the most perfect way: my girls stayed the night before, and we woke up to a champagne breakfast filled with endless giggles. Instead of nerves, there was just this beautiful sense of calm and pure excitement in the air.
The weather was absolutely stunning all day, but the universe gave us a little extra magic. We had a tiny, 30-second drizzle that ended up giving us the pinkest candyfloss sunset you could only dream of. With that incredible sky in the background and amazing food from the Roam food truck keeping everyone happy, the entire day was just pure, unforgettable bliss.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Don't sweat the small stuff! It's so easy to get caught up in the aesthetics, but your guests aren't going to remember the table layouts. They're going to remember the love and the energy. On the day, you won't be thinking about those minor details at all. Just keep reminding yourself what getting married is actually about: each other. Take a deep breath, don't let the stress win, and take in every single second because the day flashes by in the blink of an eye.
