Tiffany and Josh promised to spend the rest of their lives together, surrounded by loved ones at the beautiful TreeChurch and Gardens. Photos from the day show the happy couple completely in love and soaking up every moment together.
Tiffany looked beautiful in Destin by Sottero and Midgley, a tulle floral lace A-line gown featuring a romantic illusion lace bodice with exposed boning detail. Floral lace flowed softly into the floaty tulle skirt, and covered buttons at the back added a classic finishing touch. Tiffany completed her bridal look with our diamante pearl earrings and necklace, elegant accessories that perfectly complemented her gown.
Keep scrolling to see more gorgeous photos, read about Tiffany’s wedding dress journey, and discover her advice for future brides. Enjoy!
What was it that made this particular wedding dress catch your eye and fall in love?
From the moment I laid eyes on it, I just knew. This was the dress I had been dreaming of. After countless hours of scrolling through styles online and imagining what I might wear on my big day, nothing compared to the feeling I had when I saw this gown in person. It was love at first sight.
The dress was a breathtaking floral lace A-line gown with a strapless illusion corset bodice and a square plunge that struck the perfect balance between elegance and modern romance. The unembellished lace motifs over soft tulle gave it a delicate, ethereal feel, while the illusion lace bodice with exposed boning added a touch of structure and sophistication that made me feel confident and beautiful.
Trying it on at Astra Bridal, everything just clicked. The fit, the feel, the way it moved. It was everything I had imagined and more. I didn’t need to try on another dress. I had found the one. Then came the moment I’ll never forget. I stepped out of the fitting room and saw my mum’s face. Her eyes welled up with tears. That was it. We both knew. Seeing her so emotional made it all real. It wasn’t just the perfect dress. It was my dress.
One of the most meaningful touches was wearing the same veil my mum wore on her wedding day. My older sister had worn it just the year before. It felt like carrying a piece of our family’s love and tradition with me down the aisle.
Tell us about your search for the dress and the experience at Astra Bridal..
When I first started looking for my wedding dress, I did what most brides-to-be do and turned to Google. I spent hours scrolling through images, saving styles I loved, and pinning everything from sleek silhouettes to romantic lace gowns. I quickly realised I was drawn to timeless designs with a modern twist. Think clean lines, subtle sparkle, and just the right amount of drama.
While online inspiration was helpful, I knew I needed to see the dresses in person to really find the one. That’s when I turned to Astra Bridal. It was an easy choice. I had been there the year before with my older sister during her dress search, and the experience had stuck with me. The team was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to help, so I knew I would be in good hands.
Walking into Astra Bridal felt like stepping into a dream. The boutique was elegant and welcoming, and the consultants immediately made me feel comfortable. They took the time to understand my style, looked through my saved photos, and pulled dresses that matched my vision. Trying on gowns there wasn’t just about finding a dress. It was about feeling seen and celebrated.
In the end, I found a gown that felt like it was made for me. It combined everything I loved from my online searches with the magic of seeing it come to life in the mirror. I’m so grateful to Astra Bridal for making the experience so special. From start to finish it was everything I hoped for and more.
Tell us your story, how you both met, and the proposal.
Like many modern love stories, ours began with a simple swipe on Tinder. I never imagined that one small gesture would change my life so profoundly. But it did. Josh, intrigued by this girl named Tiffany, responded with the most charmingly simple message: “Hey Tiffany, how are you?” We clicked instantly, and our conversations flowed with ease. Eventually, it was time to meet in person. I proposed a walk around Hamilton Lake. That day marked the beginning of something truly special.
From the start, our connection was effortless. I remember apologising for talking so much, and Josh simply smiled and said he didn’t mind. He liked listening. He’s not much of a talker, so we balance each other out. Family has always been central to both of us, so meeting each other’s families quickly became a priority. I invited Josh over for dinner and a movie. He passed the “meet the parents” test. When asked when I knew Josh was “my person,” I remember asking him why he always put toothpaste on my toothbrush. He said, “That’s what my mum always did for the people she loved.” That small gesture meant everything. When Josh was asked the same question, he recalled a baking moment where he told me to rub the butter. He forgot to say, “rub the butter with the flour,” and I was just rubbing the butter on its own. Our little family grew when we welcomed Isla, our mischievous black lab. She brought chaos, laughter, and even more love into our lives. In November 2022, we bought our first home.
When it came time to find the perfect engagement ring, we made a secret trip to Auckland. We told everyone we were going rock climbing. Once the ring was ready, Josh hid it, though I found it three times in four months. I was very ready for the proposal. I tried to help things along by suggesting a romantic getaway for our anniversary. Josh, ever the strategist, downplayed it. But two weeks later, he suggested a trip somewhere dog-friendly.
We decided to go off the grid and booked a glamping hut near Matamata. I asked if I should pack a nice dress. He said no, that we were going to a farm and wouldn’t need nice clothes. Little did I know, he had secretly packed my favourite dress and his best shirt. It was stormy, and the hut was a 500-meter trek from the road. I insisted Josh carry everything in one trip. The trolley tipped, he got stung by something, and I may have suggested that two trips would have been easier. Despite the rocky start, we had a magical weekend filled with games, walks, and laughter. On the second night, under the stars, dressed up and surrounded by candlelight, Josh proposed. It was perfect. In that moment, our future was sealed.
What was your favourite part of the day?
It’s hard to choose just one moment from such an unforgettable day, but if I had to, it would be that incredible feeling of seeing everything we had spent months planning come to life. Every little detail we had carefully chosen, the flowers, the music, the layout, the vibe, was finally in front of us, and it was even more beautiful than we imagined.
But what truly made it magical was having all the people we love in one place, celebrating with us. Looking around and seeing the smiling faces of our family and friends, all there to support and share in our joy, was overwhelming in the best way. It was a rare and special kind of happiness, one that we will carry with us forever.
Tell us about your wedding day as a whole.
The morning of our wedding started with soft rain, a gentle, calming sound that somehow made the day feel even more magical. But as the morning unfolded, the skies began to clear, and by the time we were ready to head out, the sun had broken through, casting a golden glow over everything. It turned into the most beautiful day we could have hoped for.
Getting ready was such a relaxed and lovely experience. Surrounded by laughter, music, and the people I love most, there was a calm excitement in the air. No stress, no rush, just pure joy and anticipation. Everything flowed perfectly, and we arrived right on time.
The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Standing there, saying our vows, with the sun shining and our loved ones around us, it felt like time stood still. Every moment was filled with love, happy tears, and heartfelt smiles.
And then came the celebration! The reception was everything we dreamed of and more. We danced the night away under twinkling lights, surrounded by laughter, music, and so much love. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, a day we’ll cherish forever.
Finally, what is your biggest piece of advice for brides to be?
Take a deep breath and soak in every single moment because your wedding day truly flies by. From the quiet excitement of getting ready to the joy of your first dance, try to pause and be present. Look around, feel the love, and let yourself fully experience the magic. These are the memories you'll carry forever, so don’t rush through them. Live them!
