Rose and Scott promised to spend the rest of their lives together in front of friends and family at The Mudcastle. Photos from the day show the couple beaming with happiness and love as they celebrated their big day. The whimsical venue matched perfectly with Rose’s dress.
Rose charmed in Noa by Jenny Yoo, an iridescent chiffon gown with elegant draped sleeves and a light, flowing A-line skirt. The cape adds a dramatic touch to the gown, which is the epitome of classic style with a hint of whimsy.
We hope you enjoy scrolling through the highlights of their special day and getting a glimpse into Rose’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?
I wanted a dress that was light and airy, with movement and a bit of whimsy to it. Noa instantly jumped out in a way that no other dress did, particularly with its gorgeous detachable train and flowy off-the-shoulder sleeves. When I went to Astra Bridal and met with Kryslin to try it on, I loved all of the consultants’ reactions to the dress—they thought it was very special, and their excitement was contagious!
I remember picking it up and being surprised by how light and compact it was. Plus (me being slightly lazy), the fabric had a natural chiffon look, which meant I didn’t have to worry about ironing it, just a light steam. I tried on two other Jenny Yoo dresses as well, but it was truly a one-and-done decision (and I put the down payment on the dress the same day I tried it on).
Astra Bridal’s team was great to work with, and they gave me a brilliant recommendation for a tailor to put in a bustle. I couldn’t have been more comfortable and at ease during the whole process, and my partner enjoyed being part of the moment as well!
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I never intended to wear a white wedding dress, but I went down a rabbit hole of wedding dresses on Astra Bridal’s site in the days after we got engaged (as one does). As soon as I saw Jenny Yoo’s Noa, I knew it was the one! I tried on the dress a week after we got engaged, with Scott in attendance, enjoying his mimosa, cheese, and grapes. It couldn’t have been more seamless!
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Scott and I met through the powers of the internet in September 2022 and clicked almost instantly (the old “when-you-know-you-know” cliché!). Just over a year later, we were designing an engagement ring together—a platinum strawberry flower, echoing the one on Scott’s grandmother’s Fraser family crest as a nod to his Scottish ancestry, with the flower’s centre made from part of my grandmother’s engagement band.
Fast-forward to the Tauranga Jazz Festival in March 2024: Scott proposed over a speakeasy-themed dinner to the tune of live jazz music. We enjoyed sharing the news with our loved ones over the next few days while relishing the variety of jazz bands. We loved one band so much that we asked if they played weddings—we got their business card, and plans were already in motion!
What was your favourite part of the day?
The band we’d loved at the Tauranga Jazz Festival, Vox Nova, flew down from Auckland to play our wedding in March 2025—such a highlight having them there! Dancing with all our friends and family under Toad Hall’s twinkling outdoor lights, with one of Townshend Brewing’s gorgeous pints of hazy pale ale in hand, while listening to a brilliant rendition of Mack the Knife—that was pure joy. The food at Toad Hall was also outstanding and just the ticket after a long day of being too excited to eat.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
I’m from the United States and Scott is from the Nelson area, so it was inevitably going to be a destination wedding for many guests, regardless of where we got married. We were so moved by how many people traveled from far and wide to attend our wedding in Motueka, from my 80-year-old grandma to my four-month-old niece, and the weather was outstanding, without a cloud in the sky.
We were married outdoors at The Mudcastle, an extremely unique venue (and labour of love) in Upper Moutere, and stayed onsite the night before in the gorgeously decorated eclectic rooms. I was so excited to get the ceremony started that our “bubble wand” nieces, my bridespeople, and I all entered early by accident—our minister jumped into action at the speed of light, rolled with it gracefully, and joked that it was the first time he’d been to a wedding that ran ahead of schedule!
After the ceremony, we went to T.O.A.D. Hall for the reception, with music and dancing to follow. T.O.A.D. Hall is rightfully a local treasure—the food and beer are outstanding, and Angie Morris and her team are consummate pros at what they do.
We were so lucky in every respect, with how our family and friends volunteered their time and enthusiasm to help make our day so special. My aunt spent 10 months crocheting bouquets and buttonholes for us and the wedding party—the ultimate souvenir to cherish forever!
Our vendors were brilliant, and we were particularly grateful for our photographer, Claire. Claire is the ultimate professional and a one woman hype squad, managing to be everywhere all at once. She has an incredible ability to attune to others through her art, and the sneak peek she sent us had us in happy tears immediately.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help—delegating was so important during the planning process! If you’re planning your wedding yourself without a wedding coordinator, an organised runsheet will also be your best friend.
We decided to spend only half an hour doing formal photos with the two of us after the ceremony, and more time with our family and friends during the cocktail hour. This meant we got to spend a lot more time with the people we love, and the candid photos are absolutely brilliant—I’d really recommend this approach!
On the day itself (and easier said than done), try to be in the moment as much as possible. The day truly goes by in the blink of an eye. Take some time to pause, take a deep breath, and let it all soak in!
