Sophia and Liam said “I do” surrounded by their loved ones at Brackenridge Country Retreat & Day Spa. The rain did nothing to dampen the celebrations, in fact it only added to the magic, with photos capturing the couple completely lost in the emotion and beauty of the day.
Sophia looked incredible in Monaco by Forget Me Knot, a stunning design featuring a deep illusion plunge and a raised, textured floral brocade. She completed her look with our Harriet veil and pearl drop earrings, elegant accessories that added a soft shine and perfectly complemented the gown.
Keep scrolling for a magical glimpse into their unforgettable day!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
The gown I ended up choosing actually wasn’t one that I had picked out, but the moment I put it on and got zipped into it, I looked at myself in the mirror and knew instantly it was the one. The exact words that left my mouth were, “Someone call the police, because my waistline is SNATCHED!” I felt like a princess and looked like a Barbie doll, and it was so obvious from my face and reaction that this was the one. Joannah brought out a veil and some jewellery so I could get the full vibe of the dress, and that really solidified that this dress was the one (and so were the veil and the earrings!).
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal.
I had gone into my very first appointment at a shop in Lower Hutt with a solid idea of what I was looking for, but after trying on a number of dresses, I realised that what I had originally wanted wasn’t the style for me.
I had a trip to Auckland planned to visit family and decided to go to the Albany Astra Bridal store with my mum and bridesmaids, where I had the most incredible experience with the lovely Joannah. The experience was exactly what I had hoped it would be, and I felt like a princess for the whole morning.
I tried on a total of sixteen dresses across three different stores, but the dresses and experience at Astra Bridal were by far the best.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
We met on the mighty Tinder in 2021 after I moved to Wellington from Auckland. Ever the romantic, Liam picked me up and took me to Woolworths for our first “date” because it was pouring with rain and he didn’t want me to get wet or sick.
We were instantly inseparable, becoming not just partners but best friends. On our three-year anniversary, we had planned a trip to Cape Palliser in the South Wairarapa. This is where, at sunset, as the sky turned beautiful shades of orange and pink, Liam got down on one knee and proposed to me.
We both knew pretty early on that we were each other’s forever, so it was the easiest yes I’ve ever said.
What was your favourite part of the day?
My favourite part of the day was definitely when we said our vows during the ceremony. It absolutely bucketed down, so while our guests couldn’t hear what we were saying, it created a more private and intimate atmosphere between Liam and me. It was emotional and filled with love as we shared our promise to love each other for the rest of our lives.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
On the wedding day, we had some gorgeous fruit and pastries for breakfast, and I gifted my bridesmaids custom embroidered dressing gowns, bottles of prosecco, and jewellery to wear for the day before Jaymie and Bella from Duo Styling arrived. We were hopeful it was going to be a nice day, as the sun was out; however, as the morning progressed, the clouds started rolling in.
Jess and Karl arrived to shoot photos and videos of me and the girls getting ready. We were still holding out hope, despite the sky now drizzling. We loaded into the car and headed across the road to the wedding venue, where the boys were getting ready. I had my first look with Liam, which was so beautiful and emotional. We were both crying and so excited for our special day.
The decision was made last minute to move the ceremony from the lawn to under the veranda, since the rain showed no signs of letting up anytime soon. Everyone told me it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day, so when it came time to say our vows and the skies opened up with the heaviest rain we’d seen all day, we just knew it was a sign that we are meant to be forever.
As soon as we finished our vows, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out just in time for our portraits. The reception was amazing, with everyone laughing and having a good time on the dancefloor, and there wasn’t a single drop of rain for the rest of the evening. Thanks to the rain, we got what I would say was the most incredible sunset the Wairarapa had ever seen, which made for some stunning photos.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
If you get a chance, even if only for five minutes after the ceremony, spend some time with just you and your new spouse. Just sit there and take it all in, with no one else around. It’s your time to look at each other and say, “Holy heck, we’re married now.”
